As you read this newsletter we will be two months into the new Rotary year putting this year’s theme SERVICE ABOVE SELF into action.
As many of you know Margaret and I have been out and about visiting Clubs and enjoying the fellowship and hospitality extended to us by our fellow Rotarians. To those clubs and the Rotarians we have had the pleasure to meet since July 1st a very big thank you.
September is New Generations Month. Clubs are asked to work with District Chairs of Interact, Rotaract and Youth Exchange, to bring youth issues to the forefront. Additionally, recognising and celebrating outstanding club projects that benefit young people.
I am happy to report that on Sunday 14th August last, Margaret and the other District Governors’ partners completed the Mercy Ships Challenge
One Step Beyond. Margaret actually did more than 5K, due not so much to enthusiasm but more to a failure to count the laps accurately. To all the Rotarians who have, or are sponsoring her Fun Run, Margaret extends her grateful thanks.In order to finalise the financial side of things it would help enormously if clubs would forward any remaining contributions. The response from this District and throughout RIBI has been excellent and I will report on the total raised in due course.
The latest RIBI report on post disaster relief projects is posted on the District website at ‘Tsunami Links’ The comprehensive report is well worth reading but is too long and detailed to be effectively abridged in this newsletter.
District International Chairman DGN Roy Blacker will be reporting to Clubs on the human tragedy taking place in Niger, the response to which is now the subject of a joint appeal by the UK’s humanitarian agencies.
The Director of Adopt-A- Minefield UK Keith Kelly is visiting this District on the evening of the 1st December 2005 to speak to the RC Swansea St Mary. Keith is prepared to accept other speaking opportunities either at lunchtime on the 1st December or lunchtime and evening on the 2nd. Keith can be contacted on 020 79251600.
Also on the subject of Adopt-A-Minefield the District Secretary will be including a Leaflet with a fund raising suggestion for this charity in his mailing.
The idea of a Night of a Thousand Dinners, on or about the 3rd November 2005, could be a popular attraction for this time of the year.
I am happy to report that we have appointed a Team Leader for our January 2006 GSE visit to District 3190 in southern India. District GSE Officer Keith Moger will include details in his report.
Many of you will be aware that the Rotary Foundation Trustees have imposed a moratorium on Individual Grants but few will be aware of the consequences of this decision on our own Rotary Doctor Bank. It had been proposed to send eight Rotarian Doctors to Africa this year
the funding of which would have come from the Rotary Foundation.The cost of that part of the programme is £14.500 but without that money the programme cannot go ahead.I have asked the other 28 District Governors in RIBI for help and I would appeal to clubs in this District to dig deep, to do whatever they can to keep the programme alive during what we hope will be a short moratorium.
I have been contacted by David A Judge MBE IFSR International Commissioner seeking support for the World Scouting Centennial Jamboree due to take place in Chelmsford in 2007. Financial support is being sought to fund Scouts from third world countries who would otherwise be unable to attend the Jamboree. Cost per Scout about £1.500.
If you want more information contact me.
If you want to save money register before the end of August. Whatever you do, register for what is going to be the best District Conference ever (but I would say that wouldn’t I).
This year we are having a display of District Projects in the House of Friendship. Those clubs that have said they will participate should contact me A.S.A.P. in order that space can be reserved for them.
PDG Tudor Jones has been particularly active since July 1st unearthing the names and addresses of past District Alumni, not an easy task. The result of these explorations takes the form of an Alumni Reunion taking place at the Future Inns Hotel, Cardiff Bay, on Thursday 22nd September next. Tudor would like to hear from any past GSE Team Leader or Team Member who has not yet been in contact with him.
Rotary in South & West Wales is currently the popular choice but keep the ideas coming in .There is no rush to decide on a regional designation and a consensus agreement will be the aim before any decision is taken.
Yours in Rotary,
David Whiltshire
District 1150 Governor