As I write this Newsletter Margaret and I have now completed some 37 official club visits, half the total. Time has passed so quickly, but so enjoyably that the year will be over before we know it. To all the Rotarians and partners who have entertained us so well a huge thank you and our best wishes.
Whilst Margaret and I have been on our travels other members of the District Team have been hard at work ensuring that the real business of Rotary ( helping people less fortunate than ourselves) continues and, in fact, increases.
Without naming names I wish to thank everyone in the District Team for their efforts and dedication to our chosen vocational work in Rotary.
Talking of Vocation October is Vocation Month. It is this time of year clubs should conduct a community vocational survey to see where the needs in the community can best be addressed by the club’s in-house expertise, in the form of Vocational Service.
The incoming GSE Team from District 3190 in Bangalore, India, arrive in the District on Friday 30th September. Their programme is set and I thank Keith Moger D.GSE Officer, the Assistant Governors, Club Presidents and all the Rotarians of the District who have made the commitment to hosting the incoming Team.
Preparations for our outgoing Team are well advanced and I am sure that in the selection of Rtn. Phil Steele of the RC Cardiff Bay to lead the Team, the outgoing team is going to be one of the best prepared to represent District 1150. Interviews for team members will take place on the 24th September and such has been the interest a short list of eight had to be drawn up.
Planning for our District Conference at Torquay is in the final stages and I am indebted to the Conference Committee, led by PDG Don Carsley for their dedication to ensuring that the 2005 Conference will meet and exceed every expectation. I am delighted at the number of registrations received but if you have not yet registered it is not loo late to do so. However, you will need to contact the Conference Registrar Rtn. Steve Rogers by telephone on 029 20 259388.
I would like to write to every new Rotarian on their election to membership of our organisation. In order to do so would Club Secretaries, when informing me of new members, provide full postal information.
Since my last Newsletter the southern states in the USA have been devastated by Hurricane Katrina. The response of Rotarians, in this District ,to this calamity has been as positive as we have come to expect and as in all major natural disasters some confusion as to immediate disaster relief followed. These issues have now been resolved and DGN Roy Blacker our International Chairman will be happy to discuss options with Clubs who are currently considering their response .
Margaret and I are looking forward to meeting all our Rotary friends at Torquay. Please seek us out to say hello as our commitments to the programme may make it difficult for us to find you. Enjoy the weekend, enjoy Rotary and have fun.
Yours in Rotary,
David Wiltshire
District 1150 Governor