Two hard-working former presidents of the Rotary Club of Chesterfield have been awarded the top honours in Rotary. Past presidents John Keeton and Bryan White each received a Paul Harris Fellowship for their continuing efforts and dedication to Rotary in a short ceremony performed by Rotary District Governor Peter Moralee on his official visit to the Chesterfield club on Friday 23 August 2013. The two Rotarians, who were presidents of the Chesterfield club in 2010-11 and 2008/9 respectively, are pictured with their medals and certificates.
Paul Harris was the founder of the worldwide Rotary movement in 1905 and it has since grown into an international phenomenon with more than 1.2 million members across 200 countries. The Rotary Club of Chesterfield was first chartered back in 1922 and, in common with all other Rotary clubs, continues to support the disadvantaged in communities at home and abroad through a variety of projects and initiatives.
District Governor Peter Moralee said: “Rotary is at the heart of every community. In just about every town and city, there is a Rotary club, and its members are passionate about the community in which they live and work.”
President Mike Cudzich-Madry said: “Honouring hard-working members with a Paul Harris Fellowship is a tradition of the Chesterfield club and past presidents John Keeton and Bryan White are the latest rotarians to have deservedly earned that recognition.”
Pictured from left to right: President Mike Cudzich-Madry, Past Presidents & Paul Harris Fellows John Keeton and Bryan White, District Governor Peter Moralee
Local charities are set to benefit after a record number of classic cars, bikes and enthusiasts turned up at the picturesque Ashover Show Ground, near Chesterfield, this last Sunday for an all-day rally, which has raised thousands of pounds for local charities.
Organised jointly for the third year running by the Rotary Clubs of Chesterfield, Chesterfield Scarsdale, Clay Cross and Matlock, the charities to benefit this year from the Ashover Charity Classic Car and Bike Show will be Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline, Weston Park Cancer Charity, Hope Springs Recovery Centre – which helps local people with drugs and alcohol addiction, McMillan Cancer Support, Samaritans, and First Taste – which is a charity that promotes arts educational and stimulating activities for older people in care homes and centres.
The event on Sunday 28 July 2013 was attended by over 3,000 enthusiasts and spectators from all over the region and is expected to have raised around £12,000 for charity.
The Ashover Classic Car winner was Ivan Spurrier-Smith from Wirksworth with a 1931 Blown Super-Charged 2 litre very original T2 Tourer Lagonda. Ivan Spurrier-Smith said: “I am very proud of my Lagonda so am delighted its very original features have been recognised by the show. It’s been a great day out.”
The Ashover Classic Bike winner was Billy Batholomew from Sheffield with a 1971 BSA Rocket 3. Billy Batholomew said: “I am really pleased with this recognition for my BSA and look forward to next year.”
For the bulk of the day the show was held in glorious sunshine, which tempted the crowds to turn out despite major thunderstorms the previous night.
There was entertainment in the main event arena including performances by Chesterfield based female vocalist Diana Edwards, renowned UK violinist Kate Chruscicka, Ashover Brass Band, and musical dance by Direction Theatre Arts. There was also a large side show with Autojumble and an Arts and Craft Fair, plus refreshments and a licensed bar.
The main sponsor of this charity event was Autoworld, one of the leading New and Used Car dealerships in Derbyshire and the Midlands, along with along with Stuart Bradley Jewellers, PCS Motor Factors, BRM Solicitors, and Castle Graphics.
Past president Stuart Bradley, a member of the organising committee said: “Once again I want to thank everyone for their wonderful support and look forward to seeing everyone next year once again at Rectory Fields on Sunday 27 July 2014.”
Membership Note: If you would like to join a local Rotary Club, or one of the other 100-plus Rotary clubs across the Derbyshire, Nottingham, and South Yorkshire area, visit www.ribi.org .
Earlier in the year, Rob reported that he would be taking on China’s “Great Wall Marathon”, one of the world’s toughest endurance races. It is a 26 mile race along this most famous landmark that was specifically built to be as inhospitable as possible! But, our Rob saw it as a wonderful opportunity to slot this into his studies in Ningbo, Shanghai in order to raise money and awareness for Rotary’s “End Polio Now” initiative.
Well – He has now done it!!!
Below is Rob’s own account of his feelings during the course of the race.
As my group was called up to begin the race I was experiencing one of the most severe cases of nerves I’ve ever had. Looking around at the other athletes, my heart sank as I noticed the majority of them were running the half marathon rather than the full. I overheard an Aussie, built like an Olympic athlete, talking to one of his friends: “The full marathon?! You’ve got to be kidding, I’m not a Muppet!” Although I had trained hard for this event, I don’t believe anything could have prepared me for a marathon that is considered in the top 10 most challenging in the world. To be honest, the closest I had come to a “super challenge” was when I failed miserably at a 72-ounce steak eating challenge in Texas! I felt like a fraud who was soon to be exposed.
The gun went off and… it had begun, 26 miles of what I anticipated to be pure pain. The first five km were a relatively simple climb on a tarmac road up to the Great Wall. This gave me the opportunity to get my head straight and remember why I had signed up to this event in the first place… It was about nine months ago when I heard about the Great Wall marathon race and I thought: “That sounds like fun, let’s go for it!”
But, as the road got steeper and I breached the austere wall, I developed a strong dislike to the naive part of my brain that had driven me to this decision and I was in the mindset of simply trying to finish the thing. Appreciating the majesty and magnificence of this amazing structure was definitely not on the agenda. Instead, all I could think was: “why on earth did they build a wall here? It’s just mountains, who would want to invade this place?!”
As I continued the run, however, I started to get into a flow. I was feeling pretty comfortable and I started looking around at the amazing scenery that surrounded me. What was even greater was the support given by the locals. People young and old lined the streets clapping, giving high-fives and shouting: “Jia You!” I even got into a water fight with a few cheeky kids who are hiding behind trees with water pistols.
I was really starting to enjoy myself and I was still feeling fit as the next trudge up another mountain began. I think a lot of credit for my positive state of mind can be given to some Japanese sweets a friend had given me. They were basically sugar-flavoured sugar, a perfect concoction for marathon race.
As I hit the 18-mile mark, despite my sugary state and the amazing support of the locals, I started to feel my legs slowing down. It was very tempting to go sit and chat with some of the spectators for a while. Fortunately at this point I recalled a totally unrelated phone conversation I had with my Nan a few weeks prior. I was congratulating her on the fact that at the age of 78 she is still working: “Well Rob,” she said, “if you stop you’ll never start again, so I’ll keep on going for now.”
These words resonated in my head until I got to the last five miles, which are considered the hardest not only because they’re the last but because there is an almost sheer vertical climb up steps, then along a cobbled section of the wall. The crescendo is a two-mile knee-shattering downhill run to finish line.
I looked down at my watch and noticed I had around 45 minutes to make the 5 1/2 hour finishing time, which is considered pretty decent for an amateur. It was then that my slightly ridiculous competitive streak came out. I ate my final Japanese sweet and pumped my way up the steps, past bewildered competitors who were clutching the side of the wall like drunken zombies. I was finally really appreciating the wall. I didn’t understand why they built it but I came to the conclusion that the ancient Chinese had had really good foresight and could predict people would use it for a race sometime in the future.
With 22 minutes left on my watch I let momentum take me down the hill hoping my legs kept moving. As I went across the finishing line I totally forgot to celebrate because I was fully focused on meeting my self-imposed deadline. Looking back I must have appeared like a total plonker as I ran down the 50m finishing straight with my eyes fixated on my stopwatch. But to my delight, I crossed the finishing line in five hours, 30 minutes and 22 seconds!
It was only when I got back to my hostel in Beijing that it really kicked in and I realised what an absolute honour it was to have had the opportunity to run on the Great Wall!
I am so pleased that I signed up “naively” to this race nine months ago. It goes to show that if you put your mind to it any challenge can be achieved no matter how big or little.
We are “this close” to eradicating Polio forever! Small donations go a long way, for example, the price of a beer can give several children a vaccination which halts the chance of them failing foul of this terrible condition.
Should you wish to help with a donation please send your cheque made out to “The Rotary Club of Wollaton Park” to PP Alan Parker, at 8 Deer Park, Wollaton, Nottingham, UK, NG8 2NX or alternatively donate on-line at Rob’s Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/robavery-phipps
Many grateful thanks for your help
Rob
Before the event, Rob made a video explaining why he did it:
Rotary District 1220 say: Very well done for your achievement of completing the Great Wall Marathon! You have the admiration of all of us for your quite remarkable project and your dedication to complete it!! Once again you are raising the bar and you deserve all the accolades for it.
Robert Avery-Phipps in China at the end of his Marathon for “End Polio Now”
Local charities are set to benefit from the ever popular Classic Car and Bike Show which will be held once again at Renishaw Hall, near Chesterfield (S21 3WB), on Wednesday 12 June 2013.
Hundreds of classic cars and bikes are expected for this annual rally which raises thousands of pounds for local charities. The event, which will be open from 3.00pm until 8.00pm, is attended by enthusiasts from all over the region and includes classic cars and bikes from all eras.
Organised each year by the Rotary Club of Chesterfield the three local charities to benefit will be Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, and Chesterfield’s Ashgate Hospice.
Main organiser, Stuart Bradley of Stuart Bradley Ltd Jewellers, said: “Renishaw Hall is the perfect venue for this charitable event which we have run successfully for several years now in support of these important local charities.”
There will be musical entertainment from Direction Theatre Arts, and refreshments will also be available. Admission is £5 a vehicle. For more information contact organiser Rotary past president Stuart Bradley on 01246 222777. or go to www.chesterfieldrotary.co.uk .
The main sponsor of this charity event is Autoworld, one of the leading New and Used Car dealerships in Derbyshire and the Midlands.
Membership Note: If you would like to join the Rotary Club of Chesterfield, or one of the other 100-plus Rotary clubs across the Derbyshire, Nottingham, and South Yorkshire area, visit www.ribi.org .
The final of the Chesterfield Schools’ Public Speaking Competition 2013 was the highlight of the club’s annual Ladies Day held at the Olde House, Newbold, Chesterfield on Friday 22 March 2013, with the three finalists judged by their audience.
The finalists were Laura Norman and Beatrice Soakell from Netherthorpe School, and Hannah Rodger from St Mary’s High School. Finalist Leroy Wagstaffe of Hasland Hall Community School was unable to attend due to illness. The speeches were amusing, original and delivered with impressive confidence.
Whilst the votes were counted, the former deputy head teacher of Netherthorpe School, Chris Townsend, but now retired, entertained with a witty talk on his involvement with this annual competition over the last 38 years. He revealed that he had originally been tasked with organising Netherthorpe entries following a request from former Chesterfield Rotary past president Ivor Chilcott, who at the time was also the local head of education in the area.
After much deliberation, Beatrice Soakwell, on the topic of grandparents, was awarded the first prize and trophy, but congratulations were given to the two runners-up for delivering well-prepared speeches in a closely fought competition of the highest calibre.
President Jim Haggarty thanked the schools and the teachers for their support and for their work in preparation for the competition. He also thanked Hasland Hall Community School for kindly hosting the preliminary finals on Tuesday 12 March 2013.
President of the Inner Wheel Club of Chesterfield, Adrienne Handley, thanked the Rotary Club on behalf of all ladies and guests present for an excellent event, and added her congratulations to the students taking part in the final.
Past president Bryan White of the club’s Vocational Service group, who had organised the event and introduced each contestant, was thanked for his fine efforts in organising yet another successful event by President Jim Haggarty.
In the picture from left to right:- Chesterfield Inner Wheel Club president Adrienne Handley, runner-up Laura Norman (Netherthorpe), competition winner Beatrice Soakell (Netherthorpe), Chesterfield Rotary Club president Jim Haggarty, runner-up Hannah Rodger (St Marys)
Wollaton Park Rotary Club have organised a golf event for the past six years, with the generous support of participants and sponsorship, and have raised in excess of £32,000 for a wide variety of Charities.
They hope to be able to gain your support this year. The event is on Friday 12th July 2013. You may wish to enter a team. Alternatively there are a number of ways that you could assist. These include company sponsorship or advertising in the brochure or for individuals to donate a prize or cash.
We have been fortunate, again, to secure the services of Wollaton Park Golf Club, one of the most picturesque golf courses in Nottingham. This is set in parkland overlooked by the beautiful 16th century Wollaton Hall. Red and Fallow deer roam freely and are often seen on the course. This presents an ideal venue for a great day’s golf.
The Rotary Club of Chesterfield has announced that its popular Classic Car and Bike Show will be back again this year at Renishaw Hall, near Chesterfield (S21 3WB), and will be held on Wednesday 12 June 2013.
Hundreds of classic cars and bikes are expected for the annual rally which raises thousands of pounds for local charities. The event, which will be open from 3.00pm until 8.00pm, is attended by enthusiasts from all over the region and includes classic cars and bikes from all eras.
Organised each year by the Rotary Club of Chesterfield the three local charities to benefit once again will be Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, and Chesterfield’s Ashgate Hospice.
Main organiser, Stuart Bradley of Stuart Bradley Ltd Jewellers, said: “Renishaw Hall is the perfect venue for this charitable event which we have run successfully for several years now in support of these important local charities.”
There will be musical entertainment from Direction Theatre Arts, and refreshments will also be available. Admission is £5 a vehicle. For more information contact organiser Rotary past president Stuart Bradley on 01246 222777.
In addition, there is news that the 2013 Ashover Classic Car & Bike Show, organised jointly by the Rotary Clubs of Chesterfield, Chesterfield Scarsdale, Clay Cross and Matlock will be held on Sunday 28 July 2013. For more details go to the website www.ashoverclassics.co.uk or email info@ashoverclassics.co.uk
The main sponsor of both these two charity events is Autoworld, one of the leading New and Used Car dealerships in Derbyshire and the Midlands.
Occasionally I am sent copies of the “Derby Rotarian” – the club newsletter for the Rotary Club of Derby. The number of activities never cease to amaze, and so the latest version is attached for your interest.
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A traditional social event to celebrate the life of Scottish poet Rabbie Burns has also ended up helping local people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction in the Chesterfield area.
The Rotary Club of Chesterfield held its annual Burns Night Celebration at the Winding Wheel in Chesterfield on Monday 28 January 2013.
Past President Jim Savage, president Jim Haggarty (with the haggis), Pipe Major Tom Varley
A ‘Roll-a-Coin’ competition raised £120 for the recently launched local charity ’Hope Springs Recovery Centre’, a support centre based at Springwell House, Newbold Road, Chesterfield, that aims to provide crucial additional support for North Derbyshire people still on the road to recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. The competition for a bottle of whisky was won by Mrs Ruth Miller.
After the haggis was piped in by Pipe Major Tom Varley, past president Jim Savage made the traditional ‘Address to the Haggis’ by reciting the famous Robert Burns poem. Haggis, accompanied by bashed neeps and champit tatties, was then served to the 100 members and guests in attendance.
Music for dancing at the Burns Night event was provided by Brian Freeman on the keyboards. Main organiser was past president Jim Savage.
Note: The Hope Springs Recovery Centre was established in December 2012 and is currently open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 10.00am to 4.00pm, with plans to extend these hours. People are welcome to book an appointment or just drop in. The centre is managed by Rotarian Father Terry O’Doherty of the Chesterfield Rotary Club and the telephone number for the centre is 07583 248161.
Past president Jim Savage presents a bottle of whisky to ‘Roll-a-Coin’ winner Mrs Ruth Miller.
If you are interested in joining the Chesterfield Rotary Club please contact Alan Clarke on 01246 811616.
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