December is “the Family of Rotary” month and with Christmas fast approaching, it is a time when families get together and messages of greeting wing their way across the world to family members and friends that are far away.

This is a time when much is made of presents, eating, drinking and joyous parties, but for millions, in some of those far away places, there is nothing, which is the same as there is every day of their lives. No food, shelter, clean water and a present is totally unheard of; a gift of joy may be no more than a scrap of food.

So let us not forget them during our time of merriment and promise ourselves as Rotarians to commit to Service above Self in all our endeavours over the Christmas period and to continue to work for those less fortunate than ourselves both at home and abroad. 

R.I President John Kenny in his December message talks about celebrating family during Family month. "Every club should strive to achieve a balanced interaction between Rotarians and their families – and the family of Rotary. Only by working together, as a family, can we ensure that the Rotary of today grows into an even stronger Rotary tomorrow". 

For me, this month has been no less busy than the last. As you are aware I mention light bulbs-henceforth to be called lamps, as bulbs go in the ground! - when I visit clubs, and a Rotarian from Barton le Clay kindly sent me a 100watt lamp just for fun! I love Rotarians with a sense of humour. I was delighted to meet the new members at Watford and hear of WRIST and their busy Rotary and Social programme. 

Whilst at Dunstable Downs I was honoured to present Paul Harris Fellowships to Ken Manser, Alan Felstead, Malcolm Partridge and David Cassell, and induct a new member. An early start to Luton Someries but at least David got breakfast that morning; they of course are busy planning their Youth Concert with other clubs.

Members of Flitwick Vale are to give us more frivolity. A new member at Hertford – The Town Clerk. The Rotary Foundation Day and Institute at Kenilworth were informative, fun and inspiring. There was also the opportunity to meet and hear next years R.I President Ray Klinginsmith. On the Saturday night David and I returned to attend the 40th Charter Night of the Rotary Club of Ampthill where we had an excellent evening and met up with Eddie, a friend of many years ago, with whom we had lost touch and did not know had become a Rotarian.

Then back to the Rotary Institute on the Sunday morning from where I returned with a set of six posters for each club to use for the Thanks for Life/End Polio Campaign during the week of 20th-27th February and on Rotary Day 23rd February 2010, for whatever event or shop window display you are planning. These were all available for clubs to take away at District Council. 

Bushey and Oxhey held their 65th Charter on the same night as Watford Clarendon had their meeting at the same venue. So I was able to meet both clubs before their meetings and to attend their Charter Night  for long enough to present the President with their 65th Charter Certificate and a Long Service Award Certificate to  Rtn. Albert Groves, then I met the Mayor and saw her present a RYLA certificate to Daniel Courtnell before returning to speak to Watford Clarendon. David and I also attended the RAG Event organised by the Milton Keynes Zone and enjoyed an evening  of fellowship, fun and lucky tombola which made up for the loss of chips at the Casino!!

Leighton Linslade had an excellent speaker on the Air Ambulance and at Wolverton and Stony Strafford I heard of more future plans. At General Council in Alcester it was confirmed that the Rotary Club of Tring and District has changed its name to Tring Ridgeway and will meet for breakfast on a Wednesday.

I learnt of other ideas that Districts are promoting for Thanks for Life, Purple Pinky Pint, Rotary Recipe Book, Eccles Cakes, Rotary Umbrella and Baxter Bear (he is very cuddly!). I also heard more of the terrible floods in District 1190 and D.G Mick Eady thanked all those clubs that had responded in various ways.

Irish D.G. Tom Murphy from District 1160 - also shared with us that the river Shannon had burst its banks and some 200 families had been forced from their homes when water levels rose to first floor height. Our thoughts are with them all. 

On return I was delighted to visit the first Food and Wine Festival organised by Hitchin Tilehouse and not just because of the various wines to be tasted but the special brandy that someone will enjoy after their Christmas pudding!  A Christmas pudding that I discovered was sold by the Rotary Club of Cwmbran Vale in aid of the “No More Landmines Campaign”. The month ended with a visit to the Rotary Club of Stevenage and then on to Hoddesdon’s 62nd Charter where I learnt of the Christmas pudding. I was delighted to present a Paul Harris Fellowship to Lindsay Jones who had been introduced to Rotary by his father-in-law, a Past District Governor in Cornwall.

Happy Christmas shopping to you all but leave some space on the credit card for the shops in Bath.

Remember to send in your Registrations for Conference soon.  www.rotary1260.org/ conference