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.

None of it would have been a success without all your combined efforts. I am not sure if I will ever get over Vijay and his huge appetite for knowledge, Rahuel just for his appetite, the serenity of Uma, the enormous joy of Nandita at acquiring a bit of grass from Wimbledon, and the quick wit of Charita.>Their final presentation was quite amazing in its sincerity and of course the Bollywood version of events by Vijay left us all with huge smiles on our faces.District Assembly, at a new venue, gave us all the opportunity to hear of our future for 2010-2011 and for clubs to begin to plan the year ahead. Milton Keynes President’s night proved to be a lot of fun and trumpet blowing (literally), wearing of hats and fun from their twin Dutch club.

Welwyn Garden City had a special evening with the Director of The Joe Loss Orchestra (who was so successful at the Inner Wheel Conference) and we were treated to some previously never seen photos of the band and celebrities.

The highlight of any Governor’s year is District Conference and I think this year was no exception. Thank you for all the emails, cards and congratulations.They are a tribute to Meirion and his team for all their hard work and excellent organisation.Like with all Conferences not everything is perfect but the brilliant sunshine in a beautiful city made a huge difference as did the speakers, for any of the little hic-ups that may have occurred.Stuart Story gave a highly amusing and behind the scenes insight into Sports Commentating. The black tie dinner at the Assembly Rooms may not have had the best entertainment but was compensated for by a super meal in beautiful surroundings.

The Bath School of Dance provided our Saturday opening and included the Rotary Wheel in their performance. Anyone who heard Rtn Colin Powell, a polio sufferer could not fail to see why this is a disease which must be eradicated, but also remember the 120,00 polio suffers in this country who need support. “I would have paid to come to Conference just to hear him”, was one comment.Charles Evans made painting look so easy whilst entertaining us at the same time. He then gave us his painting which was skilfully auctioned by David, raising £400 for Thanks for Life and the British Polio Fellowship.I was so proud to welcome on stage the Club Presidents and again extend my thanks to them for the leadership of their clubs.

The young people from The Orpheus Centre gave us a performance of songs written by them that I do not have the eloquence to describe. When one young man sang there was a plausible gasp from the audience and it was “a Susan Boyle” moment. I think the long standing ovation at the end said it all.Sunday morning was all about Foundation, with presentations by both GSE Teams and another presentation by Dr Peter Bundgaard the RI representative.

RIBI President Elect Jim Moulson gave his final address and then we invited Matt and Craig from the Starfish Project on stage. Matt showed a video of how badly he stammered before he went to the Starfish Project and then spoke about his experience and introduced us to Craig. His presentation was quite extraordinary and his story went from despair and anger to the joy of reading his son a bedtime story and completing his first year at University.  Another standing ovation I believe described how we all felt.

Personally for David and me it was wonderful to have son Simon, daughter-in-law Tracey and two grandchildren Annabel aged 8 and Charlie aged 3 ½, with us for the weekend. Their appearance on stage at the end to present their special Granddad with a Paul Harris Fellowship left him quite speechless.

The finale to the month was the National Young Musician of the Year Finals in Brentwood. Hannah gave another stunning performance but was pipped at the post into second place – no mean achievement for a National competition.

June began with the visit of the RIBI President David Fowler and his wife Daphne. Throughout the year President David has wanted to plant trees and this he did first at Chauncy School in Ware, where his three grandchildren attend – “ A family tree” he said!!

After lunch with Hoddesdon club, he visited The Living Room Project in Stevenage and was so impressed he did not stop talking about it for the entire visit.Tuesday was spent withLuton North and Wolverton and Stony Stratford and more trees!!

On Wednesday morning David planted his 60^th tree at Slated Row School before spending the morning at Kids Out, leaving the District pleased and happy and full of praise for all that the District has done over the year.