ROTARY CLUB OF WREXHAM! APRIL 2014

1

BULLETIN

A tree was planted on March 13th, 2014 in front of the Wrexham Guildhall in the pres-ence of the Mayor of Wrexham and the Lady Mayoress to commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The planting was performed by Past President Brian Davies in whose term as President the idea was initiated. After the ceremony on the front lawn of the Wrexham Guildhall,  a short reception with tea and biscuits was held in the Mayor's Parlour where the Mayor  and the Lady Mayoress described the Wrexham re-galia and other memorabilia in the room. The tree chosen,  which was kindly provided by Wrexham CBC,  was a Dove Tree (Davidia involucrata), also known as Handker-chief Tree or  Ghost Tree. It is  native to China. Spectacular white flowers will bloom in due course, hence the popular names.

QUEEN ELIZABETH II DIAMOND JUBILEE TREE

85th Charter Celebration Friday 7 March 2014.Wrexham Rotary Club members and their guests enjoyed a successful and entertaining Charter Night Dinner on the 7th March. Vice President Peter Howell was MC. The in-vited guests were the Mayor of Wrexham, Councillor David Bithell and the Lady Mayor-ess, Mrs Virginia Bithell, The Rotary District Governor Philip Horwood and the Assistant District Governor Beryl Cotton. There were also representatives from local Rotary

ROTARY CLUB OF WREXHAM! APRIL 2014

2

clubs. After an excellent meal, Past President Brian Davies welcomed the visiting clubs individually. These were the Rotary Clubs of Chester, Heswall, Oswestry, Pwllheli, Saughall, Dublin North, Wrexham Erddig and Wrexham Yale. Also welcomed were the Wrexham Inner Wheel and Wrexham Lions Club.A welcome and toast to the guests was proposed by President Peter Tompsett and a response was given by the District Governor, Philip Horwood. He proposed a toast to Rotary International outlining the many world-wide successes of the organisation. He made the point that as world conditions change, Rotary is facing new challenges, but he was confident that Rotary clubs would recognise and respond. A toast to the Wrex-ham Rotary Club was proposed by Assistant District Governor Beryl Cotton, who enu-merated the achievements of the club and the charities that it supports. She com-mented that the club membership was falling, due mainly to demographics, a current problem in many clubs. Several schemes, including “Friends of Rotary” and Satellite Clubs were possible ways forward. Peter Tompsett proposed a toast to the Rotary Club of Cannanore Seaside Kerala, India. The Wrexham Club is “twinned” with the Indian club which has supported a local children’s’ hospital over the years.A surprise item was the announcement President, Peter Tompsett, of the award of Paul Harris Fellowships to four club Members. The honour is awarded to Rotary members who have made significant contributions to the Club through long service or extraordi-nary fund raising activities. The four members presented were Deri Thomas, who joined in 1966, Harry Bainbridge, who joined in 1969, Glyn Pryce who also joined in 1969. The fourth award was given to Keith Samuels, although a more recent member, has made major contributions to fund raising. Each of the recipients was congratu-

ROTARY CLUB OF WREXHAM! APRIL 2014

3

lated and made a short acceptance speech. ( At a later event, the same Paul Harris Fel-lowship was also awarded to Orlando Andrade, who has been a member since 1978 )The formal part of the evening was followed by a talk by Robert Stones, Managing Part-ner of Peter Wilson Auctioneers, who was introduced by the President. He described how the practice of auctioneering had changed in recent years, mainly due to the inter-net which enables buyers from all parts of the world to bid at remote auctions.. He de-scribed a recent trip to China by a party of auctioneers from the Midlands. They had been invited to display European antiques to establish the potential of the Chinese market. He had been very impressed by the Chinese people who had entertained the group, but was appalled by bad air quality over there. On the whole, the Chinese taste in antiques was very different to European tastes; they were mostly interested in Arab, Russian and Indian artifacts rather than traditional European items. The rules of auc-tions in China were also very different to those applying in the UK, which caused some misunderstandings. Robert Stone was thanked by Peter Howell, and Peter Tompsett brought the evening to a close with a final toast - “Rotary and Peace the World Over”

Deri Thomas, Harry Bainbridge, Glyn Pryce and Keith Samuels receive their awards from President Peter Tompsett ( clockwise from the top LHS )

ROTARY CLUB OF WREXHAM! APRIL 2014

4

New Library for children from poor backgrounds - Rotary Club of Cannanore Seaside supported by Wrexham Rotary Club

Our District Governor, Major donor - Dr. Senthilnathan Siva and the First Lady Karuna Senthilnathan with others

ROTARY CLUB OF WREXHAM! APRIL 2014

5

COFFEE MORNING IN AID OF WREXHAM STROKE CLUB

By kind permission of Mrs. Angela Scott, a charity Coffee Morning was held at Sodylt Hall, Ellesmere on Wednes-day, 12 March. Although this charity event was not organised by Wrex-ham Rotary Club, one of the charities to benefit w a s t h e W r e x h a m Stroke Club which is supported by the Rotary Club. The spring flowers were in colourful array, but it was unfortunate that the day turned out to be misty. The previ-ous morning had been superb British spring time. Such are the vagaries of the weather. The Rotary Club

supports the Stroke Club by providing transport both to and from the Cun-liffe Centre for those suf-fering from the effects of strokes and for their carers. The Rotary Club also provides days out for these groups, in particu-lar canal trips. The Wrex-ham Stroke Club is well established and has a certificate of recognition for 30 years of operation from the national Stroke Association . It is run en-tirely by volunteers and relies exclusively on do-nations.

Anyone interested in supporting the stroke charity or the Stroke Club should contact a Rotary Club member or through our website.

ROTARY CLUB OF WREXHAM! APRIL 2014

6

STATE OF THE CLUBA primary concern is the marked decline in membership since 2008. A complex variety of social and economic factors are responsible. Over that period, total membership has reduced from 44 to 30. Only 8 new members have joined since 2008 whilst 22 members have resigned or have died. Furthermore, the high average age of current members, several with serious health problems, has markedly reduced the numbers able to take an active role. Thus, the capability of the club to raise funds and to provide services ( in spite of heroic and dedicated efforts of members who are currently able and willing to take on active work ) is well below club achievements prior to 2008. An increasing proportion of active members are taking on multiple roles. Year 2013/14 has been one where concerted efforts have already commenced to increase numbers in the club, hopefully to counteract the gradual membership attrition that has been char-acteristic of recent years. I see 2014/15 as a year of opportunity whereby, through sus-tained effort, we can ensure a stable and useful future for the senior Rotary Club in Wrexham. We must all strive to achieve that end !

CLUB SERVICE COMMITTEES

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Barney Parkinson reported that, as a spending committee, they were held up currently as the club had no money available. After some toing and froing, Morrison's supermarket had agreed to an all day collection for Rotary charities on 17th May. Specially designed club posters are planned, plus a display of photographs of club activities, through the courtesy of Peter Emerson. On April 5th a Stroke Awareness Day will be held at ASDA . Volunteers will be needed for both events. It is hoped that suf-ficient funds will become available soon for the two canal boat trips planned for April/May. There will be, as usual, a collection for Hurst Newton in the late autumn. The Community Service Cup will be awarded this year to Meriel Samuels in recognition of her tireless work in aid of the Stroke Club and the Wrexham Food Bank. As the present holder, Campbell Edmondson, is entitled to retain the cup until June, it will unfortunately not be possible to present the cup on Charter Night.

FUND RAISING: Keith Samuels said that he was producing rotas for the supermarket events. He was investigating provision of a Rotary banner and also laminated posters. A Beetle Drive with pie, chips and peas will take place at Cross Lanes on Friday evening 28th March – tickets £11.50. Flyers have been produced to advertise the RMS Titanic Night and meal at Cross Lanes on 29th April. Tickets at £17.50 and posters are avail-able. Thanks were due to Joan Murray-Jones for her helpful assistance.The speaker, Malcolm Jones of Chester, will describe his experiences during the Titanic Memorial Voyage and will bring items from his collection of Titanic memorabilia.

INTERNATIONAL: The year end lack of club charity funds has temporarily delayed fur-ther activity. The President of the Rotary Club of Cannanore Seaside sent us the follow-ing email to Anan:

ROTARY CLUB OF WREXHAM! DECEMBER 2014

7

“ Thanking you for your kind promise to support our Library Project project financially. This magnanimous humanitarian act from you and your esteemed club , The Wrexham Rotary Club, has certainly benefacted many kids of the poorest background. Thanking you with regards, Rtn. Matthew K George President Rotary Club of Cannanore Seaside. “ Future potential needs include a UPS back-up generator and an appropriate computer.

VOCATIONAL: Anthony Thomas said that Mock Interviews took place on Friday 7th March at Bryn Alyn High School. Further interviews at Darland High School occurred the following week. More than enough volunteers had come forward. Anthony Thomas wishes to receive feedback about the conduct of the sessions. Some schools make ex-cellent organisational arrangements for the interviews, but that did not apply to every school. Anthony reported that he was planning visits to Stockport Air Raid Shelters and also to the Morgan Car Factory after the lighter nights start.

THE TITANIC EXPERIENCE INVITATIONCROSS LANES HOTEL ON 29TH APRIL - 7 TO 10 PM

An invitation is extended to you to share, with a limited number of invited guests, in the experience of the Centenary Celebrations to Commemorate the Sinking of the R.M.S. TITANIC 100 years ago on its maiden voyage to America. The talk, exhibition and video presentation will be given by Mr Malcolm Jones of Chester who was one of the lucky few in this country who were able to get tickets for that voyage. He has over many years been able to put together a very valuable collection of items relating to this tragic event. The liner was able to follow the route taken by the Titanic from Ireland to New York and stopped at the spot where the Titanic met its untimely end so that passengers could lay wreaths. Come and join us for this entertaining evening, at The Cross Lanes Hotel, Marchwiel, Wrexham, LL13 OTF, on Tuesday 29th April 2014The evening will start with a two course meal and coffee. This special event is being ar-ranged by the Rotary Club of Wrexham to raise funds for The North West Cancer Re-search Fund in Liverpool and other Rotary Charities. Tickets are £17.50 each, and may be obtained from Rotarians Keith Samuel Tel: 01978 840645 or Harry Bainbridge Tel: 01978 359639.

SPEAKERS

JULY 30TH 2013 - APPRECIATING WINE - MICHAEL KAGANMichael Kagan hosted a fascinating evening meeting at Cross Lanes where he de-scribed and provided opportunities to taste a wide range of French wines pressed from the 6 noble grape varieties. Their centuries-old origins, in the different regions of France, have provided the foundation for their distribution across all corners of the winemaking world. He described the main characteristics of wines produced from each grape type and also recommended the foods that matched best. The event was highly successful and was much appreciated by those fortunate enough to have been present.

ROTARY CLUB OF WREXHAM! APRIL 2014

8

MARCH 25TH - ROBERT WILLIAMSTHE “GROUNDWORK” CHARITY

On Tuesday 25th. March 2014, at Wrexham Rotary Club it was a pleasure to have a speaker and this was Mr. Robert Williams, who was introduced by a colleague, Rotar-ian Peter Butler.Mr. Williams is on the board of Groundwork U.K. and he gave a very informative talk about Groundwork North Wales. For over 21 years Groundwork North Wales has been helping people to gain confidence and skills, to get involved in their local com-munity and to ensure they have a say in decisions about the areas where they live, work and play.A vote of thanks was given by Rotarian Brian Davies on behalf of the club.

APRIL 1ST - PAM WHITLEYFUNDING CHALLENGES AT NIGHTINGALE HOUSE

Pam outlined the original vision by Graham Arthurs for the hospice and how it has de-veloped over the years. How funding from the Health Board and WAG had been sub-stantially reduced. Of the £2.5 million needed to operate the Hospice only £600k came from WAG and the Health Board. The balance of nearly £2 million needed to be raised locally. They offer a range of services to inpatients and day care patients. The day care unit provides care that is holistic and life enhancing, helping people to adjust to life limiting illnesses. Other help is given with Physiotherapy; Occupational Therapy; Pastoral and Spiritual Support; Emotional and Social Support as well as many complimentary therapies. Because of their expertise they often help patients from outside the area. They also offer respite care.The challenge every year is to raise sufficient money and they are continually refresh-ing the fundraising effort. This has included; ‘Light up a life’ around Christmas; Ladies Midnight Walk; Recycling bra’s; Lottery; Legacy Income and activities around shops and businesses.In addition, they are always looking to save costs, such as the fitting of Solar Panels.Pam went on to say that the truth is they don’t know from year to year whether they will raise the money needed. The only thing the trustees feel confident about is the continued support they get from the local community. Pam said it is truly humbling that at the beginning of each year they set out their budgets and requirements and the community raise such vast sums of money to support the activities of the Hospice.Michael Kagan thanked Pam on behalf of the club for such an enlightening insight into the challenges and work of the Hospice. He very much hoped that the Rotary Clubs would continue to prioritise the needs of the local Hospice with their fundraising for many years to come.

ROTARY CLUB OF WREXHAM! DECEMBER 2013

9

Stroke Club Rota 2014Members are asked to participate in this Community Service task. It involves about two hours of your time. Rotarians are required to pick up and convey members of the Stroke Club to the Cunliffe Centre (or other venue as advised by Keith Samuels prior to the evening) by 7.00pm and return them to their homes at 9.00pm on alternate Wednesdays. Contact numbers for Rotarians are: Cheryl Furney-Brown telephone 07971 224560 or Keith Samuels telephone 01978 840645COLLECTING: Mrs. Ivy Scarrett AND Mrs Janet Coulthurst19th February David Gittins Cunliffe Centre 5th March Cheryl Furney-Brown Cunliffe Centre19th March David Gittins Meal at Cunliffe Pub 2nd April Cheryl Furney Brown Cunliffe Centre16th April Tony Burdge Cunliffe Centre30th April Peter Tompsett Mayor’s Parlour, Wrexham14th May Tony Burdge Hollybush, Cefn y Bedd28th May Cheryl Furney Brown Cunliffe Centre11th June Peter Tompsett Day Outing25th June Tony Burdge Cunliffe Centre9th July Peter Tompsett Cunliffe Centre23rd July David Gittins Cunliffe CentrePlease note the members who require transport are:Mrs. Ivy Scarrett, 15 Denbigh Close, Borras Park, Wrexham LL12 7TW – Telephone 01978 266740Mrs. Janet Coulthurst, 37 Cardigan Road, Borras Park, Wrexham LL12 7TS – Tele-phone 01978 261669Will drivers please telephone either Mrs. Scarrett or Mrs Coulthurst on the above tele-phone numbers on the morning of the Stroke Club duty and they will advise on whether they need to be collected, or possibly not, due to changes in arrangements or illness. Rtn. Keith Samuels will have a copy of this rota. Very important: If you are unavailable on the date given, please arrange a swap with someone else on the list.

Many thanks to Rotarian Peter Emerson for photographs and reports from the Club website: www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?ClubID=1126