Rotary Club of Great Missenden

 

 

 

T4L - Thanks for Life/ Rotary Day

2012 

 

David Mitchell Memorial Award

2011
Schools
Others 2010

 

D4L - Dictionary for Life / Mumbai project

Hollywood Ball - sponsors

Christmas Float

GSE Group Study Exchange  (UK/Argentina/

Chennia)

Charity Cycle Ride

Songs from the Heart

Club's 21st anniversary

Cherie Blair at the Club stand

About Rotary

Related sites

About Club

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Presidents' messages
 [Archives]


Committee members

Rotary Services
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Achievements
Charities supported

Press releases


News Archive 


Programme
Other Events

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PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME PAGES ARE STILL UNDER PREPARATION - THESE ARE THE ITEMS IN THIS COLUMN  WITHOUT UNDERLINES. 









Update: 151010

site for T4L schools

T4L letter to schools

New to Rotary?

A 4-minute video
[What would it take to change the world?]

Consider joining us?

Opportunities for schools, kids, youth, mums and dads
 ØXmas Story
 ØXmas float
 ØDebates [Youth
     Speaks]
 ØYouth       Exchange      
 ØCoping with Life-  CDs on Bullying,
     Drugs
 ØMock interviews  
 ØTechnology Tournament
 ØLeadership
     training [RYLA]

Opportunities for adults / firms
 ØScholarships
 ØGSE [Group Study Exchange]
 ØJoining Rotary
 


 

 


 

DIARY NOTES

25th February 2012 TABLE TOP SALE

World Rotary Week - End Polio Now

 

 

10th March 2012 HERE WE ARE AGAIN

By popular demand the return of 

Hyde Heath Old Time Music Hall Society

 

 

What's it all about Rtn Charlie Carrington?

 Our very own Pearly Kings & Queens

Rtn. Terry Cann in fine voice

 

 

 

 

20th April 2012 A CELEBRATION OF ENGLAND

An evening of words and music to celebrate St George's Day

 

 

 

 


Welcome to Great Missenden Rotary Club website ...
President Peter Westby ... 

Although daunted by the responsibility of becoming President, Peter Westby looks forward to leading a Club with dedicated membershipand unmistakeable respect and loyalty for the Rotary Organisation and its objectives and hopes to capitalise on the trust and dedication that the international organisation represents.

In the coming year there is a challenge to be faced and Peter's theme will be:

Carry on, business as usual

Click here for his full inaugural address.

      

The Rotary club meets every Monday at Missenden Abbey. For membership details, please contact him on 01494 865522


A BIT OF HISTORY

DO YOU KNOW THE HISTORY OF THE ROTARY WHEEL?

click here

 


 

What's new and recent events ...

[For earlier news, click News Archive]

 

 

 

 


 

DECEMBER

 

 

QUIZ TIME

 

 

REMEMBER 'GOING UNDERGROUND' 

 

 

38 completed answer sheets were received. 

4 people got all 50 answers correct. It was therefore necessary to have a drawer to determine the prize allocation  so   Leo Lyons, the bass player in the rock band "Ten Years After" was asked to do the honours. 

The results were as follows:

1st prize (£100 cash) - Graham Richardson, Andover, Hants;

2nd prize (box of wine) - Sue Baker, Great Missenden;

3rd prize (a 1 litre bottle of Scotch) - Jennie Westby, Prestwood;

4th prize (£20 M&S voucher) - N. Jeffries, Prestwood

5th prize (from 49 correct answers)  (bottle of Port) Mrs H  Osborne, Halton

 

Well done to everybody who took part and thanks to Roger Young for organising this for the Club

 

 

 

THE SEASON OF JOLLITY - 

AND DIDN'T WE EXCEL AT IT!

 

 

 

 

Ho, Ho, Ho, Christmas starts here. 

It's fine outside the bank at Great Missenden, but these children haven't got a chimney how will he manage? 

Don't worry. He convinced them.

 

 

click for takings

click for more photos

 

 

 

5th DECEMBER CHRISTMAS DINNER AT ELESBOROUGH GOLF CLUB

 

 

Ed Whymark excelled and organised a superb Christmas Dinner for the Club at Ellesborough Golf Club on 5th December. An evening of magnificent food, meaningful conversation, an opportunity for the followers of 'Dionysus' to 'come out' and the young waiting staff were efficient and attentive. A true mafficking in GM Rotary style. Well done Ed and many thanks. In addition to a wonderful start to the Christmas period, the opportunity was used to welcome Guru and Josefina Guruswarmy and Winifred Mitchell to the Club as Honorary Members and to present their badges to them. 

 

5th December 2011

click for more photos

 

 


 

NOVEMBER

 

 

It may be 6 days, weeks or months before boxes are despatched but ShelterBox promises donations will help families who have lost everything

 

This month we heard of the travels of our Shelterbox.

The Shelter Response Team  advised that our shelter box had been donated to a Somali family in Kenya where famine, drought and conflict caused tens of thousands of Somali families to flee  their homes in search of safety, food, shelter and healthcare.  Our shelterbox was given to one of these families.  By donating  a shelterbox we have given a family  shelter warmth and dignity.

 

A ShelterBox is a plastic box which contains:

Custom designed family tent

Waterproof ground mats

Thermal fleece blankets

Mosquito nets

Children’s activity pack

Stove

Cooking equipment

Tool kit

Water containers & purification

Warm hats and gloves

http://www.shelterbox.org/

 

 

***************************

 

SHOEBOXES

An exceptional number of shoeboxes have been delivered to George Rivas' 'summer house' and I think only one 'missed the boat'. They are still counting but it looks as though they may have 1,600. What an achievement. Well done lads

.


 

OCTOBER

 

 

Saw some interesting speakers and a very successful Mad Hatters Race Night with hats bearing filleys, singing birds, corks, feathers (I'd like to say that was the just the ladies .....) - even a pair of binoculars for a closer look at something!

 


SEPTEMBER

http/stroke.org.uk

Ruth Dunkin from the Stroke Association joined us on 12th September and enlightened members on  the proportion of stroke related disabilities which, with the right knowledge and preventative treatment could be reduced dramatically. Did you know:-

 

A stroke is the result of a blood clot or bleeding invading an area of the brain. 80% of strokes derive from blood clots.

Each year 150,000 people in the UK will suffer a stroke, one every five minutes. Of these 1/3rd will recover, 1/3rd will die and 1/3 will suffer disability. Strokes affect all ages and genders including infants.

Strokes are the biggest cause of adult disability and the third biggest killer after heart diseases and cancer.

40% of strokes can be prevented by identifying and treating high blood pressure.

************************

Ben Castle came over as a very impressive young man as he talked to Members on 5th September about his experiences as our RYLA candidate earlier in the year.   

   ************************

September saw a return to the Abbey with Members in fine fetal. Business meetings saw the introduction of the David Mitchell Memorial Award which is intended to be considered annually in memory  of David and to recognise an individual in his name who has displayed high standards and values in giving voluntary service to the community

more info


 

AUGUST - THE MONTH OF EXPECTATION

 

 

We expected  to meet fellow Members and renew old friendships and hoped to enjoy a Thai meal at the Plough, Hyde Heath. Both admirably achieved.

 

We expected to enjoy good company and good food at Tony and Sheila Shaw's Garden Party. Unconditional success.

 

 

Our expectations for Margaret Larder's Summer Walk and BBQ at Penn were justified.

 

 

 

 

 

Golf at the Chiltern Hospital lived up to expectations.

 

 

 

 

We didn't know what to expect from our visit to the Amersham Print Works followed by a meal at One to One - but both lived up to our hopes.

 

 

 

All in all a good time was had by all during the Summer recess recharging Members batteries ready for the Autumn and Winter period. Long may our hospitality flourish and last.

 

more photos


 

 

The Life of a District Governor

In July Gavin Plews took the Club through the things that he would be involved with during his year as DG. He said that whilst appreciating that he had personally taken on the post of DG and didn't expect the Club to be involved he was hopeful that Members would feel able to support him during his year of office. The Club reacted favourably to this request but requested an early diary of Gavin's commitments.

    


LARDER TROPHY 2011, 

WESTON TURVILLE GOLF CLUB

 

Yet another success story thanks to Rotarian Ed Whymark. The weather was kind and rain stopped just after the bacon butties were finished and play commenced. A good day of golf with deserving winners followed by an equally good social function.

Not only was a good time had by all but also the princely sum of £750 was raised for Rotary supported charities.

Margaret Larder presents the prizes

7th July 2011

more pictures

 


PRESTWOOD STEAM FAIR, 2ND/3RD JULY 2011

 

As well as using the oppportunity to aid recruitment and advertise the Club's recent activities, The Rotary Club of Great Missenden set up a blood pressure testing unit over the two days of the Steam Fair and took approx. 88 readings. 

A shelter box was also on display with an appropriate quiz and the tent was erected much to the delight of several small children who took up residence. 

Rtns. John Fairclough, Alan Jones and George Tyler with the Shelterbox and tent

Rtn. Ed Whymark has his blood pressure checked by Dr Alan Morris from the Rotary Club of Chesham


SERVICE BEFORE SELF

A SAD FAREWELL

Rtn Guru Guruswamy has been a key pin in our Club for many years and it is with very mixed feelings that we 'celebrated' his 'retirement' on 12th June. Guru was a Founder Member of the Club and involved with its original Charter. With his wife, Josefina, he was at the forefront of many of the club's events particularly, recently, with the polio campaign and dictionaries for life. 

Having taken a year's sabbatical he has  realised that there are many things he would like to do 'before reaching 70' and has decided that he cannot give Rotary the commitment which he feels is necessary to satisfy him.

Sadly we say farewell to Rtn Guru Guruswarmy but joyfully we welcome him back as an Honorary Rotarian and look forward to many more years of his good humour and company.

 

more photos                           12th June 2011


WATER, WATER EVERWHERE

   

click for photos                             June 2011

Simplified Grant for “Clean Water” filtration system in rural Thailand.

On Wednesday 8th June 2011 the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya arranged for the Rotary Club of Rayong to install a "Clean Water" filtration System in the Ban Klong Tu Rean School near Ban Phee, in Rayong province, on Thailand’s eastern seaboard.

The school has 105 pupils. The school principal was extremely grateful for this donation.

The school maintenance staff were instructed in the necessary routines necessary to keep the equipment working efficiently. They were given an instruction manual, and a notebook to record their maintenance activities.

A member of the PSN Supply Company will visit the school twice a year, accompanied by a member of the Rotary Club of Rayong.

KARIMANUGUDA, INDIA

                                       

Following Steve Brehm's visit in January 2011  updating us on the work of ROPE [Relief for Oppressed people Everywhere] and its aims and objectives with examples of the way in which they help communities around the world, the Club donated £750 for the construction of a well in Karimanugud, India. This project is now complete and the well is in operation supplying clean water much to the delight of the villagers.

Village pictures                                  May 2011


REVELATION LIFE

Dr Bryn Neal and his wife Anne visited the Club  and talked about their son, Simon, and his wife Nicola's missionary work in  Uganda. They work mainly with children living in slum areas and are working on providing education, fresh water, supplementing education and fun in the form of weekly clubs in the various areas in which they are involved. They are proud of the recent toilet block which donations have enabled them to build. Education is free but the families cannot afford the school uniform which is compulsory for the attendance at school. The Club agreed to offer Simon and Nicola financial support in their work for the next year and to review the matter for the following year .

http://revelationlife.org.uk/

                 

             

April 2011


PARADISE RESTORED

 

On Monday 21st March our President took us on a lightening tour of ‘Paradise Restored’ showing slides from restoration projects at Hestercombe and West Green Gardens.

                                                                        The famous Edwardian garden at Hestercombe was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and planted by Gertrude Jeykll with beautiful stonework, rills, Orangery and pergola. It is a collection of three gardens all of which have undergone dramatic restoration work. 

 

      The earlier Georgian landscape garden which encompasses the formal gardens was created by Copelstone Warre Bampfylde. There are also woodland walks, a temple, waterfallsdry stone walls, incredible stone work and views across the Vale of Taunton to the Blackdown Hills in the distance.         
An Australian lady (Marylyn Abbott) has put all her energies into the restoration of West Green garden which, whilst now privately owned is still open to the public. Not only has she restored the garden but regular events now take place including opera performances on the theatre lawn. The Alice garden is designed as a chequerboard planted in red and silver with clipped topiary. As ordered by the queen playing card knaves paint the roses red. The orangery  and the tiny pavilion (a tomb to a spaniel who died in 1734) are the oldest buildings in the garden.

From the walled garden you reach the long Nymphaeum garden with its rills and clipped box. The fountain was designed by Quinian Terry.The serene paradise garden engulfs the concept of a traditional Moghul garden with green space intersected by water and fountains. At the corners Malus Everest planted in post appear to grow out of the water and white birth Betula utilis var. jaquemontii grow around the edges.

more photos

           

        The Alice Garden and Nyphaeum Garden

  


NOTHING CHANGES.......

"I would like to think that the pioneering days of Rotary have only just begun. There are just as many new things to be done as ever there were. Kaleidoscopic changes are taking place, many of them without our will. Even to hang on to the fringe of this fast-changing world is about all most of us can do. Rotary simply must continue to pioneer or be left in the rear of progress."

                                                                                    Paul Harris - The Rotarian February 1945

On Monday 14th March 2011 President Terry Cann presented Rotarian John Skrimshire with the Paul Harris Fellowship in recognition of his services to the community whilst serving on several village committees and for the huge contribution he has made to the club’s activities especially during his Presidency when he was recovering from a major leg operation. 

 

 

                                                    13th March 2011


ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

On Monday 14th March we explored the possible unenviable state of the mind as it reaches saturation point and performs rather like a computer on overload. 

President Terry Cann with Ken Dorling Locality Manager, Alzheimer's Society, Berks Bucks & Oxen

Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, where symptoms gradually worsen over a number of years. In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer's, individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment. 

To do their work, brain cells operate like tiny factories. They receive supplies, generate energy, construct equipment and get rid of waste. 

Cells also process and store information and communicate with other cells. Keeping everything running requires coordination as well as large amounts of fuel and oxygen.

Scientists believe Alzheimer's disease prevents parts of a cell's factory from running well. They are not sure where the trouble starts. But just like a real factory, backups and breakdowns in one system cause problems in other areas. 

As damage spreads, cells lose their ability to do their jobs and, eventually die, causing irreversible changes in the brain.

People in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease may experience lapses of memory and have problems finding the right words. As the disease progresses, they may:

  • become confused, and frequently forget the names of people, places, appointments and recent events
  • experience mood swings. They may feel sad or angry. They may feel scared and frustrated by their increasing memory loss
  • become more withdrawn, due either to a loss of confidence or to communication problems.

As the disease progresses, people with Alzheimer's will need more support from those who care for them. Eventually, they will need help with all their daily activities. There are approx. 60,000 sufferers and the Alzheimer's Society seeks to help these people to lead a fuller life, to change opinion on dementia; to seek the better use of medication. It has also made a major contribution to the National Government's dementia strategy which will seek to improve the lives of all sufferers and research to alleviate the effects of Alzheimer's

http://alzheimers.org.uk


GOOD THINGS ARE WORTH WAITING FOR!

FOCUS ON CROCUS

 

In Autumn 2010 students at The Misbourne School joined Membersthe Rotary Club of Great of  

 March 2011

Click for more photos

Missenden to plant  these Ruby Giant ‘purple' crocuses which represent the dye colour that is dabbed on each child's little ‘pinkie' finger to show they have been immunised against polio in the few remaining parts of the world where tthe disease still remains. In 2011 students at The Misbourne School and Rotarians alike kept their beady eyes on the grass beneath the tree awaiting the tiny shoots of green heralding the arrival of our crocuses. Rotary awareness day came and went; February came and went; dispondency all round; and then mid March with the arrival of Spring our plot burst into life. Tiny sprigs of green followed by a mass of purple. Just to remind you this was our contribution to the eradication of polio effort. Students helped us plant the bulbs and were delighted with the results (even those who hadn't help plant took great pleasure in explaining the project to the  photographer and their contribution to the effort!                            

 


here We are again

The Rotary Club of Great Missenden joined forces with the Hyde Heath Old Time Music Hall Society and what a way to raise money. The audience was amused, amazed, titilated, titivated, tantalised and scintilated by the antics and renditions of popular and not so popular music hall classics performed by the Hyde Heath Old Time Music Hall Society. Our President delighted the audience with his rendition of the Ferret Song - oh to be a ferret if he can nip in places like that! The Junior Vice President acted as Chairman for the evening with ribald commentary of forthcoming items. Rotarian Charlie Carrington made the most of the ladies and the President's lady - well - what can we say! Maybe better left unsaid. Supported by most of the Club, £1,500 was raised for Rotary charities in support of Rotary Awareness Day and eradicate polio now.

 

12th March 2011

for more photos


80 YEARS ON, STILL GOING STRONG

Congratulations to Rotary Club of Great Missenden Members Tony Shaw and John Loarridge  who celebrated 160 years between them on 12th March 2011. You could say twins but not quite twins! True to the Rotary tradition they celebrated in style with the Club and we all had a such a good time that we can't wait for the next occasion.

                

Rtn Tony Shaw

 

Rtn John Loarridge

more photos


ROTARY AWARENESS DAY & TABLE TOP SALE - END POLIO NOW

Saturday 26th February - and all the while the rain it was a raining. What's a little rain to a Great Missenden Rotarian? Undeterred we set out in force for the Table Top Sale in the Damien Hall, The Catholic Church, Great Missenden and at the end of 3 hours had raised the princely profit of approx. £350. Well done Rotarians and thanks to all who supported in one way or another.

26th February 2011

        

ROTARY CLUB OF GREAT MISSENDEN INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT

Following Peter Organ's talk in the Summer of 2010 and the Club's decision to support the Clean Water Project for Schools of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya, Thailand, we have now had confirmation that our donation of £500 has been increased by a DSG and consequently an increased sum has been forwarded to the Thai Club to cover the entire installation. Watch this space for progress reports. 
As a reminder, Peter Organ is an Honorary Rotarian from the RC of Jomtien-Pattaya. During his presentation he outlined his Club’s efforts to provide safe drinking water for Thai children and showed slides of the ‘before’ and ‘after’ conditions in schools.

The Club has also donated £500 towards Shelterboxes

click to see what's in a shelterBox>


Following Steve Brehm's update in 2010 of ROPE [Relief for Oppressed people Everywhere] aims and objectives with examples of the way in which they help communities around the world, the Club decided to donate £750 to the organisation for the construction of a well in India. In time we will have photos of this project so watch this space.

January 2011


Our speaker, Paul Sheppard, introduced us to Traidcraft telling us that it was founded 30 years ago as a response to the scandal of world poverty.

From its first transactions with craftspeople in a handful of villages, Traidcraft now deals with over a hunded producer groups in thirty different countries, bringing hope and opportunity where little existed before.

An example of this is in the village of Kapasule, Malawi, women and chldren had to carry watter in containers for 1.5 kms from the nearest village with clean water. Now, they have their own borehole and pump supplying them with clean, safe water, thanks to the fair trade premium Traidcraft pays for the sugar it buys from the local farmers. 

Traidcraft has selected areas which are relevant to the countries in which it works as being the areas where greatest impact can be achieved. There are significant needs in each one and they feel they have the experience and expertise to offer in tackling those needs. The areas are tea,  cotton and craft producers, business development services, fair-trade and influencing and advocacy

What can you do? Spread the word, buy traidcraft-branded products from a charity stall, mail order catalogue or from the independent fair trade retailer in your locality, look for the fairtrade label in supermarkets.  

www.traidcraft.co.uk


THE CHRISTMAS STORY COMPETITION

Surprise, surprise. It has been discovered that when children hear the words 'Once upon a time' a specific section of their brain is stimulated into exciting expectation and so being read to is a vital part of their development. Whilst none of our prize winners used these words, their stories were a delight to listen to, enhanced by the magic of Nick Gallant's enthusiasm and interpretation. Equally magical were the expressions on the children's faces as they heard the talented Nick Gallant bring their stories  to life. 

The competition is organised annually by the Rotary Clubs of Amersham, Chesham and Great Missenden and the three Presidents joined us at the Damien Hall to present the prizes. 

Our Assistant District Governor, Jenny Muir, was also able to join us on this occasion.

click for photos & stories                 

January 2011


[For earlier news, click News Archive]



A selection from Club programme and other events ...

[Club meetings, normally Mondays, 7:30 for 8 pm at the Missenden Abbey]. 

Monday  6th Feb.

Business Meeting

Wednesday 8th Feb.

Council Meeting tbc

Monday 13th Feb.

John Loarridge

Monday  20th Feb.

Steve Brehm: “Update on ROPE”

Saturday 25th Feb..

Table Top Sale - Damien Hall, 10:30 - 1pm

Monday 5th March.

Business Meeting

Saturday 10th March

Old Time Music Hall / Hyde Heath VH

Monday 12th March

Marie Cates: “African Village Support”

Monday  19th March TBC

TBC

Monday 26th March

George Tyler

CONTACTS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Club President:  Peter Westby, 01494 865522
peter_westby@hotmail.com

Club Secretary:  Mike Rainford, 01494 863911
mikerainford@aol.com

Website Manager: Barbara Cann, 01494 783254
cannlap@tiscali.co.uk

 

Meeting place...
Missenden Abbey

 
On Mondays,
7:30 for 8 pm.

Programme
ØClub Calendar

 ØOther events

Helping community  - local / national
 ØLocal charities
 ØNational
    charities
 ØBulb planting

Helping community - international
 ØClub projects -  India, Africa etc
 ØShoe Boxes
 ØAquaboxes
 ØEmergency
   boxes

Fun and fund-raising
 ØXmas Float
 ØXmas Jingle
 ØTesco
      Collection
 ØHenley Regatta