Heart of England Rotary Rotary District 1060

District Governor's Newsletter for January 2012

Christmas is now I hope a happy memory and Burns Night successfully celebrated. We are just awaiting the real Spring.  In the remaining six months of our Rotary Year there's lots to do. May I remind you of the emphasis that our RI President Kalyan set us in July last year.

FAMILY CONTINUITY CHANGE

These are still the watch words of our Rotary aims.

I know from many Clubs you have lots of things in the pipeline and wish you success in carrying them out. If you would like me or other members of the District Team with you, please ask.

I would like to draw your attention or remind you of various matters that are ongoing and will be developed in communications to Clubs directly or on the website.

PILOT PROGRAMMES.

Three Clubs in the District are presently officially involved in innovative pilot programmes introduced by RI. All have reported interesting results in the early stages.It is now possible to extend this programme to all Clubs in a controlled way. Clubs that wish to be involved may do so after the District Governor has approved their proposals. Initially Clubs should contact their Assistant Governor to register their interest. I will keep you up to date with further information as it becomes available.

MEMBERSHIP.

Attracting new members must continue to be a priority if we are just to keep up with losses caused through a variety of reasons.  Do you keep a record of members leaving for reasons that may now have changed, and may welcome an invitation back. A number of Clubs are reporting rejoining members. I will be pleased to hear of successes in this area.

E CLUB.

The Membership Resources Team have been researching the pros and cons of E Clubs and have now launched the initial steps to bring this innovative project to the notice of Clubs and prospective new members. Please read the explanations and ways forward that the Team have recently sent to you.

AN RIBI FIT FOR THE 21st CENTURY.

The Structure of RIBI has been under intensive review over the last year. This has included a "blank sheet" review of what Rotary should look like in 2020; a survey of all Rotarians undertaken by the Quinquennial Review Committee; and work undertaken by focus groups covering value for money, the shape of the central governing body, how Rotary is perceived by new members, the role of the Secretariat , training, RIBI's committees, and communications.

The General Council considered a set of recommendations at their November meeting.  These restructuring plans can be seen on the RIBI website in detail.  I have linked with this newsletter a summary version of the recommendations from the website.  Recent newsletters from RIBI tell how Clubs may engage in feedback.

COMMUNITY AWARDS.

A number of Clubs are awarding Rotary Certificates to groups and companies that have assisted in Clubs Service activities, in a tangible way. These presentations attract some press coverage and the Certificates displayed by the recipients keep Rotary in the public eye.

RYLA." YOUR OPPORTUNITY"

For many years the Rotary Young Leaders Award has featured in our District Programme and has attracted young people from home and abroad.

The structure is in place for a programme in July 2012 mainly managed by a small dedicated team. For RYLA to continue well into the future we require more hands-on workers. Rtn. John Hughes (Royal Leamington Spa) will be happy to acquaint you with what is involved as he has kept this programme going for many years. Please see the request for help. We await your call.

"THE WAY AHEAD"

The review group headed by PDG Dave Bowyer is currently looking at District Handover, District Council and District Conference and how we might present these important events in a more attractive and effective way.

If you have ideas please contact PDG Dave.

CITATIONS AND AWARDS

I have recently sent details and reminders to Club Presidents for completion of these challenges.

DISTRICT HANDOVER

New Date and Venue.Wednesday 27th June 2012.Evening at Park Inn Hotel, West Bromwich.

CONGRATULATIONS.

Rotarians recently made Paul Harris Fellows.

In appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.

  • Gordon Warren. Warwick.
  • Brian Curtis (Sapphire). Warwick.
  • Roy Joiner (Sapphire). Warwick.
  • Service Award Certificate.
  • Graham Madeley 40 years . Handsworth.
  • PDG Geoff Drake. 40 years. Handsworth.
  • Dennis Harbird. 30 years. Handsworth.
  • David Webb. 30 Years. Handsworth.
  • John Goss OBE. 30 years. Handsworth.
  • Marc Dalton. 25 Years. Handsworth.
  • Basil Clarke MBE. 25 Years. Handsworth.
  • Dr Soma Rajah. 25 Years. Handsworth.
  • Norman Townsend. 25 Years. Handsworth.

NEW MEMBERS to our District

  • Neil Moffatt. Shipston on Stour.
  • Adrian Walker. Birmingham Breakfast.
  • Thomas Wallace. Solihull. (Re-joining).
  • Sue Boulton. Sutton Coldfield Vesey.

Rotarians Passed to Higher Service.

  • Bob Bradbrook. Rugby Dunsmore..
  • Jack Cognet. Kidderminster.

CLUB EVENTS I have attended.

Rotary Club of Handsworth

Family Lunch. January. Rotarians and Families and friends gathered for Lunch and fellowship at the Tally Ho on Sunday 8th. Guests included the Indian Consul for Birmingham, J J Swain. After lunch President Charan and I presented Long Service Awards to nine Rotarians and gifts for their wives.A surprise Family and Community Service Award was given to Mrs Edwina Rees non member but wife of Rtn. Geoff Rees, PP and current Secretary. Edwina has made a significant contribution toward fund raising and organising the annual Christmas lunch events for many years. The afternoon concluded with a short slide show from the Club archives and invoked many happy memories.

Rotary Club of Birmingham.

The Club now hold an occasional evening meeting with a special guest or speaker.Sheila and I attended on 30th January when Past RI. Director David Liddiatt was their guest speaker.

DOGS FOR THE DISABLED - DG's CONFERENCE CHARITY COLLECTION

Thank you all who contributed we have sent £8134.00 to this wonderful Charity.

The opportunity if you missed out is open until 30th June.

TOMATO KETCHUP

I will be shortly letting you know the procedure for sending monies collected in the Ketchup Bottlesfor the "End Polio" campaign.

Wishing everybody a happy, healthy, and busy 2012.

Brian District Governor.