WELCOME TO THE ROTARY CLUB OF COVENTRY
Serving the community of Coventry and further afield
WE MEET AT MONDAY LUNCHTIME
LOCATION
Coventry and North
Warwickshire Sports Club
Binley Road
Coventry, CV3 1HB
TIME
12.30 - 2.00pm
FREQUENCY
Every Monday,
except bank holidays.
A WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT,
ROBERT VILLETTE
I have been involved with Rotary for four years now and was honoured to become the President of the Rotary Club of Coventry 2017-2018 and receive the President's chain of office.
What is Rotary? Well, it's not a secret organisation, it's not a religious organisation and it's not a political organisation. At the 'top' level we are a worldwide organisation with over 1.2 million members spread across 200 countries and geographical areas.
Here in the UK there are over 1,800 clubs consisting of more than 50,000 men and women from all walks of life. Clubs are based in local communities where members meet on a regular basis to enjoy friendship, networking and to plan projects that will benefit the lives of others. We utilise the skills, expertise and dedication of our members to help improve the lives of people in communities both at home and abroad.
We are an active club, both within the local community and across the globe with connections to schools and Sea Cadets locally and through associations with other Rotary Clubs internationally in Scotsburgh SA and Volgograd in Russia. Hopefully this year will see us twinning with the Vaslui Club in Romania.
We support many good causes locally, nationally, and internationally. This can be through either financial help or by giving our time. The pages of our website will give you more of an insight into what we do and what we are about.
If you like what we do and feel the time is right to 'give a little back' please get in contact with us or come along to lunch where you will be given a warm welcome by all.
LATEST NEWS FROM ROTARY
Club Meeting Monday 18th September
by Bill Parkinson
Following the Grace, President Robert opened the meeting by reporting a grey bag with dark edging had been left at the recent coffee morning hosted by Kim Reece. If anyone is aware of the owner please contact them or failing that Robert.
There had been a recent visit to the Belgrade Theatre as part of the campaign to boost membership. In Robert's words the play which was very physical and at times hard to follow had proved 'different'.
Robert also spoke of his recent visit to Ypres in Belgium to visit First World War battle sites. He spoke of the moving experience of seeing so many names carved into the Menin Gate and of finding the name C S Villette which he subsequently discovered was a relative.
The 30th of October will see the first evening meeting of the club. More information to follow later.
Our speaker for the day was Pat Mahone who posed some challenging and important questions around the issues facing young people growing up and working in Africa.
The countries of Africa receive large amounts of International aid and money from charities but this is not always channelled into the intended projects. There is a history of some government ministers and officials syphoning off money and using it to fund unauthorised projects and for personal expenditure when there is still a shortage of essential services such as hospitals and schools.
Young people are beginning to ask is Africa too dependent on charity and aid and charity and how might they themselves begin to solve some of the problems?
Pat was putting forward the idea that some of the problems in African countries may be better tackled using the approach adopted by Rotary International in its successful fight against polio. He envisaged donors working with governments and people together, to tackle problems and challenging issues.
Interact President Kennedy Receives its Charter
On Thursday 12th January the Club was proud to charter its very first Interact Club. The event took place at President Kennedy School and was attended by President Kevin and other club members. There were approximately 40 Interact members present as well as members of the teaching staff. A teacher, Brian Finlayson, gave a word of welcome and then President Kevin spoke. He spoke about Rotary's work at both local and international levels. He then read out a letter of welcome from RIBI President Eve Conway. He then presented the charter certificate to Brian who accepted on behalf of the Interacters.
The president then presented the interacters with their lapel badges and welcomed them to the world wide family of Rotary. The formalities concluded, the President then invited questions. There were several, the most memorable being after the Polio Plus campaign had been explained, 'What is Polio?'
Everyone present then tucked into the buffet that the club had provided. It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm not only of the children, but their teachers as well. It might have taken us 97 years, but it was a very successful launch.
Brian Winstanley
WHAT IS ROTARY?
The Rotary movement consists of men and women who want to help: young children here in Coventry and overseas; those who need a helping hand here in the UK; those faced with natural disasters overseas.
Rotary initiated the Polio plus campaign in 1984 when there were hundreds of thousands of cases worldwide. This year there were just 343.
Rotary runs countless humanitarian projects both locally, nationally and internationally. For more information see “Rotary at a glance”.
Each member enjoys business as well as social networking opportunities, whilst giving something back to those less fortunate and having a great deal of fun at the same time!
Find out more details about Rotary at Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland, and also, with a world view, at Rotary International
THE ROTARY CLUB OF COVENTRY CALENDAR 2017
THIS CALENDAR COMBINES SPEAKERS, DOOR STEWARD'S AND SPEAKER'S HOST
Henceforth it has been decided that the duties of both the Steward and the Visitor's Book shall be combined. Members are reminded that it rests with them as individuals to arrange for a substitute and then to notify the Secretary. The change should be recorded by deleting the printed name and writing the amended name on the list on the notice board.
Monday 4th September
Door Steward & Visitors' Book:
Judy Ryan
Speaker:
Natalie Parr -
Guide Camp
Speaker's Host:
Serena Calder
Monday 11th September
Door Steward & Visitors' Book:
Jeffrey Rowe
Speaker:
Malcom Hayes - Chair of Trustees, Langley House Trust
Speaker's Host:
Tim Sawdon
Monday 18th September
Door Steward & Visitors' Book:
Philip Hodgson
Speaker:
Pat Mahone
Speaker's Host:
Robert Villette
Monday 25th September
Door Steward & Visitors' Book:
Ros Thomas
Speaker:
Mrs Vicky Shelley - Head Teacher, Blue Coats School
Speaker's Host:
Roma Hawthorne
Monday 2nd October
Door Steward & Visitors' Book:
S Bogahalanda
Speaker:
Prof. Lawrence S Young - Warwick Cancer Research
Speaker's Host:
Rod Drew
Monday 9th October
Door Steward & Visitors' Book:
John Hartley
Speaker:
Harriet Lewis -
Street Child
Speaker's Host:
Victor Keene
Monday 16th October
Door Steward & Visitors' Book:
Ray Thompson
Speaker:
Counc. Robert Stephens
Warwickshire County Council
Speaker's Host:
Bob Townsend
Monday 23rd October
Door Steward & Visitors' Book:
Keith Chapman
Speaker:
Godfrey Armitage - Diocese Environment Office Coventry
Speaker's Host:
David Kershaw
Monday 30th October
Door Steward & Visitors' Book:
Bob Hall
Speaker:
Ian Harrabin -
CDP
Speaker's Host:
Brian Hammond
Monday 6th November
Door Steward & Visitors' Book:
David Joyce
Speaker:
Tim Rees
URC
Speaker's Host:
Bill Parkinson
Monday 13th November
Door Steward & Visitors' Book:
Robert Pargetter
Speaker:
Council to approve accounts
Speaker's Host:
David Cule
Monday 20th November
Door Steward & Visitors' Book:
Ros Thomas
Speaker:
Special General Meeting
Speaker's Host:
SGM
Monday 27th November
Door Steward & Visitors' Book:
David Davies
Speaker:
District Governor -
Charan Bunger MBE
Speaker's Host:
Martin Cooper
Monday 4th December
Door Steward & Visitors' Book:
Philip Hodgson
Speaker:
Speaker's Host:
Jeffrey Rowe
Monday 11th December
Door Steward & Visitors' Book:
Terry Bond
Speaker:
Speaker's Host:
Serena Calder
Monday 18th December
Door Steward & Visitors' Book:
Philip Hodgson
Speaker:
Christmas Lunch
Speaker's Host:
Robert Villette
FURTHER DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
9th August - Bowls Match v Nuneaton at three Spires Bowling Club
13th September - District Council at Arden School (18:30 hrs/19:00 hrs)
30th September - International Evening at West Orchard Church Hall
11th October - Inner Wheel Coffee Morning at Earlsdon Park Village
20th - 22nd October - District Conference - Llandudno
23rd November - Inner Wheel Christmas table coffee morning at Mary Maginniss's Home @ 10:30am
6th - 9th December -Festival of Trees
13th December - Inner Wheel Christmas Meal, Stoneleigh Deer Park, 12:00hrs for a 12:30 start
18th December - Christmas Lunch
WE ARE COMMUNITY DRIVEN
WE BELIEVE IN A ONE WORLD FAMILY
NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE
Here you'll find our past newsletters. Simply click on the newsletter you wish to read and it will download the PDF file for you to read and/or print at your own pleasure.
CURRENT NEWSLETTER
July 2017
December 2013
ACTIVITIES
Here are some of our latest events
TREASURE HUNT
On Friday 28th Rotary members had the pleasure of taking part in the Treasure Hunt which was once again ably organised by Past President Ray Thompson. So popular was the event that there was a waiting list to take part! Members pitted their wits against Ray's devilish clues to find the answers. In the end 'Team Bond' managed to pip everyone to the winning post. Keith Chapman has reported the event in poetic style!! Hope there will be more odes in the future.
A Friday Night in Allesley
At the Rainbow Inn in Allesley Rotarians did meet.
We came there for a purpose - our annual walking treat.
The Treasure Hunt, devised by Ray, commenced from this location,
requiring skill and knowledge too, with careful observation.
As we set off along the path the rain was light but steady,
though some remained in dry surrounds with liquid comforts ready.
But as we walked the rain grew fierce, and clues were hard to find,
with KBO we pressed right on, though some grew faint of mind.
At last some golden words appeared within the instructions neat:
'Now cross the road and make return' - a dignified retreat!
And so we did - the second lap more tricky than the first.
The rain it eased, but not the clues - some of them got worse!
At last, in drizzle faint, the welcome Rainbow came in sight.
There was a choice to carry on - but that would take all night.
So welcome food and drink were there, along with friends and fun.
The fish and chips are wholesome - when they eventually come!
The Peter Harris trophy shield was well and truly won.
The soggy sheets were analysed to find what we had done.
The usual gang of spritely youths had carried off the prize,
alongside those more senior, who role was to advise.
And so we thank Nelly and Ray for such a jolly night
of fun and fellowship and guile, which turned out quite all right.
But next year just a little ask, and please don't get upset -
for easier clues, and earnest prayers - that it will not be WET!
Keith Chapman
A VISIT TO HERBERT MEDIA
On Friday 7th July, members of the Vocational Service Committee visited the Herbert Museum by invitation and were treated to an excellent introduction to the work of Herbert Media by Kerrie Suteu, Creative Media Officer and Simon Wellman, Film-maker & Trainer, both highly qualified in their respective fields of education and training.
Herbert Media is an established body within the Museum, with a specialised media team which enjoys the use of a professional digital recording studio, broadcast-standard video production equipment and the necessary incidental facilities to enable the full use of the array of equipment. It has an outreach of fundamental importance for school children and students in Coventry; primarily from the special schools and colleges in the City such as Hereward College and Baginton Fields.
The experience afforded by Herbert Media to these young people can be life-changing, turning any one of them from an introvert, uncertain and socially-unresponsive individual into an outgoing, confident person with an awareness of personal capabilities. The great majority of those who have passed through Herbert Media have gone on to lead successful, independent lives in their chosen careers in art and architecture, design, film-making and theatre. All this comes from a dedicated team of just four people.
We had the pleasure of being guided by Kerrie and Simon through the different media components and who spoke with evident enthusiasm of their roles in the work of Herbert Media. It was quite a revelation for all of us, visiting club members, who had known little or nothing of that work which was so clearly explained to us.
David Cule
Rotary Design & Technology Exhibition 2017
What an exciting display of talent which the public were able to view at Coventry Transport Museum between 19th and 24th of June.
On show were examples of Coventry Schools' teenagers work which demonstrated their imagination and skills from our 22 secondary schools including Bablake and King Henry VIII. Their teachers have inspired them to produce stunning products such as, farm equipment; prosthetic limbs; sophisticated lighting; elegant textiles e.g. dresses for both theatre and High Street; engineering design producing a CNC cutting machine; a real aeroplane built and successfully flight tested (the aeroplane was too large to be on display); a fully functioning workshop bench; architectural models; promotional displays for movies, toys and games; furniture and storage units; water sports i.e. a wake boarding control and sports equipment.
All these and many other items were made to GCSE and A Level standard and some Key Stage 3 work was produced at Finham in support of the 2020 Educational Charity.
The range and quality was both professional and wide ranging and had to be viewed to see the extraordinary skills both in the preparation and making of these products.
A Level James Aitken - Multi-purpose Workbench (Ernesford Grange Community Academy)
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GCSE Archie Payne - Phone Docking Station (King Henry VIII School)
The effect on the public was reflected in comments placed in the visitors book such as - stunning; fabulous; brilliant; what talented young people; an excellent and superb exhibition by very talented local students; wonderful; amazing; etc.
We could not have produced such a successful show without the help and support from the five Rotary Clubs; Sarah Hayball of Coventry Transport Museum; Sam Rooke, Assistant Head President Kennedy Academy; Clare Webster, D and T teacher Blue Coat Academy; students and teachers from the 21 participating secondary schools; the organising committee; the Methodist Central Hall Coventry; corporate sponsors and Henley College Coventry and Rotaract.
Finally the public, schools and students fully appreciated that the exhibition and awards evening were located at the Coventry Transport Museum and The Methodist Central Hall and many thanks to them.
Each of the five Rotary Clubs judged a selection of exhibits to select winners. Here are some pictures of the winners chosen by our Club.
Jeff Rowe
A Level Aryan Malakzi - Carabow - Archery Storage Carousel (King Henry VIII School)
GCSE Ben Greenhow - Phone Docking Station (Coundon Court School)
A Level Emma Coxon - Modern Lighting (Coundon Court School)
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GCSE Esnes Parsons - Art Nouveau Inspired Lighting (Barrs Hill School)
Intermediate Youth Speaks
On 27th January our Club organised the first heat of Intermediate Youth Speaks at Bablake School.
This year's event was notable in that for the first time there were eight schools competing: Bablake, Barr Hill, Bishop Ullathorne, Coundon Court, Heart of England, President Kennedy, Seva School, and Whitley Abbey.
Last year's National Finalists, President Kennedy School, were the first with their presentation, setting such a high standard that they could not be caught. Being the winners they go on to compete in the Area Final at Bablake School of 4th March. At times it is difficult to believe that these young people are 11- 13 years old, such is the quality of their performance.
Many people came together to make the evening a success but a special thanks to Master of Ceremonies PP Terry Bond who soldiered on despite a severe attack of trench foot and Rotarian Bill Parkinson who stepped in at the last moment to be one of the judges.
Brian Winstanley
CONTACT US
Contact us
If you have any queries, or wish to join Rotary Club of Coventry, simply complete this form and our Club Secretary Brian Winstanley will be in touch in due course.
Club No. 52
RIBI District 1060
Rotary International No. 1222
Contact
Brian Winstanley
Club Secretary
Tel : 01676 521498
Mail : brian.winstanley243@gmail.com
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Meetings
We meet at Monday lunchtime.
Location: Coventry and North Warwickshire Sports Club, Binley Road, Coventry, CV3 1HB
Time: 12.30 - 2.00pm
Frequency: Every Monday, except bank holidays.