Exmoor Rotary: Club News 2005-6

Handover - President Edward Starts His Year

On July 5th a convivial gathering said farewell to President Dennis after his year of office, and bade felicitations to President Edward.

Here is the moment when the chain is handed over - rather like passing the baton in a relay!

Ironman!

Ironman comes to Wimbleball. Although this event took place 'across the border' in Somerset, our club was very much involved. We gave assistance in the days before the event, and on the day ran a cyclists' aid station on the top of Hadden Hill, starting from 6am.

Another New Member

On 13th June, the President welcomes Dev as a new member to our club.

Seen here is also President Elect Edward, and on the right, our new Assistant District Governor George.

A Citation from Rotary International

At our President's Night dinner on May 26th, the club was honoured by the presentation of a Citation from the president of Rotary International. Here it is being presented by District Givernor Andrew to the Club President Dennis.

The club has two previous citations of which to be proud.

Rotary Exmoor Youth Challenge

President Dennis greets the first team home at the 2006 Challenge for young people. A total of 109 teams of four people each took part, and walked 16 miles across rough Exmoor terrain.

More details here, including a full list of results.

Bampton's Brainiest Pub!

Following the spring edition of the Rotary District Quiz Night, it was conclusively shown that 'The Swan' is Bampton's Brainiest Pub! Here the trophy is presented to the landlord, Robin, by our President Dennis.

Other establishments taking part in this event were the Courtyard, the White Horse, and the Seahorse.

Exmoor Challenge

This year the Rotary Exmoor Challenge took place centred on Exford on April 9th. Two sponsored walks were available, one of 6 miles and one of 12 miles. Over 200 people took part in the walks, a friendly competition between Devon and Somerset Rotary districts, and it is hoped to make £3500 for Children's Hospice South West.

Stroke Awareness

The club provided venues in both Bampton and Dulverton on April 8th as part of the Stoke Awareness Day run jointly by Rotary UK and the Stroke Association. By having regular check-ups on blood pressure in a friendly environment, it is reassuring to most to know that all is well. For a few who perhaps were unaware that they had a high pressure, it has proved a life-saver.

A New Member

Another new member, Richard, is welcomed to the club at our lunchtime meeting on February 14th.

He is seen here shaking hands with President Dennis. Richard is the third new member who has joined the club this Rotary year.

Youth Speaks

President Dennis presents the John Owen trophy to the team from Bampton School for their winning performance at the 2006 Youth Speaks competition.

Lots more photos here.

Community Charity Lunch

Following the very successful charity lunch we held last year for the tsunami victims, we decided to repeat the event. This year nearly 100 local people gathered for a splendid carvery lunch held in Bampton's Public Hall and provided by Exmoor Rotary. Over £1200 was raised for SHELTERBOX. More information here.

A New Member

At our Christmas festivities, we were delighted to welcome a new member to our club. Chris is pictured here with President-Elect Edward, and President Dennis.

Club Christmas Dinner

The club Christmas dinner was held on December 20th at the Courtyard. Nearly 40 members and guests were present and a very good time was had by all.

Seen here is Edward, president-elect, with friend. A raffle, auction, and caption competition raised £200 for club funds and for Rotary Foundation.

Rotary Santa Collection

The Rotary Club's 'Santa's Sleigh' with its eclectic collection of musical emissions has been touring Dulverton, Bampton, Brushford, Shillingford, and Morebath collecting money for charities. We are very grateful to all those who have contributed so generously.

This year, a total of £1080 was raised - many thanks to all.

Presentation of a cheque to Shelterbox by the residents of Castle Grove

President Dennis seen at Castle Grove Retirement Home collecting a cheque for over £400 for a Shelterbox destined for the earthquake disaster area in Kashmir.

Operation Warm Deeds

Following the devastating earthquake in Kashmir, the Tiverton Rotary Club, helped by ourselves, have organised two 40ft lorry trailers which will be airlifted to the area. We have been inundated by gifts of warm clothing and blankets from many kind people living in this mid Devon area, and it has taken an army of Rotary volunteers to pack the clothing and to get it ready for transport.

Seen here is our treasurer, Richard, helping with the work.

Whiskey Galore!

The club had a stall at this year's Bampton Charter Fair - a continuous raffle was held throughout the day for bottles of whiskey and, as you can see, cuddly toys.

The profit made was £342 for Rotary charities, and a donation for Shelter box was received and passed on to fellow Rotarians in Helston.

Off to the Antipodes

Roger Rodwell and wife Kathleen were entertained to a farewell lunch at the club before they emigrated to Australia. Roger was a past member of the club, and had particularly contributed to the Youth Challenge events.

Yes, the hat does have corks suspended from it...

District House Party

District 1170 held its annual 'House Party' in Plymouth October 15/17th - seen here are some representatives of the club enjoying the event - and the autumn sunshine!

A Cheque for CHSW

A cheque for £5,610 was presented to a representative of Children's Hospice South West at a meeting on October 11th.

This money was raised from various events run by the club such as Santa's Christmas collections, but the most significant part was raised from those who took part in our Exmoor Challenge. The cheque is presented to Paul Curtis (of CHSW) by the organiser of the challenge, Gillie, seen with President Dennis on the right.

Induction of new member

On 11th October 2005, Jo Clarke is welcomed to become a new member of our club.

President Dennis presented her with the Rotary badge, and uttered well-chosen words. Proposer Jean Luke stands behind.

Visit by District Governor

Rotary Book Sale

The club held its annual (as it has become) second-hand book sale on the August Bank Holiday weekend, in the Methodist Church and its hall. Many thousands of books had been donated (we can always do with fresh ones) and it proved a popular place for the many visitors to Bampton. The club took £270 for charity, a remarkable sum that translates into a very considerable number of very cheap books!

Centenary Benches - Bampton & Dulverton

On July 19th, the third Exmoor Rotary Centenary bench seat was installed - in Bampton. Shown here are Vice President Richard, Clive Russell representing Bampton Town Council, and IPP Alan.

On August 2nd, the fourth seat was inaugurated at Dulverton, by the river bridge. President Dennis does the honours with the chairman of Dulverton Council, with support from Don, Jean, and Alan.

See also our Centenary page where there are also pictures of the other benches.

2004 President Alan hands over the regalia to our new 2005-6 President Dennis. An excellent evening was had by all at the farmhouse restaurant at Wootton Courtney.

President Dennis is surprised (and grateful) to share the Rotary international 'Presidential Citation' which the club has just been awarded.

We were honoured by a similar citation for the club three years ago.