It has become clear that the Pakistan Flood situation has deteriorated considerably since I emailed all Club International Chairs on 4^th August.  More than 1,600 people have died after the worst floods in the country for the past 80 years.  As the floods have now spread to the Sindh province some 16 million people are directly affected. See  BBC’s Orla Guerin’s report on a village slowly drowning in Sindh province. It is now consider that the devastation is even greater than the major Tsunami and the Haiti earthquake. 

Today RIBI President Jim Moulson launched an ‘RIBI International Disaster Fund’. This was subsequently upgraded to a full Appeal. Monies donated to the appeal will be earmarked for Pakistan for long term sustainable projects. All donations to the fund should be made payable to the ‘RIBI Donations Trust’ and sent to Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland, Kilwarton Road, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 6PB. Cheques should be marked ‘Pakistan flood’ on the back.

Welcome to Rotary Year 2010-11, a year for Building Communities and Bridging Continents…   It’s been a hectic start (as planned!), with some 20 Club visits, general District meetings including our first Council meeting of the year and two RIBI Executive gatherings! Sounds quite busy but what a lot I’ve learned from Rotarians near and far.

Of most benefit have been the discussions with you the members; some great ideas, valid concerns and excellent plans for ‘making a difference’…  I am really getting the feeling that together we can address our membership challenges and create stronger partnerships with outside organisations such as the corporate and public sectors that reside in Herts, Beds and Bucks.            

Thursday 1st July  was a wonderful night. It was warm and dry but most of all it was the night of our induction dinner in Luton. Sandy Aked-Walker ended her year making a speech in which she talked about the wonderful time she and David had meeting all the members in their clubs and attending some terrific events.

After presiding over the district awards (details below) Sandy handed over to Amanda Watkin and immediately the very well represented Hitchin Tilehouse club stood with a lovely home made welcome message for Amanda.

 

This year's District Bowls Tournament will be held on Wednesday 15th September 2010 at Bushey Bowling Club, Chiltern Avenue, Bushey, Herts. WD23 4RF 

Those of you who took part last year will already know how much fun and fellowship is to be enjoyed on this highly competitive occasion and this year we hope to have even more entries.  Once again Bushey Bowling Club is very kindly hosting the event. Their hospitality, facilities and refreshments are all superb. We do hope you will be able to take part, whether or not you have done so before. 

The event is a very well established Red Letter Day in the District 1260 Sporting Calendar. The cost will be £30 per team of three including lunch and tea. All teams, will play a minimum of  four games and the two most successful teams will then play a Final to decide the winners. For an entry form please click on the link below

 District 1260 Triples Bowls Tournament 2010 2010-07-06 10:58:39 94.76 Kb

On Sunday 4th July Major Gerald Peacock (Luton North) welcomed Rotary to the Salvation Army Corps in Luton. In recognition of the ethics and standards that underpin Rotary Service, a multi-faith service was held in Luton. This was the first time that such a service had been held and it was extremely well received and appreciated by all who attended.

Major Gerald led the celebrations and DGN Debbie Hodge gave an address that reflected on one of our core objectives, the promotion of peace, goodwill and understanding. 

I cannot believe the year is almost over. May, of course has been quite a special month with the arrival of the GSE Team from District 3230 Chennai in southern India.Even after 2 ½ hours to get through customs, losing a case and being stopped and questioned by immigration they came through the arrivals with big smiles and I don’t think they stopped smiling the whole time they were here. I know we didn’t.

They proved to be what I believe was the best GSE Team we have ever hosted with the high standard of their presentations and sense of humour. Their enthusiasm to learn about their vocations, our country, culture and District was phenomenal. My sincere thanks to all those who worked so hard to ensure their visit was a success, planning their programme, arranging the many visits and of course the hosts.

We have a special person in the Chesham Rotary Club,Ivo Nash reached the grand age of 102 years on the 21st May 2010 and was the Founder Secretary of the Chesham Club in 1947.Ivo was made an Honorary Member last year. 

The weather was perfect for flying and after a safety briefing, one by one they took to the air.