 Firstly, may I wish all Rotarians and their families a Happy New Year.
2012 promises to be an exciting year – the Olympics, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and a potentially giant step forward for the organisation of RIBI. The presentation of RIBI in the 21st century that I mentioned in last month’s Newsletter has been followed up by other explanatory articles on the RIBI website and I am grateful to those members and Clubs that have given me their opinions on the possible reorganisation. I would appreciate as many Clubs as possible letting me know their views as I need to represent District at the upcoming General Council meeting on 4th and 5th February.
The crux of the changes is the that the management of RIBI will be handled by a new RIBI Board which will be elected for three years – this will mean that the current system of the General Council managing RIBI with the whole group changing every twelve months will cease. However, the new District Governors’ Forum will still be able to hold the RIBI Board to account and recommend the Board to investigate and take action on any relevant subject. The changes will need COL approval as well as several approvals at the Business session at the next RIBI Conference.
Should the RIBI Conference give approval for the changes – a start will be made on implementing them from 1st July 2012 – although the full changes will not be able to be introduced until after COL. How will the changes affect Club Rotarians? – virtually not at all; how will the changes affect District – the only person to notice any significant change will be the District  Governor. I believe that the proposed changes will put the management of RIBI on a more business like footing and bring it more in line with the management of RI.
Christmas now seems a long time ago, but I am aware that many, many Rotarians held static or mobile collections with Father Christmas as well as many more holding splendid Christmas Concerts – well done to everybody. I hope that the various charities will benefit greatly from all the hard work.
Since the start of the New Year I have attended 5 more Club meetings, and have still got a number to go with a very few not having contacted me about my visit. I would very much appreciate it if those Clubs (and they know who they are) would contact me so that I can bring the presentation to one of their meetings as every District Governor is required to do.
I would like every Club President to check how they are getting on in their quest towards either the Presidential Citation or the Changemaker Award (or both!). If you do not have the requisite information – it was handed over at the PEPS meeting (if you have lost it - a copy can be downloaded from the RI website)
Two District events have occurred this month – both of them well attended, but very different in their content. First, was the District Quiz – held on Friday 20th January; over 30 teams from across the District took part in a very interesting quiz. The first place position changed several times during the event and the top five places were closely fought out, but in the end Hitchin Priory took a well-deserved victory. Many congratulations and thanks to Harpenden Village RC for a splendid event.
On Monday 23rd January the “Welcome to the Outgoing GSE team” was held under the organisation of the Wendover Club. An Australian based meal was enjoyed by all attendees and then, for the first time in public, out splendid team gave their presentations to the assembled audience. They did a wonderful job under the watchful eye of Team Leader – Cheryl Law. I am very happy with the way the team has gelled together and am absolutely certain that they will do a wonderful job of representing District 1260 on their trip to Sydney.
As you know, plans for my Conference are well advanced with a great programme lined up. Members of the Conference Committee would welcome an opportunity to visit your Club and tell you more about the Conference that will ‘Recharge Your Rotary’. Please contact Nigel Millway on
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to fix up a visit date. Please complete your registration forms as soon as possible to ensure that you get the discount that is being offered for early registration.
Finally, please take a second to remember my request to spread the word about Diabetes and invite a specialist speaker o you Club –either someone from your local GP practice, or from Lloyds Pharmacy or from Diabetes UK (see their website for local contacts: http://www.diabetes.org.uk/ ).
Best Wishes, John
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