Rotary Magazine June - July 2015

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

UNICEF 10 Stroke Association 14 Peace One Day 26 Nepal Earthquake 36 June/July 2015 www.rotarygbi.org

The magazine of Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland

24 AFGHAN CONNECTION

Out of the dirt and into the classroom

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Talk from the top...

RI PRESIDENT 2014/15 I GARY C K HUANG

I knew that by telling others about Rotary, we would increase membership, build stronger clubs, and improve our ability to help people in need.”

hen I began this Rotary year as your president, I wanted us, above all, to Light Up Rotary. I wanted us to share with the world how many wonderful friendships and experiences we have found in Rotary, and how Rotary has transformed and enriched our lives. I knew that by telling others about Rotary, we would increase membership, build stronger clubs, and improve our ability to help people in need.

As we end this 2014/15 Rotary year, I am honoured by your response and will always be grateful for how you have risen to this challenge. You have answered my call to Light Up Rotary by holding many successful Rotary Day celebrations in your communities; you have outdone yourselves in your contributions to our Rotary Foundation; and you have moved all of Rotary forward with new members and new clubs.

When I chose my theme for my year as president, I was inspired by the words of Confucius, who said, “It is better to light a single candle than to sit and curse the darkness.”

This year, more than 1.2 million Rotarians, along with Interactors, Rotaractors, Rotary Youth Exchange participants, and 4 // ROTARY

Rotary Peace Fellows, have lit their own candles in tens of thousands of communities. Together, the lights we have kindled have created a great light that shines for all the world to see.

I thank all of you for the opportunity to serve as your president this year, and for the hard work and dedication of our volunteer leadership and our staff members. I came to them with high expectations – and they delivered.

I am also grateful for the many friends I have made during this Rotary year, and for the wonderful visits I’ve had to so many places. I will always remember, with great fondness, riding on the Rotary float in the Rose Parade, watching children enjoy the Japanese drummers at the Rotary Day open house at RI headquarters in Evanston, and cycling through the night in Colombo during the Ride to Light Up Rotary event, celebrating a polio free Sri Lanka.

I have seen a new energy in Rotary this year, and felt a new excitement. We’ve seen more and more women and young people join Rotary as well – including my wife, Corinna, and our three children.

I hope that in the year to come, you will continue your wonderful work to Light Up Rotary – and to help it be a gift to the world.

•

GARY C K HUANG

RI PRESIDENT

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Nepal Earthquake 17

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REGULARS

FROM THE TOP

04

RI President Gary Huang, RIBI President Peter King and RI Director Mike Webb write

MEET & GREET

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Up close, and personal with new Rotary Club member, Tricia Bell

MEMBERSHIP 40 ROTARY NEWS

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The low down on what our members have been getting up to

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES 50

ROTARY ONLINE Look us up online at rotarygbi.org or follow us on Facebook /RotaryRIBI Twitter – @RotaryGBI Linkedin – Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland

What’s inside BIG INTERVIEWS

UNICEF 10 Peace One Day 26 Jeremy Gillie, Peace One Day

ROTARY IN ACTION

Judith Diment Stroke Association Future Generations SMA Support Global Sight Solutions Combat Stress Belfast Conference

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL

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UNICEF 10 Elliot Ackerman 16 Rotary Club of Kabul 21 Afghan Connection 24 Peace One Day 26 Rotary Around the World 28 Nepal Earthquake 36 fyi

Get in touch...

Rotary International GBI, Kinwarton Road, Alcester, Warwickshire B49 6PB t: 01789 765 411 Got a story for us? Send it in (with a good quality picture) to editor@rotarygbi.org Managing Editor: Allan Berry e: editor@rotarygbi.org PR Officer: e: pr@rotarygbi.org Designer: Martin Tandy e: martin.tandy@rotarygbi.org

Advertising: Media Shed (Agents for Rotary) Contact: Gareth Macfarlane t: 01354 818009 • e: garethm@media-shed.co.uk

Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editors or Rotary GBI. Every effort is made to ensure that the magazine’s contents are accurate. Information is published in good faith but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience arising from error or omission. Advertisements are accepted at face value and no liability can be accepted for the actions of advertisers. The editors welcome contributions of articles, news items, photographs and letters but are under no obligation to publish unsolicited material. The editors reserve the right to edit for clarity or length. Contributors must ensure that all material submitted is not in breach of copyright or that if such material is submitted they have obtained any necessary permission, in writing, for its reproduction. While every care will be taken with material submitted to Rotary magazine, no responsibility can be accepted for loss or damage.

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What they say...

Developing Potential RIBI PRESIDENT 2014/15 I PETER KING

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e seek to encourage confidence and develop potential and Rotary does this with its youth competitions and programmes such as Youth Exchange. May has seen the national finals of Young Chef, Youth Speaks and Young Musician. The finalists represent participation and involvement of young people from club level and above. Rotary was present at the “Big Bang” fair in Birmingham when over 80,000 students, teachers and parents had the opportunity of hearing about what great work we do. Citizenship is a key subject in schools and Rotakids and Interact fit well into that area and this is a great way to introduce young people to Rotary.

New and innovative clubs and satellite clubs provide a sound base to recruit younger members, giving them the freedom to explore new ways of expressing Rotary. Di and I had the pleasure to be at the charter of the first satellite club in Rotary GBI, if not in RI, when St Vincent’s achieved with its 42 members full club status. Although focused upon the school for the visually impaired it sought through innovation and outreach to encourage greater awareness in the wider community of the needs of the visually impaired, increasing opportunities in community and employment and to develop individual potential.

It is my hope that by the conclusion of my year Rotary GBI will be in partnership with Step up to Serve, an organisation committed to developing the culture of volunteering among the young people.

Developing leadership skills and potential has been at the heart of the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) programme and we have a real opportunity to share with other organisations learning from them life skills, confidence building, and leadership through service to reach their potential.

Corporate Partnerships

The importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) provides the perfect platform to Rotarians to present worthwhile 6 // ROTARY

projects that companies can become engaged with and supportive to the wider Rotary cause. We need to work “with” and not “for” likeminded organisations so that common purpose and shared endeavour produces noticeable and significant results whilst providing a continuing association and dialogue for membership.

Rotary GBI

Hopefully Rotary has grown in vision and confidence this year. Your General Council has faced up to a number of key issues.

Thank you to all the District Governors who have worked so well as a team to bring about change, and also to the national and district committees for keeping Rotary vibrant and alive in GB and Ireland. Thanks to the Secretariat for their support and to all who manage and develop the website, communications and magazine.

As I hand over the baton to Peter Davey may I thank each and every Rotarian for their friendship, support and encouragement in my year of office.

•

Young Chef Winner 2014 Tom Hamblet

Triple year thank you Usually members of service committees within Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland have a three year tenure. David Ellis briefly reviews his time chairing the Marketing, PR and David Ellis Communications committee.

As you read this the new Data Management System (DMS) will have been launched, this is the culmination of some serious work undertaken by our staff at Alcester working closely with HROC, the system provider.

The Secretariat, Alcester

When I took up the reins as Chairman of the Rotary GBI Marketing, PR and Communications committee in 2012 it was felt by all its members that the governance of the template web site, and the data held within it, should eventually be under the supervision of Rotary GBI. This has been achieved and I wish to thank Rotarian Chris Sweeney for all the work he has done to ensure the smooth handover to the new system and we are pleased that Chris remains as the administrator.

The implementation of the DMS follows a complete overhaul of the Rotary GBI website last year, which is accepted as a vast improvement. The issue of newsletters from Rotary GBI has been addressed with a new style newsletter being in use for some time and is constantly being updated.

My thanks must go to the Rotary GBI General Councils I have had the pleasure of working with over the last three years, my hope is for the progress to continue.

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What they say...

One big thank you RI DIRECTOR 2013-15 I MIKE WEBB

M

y two year term as your Rotary International Director is nearing its end, and as with all appointments and elected offices it is important to review what has happened during that period.

I am sure that all district and club leaders will review what has been achieved, whether it could have been improved, and if we have learnt anything to pass on to our successors.

I place on record my thanks to all the Coordinators, who have been in post during my two years as Director, for all their help, advice and the huge amount of time they have expended in carrying out their work for the benefit of Rotarians.

Ending polio is a continuing programme that still needs our help through advocacy in encouraging governments to continue making donations to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative so that we can rid the world of this disease. I thank Judith Diment for all her work with UK and other governments resulting in further funds for

the Polio programme.

Membership has been a continuing concern throughout the Rotary world and the regional membership plans are beginning to show results. As I write this it looks as if our position at the end of this Rotary year will have improved from the previous year. The issue of membership is not someone else’s challenge, it is the challenge of each and every one of us and would be easily solved if each Rotarian asked one person to join Rotary. Will you commit to inviting someone to join Rotary in the next 12 months?

What are you doing to ensure that your Rotary club will survive and be in existence in 10 years time? What long term goals have been set? Have you revisited the outputs from your visioning session to ensure continuing improvement? If you haven’t taken part in a visioning session speak to your District Visioning Coordinator and take action now. I would also encourage District Visioning teams making contact with those clubs yet to take part in the experience.

Reflecting on this year’s goals and beyond RI FOUNDATION CHAIRMAN 2014/15 I JOHN KENNY

E

ach month, I have tried to highlight various priorities of our organisation’s largest charity, The Rotary Foundation. They were my own thoughts, but I hope you found them helpful.

Our principle goal is the eradication of polio. Some of you may ask why we are still pursuing this when many countries haven’t had a new case of polio for years. It is important to remember that we gave our word to eradicate polio, but we have not yet done so. We must continue until we finish the job – until all the children of the world are

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free from this dreaded disease.

It is surely the wish in all our hearts that there is peace in our world. Our Foundation is endeavouring to advance this with the establishment of Rotary Peace Centres in various parts of the world – a pertinent program in these troubled times.

Our Annual Fund goal of US$123 million is still achievable if our giving continues at the same generous level. Every Rotarian should give to the Foundation, each according to their means.

In my final message, I would like

Every Rotarian has to take action to invite new members” Average ages are increasing, membership plans need implementation and every Rotarian has to take action to invite new members, and to ensure your club is active, welcoming and vibrant. Making it a club that many will want to join. We must not leave these issues to others as we were all invited to join Rotary, now it is our turn to invite new members.

Finally I take this opportunity of offering my total support and sincere good wishes to my successor Peter Offer, and thank all those Rotarians I have met over the years for your help advice and the friendship offered. I have enjoyed my Rotary journey, and it is now time to pass the baton on to someone else.

•

to express my thanks to those dedicated Rotarians who have supported our Foundation during the year simply by doing good in the world. I am always conscious that Rotary is a volunteer organisation.

The important work of our organisation is undertaken by the Rotarians who are helping those less fortunate in their own communities, and in communities throughout the world that they may never even see.

I have always deemed it an honour to have been President and Trustee Chair.

Thank you for giving me that privilege.

Remember, the future of Rotary is in your hands.

•

ANNUAL FUND GOAL:

$123million www.rotarygbi.org

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WHAT THEY SAY

The Big Interview

Wherever in the world children are at risk, UNICEF is present.

We discussed their work in Afghanistan with two of their senior personnel.

Giving the next generation a chance

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For more information visit: unicef.org.uk and on polio eradication visit polioeradication.org 10 // ROTARY

NICEF was originally called United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund and became a permanent part of the United Nations in 1953.

Wherever there are children in the world at risk from, violence, exploitation and abuse, disease, hunger and malnutrition, war and conflict, and disaster, UNICEF is present with aid. This could not be more so than in Afghanistan and we felt as this edition was featuring that country; we should talk to the main people from UNICEF who are deployed there.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr Balaji the Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Afghanistan and Peter Daglish Team, Lead for polio, who is now based in New York.

I spoke first with Dr Balaji about the work in Afghanistan and the factors surrounding UNICEF’s effort. We started with an outline of the programme, which although continuing, was reviewed and implemented in June of last year. This is a 5 year initiative based on 6 programmes focussing on health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation, child protection, and social inclusion. The programmes are backed by $650million with contingencies for what Dr Balaji called ‘unpredicted natural disasters’ such as flooding, landslides and drought, for which $150million is set aside. Total aid from UNICEF over the 5 years is therefore around $800million, some of which will never be used. Dr Balaji explains, “Afghanistan is recognised as a humanitarian crisis which is a result of man-

made disasters and not natural causes.”

The main office of UNICEF is based in Kabul and they have 5 zone offices including Kabul in Mazar-e-Sharif, Herat, Jalalabad and Kandahar. Each office has 2 programme staff, one of which is a local and is usually what is called an access negotiator. The access negotiators work with the local communities where they try to convince the local mullahs that the children require educating. Community schools are set up and the children taught by females who must not as Dr Balaji says, “push one ideology or the other because if they teach what the government does, for instance, they could be abducted or even killed.”

The total number of international and national staff in Afghanistan is 360. We spoke about maternal and infant mortality and Dr Balaji informed me that because of interventions infant mortality has now reduced to 99 in 1000 children under 5, which from a western viewpoint is still quite high. One of UNICEF’s priorities is to educate girls to the same level as boys and the security access negotiators spend a lot of time identifying and speaking with village elders to allow the girls an education.

When this happens an accelerated teaching programme is put in place covering 6 grades in 3 years.

In discussing the security situation, Dr Balaji referred to AGE’s. When I asked what these were, he said, “there are so many factions in this country that we do not brand them. We do not wish to be any part of the conflict so we term them Anti Government Entities (AGE’s)”. We also touched on the www.rotarygbi.org

Child’s arm being measured for indications of acute malnutrition

They must not push one ideology or the other because if they teach what the government does, for instance, they could be abducted or even killed”

religious aspect in the country but this was not a factor in their work.

We covered many aspects of the agencies work in Afghanistan and came on to their work with internationally displaced persons (IDP’s), which seems to be an ongoing challenge especially on the border with Pakistan.

The north east border with Pakistan seems to be quite a challenge and came up in my discussions with Peter Daglish, UNICEF polio team lead. We did discuss Afghanistan and the challenges there but Peter was very upbeat about the progress of the polio campaign in both countries.

He encourages everyone to, “stay focussed and help to finish the job, since it is very easy to become cynical about the exercise, but it is essential to cease the moment.”

He cited India as a good example of what could be done: “Who would have thought a few years ago that India would be declared www.rotarygbi.org

polio free so soon?” he said. Peter had been back to Afghanistan just before we spoke and had visited Kandahar and says he was is the struck by the change in activity UNICEF uyer of b t s e rg at the airport since the alliance la o nets mosquitng 25 had left. “It is important procuri 2006 in not to shift attention from million Afghanistan. The progress there is so fragile so we need to maintain the effort.”

Both Peter and Dr Balaji lavished wholesome praise on the part Rotary has played in the eradication of polio world wide. They emphasised that although the last few years have been tough there is no doubt that the future will present no less a challenge. These two very senior people with first hand experience on the ground thanked Rotarians for their massive efforts and urged them to maintain the effort for children to be born into a polio free world.

•

FACTFILE

UNICEF

is an abbreviation • UofNICEF the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund

nitially it was set up to • Iprovide emergency food

and healthcare to children in countries that had been devastated by World War II

ver 12 million children went • Oback to school in 2006 with the support of UNICEF

procures vaccines • UforNICEF 40 per cent of the world’s

children, nearly 3 billion doses annually.

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ROTARY IN ACTION

Special feature

Influencing governments Rotary has to influence and network with world leaders to help achieve our six areas of focus.

We spoke with one of the people tasked with helping to bring this about.

A

s the world moves closer to the eradication of polio, the work of Rotary in this project requires representation and focus at the Judith Diment highest level, such that we engage as many governments and organisations as possible. This job falls to advocates within the organisation appointed to influence decisions within political, economic and social systems and institutions. Here in the UK and Ireland this responsibility falls to our own Judith Diment.

Judith is a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor St George and has several appointments that interweave and come under the umbrella of The Rotary Foundation. She carries out roles such as National Advocacy Adviser for UK polio, Representative to the Commonwealth of Nations and International Global Polio Advocacy Taskforce and has recently been appointed to the Rotary International PolioPlus Committee from July of this year.

We went on to discuss the activities of each role and how they interrelate. As Judith is chair of the Global Polio Advocacy Task Force, there are 30 countries who work with her. Each country ensures that governments and major organizations are informed and lobbied about the progress or otherwise of the polio eradication initiative.

This also includes the European Parliament in Strasbourg and all of the work is related to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). Keeping the polio initiative uppermost in government hearts and minds means a lot of behind the scenes work with reports and representation being made for the next Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Malta in November. The same can be said of the next G7 meeting in Berlin in June where papers are required to explain statistics 12 // ROTARY

Girl receiving the polio vaccine droplet

The polio campaign is our priority but it gives us enormous opportunities to promote the Rotary Foundation six areas of focus.”

and strategies liaising on this with our own Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Many meetings are attended where country ambassadors are present and the Rotary Foundation “Areas of Focus” can be brought to attendees’ attention, so much so that some require further information.

Recently in Geneva, Judith was a panelist at the WHO conference named ‘Every Last Child’, which followed the screening of the Tom Roberts film of that name concerning the work of polio aid workers in Pakistan.

One of the many roles is working with the Diaspora of the remaining endemic countries, especially Pakistan, ensuring that awareness of the situation is maintained.

The Rotary International Committee, of which Judith has just been appointed, meet regularly with WHO, The Campaign for Disease Control (CDC), UNICEF and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to work out where the next tranche of funds are best placed to help eradication of polio.

Besides all this work, time is found to network with big business, banks and investment funds informing them of the work of Rotary.

The work of polio advocacy is now more important than ever as we get closer to eradication and the effort that is really maintaining the initiative with world leaders is the continuing work of the polio advocates.

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ROTARY IN ACTION

Stroke Association

Keeping the pressure down Rotary joined forces with the Stroke Association, as clubs from around Great Britain and Ireland came together to support Know Your Blood Pressure Day.

O

n Saturday April 18 for the 12th consecutive year, Rotarians teamed up with the Stroke Association representatives to host life-saving, blood pressure testing events in their local communities. Members of the public were invited to come along to have their blood pressure checked.

This year over 300 Rotary clubs took part, one of which was the Rotary Club of Liverpool Garston, helped by Liverpool John Moores University. Rotarians from the club were joined by student nurses studying at the university who helped to administer 417 checks. Of those tested, over 20 were advised to see their GP for further checks and possible treatment – illustrating just how effective a simple check can be.

Rotarians and student nurses Peter Woods from the Rotary Club of Liverpool Garston comments, “Each year we are seeing a trend of the number of people tested increasing, but the number of those People are becoming more aware of the necessity to get their blood referred to their GP after being tested is pressure tested and take measures to keep it at a healthy level.” decreasing. This is really encouraging as it shows that people are becoming more aware of the necessity to get their blood pressure tested and take measures to keep it at a healthy level.”

Last year, Rotary was also honoured with a special recognition award for their FACTFILE Stroke Association on od High blo a continued efforts in working with the its Know Your Blood is STROKES pressure use of Pressure campaign. major ca heart d n A stroke happens when the stroke a Mukesh Malhotra, attacks blood supply to part of your Community Chair of brain is cut off Rotary Great Britain and Ireland, Every year there are comments, “As a stroke survivor, I know approximately 152,000 how important it is to take measures to strokes in the UK prevent an attack. Having your blood Most people affected are over pressure checked is a very simple step to 65, but anyone can have a reduce your chances of being affected, stroke, including children and and it is great that Rotary can continue even babies to work with the Stroke Association to A stroke can happen out of raise awareness of how valuable this the blue, and its effects can one simple check can be.”

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•

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last a lifetime

For more information visit: stroke.org.uk 14 // ROTARY

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ROTARY INTERNATIONAL

Elliot Ackerman

War through a child’s eyes We met with a new author who served in the War in Afghanistan and spoke with him about his recent novel.

I don’t think there has been a clear vision of this war articulated for a long long time.”

I

n our research for material on Afghanistan we came across a reasonably new author who had written a novel set in the country.

It gives another insight into the situation that Elliot Ackerman developed from the perspective of a local young man.

Between 2008 and 2011 Elliot Ackerman did four tours of duty in Afghanistan with the US Marines special operations unit, so he knows the country and its people well. He is the recipient of the Silver Star, the Bronze Star for Valour and the Purple Heart. He now lives in Istanbul where he reports on the Syrian War. Elliot trained, worked and fought alongside Afghan troops so he has a good understanding of the culture and mentality of the people. Elliot knows Afghanistan so well he has written a novel based on his experiences in the country. We caught up with him in Houston while he was doing a promotional tour.

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His novel, Green on Blue, is essentially about an Afghani boy whose allegiance is divided between his family, his nation, the insurgents, the Americans, a gang, and a local dignitary in the community. Elliot explained how he wanted to demonstrate that allegiance is not two dimensional and referred to the opening sentence of his book, “Many would call me a dishonest man, but I’ve always kept faith with myself. There is an honesty in that, I think.”

During the discussion we touched on several aspects of the Afghan war since it seems to have been uppermost in the minds of leaders and the people of many countries concerned with the fighting there. When asked about the objectives of the war Elliot seemed to think, and maybe he is right, that these were confused. The war was prosecuted originally to eliminate Al Qaeda after the 9/11 atrocities in New York, but over time the emphasis changed and the alliance found they were fighting the Taliban. It was apparent that, as Elliot says, “Just because you are there doesn’t mean you know what the objectives are and I don’t think there has been a clear vision of this war articulated for a long, long time.”

When asked if he wished to make a

point in writing the book he replied, “I wanted to lend a voice to tell a story of the Afghan war not just for myself but for my Afghan friends as they knew it. It is my last act of friendship since it is very unlikely I will ever meet with them again.” We also touched on the sensitive subject of religion and Elliot told us that Islam is very important in their lives but he did not want to put too much weight on it. He told me that in Afghanistan they have a saying, “We have been Muslim for 700 years but we have been Pashtan forever.” For many Afghans, Pashtunwali has been a code of practice in their lives for many centuries. We went on to discuss the message that Elliot wished to get across to people learning about the many aspects of a certain life in Afghanistan. He emphasised that he wanted to merely tell a story and leave people to make up their own mind in reading the novel. He also wanted to show the dynamic and a paradigm and leave them the space to decide what they think about the paradigm. “I really don’t want to tell anyone anything, I really want them to make up their own mind”.

Elliot has conveyed a way of Afghan life that is a cross over from their way of life to the western way of life and the reader is readily informed as the story progresses, very much as Elliot wished.

•

Green on Blue a novel written by Elliot Ackerman and published in the USA by Scribner. Available from Amazon.

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ROTARY IN ACTION

Nurturing future generations

Kids taking part in RYLA

Nurturing future generations Rotary GBI is dedicated to investing in young people across Great Britain and Ireland, and provides a range of competitions in which youngsters can develop their passions and skills.

S

pringtime sees the arrival of the finals that mark the end of the wide-ranging Rotary GBI youth competitions, which take place across the country. Each year thousands of youngsters take part to display their talents across a wide range of platforms including music, cooking, writing and many more.

The aim of the competitions is to help encourage and develop young people ready for their future, and by taking part, each young person is given the opportunity to gain experience and showcase their talents in a real environment. It also gives young people the opportunity to meet other likeminded individuals and have some great fun along the way. Each competitor is sponsored or put forward by a Rotary Club.

Long after the competitions end many of the relationships built up are maintained as their journeys continue.

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It is not just competitions that help to engage young people in the world of Rotary, there is also a range of other opportunities and initiatives available and with all of these, fun and friendship is at the core of the Rotary experience. These include:

Rotary Youth Exchange

Rotary has been organising youth exchanges for over 60 years providing incredible opportunities for young people to see the world, experience a different way of life, maybe learn another language, make international friends and discover a lot about themselves whilst acting as an ambassador for their own country.

Interact

Interact gives students aged 12-18 the chance to make a real difference while having fun. Every Interact club carries out

two service projects a year, one that helps their school or community and one that promotes international understanding.

Rotaract

Rotaract offers a unique opportunity for 18-30 year olds to join Rotary and enhance the knowledge and skills that will assist them in their personal development within communities and workplaces. Rotaract stands for “Rotary in Action� with most activities happening at club level.

RYLA

The Rotary Youth Leadership Award is a development programme, which encourages teamwork and leadership skills in young people who have the potential to be future community, professional and business leaders. This is done through residential experience and outward bound activities.

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ROTARY IN ACTION

Nurturing future generations

Cooking up a storm

The Young Chef competition attracted over 5,000 young people displaying their culinary talents competing for the title of Rotary Young Chef.

For the third year in a row a youngster from Horsham was crowned the winner of the Rotary Young Chef competition, beating off stiff competition from the eight other competitors in the national final held at Coleg Cambria on Deeside.

It was 15-year-old Lewis Wilson, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Horsham, who won the competition after wowing the judges with his three-course menu, which showed off his culinary talents.

Lewis took home a host of prizes, donated on behalf of the competition’s sponsor Filippo Berio, which included a trip of a lifetime to the Filippo Berio olive groves in Tuscany where he will experience real Italian cooking, and a day’s cooking tuition at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Lewis comments: “I was really surprised when they announced me as the winner. I never believed I could get this far it is such a great achievement. The time and effort practicing the recipes during the week

obviously paid off.

“The hardest part of the competition was managing my time effectively and plating the dishes up perfectly once they were completed. The prize to Tuscany is like the icing on the cake and I am delighted to be given this lifetime opportunity to learn new cookery skills.”

Rotary Young Chef was created to give young people across Great Britain and Ireland the chance to display their creative talents with food, while discovering the importance of healthy eating. The competition is open to anyone aged 11-17 and entrants compete to make it through the local and regional heats, in the hope of making it to the national final.

Previously competitors of Rotary Young Chef include Martha Collinson, who went on to take part in BBC’s Great British Bake Off, and last year’s winner Tom Hablet, who has been offered an apprenticeship at a five star hotel and a place at Westminster Kingsway College.

This year’s runners up included 16-yearold Samantha Rides who came second and 13-year-old Heather Nisbet, who came third.

The judges also wanted to recognise a young chef by giving a special award for showing promise and this was awarded to 15-year-old Kate Michaels.

FACTFILE

LEWIS’ WINNING MENU Starter: Seared mackerel served with pickled and charred fennel, and a blackberry dressing Mains: Roast breast of Gressingham Duck served with wild mushrooms, asparagus and quinoa

Lewis Horsham collecting his award from Rotary GBI President Peter King

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Dessert: Apple tart served with poached rhubarb and elderflower cream

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ROTARY IN ACTION

Nurturing future generations

Youth Speaks Each year Rotary invites youngsters aged 11 – 17 to take part in its Youth Speaks competition, which encourages speaking and presentation skills in young people and showcases superb quality speakers.

This year the final took place at Brentwood School, and the judges looked at criteria such as team work, the speaker’s ability to present and develop a topic, and

the chairperson’s management of the meeting.

Colchester Royal Grammar School was crowned winner in the intermediate category, with Gorak Rajesh from the school being chosen as the Best Speaker in that category.

In the seniors round The High School of Glasgow came out on top after speaking about ‘learning to teach, teaching to learn’. The school was highly commended in the competition with pupil Murray Webster receiving Best Speaker and Christopher O’Leary winning Best Vote of Thanks.

Peter King, President of Rotary GBI, comments: “The confidence and articulation of the young people who take part in Youth Speaks is incredibly impressive. All the teams and schools work extremely hard to get through the local and regional heats, and I’m sure they will all go far in whatever they decide to do in the future.”

The competition takes place in four stages, and is designed to support and encourage the development of effective communication skills amongst young people.

Entrants take part as a team in either the intermediate or senior categories.

Vale High School, were treated to an afternoon of music including pieces on the piano, cello, recorder, saxophone and violin.

In the solo instrumental category 18-year-old Ian Clarke, representing the Isle of Arran Rotary Club, was chosen as the winner after wowing the judges with his recitals of Beethoven and Rachmaninoff.

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Warrington, 17-year-old Nick Gartland

came first in the vocal solo category with his rendition of Bring Him Home and Money O. Both winners received a trophy during a prize giving ceremony and £500 worth of Harrods vouchers.

Young Musician, sponsored by Harrods, encourages talented young people to showcase their musical abilities through competing in three stages of the competition before reaching the final.

•

Nick Gartland came first in the vocal solo category

Ian Clarke performing his recital for the judges

Young Musician Young performers from across Great Britain and Ireland descended on Darwen, Lancashire to compete for the prestigious title of Young Musician. The competition was made up of 16 talented youngsters, aged 1418, all keen to show off their musical gifts.

There were two categories, including solo instrumental and solo vocal performances, and audiences at the final, held at Darwen www.rotarygbi.org

ROTARY // 19

ROTARY IN ACTION

Spinal Muscular Atrophy Support UK

Help when it’s needed Suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a debilitating reality that thousands in the UK have to live with daily. We hear from Spinal Muscular Atrophy Support UK about how Rotary Clubs have been helping them.

S

MA is a genetic disorder that causes muscle weakness and progressive loss of movement due to deterioration in the nerve cells connecting the brain and spinal cord to the muscles. As the link between the nerves and muscles breaks down, the muscles that are used for activities such as crawling, walking, sitting up, and moving the head become progressively weaker and shrink.

There are several types of SMA that vary in severity and of the four main types - three affect children.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy Support UK is a charity that provides a range of information and support services to families and health professionals affected by this inherited condition, and a number of Rotary clubs have been working to support this worthwhile cause.

President of Lower Wharfedale Rotary Club, Christine Clarke, chose SMA Support UK as her club’s charity of the year, after losing her granddaughter Eve to SMA Type one, the most severe form of the condition.

Christine describes her sad loss of Eve: “As a grandmother I was very excited about the new arrival, another little granddaughter.

Everything seemed fine at first, but it was soon apparent that Eve was not as well as she should be, and she was diagnosed with SMA Type one. No one in our family had heard of this condition before. She was a happy child always smiling and very loved.

It affected all the family hard when we had to say goodbye to her in hospital, fighting for breath, you never forget that moment.”

Tony Carney from Rotary Club of Banbury Cherwell and his wife Maureen also had no knowledge of SMA until their youngest granddaughter, Emily, was diagnosed with SMA Type three at around 18 months. Maureen explains, “It soon became evident that Emily’s mobility was restricted and by the time she went to school she required a wheelchair and a stairlift at home. Her disability does not stop her enjoying life and joining in

20 // ROTARY

Eve Clarke, who died from Type 1 SMA

Emily receiving her award

SMA Type one appears within the first few months of life, sometimes before birth. It is the most severe form of SMA.

activities as much as she can. Even recently Emily won the Disabled Sportsperson of the Year award in Tyneside.”

The funds raised by Rotary clubs such as Lower Wharfedale and Banbury Cherwell have helped finance some of SMA Support UK’s vital services. These include multisensory toy packs, which are sent to the families of babies who have SMA Type I, home visits from experienced outreach workers to help newly diagnosed families and those in crisis, and fast response grants that fund specialist equipment such as modified car seats, funeral costs, buggies or family trips that provide respite care.

•

Visit: smasupportuk.org.uk or phone 01789 290 261. You can also text ‘SMAS01 £2’ to 700 70 to help families affected by SMA.

FACTFILE

SMA

ne in 40-60 of us carry the • Ogene that causes SMA, which equates to around 1.5 million people in the UK

he effects of each type of • TSMA vary greatly between

individuals. Life-expectancy varies between the different types of SMA

cure, • Athes yetfocusthereis onis nomanaging

symptoms, as well as on extensive research into genetic causes and potential treatments

www.rotarygbi.org

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL

ALLAN BERRY

Rotary Club of Kabul City

Afghan boys outside their tented classrooms

Building Rotary in Kabul We speak with the Rotary Club of Kabul City to understand how Rotarians are working to build the presence of Rotary in Afghanistan.

W

hen we think of Afghanistan what comes to mind is a country ravaged by over three decades of war. Now alliance troops have left, people there are trying to recover the situation and no more so than those who have started Rotary Clubs.

Rotary Clubs in Afghanistan have had quite a shaky existence since the 1960s from six being chartered to disbanding, then resurrecting and working to establish a presence. There are currently three in Afghanistan and I spoke with the President of the Rotary Club of Kabul City, Luke Beer about the club, its members and how they operate in this war torn city. It became clear as soon as we started to talk about Rotary that his enthusiasm is electric.

I was particularly interested in speaking to Luke about how many female members the club had, and also how many Afghani members they had, because I could tell from Luke’s voice he was not an Afghan. He then revealed he was Canadian from a long standing Rotary family. The Rotary Club of Kabul City has 19 members at present with www.rotarygbi.org

six female and a mix of native Afghani to ex pats, and members come from all walks of professional life in Kabul with a mix of civil servants, employees of NGOs to private businesses.

We discussed the community work the club gets involved with and Luke told me that culture in Afghanistan is such that “Afghani’s don’t like giving things away and rebut the aid companies because they do not wish to foster a culture of dependency, since they have had over 12 years of it.” When asked about projects Luke told me they did not get involved with many because of the few members and the administration.

However, they did work with the Rotary Club of Bournemouth to supply 12 tents to a school in Kapisa, a province in the north east of the country. The Hafiz Majeed School in the Nejrab District, Kapisa is a school of 1,200 boys, and it required tents to house pupils for lessons. The Rotary Club of Bournemouth supplied the funds to buy and erect the 5m x 8m tents.

A question I always ask when speaking with Rotarians like Luke is what can we do

to help? Immediately his response was, “Get on a plane and come and see our projects first hand and engage personally with our programmes.” He went on to highlight Youth Exchange remarked that his club was looking to sponsor a Peace Scholar.

One of the many things we did discuss was the consolidation of the Rotary Club in Kabul and Luke seems reasonably sure it will maintain its membership, since as he mentions they regularly have over many guests each week attending meetings. With Luke’s infectious enthusiasm for the country and Rotary, the club is bound to succeed.

•

Get on a plane and come and see our projects first hand and engage personally with our programmes.”

The RC of Kabul City can be found at: facebook.com/RCofKabulCity ROTARY // 21

ROTARY IN ACTION

Global Sight Solutions

Seeing into the future They say that there is no greater gift than the gift of sight. So imagine living in a world where you can no longer see, but your condition was completely avoidable.

T

his is an unimaginable prospect for us in the United Kingdom, but it is an all too real problem for those living in poverty in the developing world. The Guildford Rotary Eye Project was set up to help treat the 50 million people worldwide that are, sadly, too poor to afford basic eye care such as cataract eye operations.

Recently, the charity has rebranded in order to garner more support and try and gain the corporate funding it so desperately needs to take the charity to the next level. It is vital that Rotarians continue their extensive support and, as the programme continues to expand year on year, corporate support is now vital to its success.

The project has taken on the name Global Sight Solutions, and donations of just £5 can enable a blind person to see again. This is thanks to a grant to the charity from Rotary Foundation, and the surgeons providing their skills for free.

There are estimated to be as many as 650 million people worldwide who, due to poverty, are not able to access the necessary medical solutions for themselves. This includes those who fall within the category often known as the avoidable, or preventable, blindness, and the vast majority of these are in need of what is invariably a straightforward cataract operation.

Samar Das and John Miles initially set up the project in 1998 with the ambition of restoring the sight of one million people.

Samar was a consultant eye surgeon in Guildford, and after 40 years of NHS service Samar wanted to carry out his work further afield and help those in developing countries.

The project currently provides training for eye surgeons, microscopes and laser equipment, eye buses, hospital transport, mobile eye screening camps, and facilities for additional treatments. In the 17 years that it has been running, it has partnered with 36 eye hospitals, primarily in India, but also in Africa, and impressively over 70,000 operations are taking place each year. The team are now well on their way to achieving their one million target with 750,000 operations completed so far.

22 // ROTARY

Patient having eye examination

We’re ever grateful and overwhelmed by the support that we receive from Rotarians both at home and all across the world”

a To equipspital new ho40,000 costs £

John Miles, leader of Global Sight Solutions, comments: “The project is really starting to snowball, and this means more funding is needed each year to help us to continue to expand. We’re ever grateful and overwhelmed by the support that we receive from Rotarians both at home and all across the world, but in order to help even more people who are in need corporate funding is now a necessity.”

The project has set itself a target of providing 50 new hospitals by 2020, and as of January this year 50% of this has been achieved, with a further five targeted. There is no doubt that Global Sight Solutions is going from strength to strength and transforming eye care and lives in poverty stricken areas.

•

FACTFILE

GLOBAL SIGHT SOLUTIONS

focus is the setting • Oupurofmain specialist eye hospitals in areas of need

e invest in eye buses to • Wtransport patients to our clinics

complete cataract operation • Aservice can be provided for just £15

For more information visit: globalsightsolutions.org www.rotarygbi.org

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL

Afghan Connection

It all starts with education In our coverage of Afghanistan we found a charity that is punching well above it’s weight in this war torn country.

H

earsay has it in Afghanistan that there is a certain disorder referred to as SARS – serious Afghan return syndrome and Dr Sarah Fane OBE openly admits that she has Dr Sarah Fane OBE succumbed. Sarah has a passion for Afghanistan, well its more than a passion since it is no exaggeration to say that Sarah fell in love with the country and it’s people after her first visit in 1989 although she had worked close to the Afghan border in Pakistan a few years before. Maybe as a desire to help she had switched from studying French and Latin at University to medicine. Sarah was struck by the maternal mortality rates whilst she spent her time in the region and as a result 10 years after qualifying she returned to Afghanistan to help at a clinic in Panjshir Valley. It must have been at this point she was smitten with Afghanistan, the beautiful country, devastation from the wars ravages, the people but above all the children. The time was around the 9/11 atrocities and Sarah started fund raising to supply medical supplies but that need was being addressed by many of the aid agencies and Sarah wanted to help in an area that would be positive and sustaining. Pupils in her children’s school were befriending Afghan counterparts as pen friends but more needed to be done and as a result Afghan Connections was born.

Sarah Fane, driven by what she witnessed on her first visit, is working alongside the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan and Afghan Womens’ Project to provide education for Afghan children where the child population has risen since 2001 from1 million to over 9 million, almost 40% of the entire inhabitants.

As Sarah says, “the children who learn today are the teachers, doctors, nurses, agriculturalists and leaders of tomorrow.”

When we asked about the projects the numbers became mind boggling. They have helped to build 10 schools with one under construction in Worsaj province, north east 24 // ROTARY

Students greet Sarah at a school have They cricket d e p develo s with 52 camp ended by s att pitche 0 children 40,00

we want to take children out of the dirt into a classroom to give them a proper environment in which to learn.”

of the country. However Afghan Connections has helped to fund 42 schools a number of which are community schools. It is also funding teacher training and management training for District Education Departments which will enable the projects to be sustainable. They have also begun a school construction in Rustaq, Bibi Ayisha School will be for 472 girls and also supporting community based schooling. As Sarah says, “we want to take children out of the dirt into a classroom to give them a proper environment in which to learn.”

Afghan Connection’s work does not stop at schooling since sport is a good way to bring people together so with support from the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) they have

developed cricket camps and over 6 years have built 52 pitches in schools attended by 40,000 children, coached 3,000 boys and trained 80 teachers as coaches. An Afghan team played in the recent ICC world cup and created a lot of interest and enthusiasm for the sport across the country.

Sarah Fane is certinaly doing her best to help rebuild a country and she is being successful since she brings the hearts and minds of the people with her. This is essential for the long standing sustainability of the projects undertaken. One thing is for sure Sarah Fane is endeavouring to recover this country in the best way possible by educating their young people.

•

For more information visit: afghanconnection.org www.rotarygbi.org

www.rotarygbi.org

ROTARY // 25

WHAT THEY SAY

The Big Interview

Since the late 90s film producer, Jeremy Gillie, has used his network of celebrity friends and colleagues all over the world to reach three billion people with his Peace One Day project.

Working for peace

For information visit: peaceoneday.org twitter.com/peaceoneday facebook.com/peaceoneday 26 // ROTARY

eremy Gillie is not easy to get hold of because he is so busy flying all over the world promoting his Peace One Day initiative.

Eventually we tracked him down and I was able to have a few minutes of his valuable time. One thing that was obvious right from the start of our interview was this man has so much energy and enthusiasm, it was hard just keeping up with him. He thinks and speaks at the speed of light and this translates into ideas and actions for Peace One Day. As the mission statement for the organisation, that Jeremy has developed from its inception in 1999, says, “If we are to move from a culture of war to a culture of peace then we will have to unite around the most fundamental issue that humanity faces – the protection of each other and our environment. 21st September is the starting point.” The concept is quite simple in that Peace One Day sets aside the 21st September each year as a Peace Day. I started by asking Jeremy why he had set up the organisation and his reply was quite self-effacing, “I’m just a guy who is concerned and confused about what is going on in the world and a day of peace for me is about what is going on in our homes, schools and communities.” He went on to give me some staggering figures telling me that, “$195 billion will be spent on cleaning out war zones but in contrast $95 trillion will be spent on sorting cleaning up violence in our homes schools and communities.”

We discussed the situations in war zones like Syria, which Jeremy mentioned since

we hear of such conflicts in international news reports. However Jeremy wished to highlight that in relation to peace we can all play a role with our friends, families and Rotary Clubs. He recognised the role Rotary clubs had played in the promotion of Peace One Day and mentioned, “Rotary has been a major supporter for many years especially with the relationship with polio, which is profound and significant.” Peace was brokered in Afghanistan in 2007 when his colleague and actor Jude Law helped as a Peace Ambassador and as a result the

Jeremy Gillie, Founder of Peace One Day

www.rotarygbi.org

Jeremy Gillie and Jude Law promoting Peace One Day

If we are to move from a culture of war to a culture of peace then we will have to unite around the most fundamental issue that humanity faces – the protection of each other and our environment.”

United Nations announced a 70% reduction in violence, allowing 1.4 million to be vaccinated against polio on that day.

We went on to discuss the role of Rotary a little bit further in peace and conflict resolution and Jeremy suggests that Rotary Clubs across the world hold a peace day on 21st September to highlight the day and reach out to friends and colleagues during such an event. Jeremy comments: “It’s everybody’s day, yes I play a role because I believe in the initiative and want to give it exposure not for myself but our strategy is paying off and it is taking on a mind of its own as it grows.”

It has certainly developed over the years and last year events were held all over the world engaging over one billion people, and this year events are planned across Africa helped with a donation from the Howard G. Buffet Foundation and corporate partners like Unilever. Jeremy told me he was using www.rotarygbi.org

all the technology at his disposal to help promote the day using social media like Facebook, Twitter and Google Doodle.

As we were finishing the discussion Jeremy came back to his original platform since when it is analysed his message is quite simple. He told me that Peace One Day, “Is an opportunity for everyone to build a rapport with friends, colleagues, and associates, and to reflect and take a practical activity to encourage peace in our homes, schools and communities.” He went to say, “That every reader of this magazine can play a role in ensuring peace no matter where they are and what they do.”

After we had finished talking I could not help but reflect on what we had discussed and the enthusiasm and dynamism Jeremy puts into his message.

But whatever way you reflect and look at it he is right and we wish him well on his mission.

•

FACTFILE

PEACE ONE DAY

n 1999, Jeremy founded Peace • IOne Day n 2001 Peace One Day’s • Iefforts were rewarded when the member states of the United Nations unanimously adopted the first ever annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence on 21st September – Peace Day

ver the years, millions of • Opeople have organised all

kinds of events to promote awareness of Peace Day

ROTARY // 27

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL

Rotary Around the World

Rotary around the world We bring news of Rotary happenings around the world in this regular feature.

USA: Titanic themed menu featured at Rotary Club chef competition A culinary competition in Shediac will pay tribute to the Titanic with menu items created with the ocean liner in mind. Peter Woodworth who is the executive chef at Maison Tate in Shediac, and reigning champion of the competition, comments, “It’s a very grand event, but it also ties in culinary wise because they ate some incredible food on board the ship.”

Woodworth researched menu options online and settled on lobster thermidor with lemon chive gnocchi and Thai basil gastric.

Tickets for the dinner have sold out, with the money raised going towards community groups in Shediac. Woodworth is competing against four other local restaurants hoping to bring home the prize. “We try to always stay to the ‘wow factor’ and bringing that wow factor to 300 is a feat, so it’s going to be a lot of fun,” he said.

Grand Cayman Islands: “The Magic of the Musicals” The Rotary Club of Grand Cayman In years gone by, the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman’s annual fundraiser had really gone to town to make the evening as fun as possible, while raising funds to allow the club to support various local and international projects.

This year, the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman will be celebrating 50 years of being chartered and to celebrate there will be some amazing live auction items on which to bid.

In previous years these have ranged from a trip to the Grammy Awards to Bono’s guitar.

The money raised on this evening allows the incoming president (Lynda Mitchel) to fund the projects and requests for help that she and her board receive in the coming year. If you only go to one charity event this year, “The Magic of the Musicals” at The RitzCarlton, Grand Cayman is a must!

Spain: Cudeca visit the Benahavis Rotary Club On Wednesday, Cudeca Hospice attended a weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Benahavis Costa del Sol. In recognition of their backing of the free-of-charge assistential programmes of Cudeca’s Palliative Care, Benahavis Rotary were awarded a plaque of appreciation.

Cudeca Hospice has already helped care for more than 9,000 people since 1992 through the assistential programmes, home visit teams, day unit, in-patient unit, external consultation service, pshycosocial programme and rehabilitation programme. Moreover, Cudeca Hospice works actively with study programmes, training, investigation and name awareness of Palliative Care for professionals as well as volunteers and family members.

Thanks to the Rotary Club of Benahavis Costa del Sol the hospice can carry on giving “life to the days” to those that need it most.

Nigeria: Rotary Club of Gwarimpa donates borehole to colony The Rotary Club of Gwarimpa in Abuja has donated a borehole to a colony of people with disability in Karamajiji, Abuja.

Former club Governor Joshua Hassan Omatsola said the club found out that the community of over 1,500 had been without water supply and in dire need of many essential facilities.

Chief of the colony, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammed, commended the club for its humanitarian services. Muhammed said, “The water provided by The Rotary Club of Gwarimpa will go a long way to alleviate the suffering of the people. The borehole was the first to be drilled here so my prayer for them is that God almighty will reward them for this kindness they have shown to us.’’

Australia: Music opens doors for young Bavarian traveller From Cairns to Sydney, a handful of Rotary clubs were perplexed to see a blond-haired 18-year-old from Bavaria walk through their club doors and ask if they would like to hear him play his traditional button accordion.

He is Oskar Weinfurtner Jr the son of a past president of the Rotary Club of Bayerwald.

He has attended Australian Rotary clubs as a way to make friends, offer help, and sometimes take up the offer of a bed for a night or two.

His Australian escapades, most with Rotary friends, included his first surf at Byron Bay, seeing the Lions win at the Gabba, Taiko drumming in Cairns, making and playing his own didgeridoo, eating roo and hauling in a 67cm mackerel in the Whitsundays.

Canada: Fundraiser for Nepal Penticton Rotary Clubs have partnered with ShelterBox Canada to hold a fundraiser for the people affected by the recent Earthquake in Nepal. ShelterBox is an organisation that provides the emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies families need to survive in the immediate aftermath following a disaster.

A typical ShelterBox contains a family tent, blankets, water purification, cooking utensils, a stove, a tool kit, a children’s activity pack and other vital items.

Started in 2000 as a single club Rotary project in the UK, ShelterBox now has 18 affiliates around the world.

“We’re asking for your support to help with the Rotary ShelterBox campaign to help the people affected by the disaster in Nepal,” says Edward Jones of the Penticton Rotary Clubs.

28 // ROTARY

www.rotarygbi.org

INTERVIEW

ALLAN BERRY

Meet & Greet

Up close and personal with our newest Rotary Club members FACT FILE Tricia Bell joined the Rotary Club of Washington just three months ago, and her husband joined shortly afterwards. She tells us of her experiences so far.

NAME: Tricia Bell AGE: 36 ROTARY CLUB: Washington OCCUPATION: Self Employed Costumier

B

efore I came across them first hand I knew we had a Rotary club locally that was involved with the Remembrance Day services but that was all I was aware of prior to visiting them. I am part of the Army Cadet Force and wanted to get my cadets involved in the Remembrance Day service within their local area and knew Rotary were the people to make contact with. I was under the impression it was a local community thing rather than an international organisation.

However, a chance meeting in a shopping centre at Christmas put me in touch with the Rotary Club of Washington and they invited me to their next meeting.

I spoke with a few members and was amazed at what they do and how little I, and many other people, know about Rotary.

A big impression has been made on me being around so many kind hearted and genuine people, so much so that soon after I joined my husband also joined, and my daughter is involved with Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA).

I’m new to the organisation and when asked what I would change about it I think we really require to try and alter the image of Rotary being an ‘old men’s club’ or being likened to other wellknown organisations, as it is unique.

To try and change the image of Rotary I would commend advertising about the projects we do to really keep ourselves in front of peoples’ minds.

As I mentioned, my whole immediate family is now involved in Rotary one way or another and I have a few close colleagues that I call upon as ‘friends of Rotary’. I always say the same thing to them “get involved within the local community and join an amazing organisation.”

I get a lot out of being a member since I get to see what is happening in my area and get involved with things I’d not normally do as well

30 // ROTARY

I always say the same thing, get involved within the local community and join an amazing organisation”

as the pride of feeling like I’m helping to make a difference. Fitting it all in is a challenge but I’m lucky to have such an understanding family and a flexible job that allows me time to fit Rotary in, but there is no pressure from the club to attend everything, which helps.

As for the rest of what other time I have, I am involved as a volunteer in the Army Cadet Force as a Second Lieutenant and Detachment Commander. I also love mountain biking and relaxing with a good book at times.

To sum up in just a few words what I get out of Rotary I would say helping internationally and a sense of community spirit.

The Rotary Club of Washington meets on Wednesdays at 11:30 at The Washington Arms, Village Green, Washington, Tyne and Wear, NE38 7AB l

To find a club near you go to: rotarygbi.org/club-finder www.rotarygbi.org

YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHER

THE ROTARY

EFFECT We are neighbours, community leaders,and global citizens uniting for the common good. With your help we can achieve even more. To find out how you can help go to: rotarygbi.org

Rotary is distributed to 51,000 RIBI members in Great Britain and Ireland and is the perfect vehicle to get your message or product to a very active and influential audience.

Media Shed are the new media sales agency working on behalf of RIBI and Rotary. The team are there to discuss all promotional opportunities that are available to you, so please feel free to give us a call.

For more information contact Display/Sponsorship Gareth Macfarlane – Sales Director DD: 01354 818009 E: garethm@media-shed.co.uk

Classified Leanne Hills – Sales Executive DD: 01354 818012 E: leanneh@media-shed.co.uk

Provision of high quality revenue generation and publishing services

ROTARY IN ACTION

Combat Stress

War without end

S

t ba om s C s e Th Stre ne is lpli 138 e H 00 08 1619

For information visit: combatstress.org.uk 32 // ROTARY

For some veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq war the deepest wounds are invisible and need specialised treatment.

ome of the greatest of all tragedies from the war in Afghanistan are the mortalities and injuries borne by the troops who served there. But often forgotten are the psychological wounds this war has left behind. Combat Stress is the leading mental health charity for veterans, providing specialist welfare and clinical treatment for those suffering psychological injuries.

This charity is at present supporting 5,900 veterans across the UK and recently their referrals have reached an all time high with a 26% increase. The increase is related to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, almost in equal numbers.

Combat Stress has treatment centres based in Ayrshire, Shropshire and Surrey where diagnosis and treatment is given for such conditions as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) along with counselling by psychiatrists and psychologists and occupational therapy. They also have what is called Community and Outreach Teams nationwide in addition to a Reserve Forces Liaison Team who work with Reservists. All of these facilities are backed up by a 24 hour Helpline for veterans, serving personnel and families.

The 26% rise in referrals mentioned previously is of concern and Dr Walter Busutti, Director of Medical Services said, “We are very concerned at the significant rise in those coming forward with military PTSD. It is the biggest increase we have seen in recent years and we expect it to continue, so we want to build up our clinical services accordingly.” He went on to say, “The good news is that we do have treatments that work.”

Lewis had always wanted to do his bit for Queen and country and follow in the footsteps of his great grandfather who served in the Coldstream Guards.

In January 2008 he joined 4 Rifles and specialised in driving heavily armoured personnel carriers, which were essential to

operations in Afghanistan.

Lewis was eventually deployed to Helmand Province in October 2009 at just 20 years old. What he encountered changed this young man’s life forever.

His battalion came under repeated attack; casualties were high and the pressure was intense, but the constant threat of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) took the greatest toll on him. “It was like playing Russian Roulette,” says Lewis. “You didn’t know when it would be your time.”

One particular incident shook him to the core. A good friend had taken his place on patrol one day whilst Lewis stayed on base. News returned that his friend was in serious trouble. Lewis drove the medical team to where they found him: still alive but so profoundly injured by an Improvised Explosive Device that they could not save him. Casualties mounted and personal losses continued. A month before his tour

Lewis with his faithful companion

www.rotarygbi.org

A Counselling session in action

was due to end, another of his friends died whilst Lewis was away.

Lewis left the Army in December 2010 and in the summer of 2011, Lewis’s life began to unravel: he suffered depression, nightmares and flashbacks. His emotions and behaviour became erratic and his personal relationships affected.

Lewis was referred for counselling, which he did not take to. He was, he says: “A typical soldier – nah, this isn’t for me.” However in 2013 after a further, heart-breaking loss – his father in a tragic accident – he saw a TV programme about a traumatised veteran successfully helped

by Combat Stress. He recognised the same set of symptoms and contacted the charity, which helped him to begin to turn his life around.

Lewis explains: “I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and did an intensive treatment programme, I’m a lot calmer now and I feel like a new man. I’ve got some confidence and a bit more go in my life.”

Now 25, Lewis has plans for his future: “I want to establish my own pest control business. I’ve bought a van but I’ve still www.rotarygbi.org

got to get the specialist equipment. I don’t want to rush it though – my health is more important.” He explains “I’m so glad I found the courage to pick up the phone.

I don’t think there’s anyone else out there who could have helped me like Combat Stress. It’s not just the environment, the welcome and the kindness of the staff; they are so experienced in helping people like me.”

Tim Brawn, Fundraising & Communications Director at Combat Stress comments. “The Rotary Clubs’ support for the charity is fantastic. We’re always delighted to meet members and explain more about our specialist mental health services for veterans, and thank them for raising funds to support ex-Service personnel. Our troops may have come home from Afghanistan, but the legacy of conflict continues for those who bear psychological injuries for many years. The work of Combat Stress remains as vital today as it was when we were founded in 1919. We exist largely due to the generosity of the general public and Rotary Clubs are so helpful in ensuring we carry on delivering vital care to our veterans.”

•

It was like playing Russian Roulette, you didn’t know when it would be your time.”

FACTFILE

COMBAT STRESS

ight now, we’re helping more • Rthan 5,900 UK Veterans get their lives back

e are the leading Veterans’ • Wmental health charity in the

UK providing treatment for ex-Service personnel suffering with mental ill-health including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety and depression

cases, Veterans may • Iben some offered a short period of treatment at one of our three residential centres

ROTARY // 33

34 // ROTARY

www.rotarygbi.org

www.rotarygbi.org

ROTARY // 35

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL

Nepal earthquake

As Nepal deals with the biggest earthquake it has seen in 80 years, and a second, which hit the country just weeks after, Rotarians in Great Britain and Ireland have come together to help.

Rotary responds to Nepal

O

FACTFILE

NEPAL EARTHQUAKE

he earthquake hit the capital, • TKathmandu, but its impact

n the morning of Saturday April 25th a huge earthquake hit Nepal just outside of Kathmandu, killing approximately 9,000 people and injuring a further 20,000. Hundreds of thousands of people were made homeless and entire villages were flattened.

As the Nepalese people struggled to come to terms with the scale of the disaster, people across the world have come together to send aid and help those most at risk and Rotary is at the forefront of that aid.

Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland has pledged its support to help the victims with any long term rebuilding projects put in place to repair and heal the areas affected. So far the Nepal Earthquake Appeal set up by Rotary’s Donation Trust has raised nearly £100,000, an incredible amount in such a short time. Peter King, President of Rotary Great Britain and Ireland said, “Rotarians always want to help those in need and this disaster is no exception. They have responded tremendously in so many ways and we will work to help rebuild this devastated country.”

In addition, Rotarians from around the country have been raising money to help the box charities that Rotary GBI work closely with including ShelterBox, Aquabox and Water Survival Box. All of these charities will be helping to deal with the immediate needs of those affected by the quake,

spread far beyond. The quake unleashed a devastating avalanche on Mount Everest, killing at least 18 people

athmandu is full of small, • Kpoorly constructed brick

apartment buildings, and the quake destroyed swaths of the oldest neighbourhoods

he quake was the worst to hit • TNepal in at least 80 years epal is a relatively poor • Ncountry without extensive resources

For more information visit: shelterbox.org Aquabox.org worldwaterworks.org

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Two children taking part in a ‘dress down day’ to help raise money for the Nepal earthquake

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Nepal earthquake - Picture courtesy of ShelterBox

Rotarians always want to help those in need and this disaster is no exception.” including providing shelter and clean water to those who have been made homeless.

ShelterBox has distributed 525 tents of which 44 are for medical use, 2,674 Shelter Kits and 75 tarpaulins also on the way, to arrive shortly are 1,500 ShelterBoxes, 1,500 ShelterKits and 2,500 tarpaulins. These supplies help create safe living spaces for families especially for those who wish just cover in help to restore their homes. Also safe cover for hospital staff for distribution of essential medical supplies.

Rotary clubs have been carrying out a range of events to raise funds for the disaster including working with local schools to hold ‘dress down days’, and collections at local shopping centres. Some Rotary clubs have direct links with Rotary clubs in Nepal and have been in contact with them to hear about the main issues and challenges they are facing.

Tim Mitchell, who has many contacts on the ground in Nepal, explains how Ekhabu School, one of the schools Rotarians recently helped rebuild, has remained relatively unaffected due to the strength of the rebuild and is now being used as a ‘safe haven’ for those in neighbouring communities.

“We are so relieved that Ekhabu School has managed to survive this terrible disaster and we hope it will provide a source of safety and security. This highlights how important the work of Rotary and other organisations can be in providing help to those that need it most.”

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HOW TO DONATE Help support the Nepal Earthquake Appeal: •U se our online payment option through our BT MyDonate website: mydonate.bt.com/events/rotarynepal/224458 •S end a cheque, payable to RIBI Donations Trust, to: RIBI, Kinwarton Road, Alcester, B49 6PB. Rotary is also working with a range of box schemes to ensure there is immediate help to the country some of which are as follow: •A quabox, will provide an AquaFilter Family water purification unit capable of producing a minimum of 18,000 litres of potable water – essential to earthquake stricken counties. aquabox.org •S helterbox, which will help families in need of emergency shelter and vital supplies. There is a team from Shelterbox in Nepal to help the effort. shelterbox.org •W ater Survival Box has released approximately 500 of its boxes to Humanity First UK. The boxes become a receptacle for water when emptied of survival items, and it includes a filtration pack that can deliver up to 100,000 litres of potable water. worldwaterworks.org The three schemes have responded immediately and will need financial support both to provide its boxes, as well the cost of distribution. If you want to donate to any of these three schemes then go directly to their websites.

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ROTARY IN ACTION

Belfast Conference

Rotarians from across Great Britain and Ireland descended on Belfast to celebrate the 90th annual conference, where members came together to enjoy a weekend of fun, friendship and inspirational speakers.

Setting the stage onference is a time where clubs and members from across the UK and Ireland come together once a year to share all the great achievements they have accomplished, and highlight the great work they carry out in the name of Rotary.

This year, over 1,300 people attended to honour the huge breadth of community service carried out by Rotary clubs and the spotlight was well and truly focused on youth and peace, two of Rotary’s core commitments. The Saturday programme was dedicated to showcasing the vast array of successful youth programmes that Rotary has to offer, which included the Rotary Young Citizen Awards, presented by BBC News presenter, Ellie Crisell.

Guest speakers over the weekend included former Olympian, Dame Mary Peters CH DBE, Antiques Roadshow Presenter and Rotary Foundation

1,300 ATTENDED CONFERENCE Ambassador, Eric Knowles, and author and comedian, Tony Hawks.

Visitors to the conference were also given the opportunity to get active and try their hand at wheelchair sports, thanks to charity WheelPower and its pop-up arena in the Belfast Hilton Ballroom. Guests got the chance to meet athletes and have a go at the activities on offer, including wheelchair rugby and wheelchair tennis. WheelPower, is dedicated to providing opportunities for disabled people to live healthy active lifestyles and is strongly supported by Rotary.

The weekend was enjoyed by all, and continues to be a much-loved tradition amongst Rotary clubs all across the country.

President of Rotary Gary CK Huang speaking at the Belfast Conference

For information on the 2015/16 Bournemouth conference visit: rotarygbi.org/what-we-do/conference

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ROTARY IN ACTION

Belfast Conference

Honouring young citizens have campaigned to keep the helpline open after it lost its government funding.

Chloe Ball-Hopkins, aged 18, nominated by the Rotary Club of Cotswold Tyndale Tipped for the GB Paralympic Squad in Archery for 2016, Chloe, from WottonUnder-Edge in Gloucestershire, suffers from muscular dystrophy and from an early age she has been a fundraiser for the cause, helping to increase awareness of the muscle-wasting and life-limiting condition.

Rotary Young Citizens celebrating their award

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very year at Conference, Rotary honours remarkable young citizens from across Great Britain and Ireland, who have gone above and beyond to make a real change in their community. Rotary Young Citizen awards recognise their outstanding contribution to worthy causes and the positive citizenship that they have displayed.

This year, seven outstanding young citizens received the prestigious award on stage during the second plenary session at Conference. The winners were nominated

by Rotary clubs across the country, and all of them are youngsters who have gone to great lengths to help others, often overcoming adversity themselves.

The winners are: Aled Griffiths, aged 11, nominated by the Rotary Club of Plymouth Aled, from Plymstock, Plymouth, was born with the rare medical condition Vacterl Association, which left him with a hole in his heart, missing fingers, curvature of the spine, as well as bowel and bladder problems and only one kidney. Despite his condition, and undergoing 12 operations, Aled has campaigned to help others with this disorder and raise awareness.

Jamie Harrington, aged 16, and Luke Clerkin, aged 23, nominated by the Rotary Club of Dublin Central The duo from Dublin set up Action for Suicide Prevention, after they both suffered from depression. They first joined together to raise funds for Teen-Line Ireland by busking in Temple Bar, raising more than €7,000, and www.rotarygbi.org

Conor Begley, aged 17, nominated by the Rotary Club of Dundalk Conor, from Greenore in County Louth, Ireland was honoured for his outstanding technology skills, which are significantly helping the lives of those who have difficulty communicating. Wanting to help his quadriplegic aunt, who suffers from cerebral palsy, he developed a communication aid using a basic computer chip. The project is aimed at helping other disabled people with communication problems, including stroke victims and people with motor neurone disease.

Bella Field, aged 9, nominated by the Rotary Club of Redbridge After her sister tragically passed away from a brain tumour aged eight, Bella, from Redbridge, came up with unique ways to help raise over £80,000 for the Haven House Children’s Hospice in Woodford Green, Essex.

This included performing in shows under the banner of Molly Field Productions and organising fundraising events from the age of six. She is also a “buddy” at the hospice helping other children who have siblings with life limiting illnesses.

Katriona Goodsell, aged 19, nominated by the Rotary Club of Plympton Katriona from Plympton is the daughter of service personnel and became an Ambassador for Her Majesty’s School Heroes (HMS Heroes) in 2012. The charity is a unique student voice group formed to support service children aged three to eighteen. Katriona has become the voice for Plymouth service children and has made two films to raise awareness about the difficulties they face, including anxiety about parents going into conflict zones and being bullied at school.

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Aled Griffiths

Jamie Harrington and Luke Clerkin

Chloe Ball-Hopkins

Conor Begley

Bella Field

Katriona Goodsell

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ROTARY

MEMBERSHIP Rotarians are ordinary men and women from all walks of life who have a desire to give something back to their community whether it is locally or at an international level. There are now myriads of ways to offer service under the umbrella of the Rotary organisation and many ways of being a member.

This magazine outlines just a few of the activities, projects and work of Rotarians across the world. If you would like to find out more about joining Rotary please visit our website: rotarygbi.org

Associate Membership

Associate Membership is a way of belonging to Rotary and a club allowing you to find out about Rotary and the club within a period of time with the intent of becoming a full member.

Satellite Clubs

Satellite Clubs are springing up across the UK and Ireland. These are clubs attached loosely to an existing club. They arrange meetings at times and venues to suit their members.

Corporate Membership

Corporate Membership is for a group within a company to become members of Rotary. It is a good way for people within a company to help in community matters and concerns.

Membership of an eClub

eClubs allows the prospective member to become a member of Rotary and attend meetings online. This allows the member to meet fellow members all over the world at any time of their choosing.

Meetings are held online to suit all the members and many are recorded for viewing later. Projects are also run online. This is a good way of getting into Rotary at a time to suit you, family and working life.

We look forward to hearing from you.

We are neighbours, community leaders, and global citizens uniting for the common good. With your help we can achieve even more. To find out how you can help go to: rotarygbi.org 40 // ROTARY

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WaterAid

2015

Get on your bike

TO HELP US BEAT PROSTATE CANCER THIS FATHER’S DAY 21ST JUNE To find a ride in your local area visit www.rotarygbi.org

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ROTARY NEWS

Regional

The Rotary Effect Catching up with all the news from Rotary clubs around Great Britain and Ireland

BIGGER SHELTER FOR MEN IN SHEDS

T Checking out the new extension

he Men in Sheds project, which is run from the Douglas Brunton Centre in Caterham, called on the Rotary Club of Caterham to help the team continue the great work it is carrying out in the local area.

The project is made up of a band of hard working retired men who produce a range of wooden products to sell, and recently they were commissioned by local primary Hillcroft School to make bat boxes, insect hotels, bug boxes and information notice boards for its conservation project.

However, with demand for the team rising, space in the shed was running out fast

so they decided to extend it with a canopy allowing the men to work outside in fair weather. They went along to their local Rotary Club, who had helped previously, and asked if they could assist again with funds for extra tools allowing them to expand their work into the canopy. The club donated £500 and the canopy was built.

President of Caterham Rotary Club, Claude Bertin, commented, “We were very impressed with the size and quality of the canopy and are proud to be associated by supplying funds for tools for this thriving community group that is helping locally.”

ROTAKIDS BREAK THEIR TARGET

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Rotakids Club at Bassenthwaite Primary School has supported global child hunger charity Mary’s Meal, by filling backpacks with educational equipment to help young children facing poverty.

The club set a target of filling four backpacks, but thanks to the children’s overwhelming generosity they smashed this target by going three times over, filling a fantastic 13 packs for use in Malawi and Liberia. Mary’s Meals’ main aim is providing a main meal to impoverished children across 12 poverty-stricken countries, and in turn this encourages children to attend school and enjoy a learning experience.

The President of Bassenthwaite Rotary

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Club, Lizzie Johnson, and Youth Team Leader Ed Potts visited the Rotakids Club at the school to personally thank the children for their hard work and commitment for the project. Lizzie commented, “This is a small village primary school and the Rotakids are quite rightly proud of their success. The children also benefited by hearing about the plight of the children they have helped. This was a learning experience all round with a pay off to all concerned, and our special thanks goes to the school’s Head Teacher Sara Royle for her support.”

For more information on Rotakids go to rotarygbi.org/rotakids, and Mary’s Meals go to www.marysmeals.org.uk

Checking out the new well

All’s well in Gambia

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he Rotary Club of Washington has worked with local school children to help raise funds to gift a number of water filters in Gambia’s Gunjur Regions Kajabang village.

Club member Mick Drake saw there was a need for more drinking water close to the village school, and along with “Project Gambia” he forged the club’s next Gambian project.

Pupils from Washington’s JFK Primary School helped to raise the money needed for the village through a range of local events, and the money was used to help support the building of a well close to the school. Mick identified this need when he discovered that the water had to be carried from a remote well, some distance from the village and the school, resulting in the rationing of water being used. Local and reliable professional contractors were sourced, and the well was created.

The villagers and children in Gunjur now have a constant reminder of their friends from The Rotary Club Of Washington, whenever they draw water from the new well.

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PEDAL POWER RAISES FUNDS

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A LEAP FROM DUCKS TO HORSES

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he Rotary Club of Linlithgow and Bo’ness has helped to buy a saddle for West Lothian Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) with a donation of £500.

The donation came from the proceeds of last year’s pre-Linlithgow Marches duck race, which is organised by the club’s Community Service Committee chaired by Marshall Templeton who remarked, “We are pleased to be able to help in this way since Riding for the Disabled makes a fantastic contribution to disabled children in the area.”

A spokeswoman for West Lothian Riding

for the Disabled Association said: “The group is absolutely delighted to receive this generous donation from the Rotary Club of Linlithgow and Bo’ness and we are very grateful for its support. As the only Riding for the Disabled group in the West Lothian area, which provides general therapeutic riding lessons to adults and children with either physical disabilities or learning difficulties, we constantly strive to accommodate more riders. All this takes funding therefore this kind donation will be used to buy our newest acquisition, Sally, a nice saddle.”

Norfolk hospice is saying a big thanks to Rotarians from the Rotary Club of King’s Lynn after members helped raise money to fund the state of the art facility.

Tapping House at Hillington showed its gratitude to all those involved in the fundraising by inviting members, together with their wives and families, to a private guided tour of the hospice. The visit provided a great opportunity for Club Secretary Bob Ward’s granddaughter, Emma Ward and friend Chad Seeley to present a cheque for just over £655, after they took part in a sponsored cycle ride from St Germans to Hunstanton and back.

Those attending were welcomed to the new building by senior staff members who explained the operational and administrative aspects of the facilities, as well as describing the fantastic support system and wide range of unique services that Tapping House will be able to provide to families in Norfolk for many years to come.

King’s Lynn Rotary Club has already raised money for the hospice and has pledged further support for the project in the future.

For more information on Tapping House visit: www.norfolkhospice.org.uk

Penalty shoot out decides it

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upils from Hill West Primary School were crowned champions in the Rotary Club of Wylde Green’s football tournament, which took place on the 3G pitch at Sutton Coldfield Town Football Club.

Now in its fourth year, the competition for year six pupils attracted 80 players from seven local schools making up 10 teams. The

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competition was well contested with first time winners Hill West Primary defeating previous winners Coppice Junior School A in a close final that ended in a 1-1 draw. A penalty shootout decided the outcome with Hill West narrowly winning.

Everyone taking part received a medal, and the runners up also took home a trophy with the ultimate winners receiving a special shield that they will hold for the year.

Organiser of the competition Nick Thurston, from the Rotary Club of Wylde Green, commented, “Our thanks must go to the organisations who supplied the referees, pitch runners and general administration. The weather was great and the event was well supported by parents and families. Rotary is about communities and it’s been satisfying to organise an event that brings together school pupils, teachers, parents, students, Rotarians, and the local semi-pro football club, for healthy competition and community spirit.”

King’s Lynn Rotarians ready to embark on their tour

HELPING TO RAISE OVER

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Regional

MARATHON MAN ON THE MOVE

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Robert Plant with Jan Long

Surprise guest rocks Rotary

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oncertgoers in Ledbury enjoyed a special treat when an unexpected guest attended the Rotary Club of Ledbury’s charity concert held recently to raise funds for the local Acorns Children’s hospices.

Guests were stunned when legendary global rock star Robert Plant climbed on stage to sing a duet with Welsh singer songwriter Deborah Rose, who was performing.

Whispers were heard around Market Theatre, as he sat in the audience, speculating on whether it was the famous Led Zeppelin singer before he got on stage to sing Roy Orbison’s Love Hurts in front of an audience of 200.

The Rotary Club of Ledbury’s Jan Long said: “Many in the audience had guessed that the man with the beard and long curly hair was global rock star Robert Plant. We were surprised and delighted when he performed a song on stage.”

hat is it like to run in the London Marathon? Ray Johnson from the Rotary Club of Folkestone knows only too well as he has joined the massive army of over 30,000 runners for the past 15 years.

This year was no exception with Ray completing the course of just over 26 miles in an impressive time of 4:20:31, a personal best for him in five years. Since 2000 he has helped raise over £60,000 for local charities and his recent total was over £4,500, which is being donated to Kent Association for the Blind. The association provides free, specialist support for children and adults to enable them to be independent, and to exercise choice and control over their lives.

Ray was spurred on by the massive crowd of well wishers, including some of his friends to help him along the way. At the finish he received a much-deserved cupcake and commented, “I’m really grateful to all the people who have supported me in this effort, and I’d like to thank everyone who has helped me. Now it is over I’m getting ready for next year to do it all again for the 16th year.”

Rays website is www.justgiving.com/ rayjohnson and he has proved his love for running as he has already been out pounding the streets after quickly recovering.

HELPING TO RAISE OVER

£60,000

ROTARY BUNNIES HOP INTO ACTION

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The concert raised £1,000 for the charity and Robert spent time after the show talking to the concertgoers and posing for pictures.

The musical programme also included solo performances from tenor Carlos Alfonso and soprano Livia King, with Ledbury’s Philip Holland providing piano accompaniment.

IT ALL ADDS UP

£1,000 Rotary Bunnies making a difference

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Ray with his well-deserved medal

embers of the Rotary Club of Wylde Green dressed in bunny outfits to greet shoppers at Asda in Minworth, near Sutton Coldfield, over the recent Easter holiday.

They were collecting donations for the charity Adoption UK, which helps prospective adopters through the adoption process and is a constant resource once a child has been placed. Graham Brogden, from Adoption UK, said of the help they received, “We appreciate the support from organisations like Rotary and wish to thank the Asda shoppers for being so generous. The money raised will help us to continue to provide specialist support, raise awareness and help people understand the complexities of adoption.”

A member of the Rotary Club of Wylde Green, Helen Bradin, remarked, “For those of us who have grown up in a loving family environment it is often so sad to hear of the experiences of those who have been less fortunate. We were really pleased to help in this way, and thanks to people’s generosity we raised over £500.”

To find out more about Adoption UK visit www.adoptionuk.org

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Regional

Showing off FOUNDATION GRANT WASHES HANDS green fingers One of the conditions of the grant was s a result of a Rotary Foundation

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global grant the Edward Frances Small Teaching hospital in Banjul, Gambia is changing the lives of many people.

Relatives, carers and patients waiting admission have previously not been allowed in the hospital grounds during the day and were found sitting on the kerbside with no access to amenities or shelter from the weather.

Royden Revolve Rotary Club discussed the challenge with Fajara Rotary Club and the hospital management, and it was agreed by working collaboratively a shelter could be built to include showers, toilets and hand washing facilities.

for a hand washing teaching programme to be given to all staff and people entering the hospital grounds. This year Royden Revolve club members Jackie Doyle, Peter Dodd and Patsy Dodd went out with a team of trained nurses to deliver the programme.

The infection control team completed the training and then supervised training for other members of staff to ensure the programme continued when they left. This project demonstrates that collaboration is one of the ways to achieve bigger objectives targets and the Rotarians know that they have secured a healthier outcome for many Gambian people.

EDUCATING MALAWI

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chool children in Malawi are getting an enhanced education thanks to a threenation partnership organised through Rotary and spearheaded by Northampton Becket Rotary Club.

The Classroom Box project supplies essential educational materials such as notebooks, pens and rulers to schools in Malawi and it is now on track to help 30,000 children to a better school experience.

Initially, boxes of classroom equipment

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were shipped from the UK direct to Malawi.

However the project has evolved into a more sophisticated operation with the addition of a South African partner, the ShopRite store group. Northampton Becket President Elect, Mike Kitchen, comments: “There is almost everything in the box that a student needs for their education.”

As well as writing materials, coloured pencils and notebooks, the boxes contain glue sticks and chalk. Sophie Kalinde, President of Lilongwe Rotary Club, added: “There are a lot of needy students in Malawi who cannot even afford a pencil. This project will go along way to improving the welfare of the beneficiaries as far as their education is concerned.”

UK children’s charity The Toy Trust helped fund the latest shipment with a £4,000 donation.

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garden show supporting Thorpe Hall Hospice, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and the Pulmonary Hypertention Association was lauded a great success by the Rotary Club of Stamford St Martin recently. The Garden Show is their big annual fundraiser and this was their third time running the event this year. The show was supported with sponsorship from the Walled Garden Centre Tea Rooms at Elton Hall in Peterborough.

The theme of the show was ‘inspiring gardening for all’ and attracted gardeners of all abilities, with a record number of stalls this year raising over £2,000 for the nominated charities. The stalls featured general and specialist plants, local gardening services, food and drink and there was entertainment rides for youngsters to enjoy.

The President of Stamford St Martins Rotary Club, Katy Harrison, said, “The show was a great success this year. All our club members worked really hard on the day so the success is down to them and of course to the public who came along in large numbers to enjoy the day. It’s great since it helps our club to support three worthy causes locally.”

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Connecting

Communities What’s tending? What’s the next big thing? Catch up with what is happening in Rotary with social media - here is a selection of some recent messages

Farnborough 6th

@Farnborough6th

#whereisthebear and local @RotaryGBI representative congratulate the 2015 Travel Scholars www.farnborough.ac.uk/News/ Show/176801 …

Eastlands School

@eastlandsschool

Thanks to our Rotary Club Saturday Breakfast friends for inviting the Rotakids to help at the Spring fair @RotaryGBI

Sally Kettle

@Sallykettle

#CholchesterRoyalGrammerSchool take first prize in @RotaryGBI #YouthSpeaks, and they really deserved it!

Chester Canalside

@CanalsideRotary

Rotary clubs across the nation are joining together to help for Nepal this weekend! @RotaryGBI more information here rotarygbi.org/rotary-reaches-help-nepalearthquake-victims

Rotary International Young chefs from across Great Britain and Ireland descended on Colleg Cambria in Deeside last weekend to battle it out for the prestigious title of Rotary Young Chef.

This year 15-year-old Lewis Wilson, who was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Horsham, was the deserving champion and collected his trophy and prize courtesy of competition sponsor Filippo Berio.

Helen Ricketts

@hampshirehelen

Simon Edmands

@SimonEdmands

Many thanks @NatWest_Help customers in #Leatherhead Over £900 raised from latest #Rotary collection of foreign coins!

Watching London Marathon to give our #Basingstoke #rotary @rotarygbi runner @Dlcrollie our support. Go Darren!

Rotary International Lovely comment from Jenny: “I’ve only been a member of Rotary for 12 months since my retirement and relocation Rotary International to Burton-on-trent, Bretby club. Absolutely Led Zeppelin legend Robert Plant stuns wonderful group of people, involved in so audience by performing at town Rotary event... many useful projects all over the world.”

AND they raised £1,000 for a Enquire about joining here: children’s hospice! www.rotarygbi.org/enquire

FOLLOW US Follow us on Twitter @RotaryGBI or visit our Facebook page: facebook.com/RotaryRIBI to keep up to date with the latest news and activity from Rotary and our clubs.

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