Rotary Magazine February - March 2017 by Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland

The Official Magazine of Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland

ÂŁ2.95 February/March 2017

Born Free Saving our endangered world ROTARY Feb_v22.indd 1

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10 26 CONTENTS ROTARY IN ACTION Rotaract and ShelterBox

Madagascar Development Fund 26 Purple4Polio

ROTARY EFFECT

REGULARS

SPECIAL FEATURES Plight of endangered species

Village Water

International Justice Mission

FROM THE TOP Rotary International President

Young Citizen Awards

Club News

GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND PRESIDENT

LIFESTYLE

RI DIRECTOR & FOUNDATION

RHS Gardening tips

AROUND THE WORLD News from international clubs

Let's talk books

MEET AND GREET Meet the latest President Elect

IT’S GONE VIRAL 50 What’s trending on social media?

Get in touch... 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 Editor: 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: Connor Banks t: 01354 818011 e: connorb@media-shed.co.uk

Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editors or Rotary. Every effort is made to ensure that the magazine’s content is 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.

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ROTARY ONLINE Look for us online at rotarygbi.org or follow us: Facebook: /RotaryinGBI Twitter: @RotaryGBI YouTube: Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland

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Talk from the top...

One step at a time

s we enter 2017, we also enter the second year of the initiative known as the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. These goals, usually referred to as the SDGs, pertain to a list of 17 areas where the people of the world can come together to address our most pressing economic, political, and social challenges. It is a hugely ambitious list, and it has to be. The ultimate aim of these goals is nothing less than peace, prosperity, security, and equality for all of humanity. How do you even begin to tackle such a project? At Rotary, our answer is simple: one step at a time. These goals are nothing new for Rotary: they’re already reflected in our areas of focus. We also understand that all of these 17 goals, just like our six areas of focus, are interrelated. You can’t have good health without clean water. You can’t have clean water without good sanitation. Good sanitation in turn helps keep children in school, which improves education, which improves economic prosperity and health. When you are talking about the advancement of an entire planet, no one indicator, no one goal, no one country, exists in isolation. To make real and lasting progress, we must all move forward together. The idea of sustainability is key to the SDGs – and to our service in Rotary. Sustainability simply means making progress

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that will endure. It means not just digging a well, but being sure that a community can maintain it. It means not just running a health camp for a week, but training local health workers. It means empowering families and communities to take charge of their own futures by giving them the tools they need to succeed. Sustainability has always been at the heart of our thinking in Rotary. We’ve been around for nearly 112 years and intend to be around for many more. We’ve already seen the difference our work has made: in health, in education, in water and sanitation, and of course in our efforts to end polio. Polio eradication is the ultimate in sustainable service: a project that, once completed, will benefit the world forever. And those benefits will go far beyond the eradication of a single human disease. The estimated cost savings we will see once polio is eradicated are about $1 billion per year. That is money that can be returned to public health budgets and directed to other pressing needs, carrying the good work of today forward for many healthier tomorrows.

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JOHN GERM

RI PRESIDENT

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What they say...

PRESIDENT OF ROTARY IN GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND EVE CONWAY

The children stopped dying... after Rotary came

hese are the powerful words that have stuck in my mind ever since I first heard them mentioned at my Rotary club: “After Rotary drilled the wells, the children have stopped dying!” They are the grateful words of a woman in the Dominican Republic as she recognised and hugged a Rotarian from America who had started a water project to drill wells in local villages. About 25 per cent of the children there died before the age of five due to contaminated drinking water, falling prey to waterborne diseases. With money raised by his Rotary club, matched with funds from The Rotary Foundation totalling $10,000, Rotarian Ric Jacobsen implemented the project to drill three wells providing clean water in three villages - and the children stopped dying. And millions of children around the world “have stopped dying, after Rotary came” thanks to our countless humanitarian projects, made possible through Rotary’s own charity, The Rotary Foundation. This year we are celebrating the centenary of The Rotary Foundation marking one hundred years of our Rotary charity set up for the purpose of “doing good in the world”. American business news TV channel CNBC ranked The Rotary Foundation as number three in its annual list of Top 10 Charities Changing the World in 2016. Through The Rotary Foundation, Rotarians are able to change and save lives – and to stop children dying - across the world and, in the process, our lives are transformed as well by being able to make a difference to our world. Through The Rotary Foundation, I was able to work with a group of Rotarians in London and Mumbai to start a successful project to stop mothers and babies dying in childbirth. This involved a vocational training team of

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President Eve Conway with medical team and local nurses in Jawhar, India

senior midwives and a paediatrician from London going to India to train local doctors, nurses and village community health workers. In the three years since the project began, there has not been a single maternal death in Jawhar hospital in a poor rural tribal area. So The Rotary Foundation is something we can be proud of from funding our countless projects to save lives and help communities, to funding our global scholars programme and about 100 Peace Fellowships each year to eradicating polio. We are on the brink of a historic milestone in achieving Rotary’s goal of a polio-free world, a campaign we started in 1985 when there were a thousand new cases of polio a day in 125 countries. Working with our partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, including the World Health Organisation, UNICEF, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and more recently the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, we have managed to reduce cases of polio by 99.9 per cent, with just 35 cases in 2016 in three countries, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria.

And there is hope that we could possibly see the last case of polio in 2017. We need three years of no new cases to declare the world polio-free. That is why Rotary’s Purple4Polio campaign, launched when I became President of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland, is so vital to raise funds and awareness to finish off the job. Rotarians across Great Britain and Ireland have planted almost seven million purple crocus corms, working in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society’s community-based “Bloom” groups, promoting Rotary’s campaign to eradicate polio. The crocuses will flower around Rotary’s 112th birthday on 23rd February. We have our Purple4Polio Ambassadors involved in the campaign, including celebrity gardener Alan Titchmarsh, Paralympian, broadcaster and polio survivor Ade Adepitan and TV Presenter Konnie Huq. Rotarians made a promise to the mothers of the world that their children would stop dying and being crippled by polio and we are now so close to achieving our goal of a polio-free world, ending polio now and forever.

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What they say...

RI DIRECTOR 2015-17 PETER OFFER

Sharing with Rotarians

t is the centennial of The Rotary Foundation and what better time to look ahead to what we are poised to achieve and also glimpse back at our own roots. Looking forward, in June of this year over 350 Rotarians from Great Britain and Ireland will join more than 40,000 Rotarians from all over the world in Atlanta at a birthday party to celebrate this milestone. It was in 1917 that the founder of The Rotary Foundation, Arch Klumph launched this dream and this year we are set on raising $300 million to “Do Good in the World”. You can visit rotary.org/

TRUSTEE CHAIR 2016/17 KALYAN BANERJEE

Foundation’s commitment to peace

et’s celebrate the success of our Rotary Peace Centres and the important work that graduates of the programme are doing throughout the world to honour Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution month, which is February. In the 1930s, clubs in France and

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convention for more information on attending the convention from the 10th-14th June. Looking back on a very busy year, one of my personal highlights was attending Rotary Day at the United Nations in New York. This annual event celebrates the strong and productive partnership that Rotary has with the United Nations. In 1945 nearly 50 Rotarians were responsible for helping to draft the UN Charter. Rotary played, and still does play, an important role in modelling global understanding and the power of connections for the United Nations. Participants at Rotary Day at the UN heard from RI President John Germ, UN Dean Past RI General Secretary Ed Futa, and Ambassador Kim Won-soo, Under Secretary-General, United Nations High Representative for Disarmament Affairs and Special Advisor to UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon. UN Secretary - General, Ban Ki-moon, who retired on January 1st, has been a strong supporter of Rotary, attending both

the Birmingham and Seoul Rotary International Conventions. On leaving office he was asked, “How can Rotary and the UN make the most of our partnership?” He said, “Rotary and other similarly engaged civil society organisations represent the best that the world has to offer. You understand the need to get involved and participate positively in the lives of your communities and the world around us. “We now have a global agenda to build a better, more equitable, more sustainable world. I would encourage Rotary International to embrace the Sustainable Development Goals and find within them areas where we could, as partners, replicate the success of the polio eradication campaign.” The United Nations is just one of Rotary’s powerful partners and it is the essence of connectivity that makes us the vibrant and strong organisation of leaders that we are today. Join leaders, Exchange Ideas and Take Action – words to live by.

Germany formed the first petit comité, now known as an intercountry committee. Both countries were still recovering from a devastating war, but the former adversaries knew that peace, however fragile, was worth keeping. Although a second world war dashed their hopes, these peace-minded Rotarians reconvened in 1950. Since then, Rotarians have formed 250 intercountry committees to promote international friendship and service. Rotarians have long believed that international understanding develops most quickly through personal relationships. Before study abroad programmes and international business travel became commonplace, our Foundation sent scholars and young professionals to other countries to experience different ways of living and doing business. For many participants, these life-changing adventures helped them view the world through the eyes of their hosts, who often became close friends.

Every year, our Foundation allocates millions of dollars for projects that attack the root causes of conflict – lack of access to education, health care, economic opportunity, clean water, and adequate sanitation. Our global grants have a unique requirement that moves the needle on peace even further: To qualify, project sponsors must include clubs from at least two countries. In addition to combining local knowledge with international and Foundation resources, these projects build friendships that often lead to long-lasting service relationships between the sponsoring clubs. Of course, one of the best places to form international friendships is at our annual convention, where Rotarians from dozens of countries come together. This year in Atlanta, we will celebrate The Rotary Foundation’s 100 years of Doing Good in the World. I hope you will join me and thousands of your fellow Rotarians for the biggest birthday party of the year!

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Animal Conservation

wild

Keep wildlife

As wildlife continues to decline around the world, animal conservation is more important than ever. The mission to raise awareness, advocate change and bring justice to endangered species must go on.

©Land Rover

Virginia and Will in Kenya

wo people who have been at the forefront of that mission are Virginia McKenna OBE, co-founder of the Born Free Foundation, and Sue Sheward MBE, Chairwoman of Rotarian Action Group for Endangered Species (RAGES) and Founder of Orangutan Appeal UK. We met with them to talk about their life-changing work. The film Born Free, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in June, depicts the enchanting and dramatic true story of a real-life couple that raised an orphaned lion cub to adulthood and successfully released her back into the wild. Life then began to imitate art when the film’s stars Virginia McKenna OBE and Bill Travers

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MBE established the international wildlife charity Born Free Foundation, along with their eldest son Will Travers OBE, 32 years ago. The foundation strives to save lives, stop suffering and protect species in the wild. The foundation has helped to achieve many memorable milestones over the years, such as securing protection for lions under the US Endangered Species Act. The fight doesn’t stop there though; there are still many hurdles to cross and action needs to be taken globally as endangered species still face extinction. Across the world, lions and big cats are kept in terrible conditions and treated as pets. Because they have been nurtured this way, their social, hunting and territorial instincts are suppressed so returning to the wild becomes virtually impossible. However, although there is a long fight to be had, the foundation has seen some success stories too. These include two rescued lionesses that have settled in well into their new home at the Born Free Foundation’s Big Cat Rescue and Education Centre in South Africa, following an epic 6,000-mile journey across two continents. Eight-year-old sisters, Maggie and Sonja, first travelled from Natuurhulpcentrum (NHC), a wild animal rescue and rehabilitation centre in Belgium, which had been their home for 18 months, after their confiscation from a German circus. Maggie needed the rotarygbi.org

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We seek a better, more compassionate future, an end to the suffering of millions of animals kept in captive facilities around the world.

infected end of her tail amputated, and after seven weeks of intensive treatment Maggie’s tail eventually healed. NHC was delighted when the Born Free Foundation offered them a permanent home at the Born Free sanctuary within Shamwari Game Reserve on South Africa’s Eastern Cape. When asked about what future plans lie ahead for Born Free, Virginia explained with passion that 2017 is an exciting year, as the foundation will see the launch of ‘Beyond the Bars.’ Commenting on the heart of the campaign she said, “It’s going to challenge the ongoing exploitation of wild animals in circuses; kept in the home as exotic pets; and held in captivity in thousands of zoos. We seek a better, more compassionate future and an end to the suffering of millions of animals kept in captive facilities around the world.” To help raise awareness and educate on conservation matters, Virginia and her son, Will, will be attending the annual Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland Conference, which takes place at Manchester Central. They will be discussing the story of the

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Born Free Foundation on the Saturday, and Virginia comments, “The foundation was inspired by myself and my late husband Bill’s iconic portrayal of Joy and George Adamson in the 1966 film Born Free. At the conference I will explain how from small beginnings, the foundation has grown into a global force for wildlife. “It has, and always will, focus on rescuing and caring for mistreated and abused individual animals, protecting vulnerable wildlife and their fragile habitats. We will continue to campaign for the end of the illegal ivory trade, to reduce the deadly impact of trophy hunting and stop the exploitation of wild animals used in the entertainment industry.” Rotary is no stranger to supporting endangered species and the Rotarian Action Group for Endangered Species (RAGES) initiative joined forces with the Born Free Foundation back in 2015 to utilise their expertise in conservation, passion for wildlife welfare and community spirit. The campaign, dubbed ‘Elephantastic,’ was a huge success; it involved an interactive treasure hunt for children, designed to engage the local community with over 100 local businesses and charities. A number of high-profile celebrity patrons were enlisted to design and decorate papier-mâché elephants, which were sold at a charity auction. Celebrity ‘artists’ included Vic Reeves and wife Nancy Sorrell, Amanda Holden, Donal MacIntyre, artist Pollyanna Pickering and Aston Martin racing driver Darren Turner.

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ROTARY INTERNATIONAL

Animal Conservation

Discussing the work RAGES and the support the initiative provides, Rotarian and Chairwoman and Founder of Orangutan Appeal UK, Sue Sheward MBE, commented, “RAGES offers an ideal forum for organisations to work together and through the work we do we’ve identified three projects which are very worthwhile one of which I am proud to say is the Orangutan Appeal UK. I’m delighted to have been voted on to the Board of Directors for RAGES and I’ll do everything I can to assist in the goal of saving our endangered animals.”

Rotarians don’t wait for others, they get on and make a positive difference throughout their daily lives and as a result, they are one of the most effective organisations I know.” The purpose of RAGES is to provide global awareness and focus on action to preserve and protect endangered species. The initiative promises to support and promote new and ongoing joint projects with Rotary and Rotaract clubs located in the areas of concern. Efforts will start with a particular focus on the rhinos, elephants and mountain gorillas in Africa and the orangutans and pygmy elephants in Borneo, where poaching and habitat loss is a danger not 12 // ROTARY

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Sue Sheward MBE and Archie the Orangutan

only to these rare animals, but also to the economic survival of the local people who rely on eco-tourism for their livelihood. This work forms a close connection to the work of the Orangutan Appeal UK (OAUK), which has been dedicated to the rehabilitation and preservation of orangutans, and the conservation of their habitat for over 17 years. With passion, Sue explained that for the past nine years OAUK has been running a research programme called the ‘Post Release Monitoring Project’ which has been perfecting the best practices to save the iconic species and return orphaned youngsters to the wild. OAUK was the first to trial the ‘Telemetry tracking devices’, which has helped with reintroduction projects worldwide for all species of apes. Sue describes how Rotary is best placed to help spread the word about the work RAGES is doing to save the planet from losing some of the world’s most endangered species. She also highlights that Rotary is a great help in giving her cause a voice. She said, “I am so grateful

for the support RAGES has provided, this means we’ve been actively involved in education visits to schools, palm oil plantations and villages – giving presentations to encourage people to protect the apes rather than fear or kill them.” Virginia, co-founder of the Born Free Foundation adds: “All too often we find ourselves saying ‘Oh I wish they would do something about it’. Rotarians don’t wait for others, they get on and make a positive difference throughout their daily lives and as a result, they are one of the most effective organisations I know. “In that respect, they are like Born Free. We cannot stand by and see wild animals suffer, either in captivity or in the wild. So we get on and do something about it. Let’s make the world a better place – together.”

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For more information visit: Born Free Foundation: bornfree.org.uk RAGES: endangeredrag.org OAUK: orangutan-appeal.org.uk

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ROTARY IN ACTION

Rotaract

Reflections from the field

Rotaract Chair, Luke Addison

first heard about ShelterBox in 2013. I had just become the President of the University of Winchester Rotaract Club and was working with several friends to get the group involved in local and international projects. We were, and are still to this day, very lucky to have the support of the Winchester Rotary Club in all that we do. Their club allowed our members to engage with their projects and therefore create some great connections. There was a particular Rotarian who had spoken with me about ShelterBox and the work they did and suggested we raise funds for them. In just a few days we were at Winchester University at 7am putting up a ShelterBox tent and then standing alongside it for several hours. In the past few years since working closer with Rotaract and Rotary on an international level, as well as being involved in many diverse projects and with many organisations across the globe, my interests and drive for what I want to achieve sit very much in the humanitarian sector.

Luke and Shelterbox Team on a survival test exercise

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Luke Addison, Chair of Rotaract in Great Britain and Ireland shares how the intensive ShelterBox disaster relief course inspires service. One morning I received an email inviting me to the three-day Understanding ShelterBox Operations course, and there was no way I could turn this down. I replied without hesitation and several weeks later, found myself packing a bag and booking a ten-hour coach journey to Truro. After arriving at the ShelterBox Headquarters, I was extremely early and one of the team members must have taken pity on me and invited me in from the cold. The course didn’t begin until noon, but I was met by Alex Youlten and several other staff who offered to show me round and give me a great introduction to ShelterBox. Along the tour, we were invited into an actual operations meeting which was taking place in a board room and involved the whole team looking at where ShelterBoxes and other ShelterBox aid was currently being deployed, and also talking much about international affairs of the world. I was hooked and I hadn’t even started the course yet. After meeting the rest of the course

participants, we boarded a minibus and headed towards the training camp. We opened with a briefing about the organisation and then went straight into setting up three tents outside - our accommodation for the next few nights. The three days of the course were a fascinating combination of problem-solving activities, treks, team-building games and even critical thinking within a classroom. The last part surprised me because although I was expecting to hear more about what they do, I hadn’t fully appreciated exactly what this entailed. By this I mean, we looked deeply into human psychology and how people react in a disaster while also looking at ethical and moral dilemmas and the level of strength and compassion needed to operate effectively. We even learnt how the organisation’s fundraising department worked and had a great presentation from Richard Lee, Director of Fundraising and Communications. Again, it was a side I was not expecting to see, but it was so clearly effective as it had everyone in the room suggesting ways to help. ShelterBox and Rotary share the same humanitarian aims, and have been linked by common goals and ethics for more than sixteen years now. The two organisations have formed a durable international project partnership which grows in scale and sophistication with every year. It is quite unique in international aid. Obviously this includes Rotaractors too, whose youthful energy, compassion and local knowledge are harnessed in so many ShelterBox deployments and disaster responses. We were treated with so much respect and I felt so valued as an ‘outsider’; I’m grateful to have been invited to this course and to have received and learnt so much whilst on it. l

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Villagemaking Water it clear Water, water everywhere and it’s now safe to drink Maxine Thorne reports

or most of us turning on a tap and being able to drink the water, or taking a cleansing shower or bath, is so ordinary we barely think about it. But we also know, this would be a genuine luxury for millions of people in much of the world and in Zambia one charity, Village Water, has established successful projects to create fresh water sources and sanitation to one hundred villages. Often, with the support of donations from Rotary clubs in the UK, as well as money raised from other sources such as their annual Christmas appeal, ‘The Big Give’, this determined charity team of UK based and ‘in country’ people have 16 // ROTARY

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ambitious goals and are achieving them fast. Thanks to donations received by Village Water, the gift of safe water, bathing and sanitation is making a difference to thousands of lives already and is making a significant contribution to the economic future of local people who become associated with the projects. It is also giving proof positive to the Zambian government that external support can be beneficial and permanent, when you add a strong element of self-help and business potential into the bargain. Village Water was established by Rotarian David Dixon, who has a professional background in the water industry. In 2003, David spent time in Zambia and during that holiday visited

a local clinic to see for himself what conditions were like. Having been told that half of the local children would not reach their fifth birthday due to local conditions, David returned to the UK and began fundraising with family and friends, raising enough money to repair twenty water points. It was a true success, but he also recognised the holistic needs of sanitation if the situation was to be improved long term and the importance of local people working together to achieve and maintain it. By 2006 Village Water had received charity status in the UK and Village Water Zambia became recognised as a charity in 2007 in its home country. As a member of the Rotary Club of Ironbridge, David Dixon took his professional expertise and rotarygbi.org

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Open wells such as this one are prone to getting water-borne bacteria and in turn illnesses are rife in local villages.

used it to take an almost holistic approach to the challenges of providing clean water and sanitation for communities that were suffering. Fellow Rotarians have consistently provided funding support and the list of clubs grows as time goes on. Since 2003, more than 180,000 people in the Western Province of Zambia have seen their land, lives and communities enhanced through the work of Village Water, with support from many sources and with an increasing number of Rotary clubs adding their donations so that far-reaching projects can be delivered. Day to day living, ongoing health and the economic opportunities are the ultimate legacy to be enjoyed by a healthy rural population in areas where disease, infant deaths and environmental challenges once rotarygbi.org

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ruled. Thanks to Village Water and the active partnership with Rotary clubs across the UK, the work of this small charity is making its mark where it really matters. Kirsty Mullock, Fundraiser for Village Water, explained: “Creating or repairing a well for clean water is far from simple in a land like Zambia. Due to the locations and soil quality in the villages where Village Water works, it is rare that mechanical well drilling can take place. This is one of the reasons why the country’s government has focused more on larger projects where it is a matter of equipment power rather than manpower. By digging wells by hand, the ground is more manageable and the end results become more certain. This approach means projects can be carefully planned to bring sanitation and improved

hygiene to villages in which water-borne illnesses are rife – without false starts or money being wasted. An essential factor in every project is involving local people and ensuring that District Monitoring Schemes are effective in the delivery of every project’s goals.” Recently, the Monifieth & District Rotary Club received a Rotary Foundation Award for their support for two projects in Zambia’s Western Region. The two Village Water projects the Monifieth & District Rotary Club supported literally changed the lives of 355 people in two villages in the Western Province - Kalwizhi and Kawi. The impact of that support has been recognised with the presentation of a Foundation Award by Rotary to the club. The project was in response to a report ROTARY // 17

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SPECIAL FEATURE

©Village Water

Village Water

A villager using a new Village Water well

in August 2015 that showed a staggering 22% of people in those villages were suffering from diarrhoea and 33% had eye infections, with many suffering from scabies, too. Following the report, money from the Rotary Club of Monifieth & District was used to create new wells in the villages and two local water committees were set up to oversee the changes and organise a water pump maintenance rota. Funds were also provided so that spares and repairs were readily available. Kirsty commented: “It is this ‘future planning’ that is a key element in every Village Water project – each has a reach and longevity that will continue to benefit the children of today and their parents, but also the health and wellbeing of those generations as time goes on.” However, like all Village Water projects, it was not just about providing a clean water source. Before the project, there were no latrines in the villages and the sandy ground had meant unsupported latrine walls collapsed. Following the introduction of a system based on two plastic barrels, the problem was solved. The cost/benefit ratio of Village 18 // ROTARY

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Water projects is staggeringly impressive. The cost of the charity’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) projects to provide hygiene training, sanitation and safe water to a community of about 160 people is £4,100. Compare this amount with the rates of illness, infection and infant mortality that previously impacted on the Zambian villages and it is easy to see the clear benefits of cost-effective Village Water projects. That works out to just £25 for each person being given a healthier, better quality of life. Another highly successful project, again supported by donations from several Rotary clubs, was to improve the sanitation at Kamihata School in the Western Province, which is the core area Village Water operates in currently. Parents in the village had established the school in 2007 and by 2015 it had grown to have three classrooms and three teachers, and in 2016 thanks to donations from Rotary clubs and a grant from the Chrysalis Trust it was possible to build two permanent latrine blocks – one for girls, one for boys – as well as a bath shelter for girls and latrines for teachers. The permanent

sanitation facilities meant that the girls could stay in school longer and a more dignified and private toilet was available for children to use. Not only did these essential improvements make life better for the teachers and students, its increased facilities also made it more likely that local authorities could be successfully approached to provide more teachers and more resources. Besides the direct benefits, the longterm intentions of every Village Water project are simple, as Kirsty explains: “Our goal is to improve health, education and economic development. We engage, train and equip local people in manual drilling teams ‘in country’. With the training and practical experience gained during local projects, people can do two things that are important. They maintain the new wells and sanitation, but they can also use their new expertise to set up companies and bid for contracts similar to the ones they have already successfully delivered with our support and on our behalf.” Village Water currently raises approximately £500,000 a year and keeps its in-house costs low with an amazingly small but highly focused team of 4-5 people. Most recently, the Village Water Christmas appeal broke its own record with over £85,000 being raised over a three-day event. With a dedicated match fund pot, generous private donors, the total continued to climb. Rotary clubs also donated thousands of pounds from across the UK. To take one example from many, Tormohun Rotary Club donated £2,050 which, with matched funding, produced £4,100 – enough to support an entire village project in 2017. Claverhouse Rotary Club have funded the repair of four broken water points bringing safe water back to four villages. Each village has approximately 150 people living in it, so this is a major improvement to the communities. Thanks to the generosity of Rotary clubs across the United Kingdom, Village Water is continuing to expand its work in village projects in Zambia and also has plans to extend its health and life saving activities into Mozambique. l If you would like to find out more about how you can support Village Water’s ongoing plans and projects visit: villagewater.org rotarygbi.org

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Supported by

The Water-Survival Box provides clean water for up to five years and essential survival items within days following disaster. Over 12,000 Water Survival Boxes distributed in 49 disasters since 2006. Recent distributions include 500 Boxes together with 720 School Bags to Haiti and 120 boxes and 140 School in a Bag to Chile. Thanks to all our supporters for their help in providing “water for life”. A humanitarian project by the Rotary Club of Chelwood Bridge. For more information please contact us at info@watersurvivalbox.org or Tel 01761 409115 www.watersurvivalbox.org Rotary Club of Chelwood Bridge in North East Somerset District 1200 – England

MAF flying in partnership with Rotary for over 30 years For 70 years MAF has supplied a solution for the problem of poverty in isolation, delivering a lifeline for isolated communities in 26 countries across the developing world. Operating 135 light aircraft, MAF flies into over 1,600 destinations – dirt, grass or mountain airstrips – enabling: clean water and food, economic and community development, medical supplies and equipment, educational and healthcare teams, and peace building opportunities to reach over one million people living in poverty in some of the world’s most remote and inhospitable places on earth.

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Gary Haugen, Leader of the International Justice Mission

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Gary Haugen

Justice for all Gary Haugen, Leader of the International Justice Mission, contends that humanitarian work means little if basic safety is threatened.

n 1994 Rwanda was reeling from the genocide of as many as one million people over 100 days; the apex of decades of civil conflict in the East African nation. Gary Haugen, then a young human rights attorney working for the U.S. Department of Justice, landed in Kigali to head a United Nations unit investigating the genocide and gathering evidence needed to prosecute the perpetrators for war crimes. “There was basically no functioning government,” Haugen recalls. “So much chaos is unleashed when there isn’t a civil authority exercising control. A lot of people tried to help, sending food and medicine and providing housing and education, but when it came to the problem of violence, very few people stepped up to that challenge.” Haugen established the International Justice Mission (IJM) in 1997 to address violence in developing countries. The

organisation has 17 field offices and works with local investigators to rescue victims of violence, support survivors, strengthen law enforcement, and bring violent criminals to justice. In his 2014 book, The Locust Effect: Why the End of Poverty Requires the End of Violence, Haugen argues that the progress made in the global fight against poverty means little when citizens’ basic safety is threatened. At the 2016 Rotary International Convention in Korea, Haugen spoke to Rotarians about one of the most harmful forms of what he calls the “everyday violence affecting the world’s poorest people – forced labour, or slavery.” Slavery is not a relic of history, he said, noting that an estimated 35 million enslaved people are hidden in plain sight, all over the world, generating billions in profits for traffickers who seldom face prosecution. l

Haugen sat down with contributor Sallyann Price to talk about the importance of addressing violence and safety in development work. Q&A

How are poverty and violence related? When people think about the world’s poorest people, they don’t usually think about violence. They think of hunger, disease, and a lack of education and job opportunities. But just as important is daily vulnerability to violence, and not necessarily the violence that makes headlines: war, genocide, and mass atrocities. The form of violence that is far more destructive is what we call everyday violence – that’s sexual violence, police abuse, land theft, and forced labour. On a daily basis, these types of violence make it very difficult for the common poor person to improve his

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or her situation. You can give all kinds of goods and services to alleviate poverty, but if you’re not able to restrain the hands of the bullies that have the power to take it all away, you won’t see the kind of progress you want. Abuse of power is a very simple human dynamic. It’s what a kid will understand in the schoolyard: there’s the kid who’s stronger and bigger than everybody else, and he’s abusing that power to take something from the victim, whether it’s lunch money or possessions or just their dignity. You see the same dynamic in the adult world; it just manifests itself in more adult, violent ways over time and on a bigger scale.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Gary Haugen

Your address to the Rotary Convention focused specifically on the issue of slavery. Why this message for this audience? We are in a moment in history when forces are coming together to make it possible to end slavery in our lifetime. For the first time, enslavement is completely against the law everywhere. It’s an ancient evil that still exists, but it’s no longer the centre of the global economy. Rotary has demonstrated a unique capacity to focus effort on a global problem that simply shouldn’t exist anymore. Look at the example of polio: we have a vaccine that works perfectly well and we agree that everyone should be safe from this disease, but there’s an access gap. Similarly, everyone should be safe from slavery, and no parent should have to worry about a child being enslaved. We know that a combination of effective law enforcement and excellent survivor support can measurably reduce slavery, and violence overall. Rotarians, in their work to end polio, have shown the kind of focus and determination we need to succeed in that struggle. How do you respond to scientist Steven Pinker? In his book The Better Angels of Our Nature, he argues that this is actually the least violent time in history. If you look at the broad scope of history, there is, on average, much less violence in our world today. That’s good news because it shows progress is possible. But think of the comparison with polio – fewer people are vulnerable to the disease, but does that mean we don’t finish the job? Like polio, the violence that remains in our world is more concentrated in the lives of the world’s poorest people. Wealthier countries provide a measure of security and law enforcement on a public basis, but in the developing world, personal safety often means hiring private security. The world is now divided between those who can afford to pay for their own protection and the billions who are left in lawless chaos, experiencing extreme levels of violence.

What role can more powerful members of society play in improving the situation? In much of the developing world, the public systems of justice are so broken that those with wealth and resources do not depend on them. Every culture debates the role of government and the range of services it should provide, but there should be no doubt that the most basic of those services is seeing to the security of its citizens. Those with the opportunity to lead must invest in public security so all citizens can enjoy that same safety. It’s fascinating that the most common forms of violence in the developing world are almost always against the law already. The problem is not the absence of law, but the absence of law enforcement that protects everyone. That’s our focus at IJM. When did you first see this pattern? After I graduated from college, I lived in South Africa. The big issue at the time was the apartheid crisis. That’s where I started to see what it was like to live in a society of violent oppression and abuse. After law school, I went to work for the U.S. Department of Justice, where I worked specifically on the problem of police abuse in the United States. I started to see that no matter where you are in the world, no matter which country you’re in, people with power – whether political or police – tend to abuse it if they are not held accountable. I saw the particular problem of violence against the poor when I was sent to Rwanda in 1994 to direct the UN’s investigation into the genocide there. A lot of people tried to help, sending food and medicine and providing housing and education, but when it came to the problem of violence, very few people stepped up to that challenge. Slavery in this era strikes me as a similar issue: we are aware of it, we can stop it, and it is up to us to take that responsibility.

How does IJM help a community plagued by violence? In many parts of the developing world, people have given up hope that law enforcement will ever protect the poor from violence. Our work demonstrates that it’s possible to change. The recovery of that hope is a game-changer. We begin with what we call collaborative casework with the local authorities. We recruit a local team of lawyers, investigators, and social workers and start working on individual cases. As we try to bring the criminals to justice, we start to see the broken points in the criminal justice system. When we begin working on a case, we pursue a baseline study to measure the prevalence of different types of violence and the performance of the police and the courts. Working from those two baselines, we can measure when the criminal justice system starts working better and violence decreases. How can Rotary members help keep communities safe as they plan humanitarian aid projects in the developing world? Ask people what they need and connect with local groups addressing those needs. Since people are less likely to talk about violence, Rotary members should be very intentional about facilitating conversations to explore specific problems. Once you start the conversation and sharpen your focus on this issue, you start to see it over and over again. Rotary is already raising the bar of excellence in terms of sustainability and accountability in its projects. But violence fights back in a way that is different from hunger or homelessness. If you take on violence, you may end up putting yourself on the line in some manner. The willingness to take on this challenge is a powerful message. l

For more information about the International Justice Mission visit: ijm.org

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Rotary around the world Rotarians across the world join with their communities to make a difference. We highlight just a few events helping to change lives for the better.

Australia

Going Bush with Rotary Last year saw yet another successful year for the Rotary Club of Murray Bridge’s iconic “Going Bush with Rotary” scheme. Each year members of the South Australian club takes a group of year six children on a weeklong camping adventure deep in the Australian outback. For seven days, the children have no access to electronic entertainment such as televisions or computer and video games. Instead, they are encouraged to use their imaginations and communicate with each other in a natural, relaxed setting. The purpose of the trip is to provide children who may not be otherwise able to have a bush holiday with the chance to do so. Whilst there, the leaders hope that the children can develop their skills in communication, trust and build on their basic social values. They also try to provide positive role models and mentors for the children, who are often considered vulnerable or “at risk” in their personal lives. Taking place over the course of one week, the trip is split into two stages, one involving bush camping and the second taking place in shearers’ quarters accommodation in the Flinders Ranges. The children are given the opportunity to take part in a whole range of activities including four-wheel drive sightseeing, bushwalking, nature observation, sheep station activities, a mine tour and contact with aboriginal culture. The whole project is carried out by the Rotary Club of Murray Bridge in partnership with a local primary school that arranges selection of the candidates. Now in its 15th year, the project has been an on-going success, having won the award for Best New Youth Project at the District 9520 Conference in 2002. l 24 // ROTARY

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Barbados

Each One Can Akela Jones, Olympic athlete, has been announced as the face of Rotary Club of Barbados’ Each One Can campaign. The Each One Can project has been set up to provide help and support for underprivileged young people who struggle with behavioural issues. Now more than ever it is important to equip children with the skills to manage the challenges they face. Club President Lisa Cummins stated that the campaign’s primary goal is to make sure every child knows that they matter and they have so much to give to the world. Akela Jones, who competed for Barbados at the 2016 Rio Olympics, stated her passion was for helping troubled children and ensuring they are not forgotten. Having grown up in a children’s home, it is an issue that strikes a very personal chord. “I plan on helping in any way I can. If we can help just one child, it can create a ripple effect, so we all have to try. I would not be where I am today without the help of so many people, so I know the importance of helping,” she said. Jones, who is currently studying criminology, offered a word of encouragement to other young people, saying that if she could do it, they could too. “If you are good at something, that is your way out; work hard at it. Education is just a plus. From a young age, I knew I would struggle but I was willing to work hard,” she said. Turning the final word in the Each One Can campaign’s title into an acronym, Jones encouraged Rotarians to: Collaborate in helping young people, Acquire adrenaline to keep going, and Nourish the young people in both body and soul. l

USA

Water is Life Charity Ball Last December saw the Rotary Club of Fishers, Indiana, host its fifth annual Water is Life Charity Ball, helping to raise funds to provide fresh water for the people of Sierra Leone. The charity ball kicked off its fifth year of celebrations in its annual fundraising effort to help bring clean, fresh water to those living in Sierra Leone, Africa. Ranking at number 181 out of 188 countries on the Human Development Index, Sierra Leone is one of the most underdeveloped countries in the world. To put that into perspective, the United States sits at number eight, making it 173 places above the African country. The Rotary Club of Fishers has raised money to supply 100 wells to Sierra Leone to date, with 30 more currently undergoing construction. All 130 wells will provide fresh, safe water to up to 150,000 people living in Sierra Leone. The International Rotary Foundation has historically doubled the money raised by the ball. Typically, the Rotary Club of Fishers raises between $40,000 to $50,000 through the annual celebration. Conscious of building strong relationships with those who need it most, the Rotary Club of Fishers has connected with the Rotary Club of Freetown, Sierra Leone, over the years, and members of the Sierra Leone club were in attendance at the Water is Life Charity Ball. “The relationships that we build with each other in service allows us to do more here as well in other places in the world,” said Tom Branum, co-chair of the Water is Life Charity Ball. “There is so much that can be done. There’s so many good people that you can get to know if you serve and get out in the community.” l rotarygbi.org

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ROTARY IN ACTION

The gift we take for granted The use of safe water is something everyone should have access to and, in a project supported by Rotary kicking off this month, people within the Itasy region of Madagascar will be given the gift we all take for granted.

any developing countries have problems with poor sanitation and easy access to safe, clean water. But Madagascar is particularly badly served. In rural areas 87% of the population are exposed to debilitating, even lifethreatening, waterborne diseases, including typhoid, bilharzia and cholera, especially during the rainy season when human and animal waste is washed into the water sources they regularly use. Traditionally it is the task of women and girls to collect water for laundry, cooking and personal hygiene, often from 26 // ROTARY

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far distant rice fields, rivers or ponds. But this exhausting and time-consuming task, carried out several times each day, reduces the time women have available to look after their homes and families, and often prevents girls from going to school. Collecting water also has a significant impact on families with babies or young children, whose water needs are considerable. Most Malagasy are aware of the need to boil water before consumption. But charcoal, the most commonly used fuel, is unaffordable to most; and collecting firewood is becoming more and more difficult, threatening the already fragile environment and contributing to

deforestation and global warming. This is where the Rotary Club of Amersham stepped in. When BBC Broadcaster John Humphrys came as a guest speaker to the club, he spoke of his work with the Madagascar Development Fund (MDF) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an organisation set up by former British embassy employees to carry out charitable work across Madagascar. To date, the MDF has organised over 200 projects across the country including the installation of over 80 safe, clean water systems and after hearing John speak, the Rotary club decided that they had to get involved. As a result, the Rotary Club of Amersham has teamed up with John rotarygbi.org

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ROTARY IN ACTION

Madagascar Development Fund

Villagers collecting water

Humphrys’ charity, the Kitchen Table Charities Trust, (KTCT) and the Rotary Club of Antananarivo Vovonana to carry out a similar project to help the populations of Ibisy and Moratsiazo in Madagascar’s Itasy District. The area, which is found in the centre of Madagascar, is one of the smallest regions but one of the most densely populated, meaning resources are limited and often strained. In February of this year, Rotarians will join forces with locals to build simple, gravity-fed, safe clean water systems. Both systems will use water from reliable, natural springs located in the hills above their villages, and consist of covered concrete “capture tanks” - to collect and protect water directly from the spring heads. From there the water will be piped to reservoirs and on to stand pipes located at strategic points around the villages, including Ahitantsoa and Moratsiazo primary schools, where for the first time more than 250 children will have water to drink and wash their hands with after visiting the latrine. Experience has shown that easy access rotarygbi.org

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Without Rotary’s intervention both these communities would have faced many more years of life-threatening ill-health and deprivation.”

to safe, clean water allows more female children to go to school; reduces illness and the proportion of limited income spent on medicines and medical assistance; improves the general health of whole communities; increases productivity; and contributes to growing prosperity and better living conditions. John Humphrys explains, “Safe, clean water is fundamental to good health, a basic human right and one of the Kitchen Table Charities Trust's main focuses in countries throughout Africa and beyond. “I am pleased and proud that KTCT had the opportunity to enter into partnership with the Rotary Clubs of Amersham and Antananarivo Vovonana

to improve the harsh daily lives of the populations of Ibisy and Moratsiazo in Madagascar. I am convinced that together we can make a real difference.” Brian Donaldson, Patron of the Madagascar Development Fund adds, “MDF has been seeking a source of finance for these major projects for more than two years. Without Rotary’s intervention both these communities would have faced many more years of life-threatening ill-health and deprivation. “More than 2,200 villagers will benefit from this generous grant and the gift of clean water that will transform their lives forever. They and the Madagascar Development Fund greatly appreciate Rotary’s and KTCT's support for these deprived and vulnerable communities.” l

Madagascar, Africa

For more information on the Madagascar Development Fund and the work they carry out visit: maddevfund.co.uk ROTARY // 27

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We spoke to Donna Wallbank, the 2019/20 President of Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland, to find out about her experiences with Rotary and her vision for the future. What do you personally get out of being a member of Rotary? I love being able to roll my sleeves up and get stuck in to things. Being part of a group of ‘doers’ means I interact with people from all walks of life, which enhances what I can achieve in being a small part of Rotary’s aim to do good in our communities.

Donna Wallbank FACT FILE

Club: Rotary Club of Brynmawr Rotary member since: 1997 Occupation: Hair salon owner

How do you think we should project the positives about Rotary, especially some of the things you enjoy about it? I think we should sell the positives! It is so much fun and brings a certain satisfaction in knowing that what we do can hugely benefit the community and beyond. It is also a brilliant opportunity to meet a vast variety of people from all over the globe. How do you find the time to fit Rotary into your life? When you love something, and get that feel-good factor from what you are doing, you manage a diary and make it work! What led you to run for Great Britain and Ireland President? I want to modernise the way Rotary is perceived; give the opportunity to others to make friendships like the ones I have made; and keep having lots of fun! If you could change one thing in the organisation, what would it be? The way we are perceived as being an elderly businessman’s dinner club! Future generations deserve to benefit from being members just as we have, so we must ensure they are not misinformed about what Rotary really is.

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What projects have you been involved with historically through Rotary? There’s been so many, but LifeStraw, my club’s project that worked to provide refuge for those affected by the hurricane in Haiti, really opened my eyes to the international benefits of being part of Rotary. What is your proudest achievement to date as a Rotarian? The moment I was pinned as a Rotarian remains my proudest achievement, as I would never have come on this journey without it! What are your plans for your presidency? To represent our organisation as inclusive, forward-thinking and open. I want to enjoy friendships, old and new, and make the most of whatever challenges may come my way. If I asked you to sum up the organisation and your enjoyment of it in a few words what would you say? Being a Rotarian has been the best investment of my time and energy over the last 20 years. It has given me so much in return and has truly been an incredible chapter in my life. However the book is not finished yet and there are many more chapters to be written, so please join and be a part of the Rotary bestseller! l

To find a club near you visit: rotarygbi.org

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ROTARY IN ACTION

Purple4Polio

Purple Power for polio

As part of Rotary’s Purple4Polio campaign, it teamed up with the Royal Horticultural Society to plant seven million crocus corms across Great Britain and Ireland, with the last few planted at a special event in London’s Regent’s Park.

or over 30 years Rotary International has been committed to stopping polio once and for all and as part of the Purple4Polio campaign, Rotary clubs across Great Britain and Ireland are turning landscapes purple to raise awareness of the disease. To mark the end of the planting season Purple4Polio celebrity ambassadors joined Rotary to plant the final remaining crocus corms during a special ceremony in Regent’s Park. Ambassadors included Paralympians Ade Adepitan and Anne Wafula Strike, TV Presenter Konnie Huq and Broadcaster and Author Julia Roberts. Embarking on different paths but united by their passion to support Rotary, Ade, Julia and Anne sadly contracted polio in their early years and as polio survivors are united by their passion have agreed to support the Rotary Purple4Polio campaign and the fight to end polio now and forever. Konnie Huq, however, has been with Rotary’s journey since 2009 after she travelled to India to help carry out immunisations. The mass planting of purple crocus corms was carried out with the support of RHS Britain in Bloom and It’s Your Neighbourhood groups to help raise awareness of the fight to eradicate polio. The colour purple of the crocuses symbolises the purple dye placed on the little finger on the left hand of a child to show they have been immunised against polio. The bulbs that were planted will flower next Spring, around the time of Rotary’s birthday on February 23rd.

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Rotary President Eve Conway with Paralympian Ade Adepitan in Regent's Park

Commenting on the hard work Rotary does, President of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland, Eve Conway, said: “We are now so close to finishing the job with only three remaining countries where polio is still endemic. It has never been so critical to complete what we started, as whilst there is a single case of polio anywhere in the world, children everywhere are at risk, and finishing the job is simply our only option.” In 1985 statistics were shocking as polio paralysed more than 350,000 children every single year in 125 countries – about 1,000 children per day. With perseverance, compassion and commitment, the number of polio cases reduced by 99.9%, with just 35 cases in just three countries in 2016.

Rotary throughout the world has directly contributed more than $1.6 billion to ending polio through its End Polio Now campaign and over $7.1 billion indirectly through its advocacy work with governments, philanthropists and other donors. At the moment all funds raised by Rotary everywhere are tripled thanks to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, so literally every single £1 raised becomes £3. RHS Head of Community Outreach, Andrea Van-Sittart, adds, “That the RHS can help raise the profile of the work Rotary does to eliminate polio is a source of pride for the RHS Britain in Bloom groups and others who work tirelessly to improve their communities through gardening.” l WHAT’S NEXT FOR PURPLE4POLIO?

Watch out for more details coming soon about Rotary Purple4Polio Tea Parties on International Women’s Day, Wednesday 8th March. At the quintessential time of 4pm, celebratory Purple4Polio tea parties will take place all over Britain & Ireland with the support of both Wilkin & Sons Ltd. (Tiptree Jam) and Typhoo Tea. The more Purple4Polio Tea Parties, the more awareness and publicity we shall generate together to mark Rotary's tremendous efforts in our End Polio Now campaign.

For more information visit: rotarygbi.org and see the Purple4Polio information.

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Helping you get the most out of your garden

ast autumn, Rotary teamed up with the Royal Horticultural Society to plant over seven million crocus corms as part of Rotaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Purple4Polio campaign. Now that spring is just around the corner, Rotary clubs across the country are eagerly awaiting the corms to bloom and the RHS has provided us with its top ten jobs you can get done in your own garden this month.

The majority of your sowing will be done in the warmer months but in February you can prepare your vegetable seed beds, and also start to sow some vegetables under cover

Wisterias need regular pruning to keep the growth and size under control â&#x20AC;&#x201C; once in February and once in July is ideal

Net any particularly vulnerable fruit and vegetable crops to keep the birds off

Prune winter-flowering shrubs that have finished flowering

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Bulbs such as snowdrops can be divided to help them propagate, be sure to check which flowers can be planted as dry bulbs should be planted whilst the leaves are intact

Start chitting your potato tubers now for a longer and quicker harvest

Protect blossom on apricots, nectarines and peaches using a fleece when frost is forecast

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Prune hardy evergreen hedges and renovate overgrown deciduous hedges

Prune conservatory climbers such as bougainvillea

10.

Cut back deciduous grasses left uncut over the winter and remove dead grass from evergreen grasses

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We want to share with you our best picks surrounding this issue’s theme: Water and Sanitation

othing beats getting stuck into a really good book. With so many to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to four recommended reads that relate, either by name or by nature, to the theme of Water and Sanitation. Whether you’re a novel fiend or you’re more interested in the informative non-fiction types, there’s a book on the list for you.

DOWN TO A SUNLESS SEA By Neil Gaiman Fiction

ou might know Neil Gaiman from his international bestseller-turnedblockbuster, Stardust. In Down to a Sunless Sea, an exclusive short story for The Guardian, he pens a cautionary tale of the brutality and viciousness of the ocean. Unforgiving, unrelenting and untameable, the open sea is presented by Gaiman as a cruel femme fatale, luring men in and taking them for her own. Water remains the key motif throughout the story, opening with an unfavourable depiction of the dark and murky River Thames on a rainy day, and ending the tale with a message of the cruel delirium that the ocean casts upon anyone who dares take her on.

CROSSING THE WATER

By Sylvia Plath Poetry

ditor Ted Hughes prepared Crossing the Water, a transitional collection of poems written by Sylvia Plath between two of her best-known works, The Colossus and Ariel, for posthumous publication in 1971. Collectively the poems explore the notion of water as a metaphor for the fragile and penetrable veneer of human identity, and as the crossover between the light and dark within every human being. Engaging with the concept of reflection, the poems touch upon the state of man as a mirror; simply reflecting back what society points at him.

THE RIGHT TO WATER

By Farhana Sultana and Alex Loftus Non-fiction

lean, safe water was declared by the United Nations a basic human right, and is something that most people in the developed world would not give a second thought to. However, there still remain many countries across the globe that do not have access to something that most of us take for granted. The Right to Water is a collection of essays that engage with the range of approaches to providing clean water in philosophical, socioeconomic, geographical, historical and political capacities. Drawing upon the insights of various policy-makers, academics and activists, it looks into the future shape and trajectory of the plight for safe water.

WAVE

By Sonali Deraniyagala Autobiographical

he devastating true account of how author Sonali Deraniyagala lost her entire family to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Wave depicts the sheer heartbreak of a woman whose whole world was swept away in a single day. Sickeningly sad, the book follows Deraniyagala through the grief, anger and numb melancholia that haunt her throughout the subsequent years of her life. Being a true story, there is no ‘happy ending’, but perhaps something can be taken from the book on the enduring nature of humankind even in the very darkest of times. Certainly not one for the faint-hearted.

With the next issue of the Rotary magazine centring on Child and Maternal Health, we’re turning to you for suggestions of what to include next time! If you can think of a book to recommend that relates in any way to the health and wellbeing of children and mothers, we’d love to hear from you. It can be any genre, length, style or form, as long as it somehow relates to the theme. Please send your suggestions to editor@rotarygbi.org

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LATEST NEWS FROM AROUND GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND

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A DECADE OF INSPIRING YOUNGSTERS

Young Citizen Award winners 2016 at Rotary Conference

THIS YEAR MARKS THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ROTARY YOUNG CITIZEN AWARDS, WITH HUNDREDS OF INSPIRATIONAL YOUNGSTERS NOMINATED BY ROTARY CLUBS ACROSS GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND OVER THE PAST TEN YEARS.

hen the Young Citizen Awards were created back in 2007, young people were regularly receiving a bad press, with negative stories about youngsters involved in anti-social behaviour and violence towards others. However, Rotarians were seeing a very different picture and felt something needed to be done to promote the young people who were making a positive impact to their community and the lives of people around them. That is when the Young Citizen Awards were created. Recognising those under the age of 25, the judges came together and set the criteria of rewarding those who have demonstrated their commitment to citizenship through

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various activities. Since it began, nearly a hundred awards have been given out to both individuals and groups, and each one is presented with their accolade at Rotary’s annual conference. Eve Conway, President of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland and creator of the awards, commented: “Working as a journalist at the BBC, we were hearing frequent negative stories about the younger generation and in the public eye our young population were all getting tarnished with the same image. We wanted to change that perception by creating something really positive to show that there was so much good being done by young people in their local community. “I’ve worked with a range of judges throughout the past 10 years who have been

inspired by the fantastic work people of such a young age have carried out. Every year when we sit down to judge these awards, it is always such a difficult task as we see so many deserving youngsters and are blown away by the selflessness of these young people. Each winner has gone above and beyond to help others and bring about change. From overcoming incredible odds, taking on causes close to their hearts and raising public awareness; amazing fundraising feats or simply doing something to brighten someone else’s day, we’ve heard inspirational stories and we’re proud that we can recognise them for their fantastic achievements.” We caught up with two of the previous winners to find out what they've been up to and hear how winning the award has changed their lives.

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Young Citizen Award Winner Jenna Speirs with Rotary President Eve Conway at Calums Cabin

Jenna's late brother Calum Speirs

CALUMS CABIN

recipient of the Young Citizen Award in 2008 was Jenna Speirs, who at the age of 13 was nominated by the Rotary Club of Rothesay. Back in 2007, Jenna’s twin brother, Calum, sadly passed away after he suffered an inoperable brain tumour. Calum’s treatment included chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which he handled with great courage, dignity and humour for someone so young. It was then his idea to set up Calums Cabin, a sanctuary designed for young people suffering with cancer to escape to and spend quality time and create special memories with their loved ones on the Isle of Bute. After Calum sadly lost his battle with cancer 13 months after his diagnosis, Jenna was determined that Calum’s memory would live on. At his funeral service, a fundraising appeal was set up to ensure his dream of a home for providing young cancer sufferers with peace and tranquillity became a reality. When Jenna was awarded the Young Citizen Award, she had already raised £250,000 and plans were being put into place to build what is now Calums Cabin. We’ve caught up with Jenna ten years on to find out how the build progressed. Jenna told us, “When my parents were initially looking for a place to set up Calums Cabin we were surprised by how much it would cost to transform the idea into a reality. We met with Lord Bute who offered the land at Straad for £1 per annum and we met with architects to

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Calums Cabin

"WHEN JENNA WAS AWARDED THE YOUNG CITIZEN AWARD, SHE HAD ALREADY RAISED £250,000 AND PLANS WERE BEING PUT INTO PLACE TO BUILD WHAT IS NOW CALUMS CABIN." help us build the cabin. In September 2008 the foundations were laid and within months the interiors were being finalised. It was such an achievement to witness all our hard work paying off.” Two years on from losing Calum, the Speirs were welcoming their first family to the cabin and since day one it has been full with bookings. Realising the overwhelming need for a haven such as this, the family set up Calums Cabin Cottage in 2011 thanks to further donations. Both properties are fully funded by generous donations, and the dream is to build further cabins around the country to ensure Calum’s memory lives on. All families stay free of charge. Jenna added, “We are totally amazed at

everyone’s generosity and that we managed to get from the initial £20,000 for a caravan to what was needed to be raised to build Calums Cabin and the cottage. “Winning the Young Citizen Award was a huge honour for both Calums Cabin and myself, the properties have allowed children suffering from cancer to make some precious memories. I am now in my final year studying radiotherapy and winning the award has helped me get to where I am today.”

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A HELPING HAND Young Citizen Award winner Maciej Szukala describes how receiving the award back in 2010 has helped transform his life. At the time, he was a 15-year-old Polish migrant who had come to North Wales aged just 10, unable to speak a word of English. When starting school he felt isolated from other children and was bullied. But determined to help ensure other migrant and refugee children didn’t go through a similar experience, he began to help teach them English and how to write and soon his work came to the attention of the Rotary Club of Wrexham Yale who nominated him for the award. When he won, Maciej said: “I tried to help others to make their lives better. I don’t want people to sit in the corner. Use your skills and do as much as possible. Sometimes people are embarrassed. I would say don’t be ashamed of what you are doing, just do it. “Winning the Rotary Young Citizen Award has opened many doors for me and given me some fantastic opportunities that would not have been possible without Rotary. I have since joined Rotary as it was a great opportunity to give back to the people who had helped me throughout my childhood.” Following on from his award, he supported migrants in his area through working with the Red Cross and, now aged 22, Maciej has gone on to run a successful legal translation business. He has also become a member of the new Rotary Club of Wrexham Glyndwr. Maciej said: “As I have matured, the work I do has too. I first set up my business in 2013 and worked by myself to help the Polish community with legal translation such as translating for solicitors or the police. As I got more work and more clients, I needed more staff and I now currently employ around 10 people and work for nearly 30 businesses preparing court documents and attending employment tribunals.” The situation that Maciej faced is just as real today as it was six years ago, and this past year there have been thousands of children starting school unable to speak English and finding themselves in a similar situation to Maciej. He told us, “It’s really important to integrate children as soon as they start schools as it can be such a daunting time being in a new country and not being able to speak the language. Games and sports are a great way to achieve this as it welcomes

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Young Citizen Award winner Maciej Szukala, collecting his award with TV presenter Konnie Huq

“I TRIED TO HELP OTHERS TO MAKE THEIR LIVES BETTER. I DON’T WANT PEOPLE TO SIT IN THE CORNER. USE YOUR SKILLS AND DO AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. SOMETIMES PEOPLE ARE EMBARRASSED. I WOULD SAY DON’T BE ASHAMED OF WHAT YOU ARE DOING, JUST DO IT.”

children together while helping them to learn the language.” To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Young Citizen Awards, a special presentation will take place at Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland’s conference in Manchester in April. A showcase video has been put together that follows ten young citizens on their journey since winning the award. The conference will also host this year’s annual

awards recognising more inspirational young people who have shown excellence in their community. It’s not one to be missed.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information on the Young Citizen Awards visit: rotarygbi.org/ what-we-do/youth-competitions rotarygbi.org

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Whether you have a desire to make a difference within your local community or on an international scale, Rotary gives you the platform to make it possible.

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WHEELS IN MOTION

or some homes and businesses affected by last winter’s floods, it has taken over a year to get their lives back to something resembling normality, but four Rotary clubs in Carlisle have helped ensure Carlisle Youth Zone continue to provide support for young people across the city. Carlisle Youth Zone is a modern take on youth clubs of the past, working with 1,000 young people every week, many of whom have learning difficulties or complex social needs. In addition to the entire ground floor of the premises being underwater, the Youth Zone’s minibus was also severely damaged. Facing a £12,000 shortfall and the inability to continue their outreach work, Rotary stepped in to help. The donation is one of many made to the region over the last year thanks to the generosity of Rotary clubs across the country, as local Rotarian Arthur Jones explains, “I was bowled over by the response we had to our Flood Fund with over £200,000 being donated. We have now distributed or committed most of the funds and I am pleased to be able to support the Youth Zone. Young people are at the heart of what Rotary does in our communities and we always support them in whatever way we can.”

THANKS A MILLION

or over 20 years, the Rotary Shoebox Scheme has been delivering boxes of joy to underprivileged children across Eastern Europe. Since 1994, over one million shoeboxes, packed full of toys, clothes, school equipment and toiletries by schools, businesses and individuals have been distributed to those who need it most. A recent delivery of 26,000 boxes reached communities in Ukraine and Romania just in time for Christmas. As Colin Ince, a member of St. Helens Rotary Club who has been involved with the Shoebox Scheme for a number of years explains, the recipients of boxes are often living in extreme poverty, “When I travelled to Romania and Moldova to distribute boxes, I came face to face with real poverty and families living in houses, often little better than a shack, with no running water and no heating.”

Boxes are specially packed for babies, children, teenagers and households and the scheme is made possible not only by Rotary clubs across Great Britain and Ireland who promote the scheme in their communities, but also Rotary clubs in receiving countries, who work with trusted international aid organisations to ensure shoeboxes are distributed to communities most in need. The contents of the box are often things we take for granted, but are precious luxuries for tens of thousands of children and families in these underprivileged communities, as Colin continued, “I will never forget the faces of the children receiving their first ever present or the old lady crying tears of joy as she opened her own box. Unfortunately the need is growing and we could easily distribute double the number of boxes we do now.”

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Find out more at: rotaryshoebox.org

COLCHESTER ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC

lmost 500 primary school pupils dazzled the crowds as they took to the stage in Colchester Forum Rotary Club’s local choir competition. The contestants were pupils aged 7 to 11 from local primary schools in Colchester and the surrounding areas and each were tasked with singing a set song, “Believe” by Lin Marsh to allow the four judges to compare performances.

Schools were then given the chance to make their mark on the competition by performing a song of their choice to a piano accompaniment or backing track. Three heats were held producing six outstanding finalists, but it was Dedham Primary School who took home the trophy. A packed audience of some 600 parents and friends also included Deputy Mayor, Cllr. Gerard Oxford, who was extremely impressed by the children’s performances,

“It is amazing and rewarding that we have such a rich amount of talent among these young people.” In addition to giving young people the wonderful opportunity to engage with music and perform live, the event also raised £300 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices, which provide a range of care services for children and their families.

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CREATING A BUZZ IN ETHIOPIA

or rural areas of Ethiopia, the cycle of poverty can be almost impossible to escape, but the Rotary Club of Millom has put some buzz into the community of Dera with a project that is extra sweet. In partnership with Bees for Development, a UK-based charity working across Africa and Central and Southern Asia, the club has supported the implementation of two Honey Marketing Cooperatives for Young Beekeepers. This provides members of the community with the equipment for honey and beeswax processing, along with in-village technical coaching for honey harvesting and quality control. By creating the means of production and helping beekeepers access new markets, families have not only an immediate means of income, but are also equipped with the skills and business training for future generations to spread community sustainability in the longer-term. One of those beneficiaries was Alemnesh, who explained, “This year we have harvested and sold over 50kg of honey. Now we have been able to buy a goat!” In total the Rotary Club of Millom, along with the Rotary Clubs of Ulverston and Furness, a District Grant and a donation from Bees for Development themselves, contributed £2,500 for the project. Plans are in place to roll out a much larger project, supported by a Global Grant from The Rotary Foundation, to expand the project even further, with hundreds of young people under the age of 30 likely to benefit.

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Find out more at: bit.ly/RCMillom

EDUCATION FOR REFUGEE CHILDREN

otary clubs in the West Midlands have been involved in improving the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable children by paying a visit to the Grande-Synthe refugee camp in Northern France. Clubs across the West Midlands united to help fund sets of winter clothing, 50 backpacks full of school supplies and even a gingerbread house for the children to build, which were delivered by five Rotary members. The camp in Dunkirk was built by Médecins Sans Frontières in early 2016 and became the first internationally recognised refugee camp in France. Although the number of residents there has more than halved over the last year, the camp remains home to 1,000 residents, the majority of which are originally from Northern Iraq. Although situated against the significant

political backdrop, the Dunkirk Children’s Refugee Centre is a place where the children living in the camp experience something as close as possible to a regular school or nursery setting. The centre offers a place of sanctuary for children to express themselves creatively with arts and crafts and begin to learn French and English, so the Rotary clubs’ donations will help the children to make a start on their road to education. One of the members who made the trip was Gary Dancer, who recalled the emotion of the visit, “The visit was very emotive for the five of us when confronted by the realities of the situation. I made friends with a two-year-old Iraqi Kurd boy who had been born in a camp in Turkey and whose whole life has been as a refugee. This was heartbreaking to hear and it took some time to win his trust and overcome his very understandable fear of strangers.”

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GOING UNDERGROUND

s part of their work with the younger members of the community, the Rotary Club of The Sussex Vale are helping the Friends of Downs Junior School in Brighton develop an underground bomb shelter that was discovered beneath the children's playground. The school’s caretaker, Mike Button, recently discovered the shelter during building improvements to the school and plans are to convert it into a museum for the local community. The exhibition will show how the children from Croydon were evacuated to Brighton at the start of the war and how

they used the shelter during bombing raids. Former pupils of the school have recorded their accounts of their time in the shelter and air raid sound effects, all add to the atmosphere below ground to recreate what conditions will have been like during an enemy attack. Constructed two metres below the playground the shelter has remained untouched since the Second World War and is proving a great hit with the pupils. Although Brighton itself was not a major target for bombing raids, planes did drop their remaining bombs on the town before gaining height for their return flights.

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NEWS IN BRIEF IN THE HEART OF LAUNCESTON For over five years a number of local community projects have been able to make a difference in Launceston, Cornwall thanks to Launceston Rotary Club’s Community Shop. Manned by Rotary members and volunteers, the shop sells donated goods and feeds around £30,000 per year back into the community for projects including food banks, memory cafés and youth programmes.

HOPE FOR TOMORROW Patients in Gloucestershire will receive an upgraded service for their essential treatment after Cirencester Rotary Club donated £5,000 towards Hope For Tomorrow’s replacement mobile chemotherapy unit. The unit helps to relieve the stress of long-distance travel for those undergoing chemotherapy by bringing the treatment to the areas where they live. The club has been a dedicated supporter of the local charity and are excited to see the unit hit the roads in early 2017.

SPECIAL DELIVERY The Rotary Club of Heswall has delivered a shipment of six crates of prosthetic limbs, wheelchairs and walking aids to Ghana. The Orthopaedic Training Centre (OTC) in Nsawam, southern Ghana, enables disabled children and adults to live independent lives despite suffering from a range of limb, spinal and neck conditions. The consignment also included sports equipment donated by Tranmere Rovers Football Club, which meant OTC staff could go head to head in a match with local college students.

AWARD FOR YOUNG CITIZEN BELLA Bella Field, a winner of the Rotary Young Citizen award has been crowned Best Young Fundraiser of the Year by the Institute of Fundraising to recognise her outstanding achievements. Eleven-year-old Bella has collected more than £110,000 for Haven House Children’s Hospice in memory of her sister Molly, who died from an inoperable brain tumour in 2010.

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THE WILD, THE WEIRD AND THE WONDERFUL

eeks of preparation culminated in wonderful performances for the pupils of four schools in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead as they took part in a poetry recital, funded and hosted by Maidenhead Thames Rotary Club. As part of the project, a class from each of the schools had the opportunity to work with local poet and performer Coral Rumble over a number of weeks, to produce their own poems ready for the performance. Animals and wildlife were the focus for the poems, with the four participating primary schools each being given a theme to

focus on: All About Pets; Creatures of Earth and Sky; Wild, Wild, Wild! and Seas, Rivers and Lakes. Following the event, Coral commented, “The performances did justice to the wonderful poems written by the children, and the hard work put in by their teachers. Each school embraced the project with enthusiasm and commitment, and the buzz of excitement on the night, both promised and delivered entertaining presentations.” The children also completed artwork and illustrations, some of which will appear alongside their poems in an anthology, to be published by early next year.

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REJUVENATING JOMBO

or 12 years, Tony and Sue Melia have dedicated their retirement to creating better futures for communities in Bwengu, Northern Malawi, and with the support of two Rotary clubs, the residents of the village of Jombo have had their lives transformed. With broken desks, an understocked library and dilapidated buildings, Jombo’s secondary school was in need of rejuvenation. New books, refurbished equipment and solar lights to allow for evening and night time study were provided by Southam 2000 and Rugby Breakfast Rotary Clubs, and have contributed to the pupils’ exam pass rate almost doubling. The clubs have also supported the building of a Women’s Development Centre,

which has improved education among the village’s women, many of whom could not read or write. The centre is kitted out with kitchen equipment and food for the village’s orphans, along with sewing machines, allowing local women to make school uniforms, so the pupils can look as smart as their newly refurbished school. Tony and Sue are Honorary Members of Southam 2000 Rotary Club, and Tony commented, “The Bwengu Project is all about giving the communities in Malawi the tools to help themselves. That’s why we are so grateful for the support of Rotary clubs as without their help and donations, we wouldn’t be able to make as big an impact as we do.”

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READ ALL ABOUT IT

ne of Rotary’s most successful literacy projects will be receiving further backing from a host of Rotary clubs across Great Britain and Ireland. The Guatemala Literacy Project (GLP) has been running for 20 years and has provided over 25,000 pupils at 184 schools with textbooks, founded 43 self-funding computer centres and over 60 primary reading programmes across the country. For the coming year, the project hopes to expand to new areas of the country where illiteracy remains a problem. So far 29 Rotary clubs across six different areas of Britain and Ireland have donated £13,000 to the project, with hopes that will be matched by district and Rotary Foundation Grants to maximise the impact clubs in this country can have overseas. The project has yielded staggering results, with school dropout rates down by almost a half following the introduction of textbook programmes, and 95% of computer centre graduates going on to employment or further education. John Stanton, a member of Kenilworth Rotary Club has made multiple visits to Guatemala and has witnessed firsthand the difference it can make to people’s lives, “When you first arrive in Guatemala City, you are struck by the colour. The gaudy buses are all painted according to their destination as so many people cannot read. “We travelled to the mountainous North West of the country where the communities GLP mainly serves are located. We delivered books to several community schools in the main town of Quetzaltenango and watched the parents rejoicing that their children now had a chance to break out of the traditional cycle of poverty and better themselves and their community.” Find out more at: guatemalaliteracy.org

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REACHING THE SUMMITS

ill Honeywell, a member of the Rotary Club of Clitheroe has taken the idea of a countryside walk to new levels as he completed the latest of his epic fundraising challenges. For 2016, Bill, a member of Clitheroe Rotary Club, set himself the challenge of climbing all 542 of the Lake District’s hills, fells and mountains, known as the Lakeside Summits in the space of just 12 months, and all to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK. So determined was Bill to complete the challenge, he scaled all 542 summits with two months to spare, walking a huge 750 miles and climbing almost 225,000 feet – the equivalent distance of climbing Mount Everest from Base Camp to the Summit a staggering 19 times. Bill’s journey is made all the more inspiring by the fact he himself is a double cancer survivor. Along the way Bill has had plenty of support from friends, family and Rotarians, with over 50 fellow walkers joining him as he tackled his final summit, Carron Crag.

On the 542 Challenge, Bill commented, “It certainly turned out to be a big test! I have to say there were a few days when I would rather have stayed at home, especially during the miserable summer weather, but the fact that I was doing this for Cancer Research - and a great team of supporters - kept me going.” Bill has raised over £40,000 from the challenge, with many donors sponsoring him for 10p per summit. This isn’t Bill’s first heroic fundraiser, having previously cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats and 4,500 miles around the coast of Great Britain.

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Holidays All Areas Rotarian Properties SEE OUR WEBSITE

www.R-O-D.org Great Choice of Apartments, Villas, Chalets, Gites, Condos for Holiday Rental or Holiday Exchange.

Balearics

PUERTO POLLENSA MALLORCA This 1st floor air/con. Apartment is centrally located 75m from beach. 2 twin bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, kitchen and spacious lounge/diner. Satellite TV. CD player plus Wi-Fi. Shared 3rd floor roof terrace has a utility with wash/machine and BBQ. Property for sale at £200,000 O.N.O. Graham L Wiseman Tel: 01733 234552 or mobile 075 288 74611 Email: g.l.wiseman@ btinternet.com MALLORCA - Puerto Pollensa. Two modern 3 bedroom apartments. Central position close to shops, restaurants, beach, marina. Air conditioned. Satellite TV. Wi-Fi. (One a luxury apartment with a shared pool). Tel: 07773 228631 www.holidaypuertopollensa.com MALLORCA - PUERTO POLLENSA Lovely 3 bedroom / 2 bathroom apartment near beautiful beach in central location. www.casadelaisla.com Tel: 01873810590 or email fseverns@me.com

Canaries

Tenerife South Luxury air con two bedroom duplex apartment in Palm Mar, a quiet and tranquil corner of South Tenerife. Offers stunning terrace sea views in secluded gated complex with pool. Twenty mins from airport, with shops and restaurants close by and access to Los Christianos for shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Further details on www.dnjchapman.co.uk

Contact David Chapman 07957 550813 email: david.pc@ntlworld.com

TENERIFE SOUTH. - Callao Salvaje. Rotarian’s quiet 2 bed/2 bath villa on quiet complex with 2 pools. Ideal for 2/4 people. Lower rates for 2 people. English TV, lots of sun terracing. Ring 01942 673734. LANZAROTE - Costa Teguise. Fantastic, one bedroom flat. Large south facing balcony, overlooking large pool and gardens. Close to beach, good restaurants and all facilities. Contact Rtn Derek Wright Tel 01733 234552 E-Mail: derek@ churchlanewaterville.fsnet.co.uk

rotarygbi.org

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France

DORDOGNE - Rotarian’s own charming very comfortable, fully equipped French home sleeping 6 with all mod cons. Heated 10 x 5m salt water pool. 7 miles North of Bergerac, Large living/dining area, 3 double bedrooms. Bathroom, shower room & toilet, 3 acres of gardens, terrace with panoramic views over the countryside. Tranquil rural setting, small hamlet with boulangerie/shop and restaurants 1½ km away. Bergerac airport 15 mins. Information 07747636306 or lagroussie@wanadoo.fr

SAINTE CECILLE – Situated between Boulogne & Le Touquet. Two/ Three bedroom house, fully equipped. Close to beach, shops and restaurants. Discounts for Rotarians. Phone 01233 519271. Email lesterk@hotmail.co.uk

SAMOËNS - French Alps Rotarian daughter’s 5 bedroom chalet, all en-suite, offering luxury B&B or self-catered accommodation in a stunning location. Perfect for walking, cycling, or just relaxing in beautiful surroundings! Book by the room or sole occupancy. One hour from Geneva. Airport transfers available. Visit www.apassion.com or call +44(0) 7884 475414

within private grounds. ETC 4 Stars. Short breaks available. www.biburyholidaycottages.com or for a brochure Tel 01285 740314 SCOTLAND – Water’s edge cottages & holiday homes in Argyll, Scotland. Loch views in a peaceful location, dogs welcome, sleeps 2 - 6/8. w:www.ellary.com e:info@ellary. com t:01880 770232 LYTHAM ST ANNES THE SEA CROFT

Feel at home at The Sea Croft with our unique brand of hospitality and customer care. Choose from a sumptuous breakfast, relax in our lounge or enjoy a cocktail in the bar. We are here to make your stay the best it can be.

T: 01253721806

SALCOMBE Rotarian’s refurbished apartment near, overlooking harbour. Large balcony, large living room, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Sleeps 2-8 Tel 01837 82203 www.charboroughhouse.co.uk EAST YORKSHIRE – Cottage for 2 all on one level. Base for visiting Beverley, York, Hull. Walking distance RSPB Blacktoft Sands and village pub. Tel 01405 704555 www.reednesshall.co.uk BIBURY – Breath-taking Cotswold Village. 4 self-catering cottages

ALGARVE, CARVOEIRO Luxury two bedroom, two bathroom villa. Pool. Golf nearby. Long lets by negotiation. DISCOUNT FOR ROTARIANS For details visit our website www.windmill-leisure.com

Call +44 (0)7956 109395 to discuss ALGARVE - ALVOR. Luxury apartment located in the sub-tropical gardens of the Alto Golf & Country Club. Within walking distance of beautiful sandy beach & charming Alvor town. Facilities include indoor & outdoor pools, gym, sauna, a la carte restaurant & bar with outdoor terrace dining, tennis courts, 18 hole championship golf course. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, air conditioning, sun terrace, wifi and satellite tv. Tel: 01202 875392 or e-mail : geoff . partington@ btinternet. com

Spain MORAIRA – LUXURY VILLA OVERLOOKING THE MED

DARTMOUTH & THE RIVER DART’S LUXURY 5* B&B

• Rotarian’s newly-built, interior-designed Luxury 5* B&B • Located in Stoke Gabriel village - “The Jewel on the Dart” • Stunning views overlooking village and River Dart • Warm, Cosy & Welcoming. Afternoon Cream Tea on arrival • Three Ensuite luxury Bedrooms with balconies. Open all year • Guest Lounge and Guest Conservatory. Flat screen TVs • Free WiFi. Local Fishing, Boating, Sailing and Walking • Near to Agatha Christie’s home – Greenway House

WWW.STOKEGABRIELLODGINGS.COM Brochure: 01803 782003 (David or Helen)

Great B&I

Portugal

• Rotarian’s luxury 5-bedroom Villa sleeping up to 12 • Located on promontary above El Portet, Moraira, Costa Blanca • Stunning views of the sea and coastline to front and rear • Central Heating for year-round occupancy • Air-conditioned bedrooms. Flat screen TV • Large private pool – kidney shaped. Tranquil • Lovely beaches, Golf, Tennis and prestigious infrastructure • No hotels, no campsites just one of the nicest spots in Spain • Professional management. Rental from £250 to £1295 pw

WWW.PUERTOLLANO51.COM Brochure: 01803 782003 (David or Helen)

THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE

CALPE, COSTA BLANCA

Luxury “all year round” villa in spacious grounds with large pool and magnificent views. Furnished to a high standard throughout. Sleeps 8/10 comfortably. Tranquil and very private. Easy reach of town, beaches, golf, tennis, and much more.

WWW.VILLAMAYA.COM Telephone: 07768 077 864 0117 970 1610

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Javea Rotarian family’s luxury 2 bed/2 bath apt in beautiful Old Port area. Delightful pool 4 minutes walk from seafront. www.puertoreal.co.uk or tel: 020 8892 2603

Switzerland

SWITZERLAND -Gstaad. Situated in the small village of Rougement, our luxury 3 bed 2 bath apartment sleeping 6/ 8 is ideal for summer/ winter holidays. Set in spectacular scenery & walking country, the village is part of the Gstaad super ski region, with summer skiing available on nearby glacier. Regret no children under 10 years. For further details: 0115 925 5838 or e-mail: brian@7ferndale.co.uk

USA

MARCO ISLAND - Nr Naples, Florida. Sea View overlooking the 10,000 Islands, beautiful 2 bedroom/ 2 bathroom apartment. Tel: Bruce Young 01793 521436 or email: danger3303@aol.com

ORLANDO FLORIDA Rotarian’s luxury villa (special rates for

Building

Ex - display timber sheds, workshops, summer houses, field shelters. Also available, equestrian, garages and commercial buildings made to your specifications. 01935 891195.

If you would like to advertise in Rotary call 01354 818011

Speakers

Rotarians and Rotarian’s families)

In gated community with club house, tennis court, volley ball and children’s play area. Fully air conditioned. 4 bedrooms, 3½ bathrooms. 15 minutes from Disney. Own heated pool with screen and covered lanai. 2 bedrooms en suite. TV/DVD/Games console. Near shops & restaurants, very close to many golf courses including Champions Gate and Reunion. Club House with comprehensive gym and games room.

Rates from £450 per week. Discounts available for Rotarians please email: nigel4653@sky.com www.njorlandovilla.com 01526 569521

Dr Ray Lowry What’s a successful TV comedy writer (The Two Ronnies, Dave Allen, Kenneth Williams) turned doctor and dentist do when he retires? He travels all over the UK talking to the likes of Rotary – at least that’s what Dr Ray Lowry is doing.

Defibrillators

Since he hung up his white coat he has been entertaining audiences all over the UK (in clubs, after dinner, on stage and in the media) with tales from his professional life suitably anonymised, sanitised and good-hearted. You could be in stiches with his mixture of anecdotes, physical comedy and visual jokes. In this unashamedly old-school comedy show discover what it took to get into medical and dental school and what kind of antics they got up to when training; what went right and wrong in the surgery; and what they really say about you and your bodies. If you’ve ever had a dentist’s finger in your mouth or a doctor’s finger somewhere else, you may have wondered about the person behind the knuckle. Now’s your opportunity to find out. You can contact Ray on r.lowry@sky.com, landline 0191 296 0689, mobile 07921140778. All he asks is help with travel if possible and a small fee if appropriate (for example for formal dinners).

Rotary Emblems PERSONAL APPEARANCES

Fundraising is easy with

Spiral Wishing Wells Let a Spiral Well do all the work, watch how the coins roll in!

Tired of bucket collecting?

Increase fund raising revenue the easy way ……. Raise public awareness of your club.

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Celebrities supplied for After dinner speeches Personal Appearances Conferences Golf Days Sportsman’s Dinners All Corporate and Sporting events. Let us us arrange arrange the the speaker/celebrity speaker/celebrity Let for your your function. function. for Call us for a quotation and/or a a Call us for a quotation and/or list of celebrity clients. list of celebrity clients. 20 North Mount, 1147-1161 High Road, 20 North Mount, London, 1147-1161 Whetstone, N20High 0PHRoad, Whetstone, London, N20 0PH Telephone: 020 8343 7748 Telephone: 020 8343 7748 Skype: patsy.martin2 www.personal appearances.biz Email: patsy@personalappearances.biz

If you would like to advertise in Rotary call 01354 818011 rotarygbi.org

20/01/2017 15:22

Rotary Identity

Signs and Plaques

Rotary Identity

Rotary Licensed Supplier No. 06-4B7889

Polo, Sweat, Tee, Rugby & Business Shirts. Fleece, Jackets, Jumpers, Hats, Caps, Aprons, Chefs jackets, Hi-Vis garments.

Badges

Insurance INDEMNITY AND LIABILITY INSURANCE

Are you a Charity Trustee?

PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE Comprehensive cover from £15 a month. My goal is to beat your renewal quote whilst providing excellent cover. I am a former Lloyd’s underwriter with 30 years experience in the field. Rtn Rob Ward, Sennet Insurance Services Ltd, 1 Oaten Hill Place, Canterbury, CT1 3HJ - Tel: 01227 781200

If so, you could be sued by the charity or a third party. Protect yourself and your fellow trustees. Our comprehensive cover costs just £10 a month for a whole board of trustees. As a Rotarian, with over 30 years experience in this field, I understand your needs. For a no obligation discussion you can call me Rob Ward, Managing Director, Sennet Insurance Services Ltd on 01227 781200.

Classified Advertisements Rates

Lineage

Classified Display

£26.25 pscc (minimum 2x1) Minimum £20.40 +VAT (up to 20 words) Additional words at £1.02 +VAT. Payment can be made by Debit or Credit Card. Please call 01354 818011 to make a secure payment. These adverts are placed in good faith and we accept no responsibility for misrepresentation. No personal classified lineage advertisement will be accepted which advertises more than three properties for rent or sale on behalf of the same person in any one issue. All advertisements are placed subject to the Standard Terms and Conditions of Acceptance of Advertisements of Media Shed Ltd. Further details can be obtained by telephoning the sales department on 01354 818011 or can be found at www.media-shed.co.uk/terms-conditions

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SOCIAL MEDIA

It's Gone Viral

IT'S GONE VIRAL

What is being watched, posted, liked, shared and tweeted around Rotary in the world of social media.

Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

TRANSFORMING LIVES IN DRYLANDS Just imagine if you had to spend 12 hours per day collecting water. Rotary is working with Excellent Development to bring sand dam technology to the world’s poorest people. Head to the Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland Facebook page or visit bit.ly/ SandDams to watch a reconstructed time lapse video of how sand dams are changing lives.

Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

A JOURNEY OF PEACE Lauren Coffaro is one of 900 scholars to take part in the Rotary Peace programme. Join others in following her journey from application, to study at the University of Bradford to sharing her passion for peace with young people in Guatemala. Visit the Rotary International YouTube channel or bit.ly/RotaryPeaceJourney to follow her journey.

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@RotaryGBI

/RotaryinGBI

Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

WATER MEANS LIFE

AFTERSHOCK

At the centre of conflicts, access to water can reach crisis levels. In areas of the Syrian capital of Damascus some have gone without running water for over two weeks. Head to @UNICEF for more stories on water and sanitation from across the world.

Immerse yourself in virtual reality with WaterAid’s first VR documentary. Travel to postearthquake Nepal and follow the journey of Krishna as he sets about restoring his community’s damaged water supply. Visit aftershock.wateraid.org to order your own VR set and experience the film on the WaterAid YouTube channel.

Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

SCHOOL REPORT

BEYOND THE BARS

Pupils at Caterham School put their reporting skills to the test as they took part in the BBC School Report scheme. Make your way to @RotaryCaterham on Twitter or bit.ly/CaterhamSchool to watch the report, which focuses on the school’s close relationship with the local Rotary club and how they are working together to improve their community.

Isolated, deprived, neglected. Join over 250,000 others who have watched the upsetting footage of animals living in unnatural conditions to get a real feel for the issues the Born Free Foundation are tackling every day. Head to Born Free’s Facebook page to check out the video for yourself.

Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland

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