INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Water Survival Boxes 10 The Rocky Road to Rio 40 Mercy Ships 26 Step up to Serve 36 August/September 2015 www.rotarygbi.org ÂŁ2.95
The magazine of Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland
20 CHILDREACH
INTERNATIONAL
Helping the Children of Nepal
2 // ROTARY
www.rotarygbi.org
www.rotarygbi.org
ROTARY // 3
Talk from the top... ROTARY INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT 2015/16 I KR RAVINDRAN
e in Rotary aspire to great deeds. We admire those who gave great gifts to humanity: Abraham Lincoln, who gave the gift of human dignity to the downtrodden; Mother Teresa, who gave the gift of compassion to the forgotten; Mahatma Gandhi, who gave the gift of peaceful change to the oppressed. Their very lives became gifts to the world. We can be inspired by their example. We can be inspired to ask, how can I, in the life that I live – without neglecting the responsibilities that are so dear to me – how can I, too, become a gift to the world? As I considered my theme, I thought of the lessons I have learned through my Hindu faith. I thought especially of the story of Sudama. Sudama was a poor child and a bosom friend of Krishna, who was born in a royal lineage as an avatar – an incarnation of the divine. As the two boys grow up, they drift apart, and while Krishna becomes a military leader and king of great repute, Sudama remains a humble villager. The years go by and Sudama’s poverty deepens. Finally, he lacks even food to feed his children. His wife reminds him of his childhood friendship with Krishna: perhaps it is time to go to the mighty ruler for help. Reluctantly, Sudama agrees, but resolves that he will not go empty-handed. He gathers together a few handfuls of rice – all the food his family has left – and wraps them in KR Ravindran and his wife a piece of cloth as a gift for his friend. When Sudama enters the palace, he is overwhelmed by the grandeur and by Krishna’s gracious welcome. His meager gift, so carefully prepared, seems a humiliating reminder of his poverty. Krishna embraces Sudama, who hides the hand holding the rice behind his back. Krishna asks what he is holding. Far from being disdainful, Krishna accepts the rice with gratitude and consumes it with joy as the two sit and talk together. Hours pass, during which the pleasures of their rekindled friendship push all thoughts of his desperate plight from Sudama’s mind. When evening falls, Sudama sets out for home – and only then realises that he has neglected his task. He is returning with nothing, and Krishna has eaten his family’s last grains of rice. Sudama steels himself to return to his hungry children. But standing before his gate, as dawn begins to break, he sees that the hut he left yesterday has become a stately home, and waiting to greet him is his own family: well-dressed, and well-fed by the baskets of food that appeared in their kitchen as Krishna ate each grain of Sudama’s rice. Krishna understood what Sudama had brought him: everything he had to give. In return, Krishna gave him everything he needed. It is never the material value of a gift that matters – it is the love that comes with it. Just as Sudama’s gift to Krishna became a gift to Sudama, what we give through Rotary becomes a gift to us. And we all have a choice: whether to keep our gifts to ourselves or give them to others, and Be a Gift to the World. We have only one chance at our lives. And we will have only one chance at this new Rotary year. This is our time. Let us grasp it. Let us Be a Gift to the World.
•
KR RAVINDRAN
RI PRESIDENT
4 // ROTARY
www.rotarygbi.org
42
26
Rotary Ride 36
38 20
REGULARS
FROM THE TOP
04
RI President K.R. Ravindran and Rotary in Great Britain & Ireland President Peter Davey
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL 08
RI Director Peter Offer and RI Foundation Chairman Ray Klinginsmith
MEET & GREET
34
Up close, and personal with new Rotary Club member, Dr Nischal Pandey
MEMBERSHIP 44 ROTARY NEWS
50
The low down on what our members have been getting up to
CONNECTING COMMUNITIES 54
What’s inside
17
BIG INTERVIEWS
Childreach International Mercy Ships
20 26
ROTARY IN ACTION
The Tough Mudder Challenge Queen’s Award Technology Tournament Youth competitions Rotary Club of Solihull Step up to Serve Flat Spaces The Rocky Road to Rio Rotary Ride RHS Flowerbox
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
14 16 17 18 22 36 38 40 42 49
Water Survival Box 10 Polio update 12 Childreach International 20 Nepal 24 Mercy Ships 26 Global Outlook 29 Rotary Around the World 33
fyi
ROTARY ONLINE
Get in touch...
Look us up online at rotarygbi.org or follow us on Facebook /RotaryinGBI Twitter – @RotaryGBI Linkedin – Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland
Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland, Kinwarton Road, Alcester, Warwickshire B49 6PB t: 01789 765 411 Got a story for us? Send it in (with a good quality picture) to editor@rotarygbi.org Managing Editor: Allan Berry e: editor@rotarygbi.org PR Officer: e: pr@rotarygbi.org Designer: Martin Tandy e: martin.tandy@rotarygbi.org
Advertising: Media Shed (Agents for Rotary) Contact: Gareth Macfarlane t: 01354 818009 • e: garethm@media-shed.co.uk
Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editors or Rotary GBI. Every effort is made to ensure that the magazine’s contents are accurate. Information is published in good faith but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience arising from error or omission. Advertisements are accepted at face value and no liability can be accepted for the actions of advertisers. The editors welcome contributions of articles, news items, photographs and letters but are under no obligation to publish unsolicited material. The editors reserve the right to edit for clarity or length. Contributors must ensure that all material submitted is not in breach of copyright or that if such material is submitted they have obtained any necessary permission, in writing, for its reproduction. While every care will be taken with material submitted to Rotary magazine, no responsibility can be accepted for loss or damage.
www.rotarygbi.org
ROTARY // 5
What they say...
Adding value to Communities ROTARY PRESIDENT 2015/16 I PETER DAVEY
A
s I take over from Peter King as President of Rotary in Great Britain & Ireland I must congratulate him and his team for all they have done in the last year to move our great organisation forward. They have implemented plans to modernise our structure and our ways of working so that we can provide excellent support to clubs. The 2015/16 team will continue that work with vigour – it is a great honour to be given the opportunity and the challenge. Teams will focus on supporting the clubs as it is they that make a real difference for people in communities here and overseas. Rotary International President Ravi has asked us all to “Be a Gift to the World.” Someone gave us all a great gift when they asked us to join Rotary. Collectively we improve lives and we enjoy ourselves at the same time. What a powerful combination that is! Rotarians use their time and skills to run a wide variety of activities and events that provide enjoyment, information and funds for helping others. These events are important not just for the money they raise, they also add value to the fabric of our communities. The values of our organisation are special and remain relevant today however operational innovation and flexibility are key to ensuring future generations can experience the joy of being Rotarians. Surely the best gift that we can give as our legacy will be the continued strength of Rotary in the future. Helping people now and enjoying ourselves is one thing but making sure that the work continues after we step aside is important. I welcome the formation of new clubs but also believe that the best established clubs will be those with a mix of experienced and new members sharing ideas, experience and enthusiasm. Clubs can be so flexible now it has never been easier for people to contribute to Rotary in a way that suits them. Working with others we achieve more than working alone, it is good that we are forming partnerships and working 6 // ROTARY
The values of our organisation are special and remain relevant today.” relationships with other organisations and we will continue this development. Rotary started the drive to rid the world of polio and we have stuck at the task through many challenges and we are almost there. We cannot relax until the job is complete since if we don’t, there is the ever present risk that the disease will return; what a waste that would be. Through our own charity, The Rotary Foundation, we are able to get much more done for the money we raise for projects aimed at promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, saving mothers and children and growing local economies. The need for work in these crucial areas will not diminish in the foreseeable future. We are right to be proud of our past; the need for our work will not diminish. Let’s focus on the future and continue to “Be a Gift to the World.”
•
Serving up a new partnership A new future beckons for Rotary and WheelPower as an exciting partnership is formed. WheelPower has long been supported by Rotary, and this partnership sees both parties enjoying a closer working relationship aiming to help more disabled people in our communities to access and enjoy sport. Past President Peter King put pen to paper to confirm the partnership at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, where WheelPower is based. Peter said: “Together we will achieve great things for those who are disabled and disadvantaged and have fun in the process.” Martin McElhatton, Chief Executive for WheelPower, added: “Our relationship with Rotary has helped create a lasting legacy from the Paralympic Games for young and newly disabled people that we support. I am delighted that we are now able to formalise our relationship by becoming an official Rotary Partner.” The charity has historical roots with the Rotary Club of Aylesbury as Sir Ludwig Guttmann, WheelPower’s founder, was a member of the club. Whilst developing what has become the Paralympic Games, Guttmann gained support from the club to raise the money to build Stoke Mandeville Stadium during the 1960’s.
•
For more information visit: rotarygbi.org
Past President Peter King and Martin McElhatton, Chief Executive of WheelPower
www.rotarygbi.org
www.rotarygbi.org
ROTARY // 7
What they say... Working together RI DIRECTOR 2015-17 I PETER OFFER
A
s I write my first piece for Rotary as Rotary International Director I would like to give thanks to Mike and Alison Webb for representing us so well over the past two years. Mike played an important part on the Board of RI and also looked after the interests of Rotarians. I give personal thanks to them both as since I was voted into this position they have kept me informed on what is required of the job and what transpires every day in this position. Having just returned from Brazil where I attended the last Board meeting for the 2014/15, Director Mike officially handed over the mantel to me, after which it was time to enjoy the convention in São Paulo and then on to Chicago for my first Board meeting. While in São Paulo it was nice to meet up with Rotarians from Great Britain and Ireland. Under the chairmanship of our new President Ravi. K. Ravindran we are in for a great year moving forward to meet our future needs. Ravi is very conscious that every penny spent is Rotarians money and
is determined to keep costs down wherever possible. He also requires all Rotarians appointed to committee’s to fulfil their responsibility bearing in mind the cost. At the July Board meeting it was agreed to reinstate the position of Deputy General Secretary as the work load of the General Secretary, especially with the expansion of Rotary in the Far East and China, warranted more help. Another initiative from Rotary International is the Rotary Global Rewards Programme. This is a worldwide discount scheme and will give discounts to Rotarians covering things from travel to your favourite commodities. You can also add your own business to The Global Rewards Programme, free of charge. A special committee has been appointed to administer this with staff at Rotary HQ reviewing applications. Rotarians can log into their own account at ‘My Rotary’ to get full information. Ambassadors have been appointed worldwide to sign up companies who would like to participate.
In Great Britain and Ireland immediate past governors Mike Jackson and Nick Corke have been appointed. Not only will this reap discounts to Rotarians but also in some cases the companies participating have agreed donations to The Rotary Foundation. As we work together to face the challenges we have in the year, especially in membership, I am delighted that we have a great team of Rotary Co-ordinators who will work together with their assistants and Rotary committees to support you in your clubs and districts. We are heading towards our goal of a truly polio free world and we can be proud of the $1.8 billion that Rotary has raised to eradicate this terrible disease. Let us “BE A GIFT TO THE WORLD” as we continue this Rotary Year, bringing our membership up to meet the needs of the future, making sure that our clubs do have the numbers to meet the many challenges that the world throws our way every day in asking for so much help.
•
A longer look ahead RI FOUNDATION CHAIRMAN 2015/16 I RAY KLINGINSMITH
T
he Rotary Foundation has traditionally used a few annual goals to guide its planning for the next Rotary year. However, there is a more comprehensive plan in place for the current Rotary year. At their October 2014 meeting, the Trustees utilised the spirit of the Rotary International strategic plan by approving four priorities to stay in place for the next three years: 1. End polio, now and forever. 2. Strengthen Rotarians’ knowledge, engagement, and financial support of The Rotary Foundation. 8 // ROTARY
3. Increase the quality and impact of Rotary’s humanitarian service effort through Foundation grants and the six areas of focus. 4. Enhance the image and awareness of the Foundation’s record of achievements, particularly the success of PolioPlus and its 100-year record of doing good in the world. In addition to the agreed four priorities for the next three years, the Trustees also approved four measurable goals for each of the priorities. Therefore, we now have 16 measurable goals to guide our efforts. The goals can be changed each year as progress is made on achievement of the priorities, but for the current year our course is set – and
for the first time, it is measurable! I will be sharing some of the goals with you in future editions, but it is worth noting that the advent of measurable goals for the Foundation came at a propitious time. RI President K.R. Ravindran is a proponent of key performance indicators (KPIs) for the work of Rotarians in leadership positions, and the new measurable goals made it much easier to develop some KPIs for our regional Rotary Foundation coordinators and endowment/major gift advisers. The KPIs are still an experiment, and they will need refinement and development, but they are a step in the right direction as we try to take a longer look ahead each year!
•
www.rotarygbi.org
www.rotarygbi.org
ROTARY // 9
ROTARY IN ACTION
ALLAN BERRY
Water Survival Boxes
Packed by James and William A visit to a project delivering aid in a red box supported by Rotary members across the United Kingdom and Ireland reveals what they do, how they do it and why.
T
For more information go to: worldwaterworks.org 10 // ROTARY
ucked away in an industrial estate in the Somerset town of Midsomer Norton is a Rotary charity achieving some tremendous work in disaster areas across the world. Worldwaterworks Ltd, known as Water Survival Boxes, does a fantastic job getting their boxes into areas where life changing events have struck. The project is run by the Rotary Club of Chelwood Bridge and has been helping people all over the world since the summer of 2006. In that time they have despatched 10,400 boxes to all corners of the world. When disaster strikes and there is a requirement for safe water and basic supplies then Water Survival Boxes are quite often the answer. Working closely with Humanity First and other aid agencies a box can be delivered to the disaster area for a cost of just £150. Hugo Pike and Tony Quinn met me at their warehouse, which I noticed was piled high with red boxes waiting to be filled and pallets of materials ready to be unloaded by the shutter doors. It’s a project that they are really enthusiastic about - meeting a real need across the world. Their biggest priority at the time I met up with them was getting boxes to Nepal. An army of volunteers were arriving on the Saturday to pack the boxes with water filters, feeding and drinking utensils, health and hygiene aids such as tooth brushes, toothpaste and soap, shelter and survival tools such as nails, rope and a tarpaulin and general household items, scissors, candles and a wind up torch. The water filters (Aquafilter) are an essential
James and Williams packed box reaches the Philippines
piece of equipment packed as one unit can supply safe water for up to 5 years. Quite often schools are invited to help with the packing of the boxes. Hugo related the story of two curious and enterprising boys from Pensford Primary School, in Bristol: “James and William asked how the receiving family would know it was them who packed the box since it was destined for the Philippines on the other side of the world after hurricane Haiyan had hit. A Rotarian volunteer ripped a section of card from a box and wrote on it in capitals, ‘PACKED BY JAMES AND WILLIAM FROM PENSFORD SCHOOL’ placed it in the box and off it went. We had no knowledge of this little initiative until a few months later when a series of pictures reached us from the Philippines, including a picture of their card. We made enquiries and was able to show the photograph to the young men who had evidence that their work had paid off and been appreciated in a country across the far side of the globe.” www.rotarygbi.org
Contents of a Water Survival box
Most of the donations we receive come from Rotary Clubs and Rotarians, in fact over 90% of our income is from Rotary and the project has inspired many clubs to help.” Hugo told me, “Most of the donations we receive come from Rotary Clubs and Rotarians, in fact over 90% of our income is from Rotary and the project has inspired many clubs to help. We are now getting responses from Rotary Clubs in Europe, especially Scandinavia. All of our income goes on funding boxes and as each disaster or emergency strikes we pack and send as many boxes as we can from the arriving donations. Quite often the need outstrips the income but we do as much as we can. The Water Survival Box meets a very real need and if your home and belongings have all been lost in a disaster it can literally be a life saver.” They also hold regular fundraising events to pay for and fill boxes as Hugo explains, “We are due to try and break the world skydiving record this weekend as an www.rotarygbi.org
awareness and fund raiser for the boxes to help pay for more to go to Nepal” I followed this up as we went to press only to find that due to poor weather conditions each weekend after our meeting the Skydive 99 had been postponed. I must admit when coming away from Midsomer Norton how impressed I was with the dedication and enthusiasm of these Rotarians who work tirelessly presenting their cause to schools, local organisations and groups across the country to raise funds for their boxes. It is unfortunate we appear to have so many disasters that call on their services recently but one thing is for sure, if an event occurs in the world and Water Survival Boxes can meet a need, they will be there with their volunteers packing away to help people they do not know and will never meet anywhere in the world.
•
FACTFILE
WATER SURVIVAL BOX
he Water Survival Box is a • Trigid, reinforced 54 litre plastic container that becomes a receptacle for water when emptied of survival items
ncludes a filtration pack of • Ichlorine tablets – enough for family of four for some four months.
box is filled with items • Tthathe people who have lost everything would need to survive
ROTARY // 11
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
Polio update
Push for Pakistan and a polio free world Rotarians in Pakistan are doing all they can to eradicate polio. The journey is not easy, but we give an encouraging view of progress so far this year.
O
n July 24 2015 the world marked the milestone of a year without a case of wild polio in Nigeria. This is a significant achievement for the most populous country in Africa and the global program. While we applaud this milestone, we do so with the knowledge that Nigeria may now face the biggest challenge yet: sustaining focus on polio eradication in the absence of high case counts and visible reminders of crippled children. As with previous regions that have been certified free from polio, this will require the absence of wild poliovirus transmission for at least three consecutive years. Globally, the situation is very encouraging. In the first half of 2015 we have seen the lowest number of cases ever during this period, with just 33 cases in two countries (Pakistan and Afghanistan) as opposed to 122 cases in nine countries at this time in 2014. Global focus intensifies in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the two remaining countries where transmission of wild polio virus has never been stopped. As of mid-July, Pakistan and Afghanistan had confirmed a combined total of 33 cases. With 28 cases, Pakistan accounts for 85 percent of all wild polio transmission in the world. There is strong political commitment, given added impetus from a visit by the Rotary leadership, and in July the Prime Minister of Pakistan endorsed the National Emergency Action Plan. Pakistan is applying many of the best practices and lessons learned in overcoming obstacles in India and Nigeria. Rotarians in Pakistan conduct health camps and engage with community and religious leaders in high risk communities to build trust and confidence. Permanent Transit Posts, sponsored by Rotary, have been established to help reach the many children and families crossing the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Emergency Operations Centres being set up and established 12 // ROTARY
Polio vaccine being delivered in Pakistan
In the first half of 2015 we have seen just 33 cases of polio in two countries
in Nigeria played a pivotal role in stopping polio transmission as well as helping to quickly stamp out Nigeria’s Ebola outbreak and promises similar benefits for Pakistan. Here in Britain, we are working with the diaspora community to reinforce efforts back in Pakistan. As we work to eliminate polio in the few reservoirs where it remains, a major global effort is in progress to begin for the phased withdrawal of the oral polio vaccine. In 2015, most of the world’s countries are engaging with one of the most ambitious vaccine introductions in history -introducing at least one dose of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) into their routine immunisation systems to protect against the risk of outbreak. We truly stand upon the threshold
of a polio free world as Rotary marks the 30th anniversary of the PolioPlus program. What remains as the greatest challenge to achieving our goal of a polio free world? Insecurity? Funding? Competing priorities? Absolutely – every one of these. Perhaps most of all, the biggest threats are apathy and complacency. Rotary has been called the conscience of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, and with good reason given our long history of active, ardent engagement from within communities and all the way to the very highest levels of governments. With our continued push – through fundraising, awareness, advocacy, and hands-on support – we can address every last hurdle to cross the finish line in ending polio forever.
•
Judith Diment Rotary International Global Polio Advocate For more information visit: polioeradication.org, endpolio.org and gavi.org www.rotarygbi.org
www.rotarygbi.org
ROTARY // 13
ROTARY IN ACTION
The Tough Mudder challenge
Getting down and dirty for a good cause They say it was fun, although that could be debated, but by taking on a muddy challenge, five city professionals helped young disabled children.
I
f you sit at a desk in the city for 10 hours a day, some time in the country can be a very welcome change to the daily grind, commuting to work on the London underground and stuck in an office. However, instead of choosing to spend their time in the country relaxing, five young men undertook a hard obstacle course in order to raise awareness and funds for a chosen charity. The team of five, who called themselves the Mud Men, were supported by the Rotary Club of Ruislip Northwood as they took up their challenge. Their chosen charity was Grangewood School in Eastcote, which provides a wide range of education and activities to enrich the lives and assist the development of boys and girls aged 3 – 11 with physical and learning disabilities, many of whom live locally. The funds raised will enable the school to pay for specialist play equipment for the children and will also go towards the purchase of a new mini bus to enable the children to continue their learning and development through educational visits. The Tough Mudder challenge is a gruelling 12-mile endurance run with obstacles designed by British Special Forces, which play on the typical human fears of fire, water, electricity and heights at Cudden Faw in Berkshire. The team consisted of Rupert Barton, Ashish Patel, Rajiv Pabari, Vishal Maru and Vijay Chauhan. Rupert Barton, a Relationship Manger for a US investment company working in the heart of the city, related his reasons for taking on the challenge and commented, “I’ve taken the challenge before, but it was great to be doing it this time working as a team and taking on the course for a good cause.” The team aspect was emphasized by Rupert saying, “some of the team were not as fit as perhaps they could be and had not done the course before but there was a good team spirit. We helped each other along ensuring we left no member lagging behind.” 14 // ROTARY
Four of the five guys taking part in the Tough Mudder challenge
An inspiring action by these five city professionals supporting a very worthy cause for which we thank them most sincerely.” The Mud Men Team’s original objective was to raise £1,000 however they smashed that target to reach an amazing £9,000. Nayan Patel, President of the Rotary Club of Ruislip Northwood congratulated the lads on their achievement and added, “They have successfully completed the Tough Mudder challenge and raised a substantial sum by taking the initiative needed to help make a difference to the lives of children in need. An inspiring action by these five guys supporting a very worthy cause for which we thank them most sincerely.”
•
FACTFILE
TOUGH MUDDER
Tough Mudder is an • endurance event series in
which participants attempt 10–12-mile-long military-style obstacle courses
The obstacles often play on • common human fears, such as fire, water, electricity and heights
The main principle of the • Tough Mudder revolves around teamwork
THE GUYS RAISED AN AMAZING
£9,000
To find out more about the Rotary Club of Ruislip Northwood go to: rotary.org/clubs and look up Ruislip Northwood www.rotarygbi.org
www.rotarygbi.org
ROTARY // 15
ROTARY IN ACTION
Queen’s Award
Community Service honoured by the Queen Two Rotary Clubs are celebrating after receiving The Queen’s Award for voluntary service, which is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK.
S
et up in 2002 to celebrate the anniversary of the Queen’s coronation, the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service recognises and rewards the excellence of voluntary groups in the community. The awards symbolise the ethos of Rotary and this year two clubs have been honoured for their outstanding achievements, which include improving the quality of life for many individuals and selflessly giving up their time within their community. The Rotary Club of Elgin, based in Moray, was chosen as a recipient of the award due to its ambitious, innovative and successful programme of activities for local and international initiatives. Funds raised support and encouraged many other voluntary organisations in delivering essential services. The club also supports international causes and most recently has helped with relief efforts after the tragic earthquake struck in Nepal. Lawrence Fraser, Rotary Club of Elgin President, said: “This prestigious UK award recognises the wide range of projects that our Rotary Club has delivered over many years both locally and internationally. The Rotary motto is ‘Service above self ’ and we continually strive to serve our community in that way. Marafun, which takes place over a weekend in June sees many diverse organisations coming together, with every corner of Moray benefiting from the funds raised.” Meanwhile, in Hampshire, the Solent Dolphin Trust made waves after receiving the prestigious accolade. Set up by the Rotary Club of the New Forest, the charity aims to give people with disabilities the opportunity to go out to sea on their boat and has helped over 1,000 people since it began. The Charity’s President, Alan Blair MBE, commented: “Many local people have devoted great energy and goodwill to this project and the reward has been to see the 16 // ROTARY
Taking part in the Marafun
service grow beyond anything we could have imagined.” The boat is crewed and maintained by over 100 qualified and trained volunteers including 19 fully trained skippers who undergo annual refresher training to ensure safe operation of the boat. The Queen’s Award coincides with the charity’s 25th anniversary, which is financially self-supported through generous donations from many local organisations and benefactors, and it is envisaged that it will continue to provide this service for another 25 years. The clubs are two of 187 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. The number of awards handed out to groups has increased by over 60% from 2014, due to an increase in high quality applications, showing that the voluntary sector is thriving and full of innovative ideas to tackle community challenges. All of the winners were invited to attend a garden party where they received their awards and had the opportunity to meet the Queen.
•
This prestigious UK award recognises the wide range of projects that our Rotary Club has delivered over many years.”
FACTFILE
QUEENS AWARD
he Queen’s Award for • TVoluntary Service is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK
inning groups receive a • Wcertificate signed by The
Queen and a commemorative piece of crystal for display at the group’s main place of operation
www.rotarygbi.org
ROTARY IN ACTION
Technology Tournament
Crossing the river with ShelterBox Technology Tournaments are one of many programmes involving young people run by Rotary Great Britain and Ireland. We went along to the Gloucester tournament to see what it is all about.
R
otary in Great Britain and Ireland has been holding Technology Tournaments up and down the country for the past few years. In July, a tournament was held at the University of Gloucestershire Oxstalls Campus, which was attended by 12 schools within the county and 80 pupils. The Technology Tournaments are accredited by the British Science Association to the CREST Discovery Awards, Britain’s largest and most widely recognised national award scheme for project work in the STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths). The British Science Association, a charity, which advances understanding, accessibility and accountability of the sciences and engineering, coordinates it. Rotary@Kingsholm organised the day with 20 teams of four competing to take a ShelterBox weighing 67kgms over a make shift river on a suspended cable. The teams were provided with basic materials and challenged to design, plan and build the system within a set period of time. A panel of judges drawn from local industry and education oversaw all teams. After a few hours of design and planning, the teams then had to build the model of their plan to ensure it worked and that is where the moment of truth was reached. Getting the balance of the weight www.rotarygbi.org
ADVERT Pupils taking part in the Technology Tournament
Seeing all our hard work come to fruition is a reward in itself, especially seeing all the youngsters working away in their teams.” and system of pulleys and wheels right to propel the ShelterBox across the river proved more of a challenge than expected. However, all made the crossing with some needing a bit of a prod and other adjustments along the way. The panel of judges had a challenge themselves to choose a final winner and eventually chose a team from Sir Thomas Rich’s School in Gloucester who received a trophy for their ingenuity and hard work. The lead judge commented, “The standard was very high and choosing a winner was not easy but the winning team came through in the end with a simple and effective design that worked well and crossed the river in their first effort. All of the teams must be commended for their hard work and we wish them well in their chosen
career paths.” Rotary@Kingsholm member Stuart Atkinson who organised the whole day with the help of club members said, “Seeing all our hard work come to fruition is a reward in itself, especially seeing all the youngsters working away in their teams, with the concentration and energy being expended on this project. We hope the day gives them all a feel of how rewarding work in design and engineering can be.” Technology Tournaments are just one element of the youth competitions and programmes run across the UK and Ireland by Rotary.
•
If you would like to find out more visit: rotarygbi.org ROTARY // 17
Youth Competitions 2015 Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland is dedicated to supporting young people reach their full potential. We feature three of the many competitions that helps to develop their skills and talents.
W
e have already featured some competitions in a previous edition and here we report on the conclusion of a few more, photography, writing, and football tournaments. Our youth competitions aim to develop young people ready for the future, and by taking part they can practice their chosen skills.
Hette Stainer sponsored by The Rotary Club of Folkestone Channel was the winner of the Senior category with ‘Jess the Angel’.
Young Photographer
Budding photographers captured their favourite moments and places, and showcased their creative talents for this year’s Young Photographer competition. Sponsored by their local Rotary Club, thousands of young people across Great Britain and Ireland took part by submitting photographs on the theme ‘Light up the Community’. The range of entries showed each individual’s unique take based on the theme, with photographs of community events, families and depictions of voluntary work. In the final, the judges looked at 50 shortlisted entries and assessed each photograph on clarity, image, interpretation and technical application. Peter King, President of Rotary in 2014/15, commented: “To be able to capture a moment and tell a story in a picture is a real skill. We received some fantastic photographs and the judges had a really tough time picking a winner. The three winning entries really stood out and I’d like to congratulate them on their award.” 18 // ROTARY
Thomas Snowdon sponsored by the Rotary Club of Stokesley with his image entitled Infinity. Thomas was the winner of the Intermediate category.
Charlotte Stothard was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Wearside and Seaham winner of the Junior category.
www.rotarygbi.org
dwen Cerri den r e n Heb r win Junio presenting re lub: Gray ary C t o R e yday Bridg ol ever dn’t o h c s me to woul “I’d co avenous; I , I’d sit te er and b o concentra those t e l a b o t t ll be a listen lking abou d n a a e t e r ther e who w hed on people y had watc at the e he what t night or don ach was t o s t s m TV la d my mptiness.” n a d n e weeke ed up with h c scrun
Young Writer
Young authors from across the UK and Ireland took pen to paper to compete in the annual Young Writer competition. Thousands took part by writing a short prose entitled ‘Light Up The Community’, encouraging them to explore a project happening in their local area. The competition consisted of three categories including junior, intermediate and senior and was open to children aged seven to seventeen. Entrants competed in local and district heats before reaching the final in which there were 56 submissions. The full entries can be seen on Rotary’s website at www.rotarygbi.org. But we have given you some extracts of the high standards received above.
Football tournament
Under-12s had a kick about with a difference thanks to Rotary’s Inter District Football Tournament, that saw 130 young footballers compete in five a side competition. Teams gathered at St George’s Park National Football Centre in Burton-uponTrent, where all England teams stay and train for international matches. www.rotarygbi.org
egan ner M nley n i w e a ediat ing St Interm represent urham: D on Newt Club in Co ugh, y r eg tho b Rota ’t n d i or man d dangerous, I s i h T “ s k n’t loo fact. A he did sty for that omething s a even n t him, I saw ght, it i a r looked eyes were b oped, s h i else. H ious that he re a few v pa was ob , for me to s ave of w d pleade nything. A .” a – m s r e e coin hed ov s a w t guil
The idea for the tournament came from the Rotary Club of Burton-upon-Trent, and run the Tournament on behalf of the Rotary Clubs in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire who support it by meeting the costs that are not covered by the entry fee. Clubs across Rotary ran their own mini tournaments and winners went forward to represent districts in the finals. The winners are presented with the Burton upon Trent Rotary Cup. The teams were placed into two groups with the top two teams in each group going into the semi finals. The four teams this year were Moss Bank Greens sponsored by Bolton le Moors Rotary Club, Haunchwood sponsored by Nuneaton Rotary Club, Abbeymead Rovers sponsored by Royal Wootton Bassett Rotary Club and last year’s winners Potters Bar and Villages sponsored by Brookmans Park Rotary Club. The finalists were Moss Bank Greens and Potters Bar Villages with Moss Bank Greens beating Potters Bar 2–0.
•
ne Luan r e n n r wi nting Senio n represe West to b, Thorn otary Clu R d Ellan re: hi tly k r Yo s d quie n a t a to wo s “The t as they tried g i d sn listene end the clo amme h e gr compr s to the pro an t n e o m lm st the mo rted a a t iz; s h c ruck L bout her whi t s t I . a go hour a was talking or her n g a in f wom of car r own mum e c n e i exper who like he r, mothe eimer’s.’’ lzh had A
FACTFILE
YOUTH COMPETITIONS
housands of youngsters • Ttake part every year in our
youth competitions which in most cases take the form of regional heats followed by a national final. The majority are categorised into junior, intermediate and advanced age groups.
otary competitions available: • RYoung Chef Youth Speaks Young Musician Young Photographer Young Writer Technology Tournament Young Citizen Awards Football Tournaments
Contact your local Rotary club for more information
ROTARY // 19
WHAT THEY SAY
The Big Interview
ALLAN BERRY
There are many organisations reaching out to educate children in the developing countries and trying to make a difference, but Childreach International embraces young people, helping their peer group. We met up with them in their London head office to find out why.
Educating out of poverty
T
For more information on Childreach International go to: childreach.org.uk or facebook.com/ childreachinternational 20 // ROTARY
ucked away in a secluded courtyard just off busy Holborn in London are the offices of Childreach International. An organisation that says, “We work in genuine partnership with local communities in the developing world to secure children’s most basic rights. We help children learn in a good school, stay healthy and most importantly, keep safe.” I went along to talk with its CEO Firoz Patel and its Head of Communications Tom Law. After the introductions I was ushered into a room to review a film titled ‘Sold’. The film will be shown in the UK in January 2016 and was about a child from Nepal. I was riveted for over 80 minutes as the film demonstrated child slavery in Nepal and India. It answered many of my questions I came with but raised even more so I sat down with Feroz and Tom to hear about their work. Feroz started Childreach International when he was at university in 2006 studying International Development and NGO Management. He explained, “I was discussing sustainable development with like minded students and we were asked what it meant to us and concluded it was about future generations. We thought that if you can give access to education for young people to enable them to learn to read and write you are 90% of the way there. They can then demand their own rights.” I asked Feroz what sets his organisation apart from all the others, the set up was pretty impressive with banks of telephones manned by young people. He replied, “We started to work with young people up and
down the country and as a result we now have students from over 50 universities working with us. Our funds come from thousands of students who go out and shake buckets but they also do these life changing events called Challenge Events where they walk up Kilimanjaro, walk the Great Wall of China or even the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.” Feroz mentioned that they have had between six and seven thousand student volunteers working with them over the years. As Feroz says, “What blows me away is the comments on feedback forms when students go and visit the projects they raised money for. They often comment, ‘this has been a life changing experience for me’ they also meet the country director and can see exactly where all the money they have raised goes. One thing I was taught was that in an organisation like this we need to have transparency and accountability. If we have www.rotarygbi.org
Children from the Nepal earthquake
They often comment, ‘this has been a life changing experience for me’ they also meet the country director and can see exactly where all the money they have raised goes.”
the right cause and follow those principles the money follows.” The charity has programmes in several countries including the UK and at the forefront of their attention right now is Nepal. Tom told me of a recent event where a coach load of students from Northampton University came down to London, stayed overnight in a youth hostel and collected money from 6am until late in the evening for Nepal at 10 Underground stations raising over £3,000. I was later privileged to speak to the Nepal country director and get a first hand account of the situation and their response. Both Feroz and Tom would keep diverting to Nepal and since the film I viewed earlier was about child trafficking in Nepal the subject was relevant. However they did wish to emphasise that the organisation’s focus was on child education. Feroz told me, “We have an ongoing programme to raise £250,000 to build schools in Sindupalchowk, a district north east of Katmandu which, was the epicenter of the earthquake. We want to get www.rotarygbi.org
children back into school where they will be safe ting so we are building in crea Its work s has meant n temporary schools farm school 12,000 childre er for immediate use.” that ov longer hungry are no g school The Rotary Club of durin Walton on Thames along with their twin club Hiedelberg - Schloss and a partner club in Nepal are raising £42,000 to help with the programme, which they name, ‘Taught not Trafficked.’ Both Feroz and Tom wanted to really impress on me that Childreach International will be in Nepal continuing their work when all the other aid agencies have left the programme in that country. I must admit to finding these guys really inspiring and my time with them overran by almost an hour and even then I had so many more questions to ask. One thing I believe they are truly right about is that the key to eradicating child trafficking is through education and I wish them the best of luck in their fight to achieve that.
•
FACTFILE
CHILDREACH INTERNATIONAL
62,200 children • to It hasgo toenabled school the earthquakes in Nepal • it Since has been getting relief to remote areas and keeping children safe
Over 6,900 children have • learnt how to stop preventable diseases before they happen
Its work is underpinned by • the principles of the UN
Convention on the Rights of the Child
ROTARY // 21
ROTARY IN ACTION
Rotary Club of Solihull
Orbiting their mother club They are different, youthful, enlightened and are a new way of ‘doing’ Rotary. Satellite Rotary Clubs are springing up across the country and are attracting young business people who have an interest in volunteering, giving something back and networking with new friends.
W
e went along to Solihull Rotary Satellite Group to see first hand how they tick and before the meeting I met their chairman Phil Priest who oozes enthusiasm and explained how the club came about. Phil was also joined by the present President of Solihull Club, Monika Badham. The group started as a spin off from a networking club, which was thought to be too formal and structured. As we talked we learnt that the group had, with the support of their mother club, undergone a very fast learning curve to reach the position they are now in, with prospective members trying them out over time. Phil explained that 120 people had visited the club over two years but a core of 13 members remained. Combinations of Monday morning meetings and evening meetings were tried until they reached the present formula of meeting on Monday evenings bi-weekly. Their success seems to lie in their flexibility and the repeated phrase ‘we have no rules’, however there is a structure to their meetings, something that Phil brought in as chairman. They were right about the rules though, no formalities whatsoever sitting around a large table and the only action anywhere near set pieces was that we each introduced ourselves quite briefly. We found it interesting the mix of people from all walks of business. As we were in Solihull it would be expected to have personnel from
22 // ROTARY
We have no rules, however there is a structure to our meetings, something I introduced a little time ago.”
Jaguar Land Rover but there were systems analysts, web designers and even a large yacht manufacturer. During the meeting, which usually lasts no longer than an hour, a speaker from the mother club was introduced. He was a doctor and he informed the group of his work in India amongst orphan children and of the three centres he helped to set up, manage and fund on an ongoing basis. Those that wanted to remained behind for a meal in the hotel restaurant where discussion and banter was lively. During our discussions and in the meeting Phil repeated what the group was for, “business, relationships and charity”, which really epitomizes the ethos of Rotary
succinctly. The largest project they have ongoing is a banger car rally across Europe with no car costing more than £350. For the petrol heads amongst us it sounded really exciting. It will be a success since this group have travelled a long way since inception and they have no intention of coming off the road any time soon. The Rotary Club of Solhiull Satellite Group can be found at 1060.org.uk/ solihull-satellite and meetup.com/ business-professionals-rotary. They meet at The Ramada Hotel, The Square, Solihull, B91 3RF every second Monday at 18:30.
•
www.rotarygbi.org
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
ALLAN BERRY
Childreach International
Aid delivered fast Whilst talking with Feroz Patel and Tom Law of Childreach International, one country and one man’s name kept coming up. It was Nepal and Dr Tshering Lama. I decided I needed to speak with him about his work, his country and the recent disaster that happened there.
T
shering is hard to track down, since after the earthquake he is here there and everywhere, but I wanted to talk with him about the event and how it has affected his country. Before the disaster struck Childreach International had great plans for Nepal to get children into school and they had just signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the government to build 100 semi-permanent classrooms. All that is now on hold as the big clear up continues after the earthquake. Tshering is the country director for Childreach International and took up his post earlier this year after a distinguished academic career. I started by asking about the earthquake. He informed me, “it was very much a race against time to respond to the disaster, we knew there was going to be an event and it happened over four hours with 1,500 after shocks. Our first priority was to make sure all our loved ones were safe, then after that we needed to check the outlying towns and villages. We used young people with motorcycles who could get out to the remote villages. They travelled over rough roads and in places where there were no roads at all. If we had used vehicles we would have had to abandon them and walk the rest of the way. The journeys took between five and six hours – they would leave early in the morning and sometimes wouldn’t arrive back until four the following morning. It should be borne in mind that there was no communications whatsoever so we had no idea of what we might find. People were running out of food and medication. In some instances we were very humbled, we came across a family who were making lunch with the little food they had left, barely enough for themselves but they asked us to join them for the meal. Our biggest thing was to give hope, get a rapid need assessment and meet the urgent requirement of the people we met. There was this moving human determination to help. We would take food including rice, lentils, biscuits, and soap – all of the essentials. One man remarked that 24 // ROTARY
Aid Workers on Bikes Help give Rapid Response
we brought him rice but it was no good without anything in which to cook it. We also went out and bought tents, tarpaulins and equipment to build shelters.” I did ask about the children who had been orphaned and Tshering told me, “It is important that those children are educated and get back to school. This limits the traffickers’ access to them, especially to young girls. Health centres are being built next to the schools and health camps to inform the children of first aid and safe sex.” During the interview we touched on many aspects of Tshering’s work with initiatives like ‘My School, My Voice’, ‘One World Football’ and ‘Taught not Trafficked’ which is being helped by the Rotary Club of Walton on Thames. This is a nation in turmoil but it is being helped back to some normality by aid agencies from all over the world. The acts of help and, at times, the bravery of aid workers is outstanding. Help is very much needed now and in the long term. l
Dr Tschering Lama (Second from right and colleagues.
For more information visit: childreach.org.uk www.rotarygbi.org
www.rotarygbi.org
ROTARY // 25
WHAT THEY SAY
The Big Interview
Smiles all round courtesy of Mercy Ships Mercy Ships has been around sine 1978 when the founder purchased the first ship Anastasis. In 2007 Africa Mercy followed and is one of four ships operated by the charity worldwide. Africa Mercy is due to return to Madagascar shortly bringing with it the hope of free surgical procedures to some of the world’s most impoverished people.
R
otary Clubs across the world, but especially in Great Britain and Ireland, help fund Mercy Ships. Indeed over recent years over 600 clubs have made generous donations and almost 500 clubs helped fund the international lounge on Africa Mercy such that it is named after Rotary. To highlight the work of Mercy Ships we thought two cases would be an excellent way of showcasing their work.
Barbara’s Story
For more information visit: mercyships.org.uk 26 // ROTARY
Babies born with deformities in West Africa start life as victims of the superstition that abnormalities are signs of a curse. When Barbara was born with a cleft lip that extended up into her nasal cavity, her father pronounced that she was a “demon child.” He ordered his wife to take the tiny infant into the bush and leave her for dead. Barbara’s mother, Aminata, refused to abandon her child. At eight months old, Barbara’s weight was drastically low because her cleft lip prevented her from getting the nutrition she so desperately needed. To make matters worse, she had contracted tuberculosis. Lack of financial support since the abandonment by the baby’s father was another serious obstacle. One day Aminata met a woman who told her Barbara was not a “demon child.” Mercy Ships would arrive in Sierra Leone in just a few weeks and volunteer surgeons onboard the Africa Mercy could fix the baby’s lip – for free! Desperately clinging to this fragment of hope, Aminata took Barbara to a Mercy Ships medical screening. Aminata
Africa Mercy sails to help more people in need
was delighted when Barbara was accepted for cleft surgery onboard the Africa Mercy. However, because the baby was below the acceptable weight for surgery, she was placed on the Infant Feeding Program. Her weight gain was intermittent and it was beginning to look like Barbara was not going to be able to have her surgery. The doctors suspected she might have a cardiac problem too, which would also interfere with plans for her surgery. At the end of three months, Barbara was cleared for surgery. The volunteer surgeons repaired the baby’s cleft lip and palate, as well as the centerline of her nose. She was returned to intensive care where nurses monitored her recovery. A nurse said, “Barbara is a miracle baby, she’s had a rough time but she’s made it. She’ll bring her mom a lot of joy.” Aminata’s love and sacrificial care for Barbara was rewarded she had a strong will to survive. Barbara blesses her family with a future of beautiful smiles. www.rotarygbi.org
Oceane’s journey Oceane had an encephalocele - a rare neural tube defect characterised by sac-like protrusions of neural tissue through openings in the skull. It allows cerebrospinal fluid to escape from the brain and collect in the ballooning skin on the back of her neck, forming a “second head.” Oceane’s mother, Philomen, had brought her baby to a Mercy Ships medical screening day. Upon evaluation, surgeons planned on removing the mass and placing a small tube in her brain. The tube would drain excessive fluid from her head into her abdomen. However, the earliest surgical opening was several months away. During the months waiting for surgery, Philomen faced challenges. As the bulge continued to swell, simple things, like bathing Oceane, began to scare Philomen. “When I gave her a bath, I never washed her head. I was scared the tumor would explode, and the baby would die.” Philomen never lost hope that Oceane could be helped. On the due date she brought the child to the Africa Mercy. High hopes and expectations could be seen in Philomen’s eyes. Oceane was wearing a hospital ID band and sleeping on an Africa Mercy bed. This www.rotarygbi.org
was the moment she had dreamed about for months. Finally, the medical team decided Oceane would receive surgery and her big day was scheduled. After the procedure a nurse walked into the ward holding a small baby with a white turban of bandages, it was Oceane, the mass was completely gone. Philomen went to her and when she realised the mass was gone, she was speechless. For 15 minutes, she stared at her daughter, oscillating between contented smiles and joyful tears. For the first time, Philomen could see the back of Oceane’s neck. Proudly, she tied Oceane to her back like other African mothers and walked up and down the hospital corridor. Three weeks after surgery, Oceane came to the Africa Mercy for her final post-op appointment. Smiling and laughing as she held Oceane in one arm, Philomen greeted the staff with enthusiasm, She handed Oceane to a nurse and she stared into her eyes and reached out her small hand to grab her hair. All the nurses could think was, “God has done a miracle.” Mercy Ships continue to work miracles whenever they make port and their work will continue in Madagascar later in the year. Let’s
leave the last word to a mother whose child was helped by Mercy Ships, “It has taken a long time to find a solution. I walked around to many hospitals to find help. I am very, very happy. Mercy Ships is a very good place. They take care and encourage you. Nothing bad about that.”
•
FACTFILE
MERCY SHIPS
ur ships are state-of-the-art • Ofacilities that offer clean water, reliable electricity and care centers
ecause over 50% of the • Bpopulation lives within 100
miles of the coast, we’re able to sail a modern hospital ship with a crew of 450 volunteers directly to people who lack access to first-rate medical care
ealthcare workers in the • Hdeveloping world often lack
the medicine, equipment and tools necessary to deliver basic care
ROTARY // 27
28 // ROTARY
www.rotarygbi.org
www.rotarygbi.org
ROTARY // 29
Jeremy Gillie, Founder of Peace One Day
30 // ROTARY
www.rotarygbi.org
www.rotarygbi.org
ROTARY // 31
Jeremy Gillie, Founder of Peace One Day
32 // ROTARY
www.rotarygbi.org
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
Rotary Around the World
Rotary around the world We bring news of Rotary happenings around the world in this regular feature.
Malta: Rotary Club hosts the PM Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, in a speech to Rotary Club members, congratulated the club on its continued service to the community, particularly in its support of Dar il-Kaptan, a respite home for disabled and the building of the first school on an island in Lake Victoria, Uganda. His upbeat speech highlighted the booming local economy, which is the fastest growing Nation, along side Ireland, in the EU. The Prime Minister mentioned some major projects his government is planning, which he said would improve the health, quality and diversity of life in Malta, to ensure growth and help identify Malta as a ‘good country’. Dr Muscat took time to answer a number of questions put forward from members, including how the country will be dealing with the migration issue, the environment and education. l
Canada: Politicians share their ‘big ideas’ for Etobicoke at Rotary forum The Rotary Etobicoke Forum held at the Crooked Cue gave Etobicoke politicians the chance to talk about the needs in the community and how they’d meet them. “We have over $250,000 to spend after Toronto Ribfest, the annual festival, which takes place each year. Said Rotary Etobicoke past president Hugh Williams. “The forum was to help identify areas of need and high interest.” A suggestion offered was to start an art project to transform the “brutally ugly bridge” at Rathburn Road and Hwy. 427 to serve as an example of co-operation between the east and the west and to encourage and promote positive engagement of the two sides. “It’s not a lot of money, but it’ll involve getting people to work together,” he said. l
USA :Rotary Club’s Independence Day celebration draws crowds for a cause Food vendors parked their trucks, a band was onstage, and the first few attendees unfolded their lawn chairs on the grassy field at Abington Heights Middle School. Within a few hours, the field was packed with people enjoying the annual Rotary Club of the Abingtons Independence Day celebration. The event drew about 10,000 people, member Gus Vlassis, Ph.D., said. “They came from all over the Abingtons, as well as Dalton, Factoryville, Scranton and Tunkhannock.” Rotary Club members have offered the celebration annually for 25 years. Aside from Taste of the Abingtons, it has become their most important fundraising event. Much of the money raised goes to projects in developing countries. Recently, the local club paid to drill a well for a Kenyan community. l
Grand Cayman Islands: Rotary to continue Meals on Wheels The Rotary Club of Grand Cayman handed over $30,000 to Meals on Wheels, the charity that delivers meals to senior citizens in need on the island. The Meals on Wheels program started in 1997 when the president of the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman witnessed the Meals on Wheels program in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, which had benefited his parents and many others. The Rotary Club of Grand Cayman has established many community projects and maintained close support and control over them until someone else in the community could take them over and be self-sufficient. Rotarians have committed to continue supporting Meals on Wheels, which now delivers meals to some 170 seniors, in any way they can. l
USA :Trio of women elected to lead local Rotary Clubs Three women will lead branches of the Rotary Club in Chattanooga for the first time in local history. The trio of women has held leadership positions in their communities and vocations, and Rotary is excited to have them as leaders. Rowena Belcher will be inaugurated as president of the 100-year old Chattanooga Rotary Club. She has been active for years in the community leading the club’s support of Habitat for Humanity. Gina Chambliss, senior vice president at First Bank, was elected president of the Hamilton Place Club, and Mary Beth Sutton will lead the Chattanooga Breakfast Club, formerly known as the North River Rotary Club. Sutton also serves as executive director of the Caribbean Environmental Student Alliance. l
India: In Kolkata, Piyali’s change agent is more than a school Set up ten years ago by Deepa Wellington, the Piyali Learning Centre (PLC) has become a change agent in the South 24-Parganas’ village once synonymous with girl trafficking. Sweta Patra, a Montessori-trained teacher who joined in 2009, says, “The girls are taught skills such as hygiene and education”. Soon after the morning prayers, the girls have breakfast where milk is a must. Lunch comprises of rice, dal and vegetable curry. Their “dida” (grand mom) visits twice a year. During her stay, Deepa tries her best to keep track of the dropouts and update the school enrichment programmes. “We also try to make them aware of the dangers that may face them in terms of sexual abuse,” she says. l
www.rotarygbi.org
ROTARY // 33
INTERVIEW
ALLAN BERRY
Meet & Greet
Up close and personal with our newest Rotary Club members FACT FILE
Dr Nischal Pandey joined Rotary, in 2013 having been a member and President of a Rotaract Club in India. Nischal has a long association with Rotary and relates to us his experiences. NAME: Dr Nischal Pandey AGE: 35 ROTARY CLUB: eClub District 3170
I
came to the city of New Delhi for the first time as a teenager from a remote village to continue my studies. I was of a shy nature but good academically and when an Interact Club was introduced to our school I was chosen as President. This helped to take my shyness away, working with our sponsor Rotary Club on many activities including polio vaccination. We had an affectionate Rotary Board that made us feel like a family. During that time I met the Group Study Exchange (GSE) Team and I remain friendly with one of the team members who is a senior Rotarian in Brazil. I remember having a strong affection for the gold Rotary wheel and used to stick them to my school files. The turning point for me was when I was awarded a Scholarship by Rotary for my medical studies and that day I promised myself that I must return this wonderful gesture from Rotary by joining and serving the needy, and helping those who are not so fortunate in society. I became an active Rotaractor and finally joined the Rotary eClub of District 3170 in North West India, some time ago. Looking back on interesting projects I recall the Polio National Immunisation Days when we started at six and finished at seven continuously immunising children in slum areas. I was the only Rotaractor on the India National Polio Plus Committee and led my teams to the high resistant areas. My other project came in my first job introducing the ‘Gift of Life’ programme operating on children from under privileged communities with congenital heart defects. We have performed over 3,000 operations. I have also adopted my own village school for a Literacy Project, upgrading the facilities, aided by Australian Rotarians. The most memorable moments in Rotary for me is receiving my Paul Harris Fellowship and 34 // ROTARY
“The turning point for me was when I was awarded a Scholarship by Rotary for my medical studies and that day I promised myself that I must return this wonderful gesture.
being recognised universally for the medical relief work in Uttrakhand state, hit by a natural disaster and around 2,000 people died. I also received an Avenues of Service Citation from Rotary International President in 2014. Rotary is now part of my life and my extended family where, as global citizens, we have friends all over the world. It’s just great when I travel and meet fellow Rotarians since I never feel like a stranger. My future in Rotary will be focusing on education, health and vocational service and I am proud to report that I am already on track in making a difference. I want to spread smiles on the faces of kids who suffer from heart problems who could die without the benefit of the ‘Gift of Life’ programme. l
For more details go to: facebook.com/RotaryEClub3170 www.rotarygbi.org
ROTARY IN ACTION
Step up to Serve
Stepping up to serve Making a difference in their community is the essence of a Rotarians commitment and we spoke with the CEO of an organisation that works with young people to help to do just that.
S
Launch of #iwill - with supporters the Prime Minister, David Cameron and Prince Charles
tep Up To Serve is a national charity aiming to inspire and motivate young people, they are also responsible for ‘#iwill’, a national campaign that aims to make social action part of life for kids in their teenage years. In 2014 Rotary pledged to generate hundreds of opportunities for young people by forming 125 Interact Clubs and 300 new Rotakids Clubs by 2020, so far over 40 Interact Clubs have been formed and there are nearly 60 new Rotakids Clubs. Allan Berry spoke to Charlotte Hill, the CEO of Step Up to Serve, to understand the many issues and ideals surrounding the organisation.
Charlotte Hill, CEO of Step Up to Serve
Allan - So Charlotte, to describe the charity
that, as well, we convene, we try and look at where there are different people trying to solve the same problem in different sectors and bring them together, as well as the cross-party element of things, which is very important, the cross-sector element of the campaign is incredibly important too.
review before the campaign was launched, was that each time we get a new political administration they rip up what the other has done and start all over again. What we actually need is some continuity, regardless of whether we get a new Prime Minister or a new administration. Everyone’s got a vested interest in it; it’s now a case of how we make those who are interested work in a more collaborative, joined-up way with the hope of getting more young people involved.
Allan - It is very much cross-party isn’t it? It
Allan - So you work with children aged
is it fair to use the word ‘facilitator’?
Charlotte - Yes, facilitating, we do a lot of
is A-political, as is Rotary you see.
Charlotte - Absolutely and that’s incredibly For more information go to: stepuptoserve.org.uk 36 // ROTARY
important to us as well as to the success of our campaign because one of the big barriers that came through when we were doing the
10 - 20, 10 years old is pretty young to start isn’t it?
Charlotte - Well… no! Do you know what, I was with a group of 50 head teachers yesterday talking to them about this and
www.rotarygbi.org
Well I think it’d be brilliant if each individual Rotary member who was reading this could really help us to drive the campaign forward, and really think about how they could work in partnership with organisations in their local area to do so.”
there were lots of primary school heads talking about kids as young as 4 and 5 who have started to really build this into their way of behaviour. They are thinking about helping others even at that age, so I think in education it is absolutely something which we can work with from when kids are r eally young. So although we are focusing on kids between the ages of 10-20, we absolutely recognise that primary schools and parents and lots of others are going to be starting this probably younger. One of the aspirations of the campaign is that if we focus on the 10-20 age group then we can form a ‘habitfor-life’ for young people, so they will carry on playing an active part in their community for the rest of their lives - we don’t want people to stop at 20, we want them to carry on until they are old and grey!
Allan - So, you say you are a ‘campaign’,
how do you go about campaigning as well as www.rotarygbi.org
talking to schools colleges and institutions you’re marrying these together, are you?
Charlotte - We are, we use the mechanism
of ‘pledges’, so what we want to do, get as many different organisations, businesses, schools and all of society to pledge what they are going to do, what they can do within their own organisation and sphere of influence to help us achieve our goal. The question is how do we get them to pledge? How do we get them to change their behaviours, to embed this more and to work with others more? With businesses for example, we are asking them to change their recruitment practises so that they recognise the skills that young people develop through taking part in social interaction when they recruit rather than just skills gained through work experience. Young people may not have work experience but they may well have been building resilience, communication and all of those things through projects they
have done in their community, such as with the scouts or with their youth club.
Allan - So how can we push this initiative forward? Charlotte - Well I think it’d be brilliant
if each individual Rotary member who was reading this could really help us to drive the campaign forward, and really think about how they could work in partnership with organisations in their local area to do so.
Allan - That’s the key as far as I can
see as well, working in partnership with organisations in their local area. A lot of Rotary Clubs interact with schools anyway, so it’s a case of putting across what you are doing into the schools as well, they could be ambassadors for that cause.
Charlotte - Yes, brilliant, they could be
ambassadors, that would be amazing. Into schools, into local community groups, local youth organisations, local faith groups, local businesses… There is no end to the places you can implement this. I know Rotary have a really big reach so we would be extremely grateful for their support.
•
ROTARY // 37
ROTARY IN ACTION
Flat Spaces
Holidays without concern Severely disabled people often do not go on holiday because of their disabilities and the need of special equipment to meet them. One person is on a campaign to rectify that and we met up with him at the opening of his first project.
S
everely disabled people, like the rest of us, need and deserve a holiday but many will find it hard to find somewhere with facilities that cater for their requirements and will be able to cope with their disabilities. The Flat Spaces Foundation was set up to meet this challenge and the first of their holiday cottages was opened recently by none other than Alan Titchmarsh. The bungalow is set in a holiday complex called Watercress Lodges in Ropley, Hampshire and Flat Spaces is the brainchild of Tom Yendell, a member of the Rotary Club of Four Marks and Medstead. Tom is also a mouth and foot artist and belongs to the Mouth and Foot Artists Association and whilst at a convention in the States he began to realise how difficult it was for people with severe disabilities to travel in confidence. Getting to a destination is a challenge in itself but it does not end there. There is always the worry that when they arrive at their holiday destination the equipment will be inadequate to deal with their disabilities. At the time Tom, was in the process of building his own home and had been through the process of specifying all the special equipment and services to meet his needs. He came up with the idea to build cottages that could service the needs of severely disabled people and would allow them to take a break with peace of mind. The Flat Spaces Foundation began the process of finding the land and all the work associated with building a cottage with the required facilities was undertaken. The first of the buildings is located in an idyllic setting next to the Watercress Line in Hampshire. The bungalow is spacious and the equipment to cater for a disabled persons needs is there but unobtrusive. The broadcaster and writer Alan Titchmarsh commented, “What a fab house, it just feels lovely to be in. Half the pleasure of going on holiday is the anticipation of having something to look forward to. All any 38 // ROTARY
The first of their holiday cottages was opened by Alan Titchmarsh
ce lat Spa Every F w is lo a bung al so you identic w what will kno ct on your to expe cessible next ac . holiday
This was a really ambitious project for us to be involved in and Tom has done a wonderful job bringing it to this level. We want everyone who holidays here to relax and just have fun.”
of us going on holiday want to do is relax and not have to worry about everything being ok when we arrive. This is especially the case for people who have disabilities and this house is the answer. Set in the beautiful Hampshire countryside the views are stunning.” Members of the Rotary Club of Four Marks and Medstead were out in force helping on the day. Their President commented. “This was a really ambitious
project for us to be involved in and Tom has done a wonderful job bringing it to this level. We want everyone who holidays here to relax and just have fun.” Flat Spaces have plans to expand into Scotland, Norfolk, The Peak District, Surrey and Kent.
•
For more information visit: flatspaces.co.uk www.rotarygbi.org
www.rotarygbi.org
ROTARY // 39
ROTARY IN ACTION
Paralympic Games
The Rocky Road to Rio Countdown to the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro Brazil is well underway and athletes are focussed on their training programmes with their eyes on winning the gold, but for many of our British athletes funding issues mean they might not even make it to Brazil next year.
I
n 2012 Britain was celebrating the triumph of the Olympic and Paralympic games, which welcomed praise from countries across the world. Our Paralympic athletes had even more reason to celebrate after winning third place in the medal tables winning 120 medals, including 34 gold. Fast forward three years and it’s a very different story, sadly individual Paralympians are facing the reality that they may not be able to travel to Rio next year to represent their country, especially those in sports that did not win a medal at London 2012. The British Paralympic Association still has a shortfall in funding, and this is where Rotarians are stepping into the breach. The Rotary Wheel Appeal was set up in 2012 to support WheelPower, and helps young and newly disabled people by providing funding for first time sports wheelchairs. So far Rotarians in Great Britain and Ireland have helped to raise over £115,000. The initiative was launched at a Rotary Assembly in Birmingham when enough money was raised to purchase the first Rotary Wheel Appeal chair for Rotary Young Citizen Award winner and double amputee, Lydia Cross. Within the last year, 23 sports wheelchairs have been funded through the Rotary Wheel Appeal in sports ranging from wheelchair basketball and wheelchair racing through to archery. However, for all the Paralympians who have received support there are still athletes out there who are facing an uncertain future.
40 // ROTARY
Piers Gilliver is one such athlete who didn’t know if he could achieve his dream of representing Britain in Wheelchair Fencing. He is Britain’s number one wheelchair fencer and won gold in the individual epee beating the world number one in the final and bringing home Great Britain’s first-ever gold medal in a Grand Prix or World Cup event. The 20-year-old only found out in February he was to be recognized as a Podium level Athlete, with UK Sport adding Piers to its athlete-funding programme, which will cover his training, coaching and competition costs through to Rio 2016. However, not all athletes are so fortunate, wheelchair fencing was given funding in the build-up to London 2012, but the seven-strong team failed to win a medal and it missed out when it came to distributing funds for Rio 2016, meaning Piers and the rest of his GB team-mates have had to battle hard to make an impact on the world stage. Piers remarked, “I have experienced first-hand the difficulties of trying to train and compete at elite level without funding, and the costs are huge. I am aware that there is no ‘sure thing’ and whilst I would hope that funding for myself would continue post 2016, it is not something that I am taking for granted. But I am so grateful to the people that have supported and sponsored me so far.” Another sport, which did not fair so well in the London Paralympics was Goalball, which currently receives no www.rotarygbi.org
The Rotary Club of Winchester has stepped up to support brothers Adam and David Knott, (Far left and far right)
I have experienced first-hand the difficulties of trying to train and compete at elite level without funding, and the costs are huge.” funding despite having a strong male and female team. The Goalball UK men’s team won the European Championships in Malmo, Sweden in February and was only able to take part because a single person sponsored them to attend. The Rotary Club of Winchester has stepped up to support brothers Adam and David Knott, who are both members of the Men’s Goalball team. Adam and David have only 10% vision as they suffer from ocular albinism, and as keen sportsman they took up goalball at which they both excel. David Farthing, from the Rotary Club of Winchester, comments: “In order to support Goalball UK and Adam and David Knott in their ambition for selection, we helped with publicity and raised £5,000. Adam and David were selected as part of Paralympics GB, and went on to experience www.rotarygbi.org
the competition of their lives. After London 2012 the Knott brothers had a dream of launching a local club in Winchester, and with support from Rotary, Winchester Goalball Club was created. In just 2 years it is one of the largest and most successful Clubs in the country, having twice won the National League.” With less than a year to go time is ticking by for Paralympians to source this essential financial support to ensure similar success to that seen at London 2012, but one thing is for sure, many Rotarians have already pledged their support and have really been able to transform lives through sport.
•
To find out how you can support Paralympians in the run up to Rio 2016 visit: paralympics.org.uk
FACTFILE
RIO PARALYMPICS
n June 2013, over a million • IBrazilians protested about
the cost of hosting both the Paralympics and the Olympics
here were four cities • Tshortlisted to host the 2016
summer Paralympics in 2008: Madrid, Chicago, Tokyo and Rio De Janeiro
io has split its city into four • Rmain areas for the Paralympic events to take place
of Rio’s regeneration • Afors part the Paralympics, they are
building 43 miles of new roads, planting 15,000 trees and creating 250 square miles of new pavements
ROTARY // 41
ROTARY IN ACTION
Rotary Ride
Pedalling for Cancer After months of hard work, Rotary Ride 2015 finally became a reality. We take a look at some of the events that happened around the UK and Ireland
F
ather’s Day finally arrived when Rotary Clubs and organisations across the UK and Ireland gathered en masse to get on their bikes and take part in the national fundraising effort and biggest cycling event of its kind, the ‘Rotary Ride’, to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer. Members of the public and a handful of local celebrities joined Rotarians as they peddled to raise funds for the four main Prostate Cancer charities, Prostate Cancer UK, Prostate Scotland, Prostate Cymru and the Irish Cancer Society. Over 250 clubs and an estimated 20,000 plus riders stepped up to get involved in the day, with a whole host of events taking place including a family ride around Grafton Park in Manchester, a coastal ride in Devon, and a static ride on the Stena Ferry crossing the Irish Sea, let’s take a look at some of the highlights from the day…
We wanted to create an event that members of the public and Rotarians alike could all get involved in, with many of those taking part coming from outside of Rotary, it seems we have done just that.”
For more information visit: rotaryride.co.uk or for donations email: pr@rotarygbi.org 42 // ROTARY
Fishguard and Goodwick Rotary Club pedalled for 106km on a static bike placed on the Stena Ferry as it crossed the Irish sea. They raised over £700 for Prostate Cancer Cymru.
The cobbles’ very own Tyrone (Alan Halsall) came out to support Worsley Marriot at their static ride to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK, pictured here with Annette Barton the first rider.
Rotary Club of Fleetwood rode along the front from Fleetwood via Blackpool promenade to St Anne’s on the Sea.
Three rides starting off on the Rotary Club of Turriff & District’s cycle ride. www.rotarygbi.org
Five clubs in North Fife worked together to put on ‘Cyclo-Fun’ where 150 adults and children rode up to eight miles through the forest trails.
Rotary Club of Laurencekirk raised over £3,000 with 76 riders aged from six months to 75 years old!
Nick Corke, one of the initial organisers of Rotary Ride, explains: “I can hardly believe that what started out as just an idea two and a half years ago, came to fruition on Father’s Day. I am incredibly proud of the amount of Rotarians across the country that worked so hard to put on their events and I’m sure the total raised will reflect that hard work. “We wanted to create an event that members of the public and Rotarians alike could all get involved in, with many of those taking part coming from outside of Rotary, it seems we have done just that. We now hope to continue this as an annual Rotary event and are already in the planning stages for next year, when we hope even more people will pull on their lyrca and join us to have a bit of fun and raise money for a great cause – it’s what Rotary is all about!”
bs and 50 clu Over 2 ated 20,000 m an esti rs stepped e id r s lu lved in p et invo g to up y the da
The Rotary Club of Salisbury’s youngest participant was just 18 months old – can you spot him in this picture? www.rotarygbi.org
ROTARY // 43
ROTARY
MEMBERSHIP This magazine outlines just a few of the activities, projects and work that Rotarians across the world take part in. If the articles are of interest and you would like to find out more about being part of the organisation visit our website: rotarygbi.org
Rotarians are ordinary men and women from all walks of life who have a desire to give something back to their community whether it be locally or at an international level. Associate Membership
Satellite Clubs
Corporate Membership
Membership of an eClub
Associate Membership is a way of belonging to Rotary and a club allowing you to find out about Rotary and the club within a period of time with the intent of becoming a full member.
Corporate Membership is for a group within a company who wish to become members of Rotary. This is a good way of people within a company helping and getting involved with community matters and concerns.
Satellite Clubs are springing up across the UK and Ireland and these are clubs attached to and supported by an existing club. They arrange meetings at times and venues to suit their members. Membership of an eClub allows the member to attend meetings online rather than in person. This means members from all over the world can meet at any time of their choosing. Many meetings are recorded for viewing later. This is a good way of getting into Rotary at a time to suit you, that fits around your family and working life.
The Rotary Effect Join Leaders, Exchange Ideas, Take Action in your Community To find out more about Rotary go to : rotarygbi.org 44 // ROTARY
www.rotarygbi.org
46 // ROTARY
www.rotarygbi.org
www.rotarygbi.org
ROTARY // 47
48 // ROTARY
www.rotarygbi.org
ROTARY IN ACTION
RHS Flowerbox
Flower box blooms a winner In the hottest week of the year so far, Rotary Club of Shepperton and Sunbury braved the rays and crowds as they exhibited at the Hampton Court Flower Show and proved that even if there isn’t a cloud in sight, you can find a silver lining.
A
s the sun beamed down on what was claimed to be the hottest day London has seen for nine years, it was also shining on the Rotary Club of Shepperton and Sunbury as they were awarded a silver medal for their “Through the Generations” flower box, which they exhibited at this year’s Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Hampton Court Royal Flower Show. Hampton Court is one of the most prestigious and well-loved gardening events of the year and the club decided to enter a box into the show as a celebration of the new generations that many in the club had recently been blessed with recently. In addition, they also saw the show as a great platform to showcase an example of the fantastic things you can get involved in being a member of Rotary. It is the first time these 3m x 3m flower boxes have been included at the show and it is also the first time a Rotary Club has entered an exhibit. The garden was designed by Jacqueline Stanton who is a member of Shepperton and Sunbury Rotary Club and the flowers included were chosen to represent different generations, they included tiny pink Rosa Glauca, which symbolised newborn babies and the Ginkgo Biloba, which dates back to prehistoric times and symbolises those at the top of the family tree. Jacqueline is also the founder of Jacqueline’s Garden, a ‘Not-for-Profit’ www.rotarygbi.org
The garden was designed by Jacqueline Stanton, member of the Rotary Club of Shepperton and Sunbury
It is an incredible achievement to have been awarded a silver medal at such a prestigious show.”
The Hampton Court Flower Show is the largest flower show in the world.
organisation that promotes gardening for local children and helps to build bespoke gardens for people with disabilities. One of Rotary’s special guests at the show was Stephanie Frost, who suffers from a heart muscle disease called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, which leaves her unable to walk more than a few yards. Despite
her setbacks in life, Stephanie has a lively infectious personality and Jaqueline’s organisation is working hard to build her a garden that she can zoom around in her wheelchair. Richard Black, one of the lead organisers of the exhibit commented, “It is an incredible achievement to have been awarded a silver medal at such a prestigious show and many congratulations should go to Jacqueline. The Flower Box has been entered not only to demonstrate the great work both Jacqui and Rotary do but also to encourage interest for new members and supporters. Being part of Rotary involves more than just giving something back to the community; it’s about individuals personally helping our activities to flourish, as well as making some great friends along the way!”
•
ROTARY // 49
ROTARY NEWS
Regional
The Rotary Effect Catching up with all the news from Rotary clubs around Great Britain and Ireland
Epic journey for Joel
Joel’s Wish
W
hen Joel Lawrence sadly passed away at the age of 19 from stomach cancer, his best friend Kyle Williams, 24, with the help of the Rotary Club of Ludlow decided to emulate Joel’s lifelong dream of traveling across America.
Kyle set off with colleagues Richard Clarke, 25, George Jacks, 24, and Mike Baker, 25, on a cycle ride which took them from San Francisco to New York covering 4,000 miles in 40 days. The epic journey was organised by Ludlow Rotary Club, who contacted over 100 Rotary Clubs across the USA who helped to host the team, as well as helping with fundraising. Rotarians even joined the cycling team for stretches of the ride. Kyle commented: “It was Joel’s dying wish to raise funds for support for young cancer sufferers and Severn Hospice Shrewsbury. The support that we have received from the Rotary Clubs in America, as well as the UK, has been overwhelming and so humbling, and I cannot thank everyone enough for all they have done.” The ride has helped to raise £15,000 for charity Joel’s Wish, which was set up to help young people with cancer and you can read more about their journey here: www.joelswish.org/
Going green with Rotary
T
Providing a colourful education in Sri Lanka
T
wo teachers from Kings Lynn have been appointed by a Rotary panel of educational experts to support impoverished children living in appalling conditions in Sri Lanka. As a result Tina Humber and Karen Williamson traveled to the Rainbow Centre in south western Sri Lanka during the summer holidays to offer their teaching expertise. The centre is an opportunity for children in the area to break free from a cycle of poverty, potentially trapping them in a world of crime, begging, addiction and abuse. Its
50 // ROTARY
primary focus is to enable children to access the education system, but it also provides welfare and loving support to about 100 children who attend the centre. Although the project is led by King’s Lynn Priory Rotary Club, all three King’s Lynn Rotary Clubs have donated money to the centre, after they identified a need for the the provision of extra teaching to give the best possible tuition for older pupils. Many of whom will be taking O-levels next year, with particular focus on tuition sessions outside normal school hours.
he Rotary Club of Sudbury in Suffolk, has recently launched a new initiative aimed at working in partnership with local schools to encourage children to become enthused and impassioned with the rich and wonderful environment that Sudbury is so fortunate to have on its doorstep. The club facilitates trips to environmental hotspots in the local area and so far the club has facilitated trips for Woodhall School and Acton Primary School to Arger Fen, courtesy of Suffolk Wildlife Trust and The River Stour Trust at Great Cornard. They have also organised school pond regeneration projects with the support and help of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Most of the schools in this area are without transport and therefore the Club has raised funds to pay for local community “GoStart” buses, which transports the children on their day trips. Rotary Club of Sudbury environment chair, Rotarian Lynda Sebbage said: “These children are tomorrow’s custodians and if we can help them take an interest today, there is every chance they will care for our habitat in years to come. Our action group has only been in existence during this last Rotary year and already we feel very encouraged by the response from the schools with some already asking if they can do the same again next year.”
www.rotarygbi.org
ROTARY NEWS
Regional
Kids Out!
H
undreds of Clubs across the UK and Ireland took part in the Kids Out programme this year, which aims to give disabled school age children a free day of fun and happiness. The first Kids Out day was in 1990 and since then 25,000 children nationwide have enjoyed a day out every year. Seventeen Rotary Clubs across Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire organised a range of activities for 582 pupils from 35 local schools including horse riding, walking on a rope bridge and jumping on bouncy castles. They also provided face painting along with a pony and trap ride and a train ride around a small circuit.
Harry gets his freedom back
Happiness on a bike
H
arry Colson and his family from Bromsgrove can now enjoy cycle rides together thanks to the Rotary Club of Bromsgrove donating a specially adapted trike for him. 14 year old Harry suffers from learning disabilities and a condition that renders him unable to ride a regular bike. Harry enjoyed a
www.rotarygbi.org
In the West Midlands, 3,000 children took part in a fun filled day at Drayton Manor theme park organised by a number of clubs including Wylde Green Rotary Club. The children got to explore Thomas Land and have a picnic in the sun before exploring the Zoo. Sharon Hughes, Head of Early Years at Wilson Stuart one of the schools who attended the day, commented, “We had a brilliant day out. We all enjoyed ourselves and had lots of fun. We would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to the Rotary and Inner Wheel Clubs and their volunteers for such a fantastic day!”
number of years cycling from his previous trike which had been adapted for him but he had outgrown it. Harry’s family can now enjoy days out together. His dad, Andrew said, “We are really grateful to the Bromsgrove Rotary Club for purchasing the trike since it would have been quite difficult for us to purchase one and he would have missed out on our days out together, we offer a big thanks to the Rotary Club.” Bromsgrove Rotary Club President 2014/15, Tony Docherty, commented, “One of the wonderful things about being in an organisation like this is that we are able to bring a lot of happiness to people. This was particularly evident when we presented Harry with his new tricycle – the look of joy and excitement on his face as he rode around the park made it special for us all. It’s the sort of thing Rotarians do.”
All in a day’s work
O
n a sunny Saturday in June, the Rotary Club of Thurrock Gateway joined forces with the Hathaway Academy Student Council and the Rotary Interact Club to complete a 24 hour redevelopment project of the quad area within the academy in Gray’s Essex. The quad had sadly become neglected over the years due to a shortage of funds within the school, but the Interact club saw it as a great opportunity for Rotary to get involved and Thurrock Gateway Rotary leapt at the challenge of turning it around in a day. Over 30 people, Rotarians, Hathaway Staff, students and parents worked tirelessly to create a warm and friendly environment. Flowerbeds were made, flowers planted, a herb garden was sown and all of the surrounding area was repainted. “It was a fantastic day full of community spirit and Rotary fellowship” remarked Rotary Club President Claire Pavitt, who is also an employee at the school, and overjoyed to have fulfilled her aim of completing a local project before the end of her Presidential Year in June. Debbie Thoesby who chairs the Student Council, offered a huge “well done” to everyone who was involved. A true community project executed by Rotarians in the heart of their community.
ROTARY // 51
ROTARY NEWS
Regional
World Pooh Sticks Championships floats to a new venue
T
Rotary on the run
Scottish Rotary Clubs stay on track
S
cottish Rotarians have established their own Commonwealth Games ‘legacy’ by supporting young athletes through sponsorship of the 2014/15 Scottish Schools’ athletics championships. A two day Schools’ Indoor Track & Field championships at the Emirates Arena, Glasgow in February attracted more than 1,200 athletes from 200 schools throughout Scotland with athletes breaking more than 25 championship records. In June, Rotarians supported the Schools’ Relay Championships at Hutchesons’ Grammar School in Glasgow and the two day Outdoor Track & Field championships at Grangemouth Stadium, again involving schools from all over Scotland. Rotary branding on athletes’ vests and trackside banners was evident throughout
these events, helping to ensure greater awareness and promotional opportunities for local Rotary clubs. Janice Hendrie, President of the Scottish Schools Athletics Association, said: “We were delighted that Rotary, renowned for its support for community and youth activities, sponsored the championships.” District Governor John Waddell said: “It was a most positive experience for the athletes, for the schools and for Rotary. We look forward to continuing to support our schools.” Rotary’s involvement with the Scottish Schools Athletics Association was always intended to be a Scotland wide project and all three Scottish Districts will be supporting these events in 2015/16.
he World Pooh Sticks Championships attracted hundreds of competitors after it moved from its home of 32 years to the Windrush in Witney. The competition’s future was under threat earlier this year after a change in ownership of the old site at Little Wittenham on the River Thames meant the club had to find a new venue. Luckily Cogges Manor Farm Witney came to the rescue and the day was a huge success. The game, invented and made popular by Winnie the Pooh author AA Milne, is organised by the Rotary Club of Oxford Spires and sees competitors race sticks under a bridge. Among the visitors this year was Deb Hoffman, of Wisconsin, USA, who holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of Winnie the Pooh memorabilia. James Smith was crowned the overall champion after beating off stiff competition from over 600 rivals to have the quickest stick to travel down the river. He was presented with a plaque and a certificate on the day. The event relies on hundreds of volunteers to help the day run smoothly and each year several local charities benefit from the monies raised on the day. Some of the organisations benefiting from the club’s stirling work are, Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Aspire a local charity helping homeless people, Kidlington Girl Guides, Witney Cubs and Scouts as well as ShelterBox. For more information go to pooh-sticks.com
The Futures Bright, The Futures Green
T
he Rotary Clubs of Cheltenham came together to help fund and organise an initiative named “Your Green Future” at the University of Gloucestershire Park Campus, Cheltenham. The event attracts pupils and teachers from schools locally to learn and hear about the challenges and prospects of employment with the burgeoning green economy. The students listened to speakers who are specialists on the green economy and participated in workshops tackling issues in four categories, waste, innovation, business and energy. Organisations and businesses operating within the green economy were invited to exhibit their contributions in this sector of employment. A representative from the
52 // ROTARY
‘Conscious Foundation’ from H&M the Swedish High Street retailer was present to explain the companies ethics in manufacture of garments, commented,” We like to attend these events if only to let young people who buy our clothes know they are manufactured in a sustainable environment. Pupils were obviously given something to think about since we heard such comments as, ‘we have to consider what will happen in the next generation,’ and ‘I’m finding out what we need to do to change things for the future.’ One of the organisers of the event Richard Newton from The Rotary Club of Cheltenham Sunrise said, “If we have given these young people food for thought then we have achieved our aim.”
www.rotarygbi.org
ROTARY NEWS
Regional
At the Heart of Letchworth
L
ife-saving equipment that can resuscitate victims of cardiac arrest is being installed at one of Letchworth Garden City’s most iconic buildings thanks to the generosity of Letchworth Howard Rotary Club members. The automated external defibrillator (AED) is being put into Letchworth Settlement, the adult education centre, which is visited by over 1,000 people each week. Settlement staff will be taught how to use the equipment by the nation’s leading first aid charity, St John Ambulance, which is campaigning for defibrillators to be installed in public places nationwide. Defibrillators are vital pieces of equipment that can save lives in the minutes after someone suffers a cardiac arrest. They shock the heart back into action and can be operated by anyone regardless of first aid knowledge.
Letchworth Howard Rotary Club donated £800 which was matched by The Rotary Foundation. The £1,600 will cover the cost of the defibrillator and training for six Settlement staff members. Keith Dew, who organised the participation of the Rotary club, said: “Rotary supports this initiative as defibrillators can give people the best possible chance of survival after a cardiac arrest. I think one of the obstacles is the perception that a defibrillator is difficult to use and it’s possible to do more harm than good with it. In fact the machine is foolproof as it talks to the user, telling them exactly what to do each step of the way.” Rotary Clubs across the UK and Ireland support the provision of Automated External Defibrillators (AED’s) by helping to fund provision locally.
It all looks very wooley to me
A helping hand
Skills for life
F
ifteen Oswestry residents have been given vital emergency response first aid skills thanks to a session organised by The Rotary Club of Oswestry Cambrian in co-operation with Oswestry Community Responders. Four West Midlands Ambulance Service Responder volunteers put the attendees through their paces in two hour practical sessions where they had chance to practice resuscitation, cardiac compression and how to save a baby from choking. They also learned what to do in the event of other life threatening events such as heart attack, stroke and severe bleeding. The session was organised by Oswestry Cambrian Rotary Club and held at Oswestry Fire Station. Organiser Mike Lade said, “Each attendee went away with a well deserved Heart Start certificate issued by the British Heart Foundation which means that each now has the skills to sustain life until the ambulance service can get to them – literally skills for life.” Donations were made to the Oswestry Community Responders to enable them to continue their fantastic work for the community in front-line action working with West Midlands Ambulance Service.
Yarnbombing hits Droitwich
Y
arnbombing has become the latest trend to hit the UK after cities across America started to see the colourful creations hit its street corners. It is a unique type of street art that displays vibrant knitted or crocheted yarn creations. Droitwich Spa is the latest town to see an explosion of colour after the Rotary Club of Droitwich organised a fundraising project to ‘yarnbomb’ the town centre. The pieces were on display during Droitwich’s Summer Arts Festival in Victoria Square, and the project was a collaborative effort between the Droitwich Arts Network and Sparkles WI. Rotarian Helen Karakashian came up with the unique idea of covering the town in knitted items to help raise money for Brain Tumour Research. The yarnbombing was then put to good use by being made into blankets, for use at Maggs Day Centre, for homeless and vulnerable people in Worcester. For more information on the project visit: www.droitwichsparotary.org.uk/rotary-club/
www.rotarygbi.org
GET IN TOUCH...
Got a story for us? Send it in (with a good quality picture) to editor@rotarygbi.org
Also: Look for us online at rotarygbi.org or follow us on Facebook /RotaryRIBI, Twitter – @RotaryGBI, and Linkedin – Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland
ROTARY // 53
Connecting
Communities What’s trending? What’s the next big thing? Catch up with what is happening in Rotary on social media - here is a selection of some recent messages
Simon Edmands
Many thanks @MoleValleyAd for excellent coverage of #Leatherhead #Rotary and #WestHillSchool in today’s @SurreyAd
Rotary Ride The day we have all been waiting for has finally arrived. Good luck to all the Rotary Riders out there today, make sure you let us know how you’re getting on throughout the day and send us your updates and pictures.
Rotary NW England
Tyrone supporting @Worsleyrotary static @rotaryride in aid of Prostate Cancer, with Annette Barton the first rider.
Bethany Eason
Eastlands School
Our Rotakids have really enjoyed their time together over the year. Already making plans for next year! @RotaryGBI
So proud to receive Diana Courageous Citizen. @DianaAward @KensingtonRoyal @ RotaryGBI #princessDiana #dianaslegacy
Rotary International
TheBrooksbankSchool
So proud of Luanne. @RotaryGBI National Young Writer Award @DementiaUK @ alzheimerssoc http://ow.ly/P2ulD
We want to congratulate the Rotary Club of Shepperton and Sunbury who were awarded a silver medal for their “Through the Generations” flowerbox being exhibited at RHS - Royal Horticultural Society Hampton Court Flower Show. Read the full story here: http:// www.rotarygbi.org/rotary-flower-box-bloomswin-silver-hampton-court-flower-show/
FOLLOW US Follow us on Twitter @RotaryGBI or visit our Facebook page: facebook.com/RotaryRIBI to keep up to date with the latest news and activity from Rotary and our clubs.
54 // ROTARY
www.rotarygbi.org
www.rotarygbi.org
ROTARY // 55