Christmas is almost upon us and with all that entails it amazes me how my fellow Rotarians can find the time to do all that you do, but that is the worth of Rotarians – Service above Self.  This is certainly the busiest time for all clubs, with Carol concerts, Father Christmas in his Grotto, on his sleigh touring the area, or collecting outside a local store, organising parties for the elderly and children, visits to hospitals, the list is endless.

I cannot believe the amount of time Rotarians commit themselves to, some clubs being out every night of the week collecting or doing something. Where do they find all their energy for that and all their social events? 

It has been a busy time for David and me. Amongst other events, the Milton Keynes Zone Carol Service which included all my favourite carols and delicious home made mince pies- very fortifying for the 2 hour journey down to Kent for a family commitment. The Potters Bar Christmas Dinner with Rotarians and their wives, Induction of a new member and 2 prospective members visiting. One of whom shared with me what brought him to the club, which was seeing an article in a local magazine about a Rotary Charter celebrations and when he read of the charities they supported and the work they did in their community and abroad, it made him want to get involved. The moral of the story, let people know about everything you do – they too may want to be part of it.  

The Buckingham Carol Concert, standing room only again and another super evening. The highlight was the beautiful voices of a young man and his sister from a Milton Keynes School whose singing were most certainly “X” Factor quality.  

The members of the Winslow Club surpassed themselves again with another outstanding Festival of Voices. This year the focus was on Youth and with Soprano singers were, sisters from Aylesbury aged 16 and 21 who really did have the voices of angels. The nineteen year old lady trumpet player, again from the Milton Keynes area, added another inspiring dimension to the evening. This year’s Welsh Male Voice Choir’s passion for singing was obvious by their outstanding performance. The Musical Director sang is own composition all about peace. If ever a song should be adopted by the Rotary Peace Scholars – this was it, the words were most moving.

Playing Santa’s little helper, dressed as an Elf for two children’s tea parties and a few hours with the proverbial collecting bucket have all added to the build up to Christmas. 

The highlight, perhaps I have to admit, was a quick trip to Edinburgh with my fellow D.G’s and their partners to have lunch with R.I President John Kenny and his wife June. With the snow falling past the window, shrouding Edinburgh Castle in a grey mist, the atmosphere as R.I President John was piped in, was quite moving.  I found it hard to understand the traditional Scottish Grace but the drinking of the dram after, I could understand! The assembled company included Tony de St Dalmas (R.I. President’s Aide) and Peggy, R.I Director David Liddiatt and Jill, RIBI President David Fowler and Daphne, fellow D.G’s from John Kenny’s year as RIBI President  and members from his own club.

I think we all felt it was another once in a life time opportunity that I have had the privilege of experiencing whilst holding the office of District Governor. I wish I could have shared it with you to enjoy as much as David and I did. However you would not like to have shared the journeys home by some of the assembled company who did not arrive until 4.00am due to delayed or cancelled flights because of adverse weather conditions.  Christmas quote after a visit to the Grotto, “I know Father Christmas was Grandad because I recognised his voice because the REAL one only comes on Christmas Eve - so all the others are pretend”!

Finally, I would like to thank you for all your seasonal emails and cards, some signed by every member of the club,  and take this opportunity to congratulate you for all you have  done this year for those less fortunate than ourselves; and wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.