LOCATION

Coventry and North
Warwickshire Sports Club
Binley Road
Coventry, CV3 1HB

A WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Michael Hammon

I would firstly like to thank my fellow members for electing me as Rotary President for 2018 - 2019.ery soon they were asking Brenda if she could make them personalized quilts with their names, regimental badge and other information sewn on.
My first intention is to increase the membership of the club and it would be a fine achievement if we could reach fifty members by the end of June next year. Helped by all members of our club, it is my intention to look to people who are newly retired or about to retire to join those who have already expressed an interest in becoming members.
My second objective is to support committee chairmen and to attend the many social and fund raising functions the committees organize. Without the money raised it would be impossible for The Rotary Club of Coventry to support its nominated charities.
I am looking very strongly towards fellowship. As part of this initiative I am planning to organize a dinner in April 2019 to which a large number of Torquay and Southam 2000 Rotary Clubs are already planning to attend. Options and planning for the President's Party are also in hand.
Lastly it would be remiss of me not to consider the centenary of The Rotary Club of Coventry which falls in 2021. We have to accumulate funds for this and I shall work with the Honorary Treasurer to consider ways of raising money.  To achieve £25,000 in less than three years is optimistic but let us try.
With all good wishes to 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

Rotary Friendships across the world

Friends we made in Russia are high in our thoughts at the moment and Past President Brian Winstanley was reminded of the close contacts he made.
Just like us. This is a photo of Igor Chernov and his family. Igor and his son Georgie, were with the group from the Rotary Club of Volgograd (our twin Club link) when they visited in 2013 with the Volgograd Youth Orchestra. We met them again in 2014 when a group of us went to Volgograd to mark the 70th anniversary of Coventry's twinning with the then Stalingrad, the first two cities to be twinned. Unfortunately the government in Russia today regards Rotary as an American organisation and therefore has a negative approach to it. But, like here, life goes on and we look to a brighter future.

Brian Winstanley

Intermediate Youth Speaks Competition 2018

Any adult doubting the commitment, passion and determination of young people to grapple with major issues confronting our society, would have been reassured had they attended this annual event organised by our Rotary Club.
Seven schools entered ten teams in all, and all speakers presented lucid, and knowledgeable arguments on a range of topics, including gender equality, lowering the voting age, mental health, astronomy, technology and its impact on our social skills, animals in zoos, technology and education, and air ambulance.
The standard of the presentations was, as usual, extremely high. All present will undoubtedly have left the evening marvelling at the confidence and determination of the contestants (age range 11 to 13), and with expanded horizons.
As usual, no one envied the judges their task. However their role was to determine a winner.

The result was a win for Bablake School Red Team who will progress to the District Final; Barr's Hill School, arguing whether Pluto was a planet - or not, were runners up.
The Best Speaker was from Whitley Academy, for her presentation on mental health.
Whilst the judges discussed their findings, all present were encouraged to sign a petition urging central government to take responsibility for the funding of Air Ambulance services. Bablake School Red Team were determined to make sure their argument was reinforced!
Thanks must go to Bablake School for the use of their excellent venue; to our friends in Coventry Inner Wheel for the refreshments; Methodist Central Hall for the loan of equipment; ADECS Ltd for the programmes; to the judges especially and finally to all the many Club members without whom there would have been no competition.

Terry Bond

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!

Monday 12th November

Door Steward & Visitors' Book:
Robert Pargetter

Speaker:

Kirsty Evans - Warwickshire Wildlife Trust

Speaker's Host:

David Cule

Monday 19th November

Door Steward & Visitor's Book:
David Davies

Speaker:

Special General Meeting

Monday 26th November

Door Steward & Visitors Book:

Geoffrey Jackson

Speaker:

Cara Rowbottom - Red Cross

Speaker's Host:

Martin Cooper

Monday 3rd December

Door Steward  & Visitors Book:

Kevin Vaughn 

Speaker:

Speaker's Host:

Monday 19th November

Door Steward & Visitor's Book:
David Davies

Speaker:

Special General Meeting

FURTHER DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Monday 19th November - International Committee Meeting @ 2;00pm

Monday 19th November - Community Service Committee Meeting @ 2;00pm

Wednesday 28th November - District Council at Bromsgrove School

Monday 3rd December - Vocational Service Committee Meeting @ 11;30am

Tuesday 4th December - Foundation Christmas Coffee Morning - Newpath Nurseries @ 10am to 12 noon

Monday 10th December - Council Meeting @ 11;30am

Monday 10th December - Setting up Christmas Tree Festival - Holy Trinity 

Tuesday 11th December - Setting up Christmas Trees 

Wednesday 13th December - Public access to the Festival from 10 am - 5pm

12th - 15th December - Christmas Tree Festival 

Friday 14th December - Christmas Celebration Concert @ 7:00 - 9:30pm

Saturday 15th December - Public access to Festival @ 10am - 5pm Rotary Choir, Schools Choir and musicians

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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)

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)

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

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.