Week 16 – Variety is the Spice of Life

Club Visits since July 1                                                         50

Rotary Engagements since July 1                                         120

Official Club Visits with Chicken dinner since July 1                 8 !!

Couldn’t find a common theme for this week, so it’s been a very varied week – if there is a common theme, then it’s probably common for most weeks – the M40 – well it’s difficult to avoid really, from where I live there aren’t too many visits or engagements that don’t take in the M40 at some point in the journey!

Monday I was off to RC Burford & Windrush Valley, one of the further-flung from home.  I usually comment that no one goes to Rotary for the culinary experience, but I have to say that this meal was the best I’ve had so far at a club, even though the main course was chicken!  One of our smaller clubs but on the road to recovery this year under President Richard’s leadership we have every hope.

Tuesday it was off to Shillingford Bridge Hotel for the second time in three weeks at RC Wallingford, Sinodun & District.  Stable membership, actively encouraging other clubs, facing the future with determination under President Michael, taking the reins again.

Strayed out of the District on Wednesday – off up to Alcester for my first attendance at an RIBI Committee Meeting – Foundation.  Lively & committed group of members with just a single aim – to help the clubs in RIBI to make our charity work for them. 


But in the evening a treat for all the members of MY club – we were entertained in the Mayor of Hillingdon’s Parlour and each given a certificate marking our community volunteer work – always nice to have the recognition but more so having the company of my fellow club members for a great evening out.

Thursday – an at home day!!  However, not without Rotary input – three meetings with members of our conference committee – bringing me up to speed with the latest on all our preparations.

 One of my closest club visits, RC Uxbridge, followed on Friday.  Fabulous result from their annual Autoshow this year – more than £35,000 raised- a record – they’ll be doing it again next year, now there’s a surprise!  President Jill shows her Mayoral past in controlling the group brilliantly!

Saturday evening treat at a concert arranged by RC Easthampstead & featuring the Central Band of the RAF – brilliantly talented bunch of men & women – a real pleasure to listen to.

 

Sunday morning bright & early off to Blenheim Palace grounds for the annual Rotary Blenheim 10K, courtesy of RC Woodstock & featuring an inaugural 5K Junior run as well.  The rain pretty largely held off during the race itself but the day was regrettably not the best with heavy downpours before & afterwards – didn’t seem to affect the runners greatly though.