Dave’s Diary
The Monthly Newsletter of the District Governor
22nd December 2012
Introduction
As I make a start on this Newsletter on 22nd December and look back over the last six months I realise just what a contribution Rotary makes to our communities, locally, nationally and internationally. I have attended so many activities that I have lost count – and been invited to many more that I have not been able to attend. Gail and I have had a thoroughly fantastic time. Yes, there are downs as well as ups, but overall what I have seen from the 58 Clubs in District 1220 has been very positive.
We are now half way through this Rotary year and shortly to start the “downhill run home” so to speak. During the next few months the annual round of training and familiarisation for incoming District Officers, Club Presidents and Club Officers will get under way, re-enforcing our cyclical approach to Rotary.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped me in any way during my period in office so far.
Club Visioning
Following the item about Club Visioning in my November Newsletter, Noel Harrison (Membership) and I were extremely pleased and impressed by the number of Rotarians who came forward to volunteer their time, expertise and vocational abilities to act as members of the Visioning Team. As a direct result we now have sufficient volunteers to get their training off the ground and plans are being made for this to take place very early in the new year.
Many thanks to all those who stepped forward. Let’s hope that their time and effort is not wasted.
If you believe that your club could benefit from the impetus of chance that Club Visioning will bring about, then now is the time to make your case to Noel. I believe that so many Clubs are now looking critically at themselves with a with to improving, updating and recruiting that there is likely to be competition be be among the first few clubs to benefit from this scheme. So, please get in early if you are interested.
Rotary Day – 23rd February 2013
The District has not made any grand plans to celebrate Rotary Day on 23rd February. We have left it for each Club to take whatever steps it feels are appropriate for the event. I do still have left quite a number of spare boxes of pin-on crocuses that can be used in street or supermarket collections etc. The suggested minimum donation being £1 this would give a 75 pence per crocus profit. It is hoped that this symbol of polio eradication will become as common as the daffodil is for Marie Curie etc.
The crocuses will not achieve a profit in my garage and so I would dearly like to get them all out to clubs during the next month. If you would like a box please let me know and I will make the appropriate arrangements.
Diary Dates
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Monday 4th February 2013, District Officer Preparation Session at The Novotel 7pm for 7.15pm
Sunday 17th February 2013, Presidents Elect Planning Seminar at The Derbyshire Hotel 8.45am till 1pm (Bacon sandwiches on arrival)
Wednesday 13th March 2013, District Foundation Link Evening at The Civic Centre Mansfield 7pm for 7.30pm
Sunday 24th March 2013, Paul Harris Fellows Lunch
Wednesday 27th March 2013, District Council Meeting at The Novotel 7.30pm
Sunday 16th June 2013, Rotary and Inner Wheel Thanksgiving Service at All Saints Parish Church Church Street Ripley at 3pm. Refreshments afterwards.
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Christmas and New Year Greetings
Having kept my Newsletter deliberately short this month, may I please close it by taking the opportunity on behalf of Gail, myself and the rest of the clan who came to Southport (Sarah, Craig, Xanthe, Sebastian, Nicola, Chris, Maddie and Francesca) to wish all Rotarians in District 1220 and their wider families a thoroughly relaxing and enjoyable Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year.
In the midst of all the celebrations, let us not forget what Christmas is really about – give a thought to the real meaning of Christmas.
See you all in the New Year
Dave Ashley
