www.rotary1090.org

A pproximately 120 Thames Valley Rotarians gathered at The Oxford Hotel, Wolvercote on Saturday 28 June to celebrate the handover by

District Governor 2013-2014, John Greening, to incoming District Governor, Tim Cowling, for the 2014-2015 Rotary year which commenced on 1 July.

After travelling 16,286 miles around the District visiting Rotary Clubs and attending events, John said “One of the things that has struck me throughout the District is the extent to which our clubs are at the heart of their community, running events that involve people in so many ways, whether it be walks, runs, World Championships, cycle rides, dragon boat races, car shows, wheelbarrow races, Santa fun runs, Burns nights, Bunny fun runs, children’s singing events. Many of these were established as fund-raising events and I wonder sometimes whether Clubs realise the extent to which these events have become part of the fabric of their community. “

John has attended 338 Club meetings, events and conferences and has received and sent around 20,000 emails during his year as District Governor as well as writing his blog. He is most proud of his initiative, or more correctly his wife Joan’s idea, ‘Pounds for Polio’ , which raised worldwide around $250k for the ‘End Polio Now’ campaign and which is being increased to $750k by a two for one matching donation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The theme for Rotary in 2014-15 is ‘Light Up Rotary’ and this is exactly what Tim Cowling, a member of the Rotary Club of Faringdon & District, is aiming to do. He is keen to dispel the image that Rotary is just groups of elderly men having lunch or dinner once a week.

Some District Clubs already have members in their 20’s and one Club in Oxford with 65% female members will be actively seeking more male members to join them. One of Tim’s objectives is to see the District grow its membership both in traditional Rotary clubs and in the wider Rotary family for younger people - Rotaract, Interact and Rotakids.

It’s all yours now Tim!!

He intends to raise money for the charity, SeeSaw, through a number of 10K fun runs across the District.

“SeeSaw is a charity that supports bereaved children, a cause which is close to my heart as my own Mother died when I was just four”, Tim says. “What am I looking forward to most is meeting Rotarians across the District, hearing the stories of their great projects, and being part of their special Rotary days as they work with their communities to make a difference.”

Report by Rtn Lesley Adams District MPRC Committee

QUARTERLY MAGAZINE FOR ROTARY MEMBERS IN BERKSHIRE, OXFORDSHIRE AND PARTS OF BUCKS & MIDDLESEX

August 2014 No. 102

‘Lighting Up’ District in 2014-15

Thames Valley Rotary Thames Valley Rotary Quarterly Magazine of Rotary District 1090 in Quarterly Magazine of Rotary District 1090 in

Oxfordshire, Berkshire and parts of Buckinghamshire & Greater LondonOxfordshire, Berkshire and parts of Buckinghamshire & Greater London

Inside ….

Cover Story P.1

‘Lighting Up’ 2014-15

Club News-Around District

Honors for Rotarians P. 2

Interact Club charter P. 3

School Interviews

VTT in Uganda P. 4

Food & Drink Festival

RIBI Award P. 5

Farewell to Governor

Around Clubs in Brief P 6-8

Odds and Ends P.9-10

District News P. 11

And Finally… P.12

On The Lighter Side

District Diary

New Rotarians

Editor’s Comment

Views expressed by contributors to this magazine

are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Officers of Rotary

District 1090. The Editor retains the right to

include, edit or reject any material, articles or items

submitted for consideration for entry into this magazine.

“I wonder why John is looking SO happy?”

Two Rotarians from District 1090 have been named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list released on 13 June 2014.

Scout leader and Rotarian David Shaw has been made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) for services to Scouting and the community. As well as being a well-known Scout leader and fundraiser for the organisation a member of Windsor and Eton Rotary Club having been President in 2005. As a Scout leader in Windsor he set up a new Young Leaders Group to complete Duke of Edinburgh Awards and oversaw a major improvement to scout headquarters worth £40,000.

As part of his Rotary membership he helped organise volunteers to take part in the polio eradication campaign in India and also worked with the Calcutta Rotary Club to build a special school for disabled children. He helped set up a Youth Ambassadors Scheme with Windsor Boys'

School and Windsor Girls' School. This led to the Queen inviting eight pupils from Windsor Boys and Windsor Girls Schools to organise events at the castle for other schools.

He is chairman of the management board for Windsor Parish Church and a veteran chorister. He said: "I'm overjoyed and quite shocked. My wife is incredibly proud but it is totally unexpected.

Princes Risborough Rotarian Peter Robinson, has worked tirelessly for his community and has been recognised in the Queen's birthday honours. Peter has been awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the community in Princes Risborough. He said: "I felt I was being over rewarded. There are a lot of people around that probably do equally as much. I felt very honoured and proud."

Peter is a trustee of The Princes Centre in Clifford Road and chairman of the fund raising committee. Two years ago a social enterprise took over the running of the day care centre and £200,000 of the £300,000 needed to buy the building and maintain services has been raised. He was chairman of Risborough Cares Charity, which is how he became involved with the centre. Mr Robinson said: "Part of our being was to prevent the centre from closing. When they decided to close it we started to campaign to keep it open."

Mr Robinson became chairman of the PTA where his sons went to school and later governor of three local schools.

Rotarians in Queen’s Birthday Honors List

...And two Awards for One Rotarian!

Ambassador Dr Peter Ammon presented the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany to Sir Nicholas Winton on 4 July2014 at the German Embassy in London. Dr Ammon said, “It is a great honour and pleasure for me to host this very special event. The German President has decided to bestow upon you, Sir Nicholas, the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany”.

The story is of an extraordinary man who organized the rescue of hundreds of children from the Nazi concentration camps and who yet remained an unsung hero for such a long time. His actions in 1938 to 1939 resulted in a total of 8 transports bringing 669 children to the safety of London.

The German Ambassador said, “I feel particularly privileged to be able to welcome you here today, almost 70 decades after the Second World War. It is with the utmost respect and gratitude that I now have the great pleasure and honour, on behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, to present you with the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit”.

Following on from the award of the Officers Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, the British hero celebrated his birthday with the news that he is also to receive the Czech Republic’s highest honour - the Order of the White Lion – the country’s most revered state distinction. The Czech president, Milos Zeman, wrote to Sir Nicholas: “Your life is an example of humanity, selflessness, personal courage and modesty.” He was knighted by the Queen in 2003.

The Charter of the new Interact Club at Windsor Girls School took place at Cumberland Lodge, Windsor Great Park

on Monday 23rd of June by kind permission of Canon Rev Dr Edmund Newell, Principal of Cumberland lodge, who

welcomed everyone including the 14 members of the new club.

The event was attended by the Mayor & Mayoress, Cllr. Richard Kellaway and May-Lou and Mrs Gill Labrum, Head teacher of Windsor Girls School, Kevin Mc Garry, Secretary of the Prince Philip Trust Fund and Miss Emma Merritt, teacher responsible for Interact Club.

Rotary was represented by President Philip Turner, Windsor & Eton, District Governor Elect Fred King and President Daphne Fido of Windsor & Eton Inner Wheel Club. Rotary Interact Officers, David Shaw, Windsor & Eton and Richard Cox, Windsor St George Rotary Clubs, hosted the event. David Shaw welcomed everyone to the 17 century Lodge, the largest house in Windsor Great Park. He said he wanted the ceremony to take place at Cumberland Lodge because of its strong educational links which fits well with Rotary’s aims.

President Lauren outlined the activities of the Interact Club from their very first meeting including helping the Windsor Food bank, Sky Dive for Heart Foundation, Charity Collections at Christmas, support an International trip to Ecuador Camp International with the Boys School, etc. The Mayor responded and gave support to the new venture on behalf of the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead.

Membership cards were given out by The Mayor, Canon Newell & Mrs Labrum followed by President Philip Turner presenting chains of office to President Lauren and Vice President Aala Saeed. President Philip & Richard Cox presented the Charter to President Lauren. DGE Fred King spoke briefly and mentioned the first District conference for the 26 Interact Clubs in the Thames valley area taking place in November.

President Lauren receives the Charter Interactors and supporters President and Vice President with chains!

New Interact Club Receives its Charter

Banbury School Practice Interviews Programme

18 Banbury Rotary Club members and 22 other volunteers have conducted practice interviews with 225 students from Year 10 at the Warriner School over three days. The scheme requires 14 to 15 year old students to submit their CV and a practice letter of application, for a job or course of instruction ahead of facing a panel of two interviewers during a 30 minute session.

Interviewers focus on gaining the student’s confidence so they talk freely about themselves, their interests, experience, skills and ambitions. Students are assessed in a positive way and provided with appropriate feedback (both verbally and in written form) all with a view to improving the future performance of these young individuals under interview conditions. There is a competitive element to being interviewed for a job in real life so this is replicated – at the schools’ request – by identifying a few outstanding candidates and inviting them to come to a second interview. This leads to the selection of a star interviewee who receives a £50 book token prize.

The Practice Interview Programme (PIP) was introduced to the Banbury Club over 10 years ago by the late Rotarian John Meeres, who imported it from his previous Club. Blessed George Napier was the first school in Banbury to participate, covering some 140 Year 10 pupils each year. The scheme was later extended for 225 students at The Warriner School in Bloxham. Interviews have also been conducted as part of a Banbury Young Homeless Project mentoring scheme for disadvantaged young people, and individual practice interviews for suitable Frank Wise school 6th form students.

The journey started when Rotarian Gillian Pearce worked for a month at Kamuli Mission Hospital, Uganda. She worked as a midwife and observed local practices especially the method for newborn life support which was to tickle the chest or squeeze it. She asked the local midwives and the school what facilities and equipment they had. It was limited. There was no resuscitation baby to practice on. The students started on the ward with little or no training in obstetric emergencies.

She returned to the UK thinking about how she could train the midwives and nurses in Kamuli using British techniques in training staff in birth emergency schemes. However the scheme would not have started if playwright Rotarian Joan Greening had not allowed the proceeds from one of her plays to act as the seed money and the support of Elthorne-Hillingdon Rotary Club. District Governor John Greening was also determined to have a Vocational Training Team in his year so the project started. A global grant was achieved by working with RC of Henley Bridge who were raising money to rebuild the maternity unit.

District Foundation Committee helped to find candidates for the team by distributing information to other Rotary Clubs and hospitals. They also brought together Rotarians from 13 clubs to help with the interviewing. The successful team members were Aisha Alzouebi, Senior Obstetric Registrar, Jide Menakaya, Consultant Neonatologist, Practice Development Midwife Jacqui Gillibanks and Laura Wallbank senior midwife.

The planning began and decisions were made about which equipment was required for the trip and how the training would be delivered. One of the main areas of training was newborn life support this is in response of reducing deaths of babies, 1 million babies die on their first day of life. We also covered obstetric haemorrhage, eclampsia, shoulder dystocia, maternal sepsis and breech deliveries. A training manual was developed and was left with them.

Although information was sought from the medical superintendant and the training proposed emailed to them, we were still presented with on the first day. There were problems with maternal sepsis training proposed because savlon had grown bacteria and 7 women had died from sepsis in March 2014. Quick change of plans and a discussion on hand cleaning occurred. It was also necessary to pay staff to attend training - either pay and they turn up or don’t and no-one comes. This is a side effect of USA agencies spending money on training.

The training was a success in that we trained 246 doctors, nurses, midwives, tutors and students in 11 days. We did a pre and post assessment test and it demonstrated that learning had occurred but we will be returning to evaluate the long-term effect. There was a cadre visit from Rotary International who was impressed with the work done. The telling points were from the women “ if there was no maternity unit we would deliver in the bush” and from the staff this is the first time we have had practical training and they have left us with the equipment rather than handouts to carry on practicing”.

Vocational Training Team visits Uganda

Abingdon Food & Drink Festival Supports ‘SeeSaw’

The Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper seeking a new fundraising venture organised the first Abingdon Food & Drink Festival. This was held in the beautiful grounds of the Miele headquarters in Abingdon on the 1st June 2014.

Miele also allowed their magnificent 'Experience Centre' to be used for cookery demonstrations by chefs from top local restaurants, as well as wine and cheese tasting sessions. The event was a great success with over 30 stalls providing a range of quality local food, wine and beer along with children's entertainment and a live choir.

Proceeds of the day were for the benefit 'SeeSaw', Oxfordshire's specialist

child bereavement charity and a cheque for £1000 was presented to the

charity Miele have agreed to host the event next year, stall holders are keen

to return and plans are underway for Sunday the 7th June.

Rotarian David Greenaway of Didcot Rotary Club, has been personally thanked by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg for his work in helping young people in Kamuli in Uganda. David was among 12 previously unsung Rotarian heroes who were honoured by some of Britain’s top politicians in Whitehall last week.

Presenting the first ever Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland ‘Champions of Change Awards’, Mr Clegg spoke of the “extraordinary things” which the award winners had done. He was impressed by the variety of achievements of the 12 awardees. He said. “It was an honour to meet and be able to congratulate them. They have all given so much time, so selflessly, and with so much passion to help others and make our society stronger and fairer. Every step of the way, they are inspiring others to get involved and help out.”

Nominations for the awards were in two categories - domestic and international - and invited from across RIBI’s 29 Districts. RIBI President, Nan McCreadie, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to recognise Rotarians who give their time and talents to help communities at a time when they need it most. Rotarians come from all walks of life, they are men and women who want to make a difference. We were delighted to receive support from Nick Clegg, who kindly offered his time to recognise the excellent work that the worthy volunteers undertake everyday, much of which is funded solely by the individuals, who work neither for money nor for recognition but to help causes that they are passionate about and believe in wholeheartedly.”

David was inspired by the work of another District 1090 Rotarian to visit Kamuli, Uganda in 2010 with the intention of helping in a practical way at Kamuli Mission Hospital. His interest was heightened by the donation by Didcot Rotary Club of funds towards the provision of generators for the hospital and has since returned twice a year.

He has undertaken a variety of non-medical tasks at the hospital on each of his visits and has taken a particular interest in helping young people in Kamuli. His fundraising efforts have resulted in him arranging for eleven children to have an education and for a pharmacy assistant to complete her training.

The event at the Scotland Office was hosted by the Advocate General for Scotland Lord Wallace of Tankerness.

Photo: RIBI President Nan McCreadie, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, Rtn David Greenaway and RI Director Mike Webb.

*Picture by courtesy of Chris Wood Studios

RIBI Award for Didcot Rotarian

Farewell to Governor of Windsor Castle

The Rotary Club of Windsor & Eton said farewell to their Honorary Member, the newly Knighted Governor of Windsor Castle, Ian Macfadyen and his wife Lady Sally. It had only been confirmed that day that Her Majesty The Queen had conferred upon Air Marshal Ian Macfadyen, the honour of a Knighthood and invested him with the Insignia of a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.

40 members of the Rotary club assembled at Sir Christopher Wren's Hotel to say farewell and thanks to Sir Ian. A champagne reception was followed by three course meal in the conservatory.

Club President Geoff Kidd gave a sincere vote of thanks to Ian and Sally who have both been fully involved with the Rotary Club and the Merry Wives of Windsor Group.

Ian Macfadyen replied and mentioned that until today his wife has always been referred to as Mrs Sally Macfadyen BUT after the meeting with the Queen she is now Lady Sally Macfadyen. To great applause the Rotary members congratulated Ian and Sally and are pleased to share in their wonderful, well deserved news.

Left to right: Sir Ian and Lady Sally Macfadyen, President Geoff and Denny Kidd.

Ascot

Zakk Burks, a 4-year old from Sunninghill, suffers from

quadriplegic spastic cerebral palsy and needs a life-

changing operation to be carried at St Louis Hospital in

Missouri, America. In 2013 his mother Melanie embarked

on a fund-raising project to raise £60,000 for the hospital

fees and stay in America, plus his long-term

physiotherapy and equipment back home. By June 2014

Melanie's efforts had raised £52,000, and now the

Children With Special Needs Foundation has agreed to

donate £8,000, using funds raised at the Rotary Club of

Ascot Charity Golf Day in 2013.

A presentation of the £8,000 was made to Melanie,

accompanied by Zakk and his sister by the founder of the

Children With Special Needs Foundation Gordon Parris,

himself an Honorary Rotarian, in conjunction with the

Rotary Club President Alan Rawlinson. The money has in

fact already been transferred to the St Louis Hospital,

and Zakk and his family will travel out later in order for

the operation to take place early in September.

Rotary Club President Alan said “We are delighted that

the proceeds of our Golf Day are being used in this way,

and we would like to express our best wishes to Zakk and

his family on their journey and through the medical

procedures to come. We all hope for a successful

outcome to the operation.”

Children With Special

Needs Foundation

founder Gordon Parris

(holding the cheque) with

Zakk, Melanie and Mellie

Burks, and members of

Ascot Rotary Club.

Cookham Bridge

A concert by the London Welsh Male Voice Choir, organised by the Cookham Bridge Rotary Club, has raised £8,700 for Elizabeth House, Cookham’s local day care centre for the over 60’s. It was an enjoyable evening with this marvellous Choir in such a prestigious location as Eton College and was a sell out. Wendy Craig and Theresa May helped to raise the profile of the event. The raffle raised nearly £1,000.

Wendy Craig, President of Elizabeth House, received a cheque from Steve Downing, President of Cookham Bridge Rotary Club and thanked the Rotarians on behalf

of Elizabeth House for helping its members live happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives.

“The money has been allocated for preventative maintenance on the lift, heating and refurbishment”, explained Dr John Lloyd-Parry, chairman of Elizabeth House’s management committee.

(left to right): Geraint Lewis, Rtn Jon Graystone, Dr John Lloyd-Parry, Rtn Stephanie Diggon, Steve Downing, President, Cookham Bridge Rotary Club, Wendy Craig, Rtn Francis Bartlett, Lynne Hatch, Rtns Chris Vance and Di Phipps.

Easthampstead

The Rotary Club of Easthampstead has raised over £11500 for the village of Watuka in Kenya to build a “Sand Dam”. It has been supported by neighbouring Rotary Clubs of Bracknell and Crowthorne & Sandhurst, and by the Rotary Clubs of Alton and Bethune in Normandy.

“Sand Dams” are built across dry river beds in semi-arid areas of the world where seasonal rainfall is unreliable. In the wet season sand is trapped behind the small dam and this sand stores and filters river water. Villagers now have a reliable supply of clean water nearby, enabling major improvements in agriculture and their lifestyle. To maximise the impact of the dam, Watuka will also receive continuing technical advice.

Pictured is Club President, Brian Sutterby presenting the club’s cheque to Wonu Owoade of Excellent Development - the charity that has pioneered sand dam technology in Africa.

President Brian said “This is the biggest ever international project for Easthampstead Rotary Club. We thank the clubs who have supported us and are delighted to play a part in making a difference to the lives of the people of Watuka”

Around the Clubs in Brief ……...

Marlow

South Bucks Hospice, a local Charity which has been established for nearly 30 years, has received an extremely generous donation of £22,000 from Rotary Clubs of High Wycombe, Marlow Thames and Marlow.

The money was raised as a result of a club donation from Marlow Thames, the Marlow Santa Fun Run organised by Marlow Thames and Marlow, and High Wycombe’s Sporting Lunch and Dragon Boat event. The Rotary clubs were pleased to present £22,000 to South Bucks Hospice on Friday 20th June in the beautiful Hospice garden. The money raised will go towards the cost of the new garden when South Bucks Hospice begins building its new Hospice early next year.

Not only have the groups done a fabulous job fundraising, they have also been providing ongoing hands-on help with the garden at the current Hospice site on Amersham Road.

Chief Executive Jo Woolf says: “The dedication the Rotary Groups have shown to providing support to the Hospice not only with fundraising, but with practical help is truly inspiring. Our patients love the garden and the work the Rotary Groups have done makes such a big difference to the time they spend with us. We’ve received lots of comments on how wonderful it looks after their hard work. We can’t thank them enough for fundraising for the new garden – it will make a difference to the lives of hundreds of local people when it’s complete.”

The new purpose-built Hospice will have the capacity to care for up to 60% more patients bringing together the day care services and Lymphoedema clinic, with staff able to collaborate and share expertise. The current range of activities and therapies will be expanded, including the vital Lymphoedema service, providing a higher level of care to local people with serious illnesses.

L-R: Humphrey Creed, President, High Wycombe, Kelly Carruthers, South Bucks Hospice, Alan Chandler, South Bucks Hospice, Rtn David Sutherland, Jo Woolf, Chief Exec, South Bucks Hospice, Sara Bowater, President, Marlow Thames and David Duxbury, President, Rotary Club of Marlow.

Newbury

On Sunday 29th June the Market Place in the heart of Newbury was transformed into a scene more reminiscent of the South of France. From early morning Rotarians from Newbury Rotary Club built 5 Boules Pistes from scratch in time for the “Boules in the Square” Tournament to kick-off at 10:30am.

Ten local business and community group teams competed for the Trophy which was finally awarded to Newbury Rotary A Team winning every match they played and runners-up were Regents Lettings with Prestige Network a close 3rd. The Mayor of Newbury, Cllr Jo Day, and many members of the public had a go at the “Closest to the Jack” competition.

The event was endorsed by Newbury Town Councils’ Leisure and Entertainment Committee, Newbury BID and generously supported by over 20 local businesses with £2000 being donated to Rotary charities, End Polio Now and Parkinsons’ UK. Local firms provided the materials to build the pistes, the Tournament Trophy, etc.

President Will Job, Newbury Rotary Club said, “ This is a wonderful example of how Rotary can work together with local businesses to create a really exciting and fun event to “Light Up” the local community and raise funds for those in need at the same time. The atmosphere has been brilliant, everyone has been having a great time, and we look forward to seeing this become an established event in Newbury’s calendar with more and more teams taking part.”

Left: Cllr Jo Day being coached by Rtn Roy Wood, for “Closest to the Jack”

Below: Market Place, Newbury transformed

(photo courtesy of PennyPost)

……... Around the Clubs in Brief

Reading Maiden Erlegh

No one got a hole-in-one when 72 golfers in 18 teams of four competed at the Sonning Golf Club on Thursday 10th July but there was plenty of action. The golf tournament was organised by the Rotary Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh and nearly £4000 was raised for the Alzheimer's Society and other local causes.

The tournament started on a fine sunny afternoon despite a rather doubtful weather forecast. The winning team was Kirk Opticians of Reading and each player was awarded with a £40 luxury foods hamper, donated by Waitrose. The second and third placed teams were awarded cases of wine. There was a possibility of an £8,500 prize for a hole-in-one but although some golfers came close, no one actually succeeded. The golf course got the better of some players but someone was overheard to say “Amazingly, I played with the same ball for 18 holes”.

In the evening, during a three course dinner, compare and comedian Russ Williams, entertained the diners raising raised £2250 of the total £4000 from an auction of donated items bid for by the golfers. Rotary President Colin Moir thanked everyone for their support and said “What an enjoyable way to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society and other needy causes in the company of many other golfers in a spirit of friendly competition. And even the weather was kind to us!”

A Little Light Relief

Little boy gets home from school and says "Dad, I've got a part in the school play as a man who's been married for 25 years." His Dad replies "Never mind Son. Maybe next time you'll get a speaking part!!"

It was hard getting over my addiction to the Hokey Cokey. But I’ve turned myself around and that’s what it’s all about!

A dwarf goes to a very good but very busy doctor and asks "I know you are busy but do you treat dwarves?" The doctor replies "Yes, but you will have to be a little patient".

Windsor & Eton

The Royal Windsor Mid Summer Fayre and Duck Race took place on Sat 28th of June 2014, organised by Windsor & Eton Rotary Club in association with Windsor & Eton Town Partnership and King Edward Court. Forty local charities and organisations had stalls enabling most of them to raise funds for their own charities. Windsor Upper School Band played and Zumba classes took place. Cllr. James Evans, Deputy Mayor of The Royal Borough, opened the Fayre together with Kevin Cruise from ‘Britain's got Talent’ & Windsor Theatre Panto.

Despite poor weather, the Duck race started with the added benefit of Kevin Cruise as co-host. Paul Roach, on behalf of the Partnership, said, ‘I would like to thank the Windsor and Eton Rotary Club and its members and the continued support of main sponsors King Edward Court’. Over 83 business ducks were sold for the day and Shanly Group came out as winners. Sponsors of the ducks included Legoland, Signature, Eton College, Castle Hotel and Daniels.

First Prize of £500 was won by a resident of Eton Wick who has entered for all the six years the Duck Race has been going and was very pleased to have been successful this time!

About £12,000 was raised on the day for local charities. The Duck race raised about £3000 with 50% going to the Christmas Light Fund to improve the visitor experience at Christmas. Last year brand new lights were purchased for Peascod Street.

Kevin Cruise and his ducks! The race is on! Kevin and some fans!

Around the Clubs in Brief ……….

Countess of Carnarvon - Paul Harris Fellow

At the Newbury Rotary Club “President’s night” dinner, District Governor Tim Cowling, on behalf of the Club, presented a Paul Harris Fellowship to the Countess of Carnarvon in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the community.

The Countess works tirelessly in support of many charities. She is patron of Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust and the local Newbury & District Cancer Care Trust, and has been involved with raising funds for the benefit of others including; Naomi House, The Haven Trust, Starlight Children’s Charity, Great Ormond Street, Scholarships in Kenya and Highclere Church.

Recently the Countess was one of the main speakers at the District 1090 Conference in Torquay.

The presentation was made in the presence of the Earl of Carnarvon, Lady Howard de Walden, guests, members, and partners.

DG Tim Cowling presents the Paul Harris award to

the Countess of Carnarvon

President of Slough Rotary

Mary Abraham, a passionate volunteer in Slough since 1980, is the new President of the Slough Rotary Club and the first South Indian Women Rotary President for District 1090. Her husband Jacob, is software engineer and daughter is a university research fellow.

President Mary has chosen East Berkshire volunteer group Diabetes UK and Alzheimer’s Dementia Support Group as her charities for the year. She is involved with several local volunteer organisations, such as Diabetes UK, Slough Volunteer Centre, Talking Newspaper, and many more.

Mary coordinated the provision of tap water, with Thiruvella and Slough Rotary Clubs with a Rotary Matching Grant, to around 2000 poor residents of Kaviyoor village, in her native Kerala, in 2010. Mary said ‘My aim is to serve the community and uphold Rotary values. She aims to work hard with Slough Community and local volunteers with emphasis placed on health and education’.

Mary was at the Parliament House Terrace Inspire Award ceremony organised by Diabetes UK. Her group did not win the award but did receive a commendation. On 21 July 2014 Mary was interviewed by Anne Diamond on BBC radio about her story and promoting Cultural Diversity.

Rotarians Epic Journey For Charity

A team of four cyclists, including members of Loddon Vale and nearby Rotary Clubs, has just returned to after cycling 420 miles top-to-toe in Ireland to raise money for the British Heart Foundation and Sebastian’s Action Trust, which provides support to families with seriously ill children in the Berkshire/Hampshire area.

Cyclists Peter Boon (Sebastian’s Action Trust), Rotarians Glenn Rothwell, Dave Donaldson and John Hammond rode over eight days travelling from Malin Head in the northern tip of Ireland to Mizen Head at the southern point. John Hammond said “The British Heart Foundation is important to me as my Father died of a heart attack in 2013, and I want to ensure that money is in place to ensure that further developments in heart disease cures and prevention can be realised.”

Sebastian’s Action Trust has created the UK’s only purpose-built facility offering respite holidays to very sick children and their families, enabling precious time to be spent together. John continues “Sebastian’s Action Trust is important to me and Janette as our good friend (and a good friend to RCLV) Peter Boon is the Chair of Trustees for this charity, born out of the tragic death of cancer ten years ago of Sebastian Gates, at the age of nine. Sebastian was a friend and at school with Peter’s son.”

The team was supported by Bob Hyatt, driver of the transit van, Chris Rothwell, wife of Glenn, driving their camper van and Hilary and Bill Soane driving their support van. Drizzle cake, bread pudding and jam sponge plus water, coke, grapefruit and orange juices together with energy drinks and a few pints of Guinness in the evening kept the cyclists powered.

Many locals and owners of the bed & breakfast establishments that the team stayed in generously donated to the cause. Peter Boon says in the blog ‘I have come to realise that Rotarians do wonderfully charitable work, but also have a wicked sense of fun.’

The team returned home this week, tired but happy, and all agreed with the proverb, ‘No road is long in good company’ even though a few wrong turns meant extra miles to cycle! (L to R) Glen Rothwell, Dave Donaldson, John Hammond and Peter Boon

Odds & Ends

Open Gardens at Wychwood Manor An Open Gardens in the Cotswolds recently was an outstanding success helped by one of the best days of the summer but it was an Open Gardens with a difference.

It resulted from a visit by the Chairman of the local Air Ambulance attending a Rotary meeting to collect a cheque and remarking that their successful Open Gardens scheme didn’t seem to operate in West Oxfordshire and the rest as they say is history!

Organised by the Rotary Club of Kingham and the Wychwoods for the local Air Ambulance (Berks, Oxon and Bucks) eight gardens were open, including the spectacular Wychwood Manor (see picture), which is not normally open to the public.

This was the first time that Air Ambulance had worked with any other organisation and now see it as a pattern for the future i.e. a local organisation can find the gardens and organise the teas etc. leaving Air Ambulance to promote via their annual guide and selling the admission tickets.

It was estimated that 400 visitors came through the Air Ambulance, a third were local and the final third were local tourists.

The goodwill towards Air Ambulance was amazing. The annual bill of nearly £5million all comes from charitable contributions and they have recently placed a doctor on board their average of 3 flights a day which is saving even more lives although at huge expense.

“It’s the best of both worlds” commented Rotarian Paul Jackson, “we found the gardens, provided the cakes and tea but we also added other attractions like an art show, Aunt Sally with coconuts, blacksmith and wall making demonstrations as well as a lucrative tombola.”

All in all around £2.700 was made capped by a grateful

beneficiary’s donation of £2,500.

Didcot Truckfest 2014

Didcot Rotarians sweltered in the heat and humidity, as thousands of Festival fans flocked to Hill Farm, Steventon for the annual two days of music and mayhem.

The new menu in the Didcot Rotary Food Hall went down well, and, as always, early queues formed on Saturday and Sunday mornings, to grab our (in)famous ‘carb ‘n’ cholesterol’ Breakfast Specials. Those needing dessert then just headed straight next door to the Doughnut Van and hot drinks stand.

An army of helpers included friends, neighbours, relatives, Guides, 6th Formers and students. District Governor Tim Cowling and Linda Cowling visited on Friday evening, and spent an hour on the serving line before heading off to the Oxford Spires Asian Snack Food Stall, followed by several hours of hard labour with Tim’s home club, in the Faringdon Pizza Palace.

The Didcot Rotary catering operation attracts all the best people and this year was no exception. In addition to our newest member, PDG Stan Eldon - a former world class athlete and record holder - we had another unexpected ‘celeb’ on the team, in the form of 17 year old local lad Eoín Hartright. Earlier this year, Eoín entered the record books as the youngest person to row across the Atlantic, be-ing only 16 when he started out last year, as part of a four man team from a local gym.

Linda Cowling waits to be served by star rower Eoín

Hartridge

….. And More!

Lesley checks the heat on the Oxford Spires Asian food stall

DG Tim Cowling gets in the queue

District News

District Conference 2015 Telford - 21 to 23 March 2014

District Conference 2015 is to be held in the Telford International Centre on 6th to 8th March 2015.

The programme aims to minimise cost while still providing a full experience with interesting speakers and events. There will be no Rotary plenary sessions on the Friday a Golf Competition will be held in the morning for those interested and Inner Wheel will have a session in the afternoon when Assistant Governor Joan Greening (wife of IPDG John) will give a talk on Famous Women.

On Friday evening for those arriving early, there will supper followed by entertainment (Fun Factory – a casino plus other “games”) at cost of £25.00 pp for the full evening or £10.00 for those who wish to eat separately and only attend the Fun Factory later. The choice is yours!

Saturday will be a full day with the usual plenary sessions covering various Rotary activities plus interest-ing guest speakers such as Stephen Howard (Business in the Community), Colin Parry (Peace Centre), and Helen McKinnon (See Saw). In the evening there will be a Dinner Dance with music provided by “Real Class” at a cost of £43.00 pp.

Sunday morning will see a change from the conventional religious service, by having a discussion between representatives of Christianity and Islam. This will be followed by more plenary sessions involving talks by senior Rotary representatives from RI and RIBI and covering District projects together with more guest speakers including Gay Morecambe, the daughter of Eric Morcambe.

How can you resist? Start making your plans, hotel bookings and registrations NOW! More information can be found on the conference website and from your club coordinator.

Rotary Youth Leadership Award

The RYLA course is based in Rhos-y-Gwaliau, a small hamlet near Lake Bala in the Snowdonia National Park, North Wales. The Centre is staffed by a small group of dedicated and talented course leaders, professionally qualified in outdoor leisure pursuits. The group were split into four teams, each with one Rotarian to assist the staff instructors.

A report on the recent course attended by 34 young people including a lucky few from District 1090. Look out for a full report in the November issue of TVR News.

Past District Governor Colin Harris

Colin Harris died on 28th July 2014. His funeral was held on 6th August with strong representation from the District. Colin joined RC Ruislip-Northwood in 1968 at the behest of member Bill Williams, his Dental Practice partner. He served the club as President for three full terms, stepping up to help out for another part year and was in office at the time of his death.

As a club Rotarian Colin was always there, always willing, volunteering for any and all duties, especially as Membership Chairman and leading the club’s work with Young People through Rotaract, RYLA and the Youth competitions. On behalf of “Work Aid” he collected old typewriters, sewing machines and any useful tools for refurbishment and re-use elsewhere. To the last he was responsible for the club’s rota to drive visually impaired members of the community to their regular meetings, stepping in to fill any gaps.

Outside Rotary, Colin was active as a cricketer and with the Northwood Residents Association, which he chaired for three years until quite recently.

Colin served District 1090 as Extension officer and prided himself on the number of clubs formed during that period, including Eastcote, Heathrow Airport, Reading Maiden Erlegh and Haddenham. He was District Governor in 1989-1990 and was a regular at District events until this year.

Ever optimistic despite his failing health, uncomplaining and always ready with advice, he loved his Rotary and his club and those around it will miss him.

On the Lighter Side ...

www.rotary1090.org

And Finally .....

For Your Diary - July 2014 to June 2015

Thurs 4 Sept - District Council Meeting, Benson.

Sun, 14 Sept - Club Presidents’ Social, Oxford.

7-9 Nov - Rotary Institute, Berlin.

Wed 26 Nov - District Council Meeting, Oxford.

Sun 14 Dec - District Carol Service, Witney.

18-24 Jan - RI Assembly

Sun 8 Feb - Incoming Presidents Lunch, Calcot.

Sun 15 Feb - Paul Harris Fellows Lunch, Oxford.

20-22 Feb - RIBI Assembly, Birmingham.

6-8 March - District Conference, Telford.

10-12 April - RIBI Conference, Belfast.

Sat 9 May - District Assembly, Henley (T.b.c)

Please note that District Council meetings are open to all Rotarians but only the elected club representatives are entitled to vote. ALL clubs should be represented.

WELCOME to Rotary

The following new members have joined

Rotary clubs within District 1090.

Didcot - Axel Macdonald

Oxford Spires - Richie Gray

Aria Johnston

Pinner - Anoo Dudhia

Anthony Allen

Windsor & Eton - Natasha Phillips

We warmly welcome them into their clubs,

District 1090 and the wider world of Rotary.

May they enjoy the fellowship that Rotary offers

and the opportunity to help those in need both

locally and internationally.

Next Edition will be issued

on 22 November 2014.

Please send any copy or

articles for the next issue by

e-mail to reach me no later

than 10 November 2014.

ROTARY DISTRICT 1090

Editor ~

Eric Malam

Tel: 0118 978 7613

E-mail:

editor1090@malam.freeserve.co.uk

We are on the Web ~

www.district 1090.org

Is it a bird, is it male or female?

Take a closer look. It’s amazing what the eye can see but the brain misses!

Editor’s Comment

Thank you to all who sent items for this very full issue. The reports have been wide ranging but too many to include them all this time so some will be held over to the next issue. Please keep your news items coming in. All are considered and if you are unlucky this time then better luck next time.

Edior