The “award winning” MEETING NEWS, 26 June 2025

Gosh, that’s another Rotary year that’s flown by.  Last June Gillian took over the Presidency and told us about the Big Space Cancer Appeal which she and Derek were going to support in memory of Catherine.  Little did we know what that would involve!  The final fund raising event in Gillian’s year was the highly successful Mid Summer Night’s Concert in Gloucester Cathedral when some 400 people attended and were serenaded by the Dursley Male Voice Choir, the Stuart Singers and soloist Mark Llewelyn Evans.  Thanks to Rob Thomas’s hard work some £3000.00 was raised.  This brought the total raised by the Club during the year to £28,000.00 with £22,000.00 going to the Big Space appeal.

At last Monday’s handover dinner Gillian thanked everyone who helped during the year and made a number of awards. Rob Thomas was made Rotarian of the Year for the tremendous work he has put in to the website and media output; the Stirrer’s Spoon went to the Peaster family for the magnificent 40th Anniversary cake they made; the Kiwi travel award went to Derek Aston for his Atlantic adventures and the Good  Egg award to a very surprised me, for Meeting News!!  A Paul Harris Fellowship was presented to non Rotarian Sarah Cowlam for the tremendous work she does with Physionet, a charity CTRC has taken to its heart.  For all his work as Secretary and for keeping Gillian on track, a well deserving John Bedford was also made a Paul Harris Fellow. Finally we were very pleased to welcome Terry McMurtry as a new Honorary Member.

So, after a year of hard fund raising, fellowship and fun, Gillian handed over the Presidency to Derek.  Who immediately made it clear that the Big Space fund raising would continue as hard as ever, and that, although, we are a vibrant healthy Club we need more members to keep it so. But he stressed that it was still going to be fun. He will also be involved in the formation of a satellite Networking group in GL12.

As a gentle introduction to the new Year, the meeting on Monday 30 June 25 is a social one with Pickleball at Cam Cricket and Tennis Club, Everlands, Cam, GL11 5NL.  Afterwards at Spring Villa, Dursley. Start time is 6.00pm for7.00pm.

Monday 7 July 25:- is a Club Night with Business update.  7.00pm for a 7.30pm start at the Rugby Club.  John Bedford to provide the raffle prize please.

Sunday 13 July 25:- The Classic Car and Motorbike Rally.  Contact Keiron for details of how to enter and to offer help on 07747 768953.

Date for your Diary – 21 July 2025 – American supper at Jean and Alan’s.  Arrive 5.30 for 6pm. welcome drink on arrival. The theme is ‘my favourite hat!’ Prize for the best hat Annmarie will be circulating a list for food and will need volunteers to

help set up and and clear away.  All welcome to come and enjoy a fun, sociable evening in Stone.
Poor Paul is still in GRH recovering from his Hip operation.  He really appreciates the visits from Rotarians, so still keep contacting Sue to see if she needs a lift, please.

Finally, many congratulations to Lynne and John, who celebrate their Golden Wedding anniversary on Saturday.

Best wishes to you all,

Richard

(Award winning content creator and Influencer (hack)!