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WELCOME TO THE ROTARY CLUB OF COVENTRY

Serving the community of Coventry and further afield

WE MEET AT MONDAY LUNCHTIME
LOCATION

The Four Season's Restaurant,
Kings Hill Nursery,
Kings Hill Lane
Coventry, CV3 6PS

TIME

12.30 - 2.00pm

FREQUENCY

Every Monday,
except bank holidays.

A GREETING FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Judy Ryan




I think I am correct in saying that I am only the second female to be president of this 98 year old club, set up by founder President Victor Dodd JP. That is a great honour, I will do my best to fulfil all the goals we as a club set ourselves and try to live up to the reputation of the best of the past presidents.
Every day in our community and communities across the country, and around the world, our neighbours face tough challenges.
Rotary is a community of 1.2 million men and women from all continents, cultures, professions and experiences, who connect through local clubs. As clubs we tackle projects of every scale and inspire fellow Rotarians, friends, neighbours and partners to share our vision and exchange ideas for lasting solutions. We take action to bring about those visions, making them a reality.
During my year I would like to support two local charities, Life Path Trust, which is a very professional and outstanding trust that supports vulnerable citizens an my second charity is Young Carers. This supports young people who find themselves becoming a carer for a family member, a role which most of us would find daunting.
I believe publicity is the key to us becoming more recognised as an organisation and ensuring our longevity. Any opportunity to publicise what we do should be taken so that the people of Coventry get to know who we are, and the many charities we do support.
As our club meets at lunch time and this often precludes working people, we will, with renewed impetus start up the Satellite Group. The club will meet once a month. It will be an informal social meeting in the evening, open to all who are unable to commit to a lunch time, but they will have a project to work towards and will report back to the club every couple of months.
I believe that we would be far more effective if we joined forces with the other local Rotary Clubs for social events and undertake some projects together to bring about change. The clubs have prepared a joint bid to district for the City of Culture Grant, to fulfil this we will undertake a joint project on mental health in your people.
We are going to set up a social Committee who will undertake to organise the main bulk of the events for the club.
I look forward to my year as president. I have it on good authority that the males do not like bossy women. Bossy me!! I like to think I'm organised. Wives and partners, how would they survive without us being organised,
I realise the year ahead may well prove to be a rather interesting year from my point of view. I will endeavour to remain calm when faced with the cantankerous, I'll leave youth work out who they are! I'll attempt to be understanding when faced with intransigence, and I will do my best to invigorate participation in all our undertakings.
All I can do is to have courage. In the words of Harper Lee of 'To kill a Mocking Bird' fame, she said: 'Real courage is when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.' So here I am!

LATEST NEWS FROM ROTARY

Monday 7th October 2019

by Bill Parkinson

After opening the meeting President Judy was pleased to report that a cheque for £2500 had been presented to support The International Trust's work in Zimbabwe.

October 24th is world Polio Day and volunteers are needed to help steward the event in Coventry City Centre and also promote the work of Rotary.

During the Coventry City of Culture year all five Coventry Rotary Clubs will be working together on projects around raising awareness on mental health in young people and how they can be supported.

Judy had also presented a cheque to the Lord Mayor for £250 which had been raised in the Automata machine in the market.

Members not attending any Monday lunch in the next two weeks should inform Secretary Ros as Peter is on holiday.

Our speakers for the day were Dee Spurdle and Sophie Sweatman who were representing The Langley House Trust which is an award-winning offender rehabilitation charity. 

                      It has been awarded accreditation against Investors in People Standard which demonstrates their commitment to supporting people as they face very difficult times in their lives.

                        Dee explained that a third of offenders leaving prison have a learning disability which is often around poor literacy skills. Langley House attempts to break the cycle of reoffending and they have been very successful in offering targeted help.

                        The trust has a number of projects countrywide which can offer up to six months support when people leave prison. Among offenders who have been helped by Langley House, only 3% reoffend. 

                        Murray Lodge in Coventry is run by the trust. Murray Lodge provides housing, support and resettlement for men with multiple needs, mental health issues and substance misuse issues. It also provides floating support to men and women in their own homes.

                        Judy was pleased to present a cheque to Dee and Sophie to further the work of the trust.


                        PURPLE COMMUNITY FUND CHARITY PROJECT AT INTERACT PK


                        Members of Interact PK, based at President Kennedy School Academy in Coventry, have been exceptionally busy in the last few months collecting the ring pulls from drink cans. They have amassed what must amount to many thousands to be sent to the charity Purple Community Fund in Southampton for onward transmission to the Philippines. There they will be made into a range of products to be sold to support families in need through employment and education.

                        Following its establishment with the advice and support of the Rotary club of Coventry, Interact PK has continued to operate under our guidance. This project is just one of the activities it has been involved in since it was formed in 2016.



                        The students have also raised funds for local and international charities and have been involved within the local community in actions such as litter picking and helping young children with reading skills.

                        Members of Interact PK benefit from learning how 'businesses' are structured and operate and gain confidence from their interaction with staff, other students and the local community. From its inception, Past President Ray Thompson and President Judy Ryan have been prime movers in supporting Interact PK and they like everyone at the Rotary Club of Coventry have been pleased to see the club grow and flourish. We wish them every success with future projects.


                        STRAWBERRIES AND SONGS

                        A summer tea party with music


                        On a lovely hot sunny afternoon, Wednesday 24th July, over 55 people turned up at Woodside Avenue Church Centre to enjoy strawberries and cream, scones, cakes and tea. The aim of the afternoon was to raise money for the  ISALS Project Harare, in Zimbabwe.

                        Also on offer for the very appreciative audience was a programme of songs and music provided by Woodside Church Minister Mark Rowland who sang a range of songs, Anna Leeson, a very talented young musician who played the oboe and Joyce Watson who ably accompanied many of the items.

                        Past President Keith Chapman was our able MC guiding the audience through both halves of the musical programme. During the interval we all tucked into our strawberries, scones, cakes and tea which had been prepared and were served, among others: Sue, Jenny, Wendy, Janet and Mary ably assisted by members of Rotary. The food was delicious and plentiful.

                        As part of his opening remarks and welcome Keith gave a short presentation on the important work of Chiedza Child Care Income Saving Scheme and Lending Project (ISALS) in Harare South District, Zimbabwe. The Rotary Club of Coventry International Service Committee is supporting this important project, aiming to raise £2000, 



                        The purpose of the this project is to increase the level of income and security of 1800 poor and vulnerable households in Harare, particularly those headed by widows or single parents; those orphaned or vulnerable children at risk of dropping out of school; those with disability and also those with who one or more family members living with HIV. Each targeted household must have at least one child under the age of 18 years.

                        The project provides training in income saving and lending, project and financial planning and micro-enterprise management. Since 2015 the project has created 150 savings and lending groups providing benefits to an estimated 1800 participants.

                        Profits from ticket sales and donations from the Retiring Collection raised over £400 + Gift Aid and will ensure that the International Committee reach their goal of £2000.

                        Well done to everyone involved in planning, organising and running this very successful event. What could be better on a lovely warm summer afternoon?  A good time was had by all!


                        Rotary Tree Planting Ceremony at The War Memorial Park


                        The Tree Planting Ceremony was held at The War Memorial Park in Coventry on 25th February 2018. As President of the Rotary Club of Coventry. I was honoured to greet the following guests to the park -

                        • RI President Ian and his wife Juliet
                        • RI Director Brian and his wife Max
                        • Vice Chairman of the Rotary Foundation Ken and Lynn Schuppert
                        • RIBI President Denis Spillar
                        • 1060 DGN Gary Dancer
                        • 1060 DGE Bala Jaspal and PDG Paul Jaspal
                        • PDG Scotland Roddy Duncan
                        • Pam Harison - Canada
                        • Sheila Hurst - USA
                        • Spree Vallipurm - London

                        Along with PDRI Peter L. Offer, it was Rotary Club of Coventry PP John Hartley and VP Michael Hammon who were instrumental in arranging for the Hiroshima Memorial tree to be nurtured, delivered and planted within the park, without both of whom it would not have happened. Thanks also go out to the other Rotary Clubs of Coventry - Phoenix, North, Breakfast and Jubilee for their contribution.

                        The day itself was bitterly cold but the sun shone and all those present dismissed the cold and enjoyed the ceremony where I gave a brief history of the tree and introduced RI President Ian who gave a short speech prior to placing the tree and digging the first sod of earth.

                        All those present then had the opportunity to place the soil around the tree. The tree will now be cared for by the City of Coventry's Parks Department.



                        The full story of the Hiroshima Memorial trees goes back to 6th August 1945 when the Atomic Bomb destroyed Hiroshima City. In the spring of 1946 it was noticed that a tree which had been located near the Head Post Office and apparently destroyed, began to show signs of life and shoots were showing from the root stock. The Japanese council officials had the stump transferred to the site of what was to become the Peace Park. In the following years when the tree seeded, these were collected and put into sachets of 24 seeds as tokes given by the Mayors of Hiroshima to international dignitaries who visited the city as symbols of peace and reconciliation throughout the world.

                        In May 2008, Mr Jose Hiraga, a friend of PP John Hartley, visited Coventry and brought a packet of 24 seeds for the Council to germinate and plant the trees around the city. These were presented to Lord Mayor Dave Batten in the presence of George Miles, the then Chairman of Coventry Association for International Friendship. There was always an intention to plant a tree in the Memorial Park although enquiries with the Parks Department some time after revealed no evidence of any seeds which had germinated. John had however removed six seeds from the packet prior to the presentation. Three were given to George Miles and three to Mr David Carriage from Nuneaton. Unfortunately George Miles died. Mr Carriage however, eventually managed to raise two of the three seedlings. After nearly ten years these are now 14 inches high. One of which we have just planted in the War Memorial Park. We are informed that when mature the tree could reach 35-40 feet. 

                        Robert Villette President Rotary Club of Coventry


                        Youth Speaks Competition 2019


                        The Youth Speaks Competition was held on Friday 25th January 2019 at Bablake School.

                        The event was very successful and the six teams taking part all did exceptionally well. Th event was organized by many Rotary members and their wives.

                        The winning team was Blue Coat Church of England School and Music College who spoke about The Effects of Social Media. The runners up were Whitley Academy Blue Team who spoke on Perfection - The Front Cover.

                        Matthew Hanesworth, Peter Raistrick, and Aaron Jones of the winning Blue Coat Team


                        Lola Ashley, Eve Bannon and Ava Foskett of the Whitley Academy Blue Team, runners-up

                        Best speaker in the competition was Eve Bannon from Whitley Academy Blue Team

                        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 2019

                        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 7th October 

                        Door Steward & Visitors' Book:
                        Ken Holmes

                        Speaker:

                        Samantha Graham - Langley House 

                        Speaker's Host:

                        Victor Keene

                        Monday 14th October

                        Door Steward & Visitor's Book:
                        Ray Thompson

                        Speaker:

                        President Kennedy School - Presentation on Peru Trip July 2019

                        Speaker's Host:


                        Monday 21st October 

                        Door Steward & Visitors Book:

                        Keith Chapman

                        Speaker:

                        John Wilford 

                        Speaker's Host:

                        Rod Drew

                        Monday 28th October 

                        Door Steward & Visitors Book:


                        Speaker:

                        Fellowship Lunch followed by Service Committee Meetings

                        Speaker's Host:


                        FURTHER DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

                        Friday 18th - Sunday 20th October - DISTRICT CONFERENCE NOTTINGHAM




                        WE ARE COMMUNITY DRIVEN

                        WE BELIEVE IN A ONE WORLD FAMILY

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                        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

                        January 2019
                        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

                        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.