Blanket Drive, President Jean's Induction and How One Thing leads to another.

Last Week
It was a Business Meeting and  I wasn't present but as it is the last Business Meeting of the Rotary Year I imagine it was an Old Board/New Board one.

David Bradshaw has asked for photographs of blanket distribution from the Rotary Blanket Drive.  I sent him some forwarded to me by the St Vincent de Paul Society of Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in Kensington.  Here are some of them:

It is good to see that people sleeping in the street do have a blanket in this weather.  Apparently the average life of a blanket in these circumstances is very short, weeks rather than months, so it is so important to give them to homeless people.

This Week

It's Jean's re-Induction at Bryanston Country Club.  So far there will be 43 attending.  I think it's really great that she has opted to have a more casual lunchtime affair as she is President for two years in succession.  Don't end up at Wanderers by mistake!

Elias Thomas - Rotary Club of Sanford-Springvale, Maine

In 2012, Elias Thomas was in Rajasthan, India, visiting a site that two years before had been dusty and barren but now was lush and green. “Waterfowl had moved in to make it their habitat,” he recalls. “I heard engines pumping water up the hills to irrigate garden beds on terraces. As far as I could see, everything was green.” The transformation was the result of a catchment dam, which collects rainwater during the monsoon season and holds it in reserve for the dry season.

The dam had been built in 2010 by Thomas and other Rotarians from his club and the Rotary Club of Delhi Megapolis, with the support of a water conservation trust in India. It was the first of 10 such dams they have built together. “I first went to India in 2001 to participate in National Immunization Days. We thought the time would be more valuable if we incorporated a service project,” says Thomas.

A local rural development foundation identifies ideal locations near villages and farms where the dams can be built, taking advantage of dry riverbeds formed during previous monsoon seasons. “We dam it up and force it to create a reservoir — that’s a water catchment dam,” says Thomas, a past governor of District 7780 (parts of Maine and New Hampshire).

Local workers use machinery to dig huge trenches, and then the Rotarians spend four to five days building the foundation and walls by hand. Local laborers finish the project. The dams allow farmers to employ gravity-fed irrigation, help raise the water table, and recharge wells.

Last year, U.S. Senator Susan Collins of Maine recognized Thomas on the Senate floor, reading a tribute to his four decades of work as a Rotary volunteer. But he isn’t resting on his laurels; in February, he led a group of volunteers back to Rajasthan to build another dam.

This new dam will benefit more than 11,000 people. “Farmers can grow three crops instead of one. The first is for subsistence, the second will feed cattle, and the third can be sold,” Thomas says. “So what they make from selling the crop can be used to buy goods and services from others, and there’s a ripple effect.”

65 Years Young, Discon & Polio Plus

The Rotary Club of Rosebank Johannesburg

65 Years Old Last Weekend

And a very social meeting it was last week.  

Discon

We had a good turn out at Discon despite our contingent never thinking they would get there.....just another two hours to go!

Les Gilets Jaunes

This is what Ann Hope-Bailie had to say about it:

I was quite apprehensive about attending my first Rotary District Conference – I needn’t have been at all!! It was great fun getting to know new Rotarians and hearing about Club projects etc. I came home so PROUD to be associated with Rotary. We had wonderful speakers such as Gift of the Givers – once you hear what they do and understand more of the logistics involved, it is mind boggling. One feels that we should be shouting from the roof tops more and not being silent on the good that is done by Rotary. They are already planning the next 2 Discons – hope I will be able to go….

Les Gilets Jaunes déguisé

Kevin Wolhuter is an old stager...he is also the District Treasurer so is there in a dual capacity:

This Discon was as always, well-organized and worthwhile. The surroundings were lovely and the speakers were very interesting and knowledgeable. The staff were super-efficient and obliging and the food was really good. There was a lot of camaraderie and interaction amongst the Rotarians and old friends had a good time catching up with each other. The Peace and Reconciliation breakaway was inspiring but unfortunately some of us had to leave early as we had to catch the bus back to our accommodation at Hermansdal. Staying so far away from the conference venue was a bit isolating even though the chalets we stayed in were lovely.               

Liz enjoyed the  Anne's breakaway where one of the speakers described her harrowing journey to the Arctic while a second speaker discussed the heartwarming work done by a shelter for abused women and children. All in all, a very successful Discon.

At the Teddybears' Picnic

Our Incoming President

This Week

It's a Business Meeting with the Board Meeting taking place beforehand....and this will affect us:

Rotary exchange rates

Please note: As of 1 July 2019, Rotary International exchange rates will be based on the prevailing market rate as of the first of each month. As a result, the future rates will no longer be publicized to Rotary members prior to the effective date. The change is the best way to ensure a true exchange rate to all our members worldwide. 

EVANSTON, Ill. (June 10, 2019) — Rotary is giving US$100 million in grants to support the global effort to end polio, a vaccine-preventable disease that once paralyzed hundreds of thousands of children each year.

The funding comes as Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) address the final—and most pressing—challenges to ending poliovirus transmission, and as Nigeria approaches three years without any reported cases of wild poliovirus, bringing the Africa region closer to polio-free status.

“We have the wild poliovirus cornered in the smallest geographic area in history, and now there are just two countries that continue to report cases of the wild virus,” said Michael K. McGovern, chair of Rotary’s International PolioPlus Committee. “As we work with our partners to apply innovative new strategies to reach more children, and embrace lessons learned thus far, Rotary is doubling down on our commitment to end polio for good. I’m optimistic that the end of polio is within our grasp, but we must remain vigilant in rallying global political and financial support as we push towards a polio-free world.”

While there were only 33 cases of wild poliovirus reported in 2018, the last mile of eradication has proven to be the most difficult. Barriers to eradication--like weak health systems, insecurity, and mobile and remote populations--must be overcome. As long as a single child has polio, all children are at risk, which underscores the need for continued funding and commitment to eradication.

To support polio eradication efforts in endemic countries, Rotary is allocating half the funds it announced today to: Afghanistan ($16.3 million), Nigeria ($10.2 million), and Pakistan ($25.2million). Additional funding will support efforts to keep vulnerable countries polio-free:

• Chad ($102,395)
• Democratic Republic of the Congo ($9.5 million)
• Ethiopia ($2.6 million)
• Iraq ($6 million)
• Kenya ($6.3 million)
• Mali ($1.2 million)
• Somalia ($1.4 million)
• South Sudan ($1.2 million)
• Syria ($1.7 million)
• Yemen ($2.1 million)

The World Health Organization (WHO) will receive $1.3 million to conduct

research, and will also receive support for surveillance activities in its Africa ($10.9 million) and Eastern Mediterranean ($4 million) Regions.

Rotary has committed to raising $50 million a year to be matched 2-to-1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, amounting to $150 million for polio eradication annually. 

Ethiopia, Rotary Art Expo, Rotary International Convention and a Changing Rotary.

Last Week



David Bradshaw gave us his talk on Ethiopia.  It was very interesting and he obviously had a very enjoyable time. He talked about the size of the country and the need for a guide though a surprising number of people spoke English which helped.  Here he is delivering his talk in an unusually serious pose.  he brought  long his assistance, Marietjie, to show the pictures.


Rotary Art Expo
It seems to have been very successful.  David Bradshaw had his talk rather squeezed by a lot of discussion about the Art Expo which was almost all learning curve, putting out fires etc for the committee.  I also got the impression that it required much more work on their behalf than they anticipated and that should have been spread throughout the club more next year.
Congratulations to all of them.

We seem to have achieved a lot more publicity than in the past both on radio and in print.

Here's just one example:

.

One aspect of the Art Expo that tends to be forgotten are the many workshops in which the general public may participate.  Here's just one example:

Rotary Convention, Hamburg 

Last week The Ramble pictured Juanette McCrindle at the Convention promoting our club and our Cervical Cancer Project.  This is what she had to say about it in an email to the club:

I am happy to announce that I had three meetings with Bad Bedekese. And one in Helgoland. Then the conference. 

So at least 5 make ups and if we get more than one for the Convention please add them to the list.

There were so many interesting topics and stands it was overwhelming.  Listening to the Minister of Cooperation and Development talk about climate change, over population, ending polio and the importance of Rotary was interesting and at the same time really daunting. 

Rotaractors talking about how Rotary saved, changed and impacted their lives. One chap escaped the DRC and opened the first Rotaract Club in a refugee camp in Uganda.  Rotary saved one girl from going down the same path as her parents, drugs, alcohol and abuse.  

Rotary has impacted communities and individuals in significant ways and at these international conferences you feel the gratefulness of these people, you feel the inspiration and you are inspired. 

One break out session I chose to attend was that on the psychological impact on refugees... I could relate to this from two sides, a psychological side and as a new immigrant having stood in a queue with many refugees one morning from 02:00hrs, just to get a place in the queue that would allow you to be served.  The difference is I am privileged and most of the people in the queue are not. I have a support system, money, a home, transportation etc. 

The talk on cervical cancer was delivered by highly expert doctors and experienced practitioners in the field.  The statistics were mind blowing and it seems that the aim is to eradicate the HP Virus in the near future..through Rotary.

The Bill Gates Foundation has agreed to donate millions of US$ if the Rotary Foundation matches it.

I have met people from with different exhibits like the most simplistic water pump I have ever seen.. yet extremely effective.  

I have a sample of reusable sanitary pads (also a good project for our club). Healthy food, water filters, and so on and so on... 

In my limited experience it was one of the most invigorating conferences.  

Our going RI President Barry Rassin is a phenomenal leader and spoke extremely well.  Incoming RI President Mark Maloney is a highly qualified lawyer and seems to also be able to move a crowd as well, both men are movers and shakers and have the network to get things done. 

They both emphasized the importance of increasing female membership and if I am not wrong it is the first time that there are females on the board of directors and it is the first year that there is an overall increase of women in various positions within the various committees. They are  supported by strong partners. 

The opening and closing ceremonies were really fantastic, speeches were short and to the point, the entertainment was remarkable, yet not overbearing. All in all a great time. 

I have been fortunate to attend the RI Conventions in Los Angeles, Bangkok, Sydney, Seoul and Germany. Of them all, this one has touched me the most, perhaps that is a good thing considering this is the start of my life in Germany. 

The meetings and outings with the Bremen clubs were interesting and they made an incredible effort to make us feel welcome. 

Okay I have rambled enough, I hope you enjoyed my brief run down.

Thank you and best regards to all of you.

This Week

It's Discon, our District 9400 annual conference.  President Jean and a number of other Rotarians will be there so our usual Social Meeting is scheduled.

An extract from Rotary International General Secretary John Hewko's Report 

A Changing Rotary for a Changing World 

Rotary’s long-term membership strategy aims to attract a diverse set of new leaders who share our commitment and vision for creating lasting change while also making the club experience more engaging so even more of our current members stay. 

The first step to strengthening Rotary is to adapt to today’s realities and challenges, so we remain relevant to current and prospective members. 

Many clubs are implementing innovative ways to involve members and the community in Rotary. Whether they do it by creating new membership types, starting new clubs that accommodate busy schedules and different interests, or thoughtfully reexamining the style and frequency of their meetings, these clubs are discovering the value of changing to meet the diverse needs of today’s business, community, and civic leaders. To explore and find your own innovative solutions visit rotary.org/flexibility for examples, FAQ, and other resources. 

The manage membership leads program helps Rotarians connect with prospective members, relocating members, and those referred by current Rotarians. We received more than 15,000 membership inquiries this year, which resulted in about four new members joining Rotary each day.

 Small changes, big impact: The Rotary Club of Maidenhead Bridge in Berkshire, England, doubled its membership and engaged with the community by finding ways to welcome families and young professionals into the club’s activities. The club meets every two weeks at a coffee shop, and members are encouraged to bring their children. Club members also focus on service, logging almost 2,000 volunteer hours per year. In addition to bringing in new members, they are teaching future generations about the importance of volunteer service. 

Rotary Art Expo, Ethiopia and an Amazing Young Persons Music Competition in the UK.

Last Week
It was a Social Meeting simply because of the opening of the Arts Festival the evening before.
Here is President Jean haranguing the mob and urging them to buy!

Members of our Interact Club at Highlands North were on hand to help and as always they were smart and polite.

It's a great pleasure having them there but we only have a picture of two of them as the others were busy handing out refreshments and helping generally.



At the opening a presentation was made to the winner of the GTC Portrait Award, Rika de Klerk. This has become an annual event.

The Leeuwkop Art Group with their mentor Rotarian Joan Sainsbury.  Portraits by them are on sale at the Rotary Art Expo and the money raised is for the benefit of those at Leeuwkop.

Rotary International Convention

It's underway in Hamburg and Juanette McCrindle is there promoting the Rotary Club of Rosebank and in particular our Cervical Cancer Project.  Here she is at the HEWRAG House of Friendship drumming up support for us.


This Week
Well, the Art Exhibition continues so everyone will be doing shifts at the Rosebank Mall but we do have a speaker.  One of our members, David Bradshaw, who is in the travel industry will be talking to us about his recent trip to Ethiopia.

There are a total of 9 UNESCO World Heritage attractions in Ethiopia, 8 cultural sites and one natural conservation area, the Simien National Park, home to a range of native endangered animals such as the Gelada baboon and the Ethiopian wolf. The most impressive Ethiopian World Heritage sites are scattered along the central length of the country, from the ancient ruins of Axum in the north to the Omo Valley archaeological sites in the south.

 A National Young Musicians Competition is organised each year by Rotary GBI.

The Rotary Young Musician competition provides a platform for young musical talent to shine.

The Mayor Of Chelmsford, Yvonne Spence, who is also a member of Rotary, opened this year’s national final.

She said: “I have been very proud to be a Rotarian as Mayor of Chelmsford.

“My duties have meant I have seen the full range of our youth activities within the community.

“The National Young Musician Final in Chelmsford was a real highlight of my year as I welcomed competitors their families and supporters from every part of Great Britain.

“Their talent and commitment was so impressive.”

In total, fifteen finalists battled it out all in hope for first place.

After introducing themselves, each participant gave a background to the piece they were performing.

James Devour, judge, said: “They were all excellent and it was a very hard decision.

“I was honoured to have judged this year’s competition.”

The Young Musician competition offers young people experience on stage, an opportunity to showcase their talent and the ability to receive feedback from experienced musicians.

Recognise Debbie Hodge?  See below.

Organiser Peter Dowse said: “The submissions once again were excellent and of a continuing higher standard.

“Thanks again to districts for endorsing this competition in your area – it is great to see the impact.

“This is my final year, and I have thoroughly enjoyed doing this coordination. It was a pleasure.”

District Governor Lesley Sulley and Rotary GBI President Debbie Hodge spoke to the friends and family of finalists whilst the contestants awaited the judge’s decisions.

All entrants were presented with a certificate and then Debbie handed out the trophies.