Wollaton Park Rotary Silver Jubilee brochure

To be the President of a Rotary Club is a privilege for anyone, but to be President during the Silver Jubilee year is very special indeed and it is an experience I will look back upon with enormous pleasure. This booklet has therefore been prepared so that people outside the Club can share a little bit of what we have been doing since it was formed, and with special reference to this Jubilee year. The Rotary Club of Wollaton Park is very special to all our members as, over the 25 years of its existence, it has justifiably built up a reputation as being one of the most lively clubs in the area and I can say, with absolute honesty, it is a pleasure to attend our meetings every week and enjoy a meal with really good company for a couple of hours. It is not just about enjoying ourselves though. Since the club was formed we have steadily built up a range of services that we provide each year to our local community in and beyond Wollaton itself. The result of these efforts is that the Rotary Club of Wollaton Park has become well known and respected locally – I well remember when we were collecting at the Co-op for the Tsunami appeal; a man came to me and said “I’m glad you are doing this, I wanted to help but didn’t know how. I know you people will look after my money” he then put a £20 note in the tin. Many other people also said much about the same thing (we collected over £1,000 on that day). So, where are we destined to be 25 years from now? Let us hope that our successors will still be providing “Service Above Self” to our local community. Let us even hope that there will still be sufficient men and women who are minded to follow in our footsteps and join such a worthwhile organization to carry on the good work. Maybe as you read this you might even feel you want to join in the fun – do talk to one of us if you might be interested. Finally, I would like to pay tribute to all the people who have supported our activities over the years for, without your help, we surely would not have achieved the good reputation we now have. John Tordoff, President. 2

Every club should have one and Wollaton Park has been blessed with our own Rotarian Barry Pink. Barry has been the driving force for many of the club’s annual activities and events. It has taken boundless energy, and a lot of begging, borrowing and persuasion for Barry to put the Rotary Club of Wollaton Park at the heart of our community. Always down on his knees for a good cause Barry has been responsible for the formation of five local Probus clubs that were initially sponsored by our Rotary club. The membership of a Probus club is drawn from retired professional and business people in the community. The clubs may be single or dual gender and they meet once a month for social companionship and enjoyment. Wollaton Men’s Probus Club Wollaton Ladies’ Probus Club Wollaton Park Men’s Probus Club Wollaton Park Ladies’ Probus Club Wollaton Dovecote Ladies’ Probus Club Barry also conceived the club’s most effective and iconic fundraising event, the annual Santa’s Christmas Sleigh. Throughout the month of December the brightly illuminated Sleigh can be found not only collecting but bringing the sights and sounds of the festive season to the locality including some of our more deprived areas. Traditionally the funds raised at Christmas have been donated to local charitable organisations so helping the needy of Nottingham. The Christmas Carol Concert, the School’s Music Festival and the Old Peoples’ Luncheon Cruise are three other annual events that are also attributed to Barry’s determination to provide service to the community. Barry would be the first to say that it takes the combined effort of the members to have made these things happen but it takes a bright spark to get the fire lit. 3

The Rotary Club of Wollaton Park Chartered 28th October 1981 CHARTER EVENING AT THE COMMODORE BANQUETING SUITE 4

The formation of a new Rotary Club is always viewed with so much hope and anticipation. It requires a lot of determination and effort to identify prospective members, find a suitable venue to meet every week and begin the long process of establishment that is required by an International organisation. In November 1980 Alan Jeffreys received a call from Rotary In Britain and Ireland District 122 Extension Officer and Past District Governor Bill Huntley who, in 1994 -95, was to become the President of Rotary International. He was invited to a meeting at Risley Hall to talk about Rotary and the District’s wish to create a new concept, dinner club. Alan was coming to the end of his membership with Nottingham Round Table and so was soon persuaded to help in starting a new Rotary Club in the Wollaton Area. Alan approached John Foxon and together met with the Extension Committee consisting of Bill Huntley and Dick Shaw. Job classification was an essential criteria for prospective members and so Alan and John embarked on the task of finding suitable professional people using their contacts with local businesses and Round Table. The Rotary Club of Nottingham became the sponsors for the fledgling club and Wilf Fell and Michael Bramley assisted in the early meetings of the club at the Commodore Banqueting Rooms on Nuthall Road, Nottingham. Dick and Wilf were regular visitors to the club which started meeting, with 15 regular attendees, on Wednesday evenings in February 1981 . On the 10th June 1981 the Inaugural Meeting of the club took place with 32 prospective members in attendance. At that meeting the club officers were chosen and Alan Jeffreys was elected to become the first President of the Rotary Club of Wollaton Park. The date of Wednesday 28th October 1981 was chosen for the presentation of the club’s Rotary International Charter. A number of prospective members attended the District Conference at Scarborough to promote the new club and indulge themselves in the social atmosphere that is such a fundamental part of Rotary. 29 Founder Members were inducted into Rotary International during the Charter Evening, held at the Commodore in the presence of The Sheriff of Nottingham, Councillor Tom Harby; Past President RIBI, Nevil Tweedle; and the Governor District 122, Bill Boyden. The club was formed with the objective of having fun as its basis for the regular weekly meetings. This new approach to Rotary was sometimes frowned upon by the established clubs and Rotarians but it has continued to be a club of enjoyment and good humour. 5

Supporting the local community has been one of the Rotary Club of Wollaton Park’s primary objectives and people from all age groups have benefited. Some of the activities put on for members of the community have become annual events. These include taking disadvantaged children to the pantomime, organising a lunch on the River Trent for elderly people, helping school children with field trips to Conkers to help them develop an understanding of nature and other activities beneficial to the less fortunate members of the community. The club is very proud of its success with the annual Schools Music Festival which gives children from the local primary, junior and secondary schools an opportunity to demonstrate their talent and enthusiasm to a large audience. Our annual Carol Concert brings together members of the community and helps raise funds for the Parish Church and the Community Centre. Many young people from the area have received financial support from the club. Whether it is to help them with their personal development, in areas such as education and sport or if they are travelling overseas, to help communities in third world countries, the Rotary Club is pleased to help them make their dreams come true. We are also very keen to support other local charities that are helping the disadvantaged in our community. It is often financial support that we offer but we also enthusiastically provide willing hands wherever needed. In recent years we have manned one of the Robin Hood Marathon drink’s stations and have helped marshal other fund raising events. The Rotary Club of Wollaton Park is very proud of its record supporting the local community but is very grateful for the financial support given by the generous people in the Aspley, Beechdale, Bilborough and Wollaton areas of Nottingham. 6

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The Rotary Club of Wollaton Park is a member of the largest humanitarian volunteer organisation in the world. Almost every penny collected through donations goes directly to the needy as Rotary clubs around the world work together to provide aid. During the past 25 years the club has jointly funded many projects in countries such as India, Philippines and Nepal. It has played its part in helping people affected by disaster such as the Tsunami in 2004. Rotary in our District has developed Aquabox, a means of converting contaminated water into clean drinking water. The suitcase size plastic boxes are supplied with water treatment tablets but, with the help of the community, can be filled with other essentials such as clothes and tools. The Rotary Club of Wollaton Park co-ordinates the filling of the Aquaboxes locally and also raises funds for disaster appeals. Through the wider Rotary organisation, in co-operation with other aid agencies and governments, the money and equipment is shipped to the disaster area where local Rotary clubs assist in the distribution effort. Past President Mohan Khera has been the driving force behind our efforts in India by establishing strong and effective links with his mother club, The Rotary Club of Chandigarh Midtown. For a number of years the clubs have worked together using the Rotary International Matching Grants scheme to provide financial support for a number of projects designed to help the people of the Chandigarh community. These have included projects such as Health Screening for a girls school, support for a Limb centre, support for an Eye Camp and also provided funding to equip students with sewing machines and computers to enable them to take their place in the community. In 2004 the two club’s Twinned as a mark of the close co-operation over the years and the anticipation to work together in the future. 8

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PRESI- ROTARY OF Alan Jeffreys 1981-2 Alan Parker 1994-5 Keith Gadsden WOLLATO Trevor Michell 1982-3 Chris Powell 1995-6 NOTTING Bill Foreman Binay Pathak 1983-4 Nath Jambuna- 1996-7 SILVER J MBE 2006-2 Gerry Thomas 1984-5 than 1997-8 Alan Crevald Jim Chettle 1985-6 John Woodhouse 1998-9 Chris O’Brien OBE 1986-7 Alastair Wilson 1999- George Richard- 1987-8 Don Cameron 00 1988-9 Laurie Whyte 2000-1 1989- Mohan Khera 2001-2 90 Roy Hadfield 2002-3 1990-1 Malcolm Whitt 2003-4 1991-2 David Pedlar 2004-5 10

Y CLUB Brian Ardley MEMBERS David Pedlar F Peter Boyd Barry Pink ON PARK Don Cameron Nath Jambunathan Chris Powell GHAM Ted Clarke Alan Jeffreys Bryan Preston John Clifford Marie Jenkins Derek Savidge UBILEE Rod Connelly Mohan Khera Roy Smales 2007 John Cox Maurice Lacey Andrew Taylor Rene de Sousa John Landa Gerry Thomas Geoff Ellis John Tordoff John Foxon Malcolm Leivers Charles Towsey Alan Gardner Derek Licence Mike Upton Roy Hadfield Alan Lindley Thalej Vasishta Lab Hindocha Peter Linford Alan Wardle Lionel Howard Rosemary Wels Paul Irons Mike Lucas Malcolm Whitt David Itzak Trevor Michell Graham Whyte David Jackson Martin Miles Laurie Whyte Norma Jalloh John Muncey John Woodhouse Derrick Nurse Chris O’Brien OBE Alan Parker Binay Pathak MBE 11

The Rotary Club of Wollaton Park has a proud tradition of fundraising for local and international causes. Over the past 25 years the club has also used local events and locations to raise money in the community but have used the club’s own functions to raise money from the membership, family and friends. Santa’s Float is something that most local people associate with the club but we have a number of annual initiatives such as a Bike Ride and recently a Golf Day. The club has also staged Art Exhibitions that combine fundraising with an opportunity for the artists to exhibit, and also sell, their work. The success of our efforts are achieved with the wonderful support that we receive from the residents of our area. The club has always sought to help good causes and worthy projects within the community. Youth groups, such as the Scouts and Guides; the elderly , with trips and equipment; local organisations, such as Queens Medical Centre, Dovecote Museum and the Village Community Centre; individuals in pursuit of excellence and the needy just trying to survive are all typical of those that have benefited from our Fundraising efforts. Occasionally we fundraise jointly with other groups and clubs such as joining with seven other Rotary clubs in the area to equip the classroom at the new Attenborough Wildlife Visitor Centre. Fundraising for international projects and causes can take a wide variety of options. Working with our twinned club, Chandigarh Midtown we have raised funds for a number of projects in India some of which have also been partly financed by Rotary International through matching grants. Occasionally we are called upon to help with disaster funds such as the 2004 Asian Tsunami or assist organisations and aid agencies fight poverty and disease around the world. Wollaton Park is very proud of its fundraising effort for the Rotary International initiative to eradicate polio from the planet. The members of Rotary International have collectively raised over US$600 million in support of the worldwide immunisation programme. 12

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Inner Wheel began in 1924 when Mrs Margarette Golding presided over a club formed of Rotarian wives. The roots from which International Inner Wheel has grown were established in 1934 when the Association of Inner Wheel Clubs in Great Britain & Ireland was formed. In 1967 International Inner Wheel was formed. The Objects of Inner Wheel are: 1) To promote true friendship 2) To encourage the ideals of personal service 3) To foster international understanding The Inner Wheel Club of Wollaton Park is nearing its Silver Jubilee as it was formed during the year of our second president, Keith Gadsden. His wife Barbara invited all of the wives of the Rotarian’s to a meeting at their home and a good number of them agreed to the forming of the new club. For many years they met every month at the Ilkeston Regency Rooms but more recently they have used a number of other venues. Over the past 25 years the members of Inner Wheel have been an integral part of our fundraising efforts and social events and we are extremely grateful for their constant support. 14

Falklands War hero, Simon Wes- Sir David Attenborough visits the ton, receives a Paul Harris Fel- classroom at the Attenborough Nature Reserve Visitor centre The First Lady Mem- bers of Wollaton Park Marie Jenkins (top right) first lady member, with Exchange student from Mexico, Ambassadorial Scholar from Port- Gina Bustamantes, receives the land Oregon, Kevia Jeffrey West with her husband James at Atten- 25 years service. Some of the Past President Gerry Thomas Rotarians and partners visit Founder Members pose behind with a bevy of Brazilian beau- the District Conference at RIBI President Peter Offer, Pres- ties. As part of an international ident John Tordoff and District organisation The Rotary Club of Wollaton Park welcomes 15

Wollaton Park is no exception when it comes to Rotary combining service with a smile. Weekly meetings form the fundamental part of Rotary and most weeks will include a speaker to inform and amuse the members. Meetings are usually punctuated with sarcasm and wit but this is always taken in good humour. The social side of the Rotary Club of Wollaton Park offers many opportunities to have fun. Golf, wine tasting, walking, garden parties and functions are some of the many activities that appear on the calendar but the emphasis is always on enjoyment. Some of the events will combine fundraising with fellowship and so family and friends will often swell the numbers. There are 52 Rotary clubs making up District 1220 which covers Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and portions of adjoining counties. This provides opportunities for members to socialise on a broader scale and offers added strength to the service effort of clubs. There are occasions when clubs will work together on a project and with fun and laughter the job soon gets done. 16

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A Silver Jubilee Year of Fundraising During our Silver Jubilee year a total of £15,540.00 was raised and donated to worthy causes in the Wollaton area and to projects overseas. As an organisation of volunteers Rotary International is proud to be able to say that every penny collected goes directly to the people that need it. 1 Children’s Cardiac Unit at QMC, purchase of 2 screening devices and 1 ECG £3,000 monitor. £3,000 £2,750 2 Macmillan Nursing Care, proceeds from Charity Golf Competition. £1,250 3 A village medical centre has been built in Nepal, equipment provided and staff trained. 4 Chandigarh, India, Eye Camp project. Providing essential eye treatment in rural areas. 5 Three Course Lunch and cruise on River Trent for 40 pensioners. Cost £730 6 Visit to Pantomime for 60 disadvantaged children from Broxtowe and Aspley. Cost £650 7 St Leonard’s Community Centre (purchase of an electronic piano keyboard) £650 8 Inner Wheel Club of Wollaton Park Charities £600 (assistance given with Christmas Sleigh). 9 Assistance to Local Guides and Scouts attending World Centenary £500 Jamboree Camps. 10 Water Bore Hole Project, India (this donation will dig and build 4 wells, each £500 serving approximately 250 families). 11 Funding a week’s holiday for a family from Aspley through the ‘Away From It £400 All’ scheme 12 Outward Bound Trust, paid for a one week course for a young person from £260 Broxtowe. 13 44 youngsters from 4 inner city schools treated to a day of adventurous £250 activities at ‘Conkers’ as part of Rotary International ‘Kids Out’ project 14 Prospective Olympic breast stroke swimmer, assistance with expenses £250 (in conjunction with ‘Sports-Aid’, making a total of £500 donated). £200 £200 15 Harrow Road Childminders Group, purchase of equipment £150 16 Notts Emergency Scouts Support Team (use of Land Rover for Christmas Sleigh). 17 124th Nottingham Scout Group (use of trailer for Christmas Sleigh). 18 Pupil from Bluecoat School participating in a health related project in £100 Namibia. £50 19 Kinder appeal 20 Wheelchair appeal £50 18

A Silver Jubilee Year of Community Events The year began manning a watering station on Wollaton Vale for the Robin Hood Marathon during which thousands of runners were provided with water. Our second Art Exhibition, held in the new Wollaton Community Centre, displayed well over 100 paintings and attracted a huge attendance. It raised £860 towards our charity account. Our sister club, Inner Wheel, also supported the event, by providing refreshments, and themselves raised £200. For our Annual Christmas Concert, held at St Leonard’s Church, over 200 local people were once again entertained by young musicians from the Wollaton area. Bestwood Male Voice Choir also entertained us with a variety of popular songs and led the community singing. This event raised £650. During the Christmas period Santa’s Sleigh visited popular locations around Wollaton, Broxtowe and Aspley, bringing Christmas cheer to all. A record sum of over £6,000 was raised. Also 60 disadvantaged children from Broxtowe and Aspley benefited from our annual visit to the Pantomime at the Playhouse Theatre. Our 8th Young Musician’s Concert was held in the new Recital Hall of Nottingham Bluecoat School. This year attracted a record entry from eight schools and involved over 200 pupils. The whole event was a huge success and was a credit, not just to our club, but to Rotary in general. In May we held our annual Health Awareness Day at the Wollaton Co-op Store. Many local people benefited from the blood pressure tests as a number were referred to their doctor for further investigation. 40 pensioners were treated to a three course luncheon cruise on the River Trent during our annual outing for elderly members of the community. For many this is their only opportunity during the year to get out. At the other end of the scale, 44 youngsters from 4 inner city schools were treated to a day of adventurous activities at the Conkers National Forest Discovery Centre, in Leicestershire, as part of Rotary International ‘Kids Out’ project. A suitable family will be treated to a week’s holiday on the East Coast, together with a food hamper and all traveling expenses. This is being arranged by the Southwell Diocese Mother’s Union who check families for suitability and make all the arrangements. The years’ events culminated with a Charity Golf Competition at Wollaton Park Golf Club. The event was sold out with 48 teams entering the competition. We are confident that this will raise in excess of £3,000, which is pledged to Macmillan Nursing Care. 19

To find out more about Rotary International or the Rotary Club of Wollaton Park in particular visit our website at www.rotary1220.org or call 0871 2182005