DiaryDiary Dates Dates INNER WHEEL andand speakers speakers

Wednesday,Friday, October June 8 8th - Rotarians - Kids Out atDavid Cattle Seed PROGRAMME humanity in motion Countryand Colin Adventure Rogers will Park give at Berkeleya presentation on Tuesday, October 12th Speaker: Eugenie Summerfield on her new novel IN GEAR the Montreal World Convention earlier this Friday, June 10th - Speaker Finder - ‘Onwards and Upwards’ l THE ROTARY CLUB OF GLOUCESTER year. Vote of Thanks, The President Gloucester Inner Richard Graham Wheel stalwart Monday, June 13th - Club Council dinner Saturday, October 16th Joint Evening with Gloucester Rotary Club - Charity JuneOctober 2011 2010 No. No.961 957 Chartered 1920 Monday, October 11 - Club Council meeting Quiz at St Barnabas Church Hall, Christian7pm for 7.30pm Campbell Chartered 1920 Friday, June 17th - Speaker, Liz Odell receiving her on Shelter Boxes; Friend and Grace and Friday, October 15 - Speaker, Rotarian Tuesday, November 9th Speaker: Ann Carter, The Alzheimer’sMargarette Society Golding In Gear can also be viewed on the Rotary Club of Gloucester's website VoteMandy of NormanThanks, givesJeremy her Keck. job talk; Friend and Award from District www.rotaryclubofgloucester.com Friday,Grace, GrahamJune 24th Howell; - Business Vote of meeting Thanks, - The Tuesday. December 14th Christmas meal with carols. Chairman Liz Grace,President. Robin Morris. Hodgkinson. (More Friday, July 1st - Presidential Handover. A very successful garden party was details below) Grace,Saturday, Mark October Newey. 16 - Charity Quiz Night at held at her home in August to herald Saturday,St Barnabas July Church 2nd Hall.- BBQ at Amanda the start of President Gill’s year of Chamberlayne’s at Ashleworth. office. Plenty of delicious food to Saturday, October 22 - Business Meeting, enjoy, provided by our committee, Friday, July 8th - Rotarian John Lovell Grace, John Redman. made it a truly PROGRAMMEsocial and happy A £12,000 smile will speak on a Somerset childhood. Tuesday,occasion. April President 19th AnnualGill’s chosenGeneral Meeting Saturday,Thursday, JulyOctober 16th 28 - -Salvation Evening Armymeeting, charity is The Alzheimer’s Society OTARIAN Colin Eynon has every right to be in an charitySpeaker, concert Dr Jeremy in aid Barnes of the on ClarenceMonasticism Tuesday,so it is May hoped 10th we canHandover raise funds and lunch at The Farmersʼ Club expansive mood. This picture was taken at a Gala Adooin Gloucester Trust. throughout the year to support this Auction masterminded by a committee headed by Tuesday,very worthy June cause. 14th A beautifulPresidentʼs blanket Tea Party at the home of Hilary Cass RColin, and although it was held on April 1st Colin proved he’s Friday, October 29 - No meeting. donated and made by a member certainly no fool when the event netted over £12,000. It will be £500 for Memberswas raffled enjoyed at thea successful garden party skittles and match on April 5th and on April 17th members divided between the club’s Trust Fund for Young People and Friday, November 5 - Speaker Finder, David club charities. It was a huge success and inside are four pages of againanother assisted member and helped Jacqui provide Ingram refreshments was at Rotary’s Old Folks Tea Party when a l CorbettLimb Project goodthe time winner. was had by all - both helpers and guests. photos Dolly and aParton, report ofthe the Queen event ofat Hatherley Manor which attracted moreCountry than 200 and Rotarians Western, andwas guests. one This was one of two significant Monday, November 8 - Club Council OurAt April our speaker September was meetingFiona Warin, we were Cheltenham Borough Council’s Allotments manager clubof events the guests during at the this past year’s two RI months - the other - the Tea Party for Ameeting charity concert by the Stuart Singers andguided her theme through ‘Lost the Plot’intricacies was a mostof amusing and interesting account of how her SeniorConvention Citizens wasin Montreal.another success. See A picture from this appears below for the Rotary Jaipur Limb Project was interestcheese in allotmentsmaking by evolved.the speaker It’s obviouslyfrom a topic with a long history since in a brief andcentre inside spread. are two more pages of pictures and a report of the party. greatlyFriday, Novemberenjoyed and 12 -raised Speaker just Finder, under John resumeGodsells she Cheesealluded whereto both these both cheese Willian the Conqueror and Queen Elizabth 1st. She £500Smith for the project. In addition donations wasare a livelyall handmade speaker inand Gloucestershire. no-one could call allotments boring, especially when we saw have been made to St Catharine’s Church someAfterwards of the props members she brought tried alongsamples to illustrate various points. atFriday, Wotton November Pitch as 19well - Speaker as to the Patti choir’s Price on of all these tasty cheeses which they musicher expedition fund. to Borneo. Friend and Grace, Presidentcould purchase Gill gave knowing a brief overviewthey had ofall the Cardiff Conference which she and several John Smith; Vote of Thanks, The President membersbeen locally had attended produced. and which was enjoyed for its social and fellowship aspects. Gill l David Seed, who organised the event, The sun shone and also thanked Barbara Seed who hosted a coffee morning which raised more than £100. fun and games were saidFriday, that November the excellent 26 - Business attendance, Meeting; ForthcomingA joint evening dates with for members’diariesthe Rotary Club include - June 8th - when members will be the order of the financialGrace, Julian contributions Farr. to a second glass l Jacqui Ingram (left), winner of the blanket helpingof Gloucester at Gloucester is planned Rotary for Club’s Saturday, Kids Out event - July 13th - Inner Wheel’s Summer day for the annual of wine and sponsorship by Colin Rogers with President Gill Payne and Pat Morris, RallyOctober at Worcester 16th at StRugby Barnabas Club’s Church HQ - August 9th - when members are invited to the Welcome Homesenior citizens’ party meantFriday, thatDecember the sum 3 -was Speaker, above Rotarianhis President’sHall, Stroud Tea Road,Party atGloucester Hilary Cass’s 7pm homeOverseas - October Officer. 7th - the Overseas Rally at THERE was joy in the heart of Gloucester at King’s School. expectations.Peter Rust gives He also his thankedjob talk; John Friend and and Withingtonfor 7.30pm Village This Hall will nearbe in Hereford the form andof - November 1st - when our club will be staging l Rotarians when Past President Angela Here is organiser MaryGrace, Weygang Richard forGraham; their help Vote at ofthe Thanks, church The thea Interclub charity quizLuncheon raising at funds the Brickhampton for The Alzheimer’s Golf Complex Society, at SARA Churchdown. and the Willow Trust. A new high tec approach Seddon returned to the fold after serving Rotarian Robert onPresident the night. There will be a buffet supper, a bar and raffle - tickets priced at £12. Please make a to Rotary fellowship was introduced to members by with the RAF in Afghanistan. Hall with some of At thenote May in yourmeeting, diaries a very and warm come welcome along and was enjoy given yourselves. to District Chairman Liz Hodgkinson his helpers. It was Friday, December 10 - Special General who gave an entertaining and well researched talk about the history of our club. She then Genevieve Flight. See page President Chris Peak voiced members’ good to see Rotarian Meeting; Grace, Mike Westbury. presentedDorothy Christian Allen - ClubCampbell Correspondent. with the Margarette Golding Award and special badge. eight Apologies l David Seed addresses immense pride in her achievement and Sarah Powell’s two This is the most prestigious award given by International Inner Wheel for outstanding children there as Friday,I have December been asked 17 to -let Christmas members lunch; some of the most frequently presented her with a bouquet of flowers. voluntary services and only 200 have been awarded worldwide and of these only 28 well - just proving Grace,know Nick that Bury if they find it necessary in the UK. TheINNER club is very proud WHEEL of Christian’s achievements OFFICERS and she received a well asked questions about Rotary to give apologies by phone or Foundation. See page five Whatever the conditions and food on the you’re never too deservedINNER round WHEEL of applause. OFFICERS:- District President Chairman - LizMrs was Gill also Payne presented (01452 with 750466), a cheque Vice for l young to make a Fridays,e-mail, December could they 24 please and give31 - No Ron Ring asks:- ‘Are YOU front line Angela looked extremely fit. She herPresident charity by President- Mrs Hiliary Gill onCass behalf (Mobile of our club.07768 671268), Secretary - Mrs Jackie difference. meetingsthem to Nigel Halls and not one of these Rotarians?’ - page was sorely missed and her smashing smile Angela until further notice. Matthews (01452 302367), Treasurer - Mrs Sue White (01452 831618). two will once again be a welcome addition to club ■ NigelThere isare onGlouceter 01452 Rugby731993 Club or home INNER WHEEL OFFICERS meetings. [email protected]. on the following Donʼt dates forget for which Apologies: I have been asked to let members know that if they find it President Mrs Gill Payne 01452 750466 helpthis will needs be needed to be donewith car at theparking latest duties:- necessary to give apologies by phone or e-mail, could they please give them Our sponsors are LOVE ICE CREAM , HB Digital Printing Ltd and Rotarian Robin Morris Octoberby noon 16, on 23 the and previous 30; November day before 13 and Viceto NigelPresident Halls and not AngelaMrs Hiliary until Cassfurther notice. Nigel Mobileis on 0776801452 671268731993 or 27.the meeting. [email protected]. DonʼtMrs forget Jackie this Matthews needs to be done at01452 the latest302367 by noon on Treasurerthe previous day before theMrs meeting. Sue White 01452 831618 High speed, high quality 11a Kingsholm Road Gloucester GL1 3AY laser printing of 01452 505550 Phone & Fax ■ Training Manuals, www.gloucesterhealth.co.uk ■ Reports, ■ HB Digital Printing Ltd Instructional Booklets, 5-6 Kestrel Parade, Innsworth, ■ Leaflets and Newsletters Gloucester, GL3 0BJ 01452 731705 and all types of short run colour work.

1612 1 Clubʼs £2,000 boost for GEAR

“ his man is an icon of Gloucester, a true example of Christian charity at work” - so said Ian Mean, editor ofT The Citizen when Brian Jones was presented with his Gloucester Citizen of the Year award in 2009.

And no-one who heard Brian - the moving force behind Gloucester’s Emergency Accommodation Resourse (GEAR) - speak at a lunchtime meeting in May can doubt the accuracy of Ian’s words.

Brian is a man of passion. A man fired with enthusiasm to help the homeless. A man who says of GEAR that giving hope to the hopeless is their greatest achievement. l Victory is sweet - President Chris l Some of our delighted team with boat captain Tony Tetley on the left. His mission started from scratch in 1996 with the inter-club trophy. and is now based at the Vaughan Centre in Gloucester.

Since then he has brought people in off Docks double for Club paddlers the streets, befriended them, given them l Giving a home to the homeless and hope to those who feel neglected - from practical help to face their problems (mainly left to right - Brian Jones who runs the Gloucester Emergency Accommodation THERE’S nothing like a bit of interclub of addiction) and then encouraged them to Resource, Rotarian Sue Smith who serves on his board of management and Bill rivalry to whet the appetite. Friendly it ‘cross the bridge’ into normal living. Sloane one of GEAR’s employees. might be, but there is one objective - to win. Undoubtedly GEAR has saved lives. As its In prospect the possibility of a cup - or name suggests it is a nightshelter for those There is no time limit placed on their stay - Earlier in the meeting President Chris Peak indeed - two cups at the dragonboat races who need it and its 24 beds are usually help is geared to individual needs. As Brian presented Brian with a £2,000 cheque for at Gloucester Docks must have seen full. Last winter in sub-zero temperatures told Rotarians:-”Helping someone to change GEAR. Brian said the money would be remote. Let’s face it - our club is not only Brian trawled the streets of Gloucester and is easy - helping someone to sustain that used to replace some old computers which the oldest in the city in historical terms offered a roof to 14 people trying to sleep change is the difficult bit.” have been in use since 2002/3. rough. but also in its age profile...... but when we pull together we are a formidable outfit. At the meeting Brian was accompanied by Accepting the cheque, Brian said:- “We However GEAR also provides a day Bill Sloane an employee at the centre but couldn’t do what we do without people like This was the case when we were invited centre for the homeless to meet and, more previously a volunteer and before that a you. Together we can make a difference.” by Gloucester Severn to enter a team importantly a health clinic where they can client. A victim of substance abuse for many in their fundraiser to raise money for receive treatment from one of the four years.º Brian was introduced and thanked by Sue l CLIC Sargent. In the event we brought Our team in action - no one can doubt their grit and determination to win. doctors and three nurses who work there. Smith who, with her husband Mike, have together a team of varying ages and The latter is particularly important since Bill came to Gloucestershire eight years served on the board of management at the both sexes under the leadership of boat noteworthy, because to attain this ranking the average life expectancy of homeless ago and after two years in Stroud moved centre for many years. However, delighted though we might have captain and drummer Tony Tetley. our team took part in no fewer than five people is just 42 years. to Gloucester and to the Vaughan Centre. been with that placing (and the cup which races. He spoke very movingly of how GEAR had The three of them, together with all the with it) the real highlight of the afternoon Others joining him in the boat were The project also has two houses where the helped him to re-shape and transform his other helpers there, deserve our thanks was the race against the hosts - Rotary Rotarians Jeremy Keck, Matt Cass, The course, for those unable to attend, homeless can live until they feel ready to own life. for facing up to a problem many prefer to Severn ...... a race which (according to Julian Farr, Richard Graham and was effectively the length of the inner make the change to independent living. ignore. President, and team manager, Chris septuagenarian Colin Rogers as well as basin at the docks between Llanthony Peak) we won convincingly. other paddlers who were Rotarian friends Bridge and the North Warehouse. or family members. All in all a remarkable feat by our team Overall our gallant paddlers came a close who finished the afternoon knackered but Morocco-bound In the afternoon of Sunday, May 15th third to Barnwood Pirates (a team from jubilant. they took part in a series of races Barnwood Shopfitters) with the runners- against 14 other teams and came third. up being the Heli Angels entered by Bond It was a great day of dragonboat racing Here we see teenager Emily Wright receiving a cheque for £100 A remarkable achievement, all the more Air Services at Staverton. and full marks to Severn and in particular from President Chris Peak. A pupil at Beaufort School, Emily to Steve Markham who organised it. is to take part in World Challenge 2011 in Marakesh, Morocco Total proceeds are not yet known since next month and is the second local girl to receive a grant from sponsorship is still being collected. the club’s Young People’s Trust Fund recently.

Emily’s 14 day trip will offer opportunities for leadership and team building skills as each day her group will be allocated different tasks.

To fund her trip Emily has taken a Saturday job as well as doing baby sitting, car washing and making delicious chocolates and bath bombes both of which she has then sold at car boot sales.

Having accepted the cheque, Emily offered to return to the club and tell members about her experience...... we look forward to it. l A delighted Chris Peak with some of the lasses who took part. From left to ■ Felicity Phillips from Longlevens, a pupil at Ribston Hall right are Emma Mulpeter, Julie Ann Rendell (holding the cup competed for School, also received a cheque earlier this year. She is off to against Rotary Severn), President Chris Peak with the cup for third place, l You’re never too old...... our team’s Madagascar next month for a four week educational expedition. Hannah Smith and Ceri Pugh. senior member Colin Rogers.

2 15 Humphrey makes a bit of history A blooming good evening

T was in September of last year that the then junior Vice President Amanda Chamberlayne, chairperson of the sports and social committee, Isaid that council had decided to reinstate a competition for the Horticulture Cup

The trophy was of particular interest to Amanda l This year’s winner of the since it was her grandfather Tom Lawrence who had Ivan Houston trophy (and originally presented it to the club for competition. the first non-Rotarian to hold the salver) Humphrey After discussion it was agreed that it should be Chamberlayne is pictured presented on the results of an amaryllis bulb growing with some of the past contest since this was a relatively easy challenge winners of the trophy. and one in which all Rotarians should be able to Humphrey is the husband participate. of Gloucester junior vice president Amanda. That decided, Colin Rogers was deputed to find the bulbs and after a discussion with Arthur Hurran, Colin took himself off to see Chris Evans at Dundry Nurseries where having sussed out the alternatives, he opted for their best bulbs at £4.50p each.

The bulbs were all distributed on the same day with scant instructions as to their propogation. At that time no date had been settled for judging the competition but in early January it was decided to fit it into the club’s busy schedule for April 14th. l President Chris Peak handing HERE was a larger turnout than usual for the annual Ivan However, this year, it wasn’t a Gloucester Rotarian but a Rotarian’s For the most part, the trophy - and a cheque - to a Houston skittles event at the Royal Oak, Much Marcle at husband - Humphrey Chamberlayne - who stepped up to the mark a large number delighted Clive Kingscote. the start of May. Old fellowships were renewed and new and with a spare took his score to 25. First prize of Rotarians Tfriendships made as everyone enjoyed a convivial game of planted their bulbs skittles. After a few mutterings by Newent Rotarians, their president Bill shortly after taking Reay announced to popular acclaim that Humphrey was the winner. possession so they In the past Rotarians from Gloucester have sometimes been a little So it will be Humphrey’s name on the trophy....the first non-Rotarian Second had already bloomed thin on the ground but not so this year when club members and to enjoy this honour. and wilted before guests turned out in force to enjoy a sunny, social evening set in the April. In consequence delightful Heredfordshire countryside. Junior Vice President Amanda and her brother-in-law Jeremy prize the sports and social l Runner-up Trevor Chamberlayne (a member of Newent) watched as her husband committee decided Picken puts a fatherly Much to delight of Gloucester members, the trophy was again then told how he had been a close friend of Ivan’s with whom he to have a dual hand on President making a return journey - Clive Hannis having won it in 2010. had worked and traded for many years when as a farmer Humphrey competition - one Chris’ shoulders. In was growing potatoes and Ivan as a wholesale fruit and vegetable for live plants and Trevor’s hand is a But it was a closely contested event and going into the final leg merchant was buying them. one for photographic montage of photos there was all to play for with one of 10 players all in with a good records. chance of winning. However one by one the big guns fell away ■ The Gloucester club has now won the trophy 18 out of the past of an impressive plant - alas no more. until Colin Dunford on 21 was just a shade behind Newent’s Barry 25 times it has been contested. The venue was the Trevor’s prize is Freeman on 22 - both being past winners of the trophy. Farmers’ Club because of its ease in parking and the a meal for four at hoped for arrival of a number of attractive two foot Tewkesbury Park high plants. Golf Course. On the evening, the attendance was not up to Another successful matching grant expectations with many Rotarians declaring prior engagements (perhaps they were unhappy with their FULL marks to Rotarian Colin Eynon These residents would otherwise have “An international matching grant horticultural skills!) for overseeing another successful had to be transported and admitted to is a highly potent tool to address a matching grant application. Our club’s the George Hospital The programme particular need in a community”, Gibbs Nevertheless there was a good entry and the first contribution to the Third World has now saves the government substantial argues, “because substantial financial prize of a silver trophy and £20 was won by Clive been greatly enhanced by Colin’s costs in terms of transport and hospital aid comes into the area with only a Kingscote. The second prize of a lunch for four at the diligence and determination. admissions, opens up hospital beds fraction of the cost borne locally.” Tewkesbury Park Golf Couse, went to Trevor Picken and makes medical services more with a spectacular montage of photos that showed an Again the recipent of our international accessible for people in remote areas. Past international matching grants impressive plant from its infancy to maturity. efforts has been the Rotary Club of overseen by Colin to the George George in South Africa. Recently it has “The hospital provides an essential Rotary Club include a new sea rescue At this point the evening’s organiser, Colin Rogers, handed valuable medical equipment to service by taking medical aid and vessel for the Wilderness station of the took the executive decision to award the third prize to the George Regional Hospital for use services out to the community”, says NSRI, specially adapted wheelchairs the best televisual presentation and this went to Sue in the hospital’s outreach programme George Rotary President Philip Gibbs, for the children at the Daycare Centre Smith who narrowly pipped Nick Bury to the prize of a at clinics in the outlying areas of the “and we are proud to be associated of the Association for the Physically full body massage. hospital’s geographical service area. with them in this way.” Disabled, computers for the Tyholora Primary School in Thembalethu, The ploughman’s supper was fine and the whole The programme involves a team of Gloucester’s contribution and also specialised medical equipment for the evening was one of complete enjoyment and laughter. doctors, nurses and other medical that of the George Rotary Club George Hospital and a patient transport It had been designed as a low cost event and to staff visiting outlying clinics to has been matched by International vehicle for the Bethesda Hospice. involve all Rotarians and partners - those who went perform medical procedures and Rotary Foundation to make up the can vouch for the evening’s success. deliver medical services on site for the approximately R250 000 required to All in all not a bad result for the clubs l A popular winner - There’s a full local residents. purchase the medical equipment. involved and Colin. body massage in prospect for Full marks to Colin for arranging the event. Third prize Sue Smith who came third.

14 3 Landmark project for club? District Conference THE last time Marilyn Champion spoke It was then left with no purpose and no at the Civic Trust she was awaiting the future until the Civic Trust intervened, results of a Civic Trust application to successfully restoring it with the use the National Heritage Lottery Fund of grants and opened it as a heritage Points of interest for a grant in respect of St Michael’s centre which, last year, attracted more Tower at Gloucester’s Cross. than 25,000 visitors. A truly remarkable success story. Nearly three years later - and with the Tower now completely refurbished and Now the Trust wants to bring back open as a heritage centre - she was a little of Gloucester’s history by back to tell members of future plans restoring the curfew bell which at one for its use. stage rang every morning at 4am to announce the start of the working day In particular she spoke of a project - and at again at 8pm to inform residents the restoration of a curfew bell - which to put out any hearth fires. might be of interest to the club. In doing so she gave us a brief history Marilyn thought that the cost of buying l Great conference goers - Trevor and Joy. l Rotarian John Lovell and Lorraine. of the church and tower. There was a a bell and installing it in the bell room church on the site in the 12th century. would be around £12,000 to £15,000 The old church, apart from its tower some of which would be found by the l A venerable duo and staunch was demolished in 1849 and a new Trust itself. However other donations l A little dynamo - A stalwart fo Rotarians Trevor Picken and church erected which incorporated the would be welcome. the Civic Trust and also a former great success Robin Morris. old tower. This church closed in 1940 Gloucester Citizen of the Year - company into a £50m empire in 30 countries when the parish combined with St Mary Introducing Marilyn, Robin Morris Marilyn Champion. out of poverty not a system which kept them l before selling out to make the world a better there. Between them Trevor Picken and de Crypt. In 1956 it was demolished, who also happens to be Civic Trust Robin Morris have more than 88 leaving only the tower, and between chairman, described her as someone as a result of a Rotary initiative that the place using Feng Shui. Nutty as a fruitcake or an industrial genius - who knows - but it Sunday’s programme began with a talk by years membership of Rotary. This 1985 and April 1998 it was used as a who delivered on what she promised. Atlas Bell was restored to the North duo can also claim to have attended tourist information centre. He also reminded members that it was Warehouse. takes nerve to encourage Rotarians to get surgeon Hiroshi Nishikawa about social to their feet, wave their arms and proclaim... outcasts in Africa - in particular those more conferences than anyone else in ‘We’re incredible, we’re wonderful and we’re suffering from Noma, a facial gangrenous the club (although Messrs Seed and fantastic.’ bacterial infection. Its victims are mainly Rogers must be running them a close second) children under the age of six caught in a l The two main afternoon speakers had one circle of poverty and malnutrition. Untreated, Next year the District Conference From balance thing in common - they had both served jail the condition leads to horrific disfigurement is coming home and will be held at terms. The first Peter Fewell (aka Diesel) and 90% will die within 3-4 weeks due to Bristol. In coming District Governor sheets .... told of his uplifting journey from school the lack of healthcare. But there is hope for Martin Greaves has promised that it failure and jail bird to creative writer and a few in Ethiopia. The charity Facing Africa will be different - and cheap. It will be public speaker. It was a transformation takes teams of surgeons and nurses there held on April 21-22, 2012. The main to ice sheets brought about through the acquisition of and performs reconstructive surgery. The venue with be the Colston Hall and literacy, committed teachers and his own costs are high but the results amazing. Each the HQ Hotel will be the Bristol Royal determination. From a childhood where he Marriott Hotel. HEN Mandy Norman introduced her close friend Hazel mission costs around £40,000 and operates l was fostered and beaten he has become on 50 - 55 faces. Financial help would be Inner Wheel won an award for the Richards to the club as her guest and speaker she best presented exhibit in the House of said that Hazel was a ‘wiz’ in the financial services an adult addicted to learning and where his gratefully received. prison visits are now to encourage others Friendship. Wsector. She is also a magistrate. l seek a new path to personal salvation. During the weekend there were other Rotary Unexpectedly for In Gear editor presentations on IT Schools Africa on Rotary John Lovell, the club won the district One could be forgiven therefore in thinking that we were to receive trophy for the best club magazine for a tutorial on money management - not a bit of it. He was followed by John Bird who told how sports for the disabled and by Group Study he had co-founded the Big Issue in order to Exchange students and ambassadorial the third time. Unexpected - since he get people back into work. He was critical of scholars. The conference ended on a didn’t even know it had been entered. Hazel is an accomplished skier and in 2004 took part in a 42 However, thanks goes to Colin Rogers kilometre race in Switzerland. Unfortunately she was injured and Government initiatives to decriminalise the rousing note with a thanksgiving service led criminals.....rather they only served to make by the extremely funny Rev Roger Royle and who submitted our entry. When the had to be rushed to hospital - an incident which kept her away from result was announced you could have the sport for over a year. more of them dependent on social security featuring God’s Holy Clown the Rev Roly handouts. In a passionate presentation he Bain and the Citadel Salvation knocked John down with the proverbial feather....and that takes some doing! But Hazel is a survivor who enjoys personal challenges - one of said there was an underclass - including Army Band. It was a magnificent finale to a which presented itself in an out-of-the-blue telephone call from many drug addicts - who needed a ticket memorable weekend. David Hempleman Adams.

Both he and Hazel enjoy ballooning but on this occasion he invited her to join a 65k race and trek in the Arctic which would involve spending a night camping on the permafrost.

The adventure started in Spitzbergen at a time of the year when the resident polar bears had just resurfaced following their winter hypernation. She was warned that they are extremely dangerous predetors. They can smell humans over half a mile away and can l A formidable duo - On the left is Rotarian Mandy Norman run far faster than a man. with her close friend and financial guru Hazel Richards.

The bear menace was on top of that offered by a hostile and demanding terrain which involved considerable strength and Hazel’s next challenge is a 14 day trek in the Antarctic in November courage. When the race was successfully completed the team of this year. celebrated by raising a Union Jack - albeit in the barrell of a rifle - and then sang the National Anthem. On this occasion they will be raising money and the profile of Walking With The Wounded a charity which aims to help ex-servicemen. After the serious stuff the team enjoyed themselves trail blazing l l l with dogs, sledges and Ski-Doo snowmobiles ...... but the only All in all Hazel gave us an entralling account of her fascinating Rotarian John Sargent with Junior Vice President Rotarian Amanda Chamberlayne Rotarian John Weygang and Mary. Polar Bear they saw had been stuffed! life...... and full marks to Mandy for introducing her to us. Amanda Chamberlayne and Joy Picken. and her husband Humphrey.

4 13 District Conference

l You don’t have to be a afficionado to recognise some of the in this photo. This year , , , and will be visiting the academy as part of the Snooker Legends Tour. Incidentally the lady in the photo is Michela Tabb, the world snooker referee who has already been to the academy. l Rotarian Bryan Bamber (Gloucester l President Chris Peak and Jane. l Rotarian Robin Morris and Pat. North) and Christine. Varsity venue Cityʼs world snooker academy A BEAUTIFUL campus, brilliant sunshine, world land speed supremo Richard Noble ID you know that Gloucester has one of the best snooker wonderful cuisine, delightful fellowship and a and the effervescent secret millionaire Dawn academies in the world? And who says so? Well here programme of fascinating speakers ensured Gibbins. are a few testimonials from the sport’s elite. the district conference at Warwick University D was a great success. Alice, who at one stage in her 20-year Jimmy White: “The academy has the best facilities anywhere in career, appeared on holiday, health, the world.” While many of the 13-strong Gloucester religious and gardening programmes as contingent under President Chris Peak well as the Watchdog series, said she was : “It’s great for players to have practice conditions arrived for Friday evening’s meal, a few now concentrating on her roles as a writer, that are the same as they will experience in the venue aremas.” arrived earlier to welcomes from District a mum (of twins) and as patron of CLIC Governor Chris Fairhead and RI President’s Sargent. Of the latter she spoke movingly : “The playing conditions are second to none and representative David Lidiatt. of how dreadful it was for families to be told nothing has been overlooked in providing the latest state of the art of a cancer diagnosis to a child and of how facilities.” Both gave upbeat assessments of Rotary’s important research funding was. progress with the former reporting a : “People who come here will have the best of remarkable response to the Focus on the everything, it’s amazing to see it.” Crocus initiative as part of the End Polio l The academy’s founder Paul Mount (on the left) with Rotarian Now campaign. He added that the number : “The academy is a fantastic idea. The facilities are John Redman who introduced him to the club. of clubs in district had now risen to 68 with perfect, the whole set up is superb.” another in the pipeline. Convinced? But who is Paul Mount? Meanwhile in his address David queried whether clubs were really harnessing the The South West Snooker Academy was built last year and is a A keen Gloucestrian who is proud of his adopted city, Paul is talent of individual members to the mission 20,000 square foot multi-purpose premise at Quedgeley. It is also the owner of Mount International Ultra Sound Services of Rotary. He then challenged clubs to think already recognised as a centre of excellence - a fact which is hardly (MIUS), a company established in 1997 which refurbishes l Business woman extraordinaire...Dawn bigger and act more boldly in order to ‘Build suprising since no expense has been spared in its development. ultrasound scanners and services globally. MIUS quickly Gibbons (a TV Secret Millionaire in Communities and Bridge Continents.’ developed a reputation for quality products and service while Bristol) with District Governor Chris The academy has 13 Star Gold match tables, all prepared to world providing value for money to the NHS and private organisations. Fairhead from Thornbury A sobering assessment of Rotary role snooker specifications by World Snooker table fitters. Eight of the came from RIBI President’s representative tables are in individual pods each with their own seating area for From a modest £10,000 turnover in the first year the firm has John Menhinick who said that a third of UK spectators, four tables are in the practice room and the final table is now grown to £4.5m with an annual profit of about £1m. It is Rotarians were over 70. Although a national l Richard Noble in the academy’s 400 seat arena. still expanding. From medical equipment, Paul is now turning recruitment campaign had produced new to veterinary equipment and is expecting turnover to double in members, a greater number had resigned. She was followed by the charismatic Richard It is owned by local entrepreneur Paul Mount who also manages the next five years. In a rapidly changing world, Rotary needed Noble whose jingoistic and amusing tale 18 of the world’s top snooker players including Jimmy White, Tony to accept new club structures and be willing of supersonic glory delighted a packed Drago, Dominic Dale and . to accept unity without uniformity. audience. His story of beating the Americans to become the first person to break through At an April lunchtime meeting Paul told members of some of the The first outside speaker was Sarah Ingleby the sound barrier on land was a joy to UK high profile events which had already taken place there and of his from Tools for Self Reliance who spoke listeners. He then outlined plans for a future plans to make it a world competition venue. about poverty, malnutrition and AIDS in sub- 1,000mph car - a dream he is sharing with UK Saharan Africa and of how vital it was to primary and secondary schools and colleges Yet he is also aware of the need to encourage new players and give people there the tools and skills to take to encourage more pupils to choose a career support existing professional and amateur players as well as control of their own lives. Her charity not in engineering. It’s an exciting programme - building links with the community - and to this end he has already only taught practical skills but also business and it’s British. The jet propelled car is now involved Severn Vale School and is to launch a junior section. practices essential to enable students build having its trials, sponsorship is coming in successful businesses. Sarah ended by from all over the world and a South African However unlying this ambition is a strong streak of charity since all asking clubs to provide tools and cash to site has been chosen for next year’s profits are to be split three ways - between the Lords Taverners, continue the charity’s work. 1,000mph bid. Breast Cancer care and local charities.

Saturday morning’s business was The morning ended with a verbal explosion Nor is the venue entirely restricted to snooker. Paul also has l dominated by three very different speakers from Dawn Gibbins (a secret millionaire in plans to make it available for product launches, meetings, training Four world quality tables are in a practice room - a facility l Rotarian Trevor Picken and his wife Joy. - TV personality Alice Beer, the charismatic Bristol) who transformed her father’s flooring courses and team building exercises to name but a few. which has won tremendous praise from the sport’s elite.

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l A veritable feast of party time food and some of the ‘girls’ responsible for bringing it all together. Once again Rotarians were extremely grateful for the invaluable help from members of Inner Wheel whose president Gill Payne is fourth from right.

Sunny smiles REN’T we lucky with our Senior and make our 108 guests feel very much Citizens’ Tea Party? Looking at home. back over reports from the last Afew years, it’s really uncanny how we’ve The afternoon began with jokes and songs managed to choose dates which are (as usual) from the irrepressible Rotarian blessed by smashing weather - and this Mike Westbury whose singing voice is year’s get together was no exception. incredible for a chap who will be celebrating his 70th birthday in September. The unseasonably warm weather brought Around smiles to the faces of guests and hosts This delightful introduction was followed alike and - thanks mainly to organiser Rob by the talented Tanhouse Singers the Hall - it was again a tremendous success. whose concerts often support local and international charities. On this occasion tables In the past guests have been welcomed they kindly graced our senior citizens ‘do’ to King’s School by the delightful husband and were led - once again by one of our and wife team of Trevor and Joy Picken own - Rotarian Ken Watson. l A warm welcome is essential and this was but in their absence this year it fell to Roy assured by husband and wife team Rotarian and Chris Lewis to stepped in with aplomb In the meantime members of Inner Wheel Roy Lewis and his lovely wife Christine.

l ‘They also serve who only sit and wait’ - On the left are members of St John Ambulance personnel whose expertise, fortunately, wasn’t called upon. On the right are members of the talented Tanhouse Singers who contributed to the afternoon’s entertainment.

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l A great time was had by all - guests and helpers alike. Here we see some of those involved in the afternoon’s event led, on the right, by President Chris Peak. In the background are some of the 100+ guests.

and fun galore ably assisted by other helpers were busy for President Chris to thank all those in the kitchen preparing the afternoon tea - who had contributed. Although the list and what a treat it turned out to be. seemed endless it is, nevertheless, worth repeating. In no time whatsoever the tables were decorated by a delicious assortment of In addition to Rotarians and their partners, sandwiches, cakes, scones, cream and who had been involved in setting out the strawberry jam, trifles and ice cream, all tables, transporting the guests and helping Around of which were washed down with copious during the event, there were also members cups of tea and finally a greatly appreciated of Inner Wheel led by President Gill Payne, the glass of sherry. St John Ambulance personnel, King’s School staff and others - young and old - tables After refreshments it was time for Bingo who also contributed to the event. and more jokes from MC (Master of Comedy) Mike who disposed of numerous And let us not forget next year’s District prizes and also rounded off the afternoon Governor Martin Greaves whose plant l Mike Westbury whose irrepressible sense of with a rousing singsong. nursery provided us with some top quality humour and tremendous singing have been pot plants for our guests to take home as a vital ingredients in the event’s success over Before ending the festivities it was time memento of a smashing afternoon. many years.

l Tea time was followed by fun time as big hearted Mike Westbury ensured audience participation as we can see from this picture.

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l ABOVE - The recently retired Dean of Gloucester Nick Bury with his wife Jennifer. BELOW - Some of Nick’s l LEFT - Derek Ellson (Gloucester North) and his wife Chris with Gill and Jim Payne. Gill is this year’s president of Gloucester Inner Wheel. RIGHT: President Chris Peak and his paintings on display. His pledge was to wife Jane. ■ We are indebted to Rotarian Trevor Picken for the pictures on these and the following two pages. do a painting of the winning bidder’s l ABOVE - Working in tandem? Auctioneer home. Bob Short and entertainer Marshall King. BELOW - Marshall as an Elvis lookalike soon had the audience on their feet. A £12,000 Gala night to remember

ABULOUS and incredible were two of A total of 240 people attended - nearly the By the time Bob Short started auctioning the However it was his rendition of Queen the adjectives applied to the auction maximum the room at Hatherley Manor could principal items on offer, many of the attendees songs and Freddie Mercury in particular of pledges and promises organised accommodate - and full credit must go to the were uninterested and poor old Bob had to which brought the house down. They were Fby the club’s Trust Fund for Young hotel’s staff for their co-operation in helping to cope with a noisy audience which drowned spectacular and had the whole room buzzing People and which netted more than stage such a prestigious occasion. out that vital part of the evening. and/or dancing. £12,000 for the fund and for the club’s charity account. Significantly (according to our reporter The regrettable outcome was that several of All this went on until 1am by which time Colin Rogers) the majority of those present the top quality items which went under the Rotarians and guests in the room had thinnerd From inception to delivery numerous were non-Rotarians who, hopefully, were hammer fetched much less than they were out a little but not those on the dance floor. obstacles had to be overcome and to achieve impressed by the evening and left with a worth. On the upside many of the bidders such a tremendous financial result in the positive view of what Rotary can achieve...... were extremely happy with their bargain buys. In summary Colin Rogers writes: “To Colin present economic climate is truly remarkable. in short very good PR as well! Eynon and his many helpers we are truly With the two auctions over the talented indebted for a fabulous event. The plan was Full marks must go to Colin Eynon and his Colin tells us that the Silent Auction got off to Marshal King started the cabaret in earnest to give people a good time and raise some team which included John Smith, Julian Farr, a slow start until people got the hang of it. and those still in attendance were not funds for the Trust Fund and Rotary charities. David Seed and Amanda Chamberlayne for disappointed. His performance started with a This, without doubt, was achieved on all planning and executing such an excellent In retrospect this part of the programme might Neil Diamond tribute, followed by Elvis, Tom fronts so we can be assured that when next event. have benefitted by including more items Jones and several others. we offer a similar type of event the public will drawn from the main auction list. be rushing in.”

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