Vigornia Voice by Rotary Club of Worcester Vigornia

Vigornia Voice Summer 2011 Edition 8

The Breakfast Club Newsletter of Worcester Vigornia

Rotary Club – District 1100 – RIBI

Mandie, Judy and Linda during ‘New York, New York!’

Happy Birthday Vigornia! What a great time we all had at our third ‘birthday party’ at Worcestershire County Cricket Club – our Charter Anniversary saw nearly 70 Rotarians, friends and families enjoying the celebrations with Worcester Vigornia. District Governor Martin Greaves spoke of Vigornia as ‘the new face of Rotary’ and stressed the importance of making the most of every day; he teased President Polly mercilessly but she took it in really good spirit. Great to see so many Rotarians from other clubs in the District joining us for this Charter celebration. Secretary Denise explained why Vigornia has two Charters, one was incorrect, signed by all the founder members, and then replaced by Rotary International. Founder member Lee Gough gave the vote of thanks and the Charter was toasted by Founder President Sue Fitzjohn, then the dancing began. A lovely evening enjoyed by all present. Many, many thanks to Charles Robinson for both organising and compering the event.

Contents Torchbearers ...................................................................................................................... 5 Festival of Rotary at District Conference 2012 .................................................................. 5 Viggie Vole – the tourist ..................................................................................................... 5 Thank you Swindon Thamesdown, Nailsworth, Severn Vale and many others ................. 5 Suggestion Box ................................................................................................................... 5 Vigornia Voices Score in Bristol .......................................................................................... 6 Handover ........................................................................................................................... 6 The New District Governor for our District 1100 ............................................................... 7 Useful online links .............................................................................................................. 7 Toye Kenning – Birmingham .............................................................................................. 7 An Evening to Remember .................................................................................................. 8 A Letter from Anke – our Antwerp Branch ........................................................................ 9 Vigornia Russian Dinner at Spires ...................................................................................... 10 Thank You Worcester Severn ............................................................................................. 10 Young Photographer .......................................................................................................... 11 Young Writer ...................................................................................................................... 11 A Saucy Challenge .............................................................................................................. 12 Lucy Hodgson’s Vocational Talk ......................................................................................... 12 Guest Speakers at Breakfast .............................................................................................. 14 Welcome to our New Members ........................................................................................ 15 Who is Paul Harris? ............................................................................................................ 16 Corporate Membership Pilot ............................................................................................. 16 Proposal ............................................................................................................................. 17 Community ........................................................................................................................ 18 Social .................................................................................................................................. 19 Fund Raising ....................................................................................................................... 20 Who made the bra dress? .................................................................................................. 20 Our Sponsors ...................................................................................................................... 20 Why we forward jokes ....................................................................................................... 21 What did ..? ........................................................................................................................ 22 Rotary Club of Worcester Vigornia Programme ................................................................ 23

ly l Po s … y a s

What an amazing few months these have been! How could it have been done without the help and support of our Council team and club members? Assembly, Vigornia Handover, other Worcester Club Handovers, District Handover, Charter Anniversary, Zone and District meetings – we’ll meet ourselves coming back at this rate! And if I see another piece of chicken I believe I’ll start clucking!

Our Summer Party attracted quite a crowd who enjoyed the best weather for weeks, many thanks to Ian Chambers and his team who did an excellent job organising the event this year. Over £1,350.00 was raised for Rotary Youth Leadership Awards and other Rotary charities, a great achievement and a record amount. Thanks

from Geoff and me to all of you for the beautiful rose bushes ‘Rotary Sunrise’ you gave us for ‘letting us use the garden’, they have pride of place. This publication is chock full of great articles and we’ve identified the contributor in each case (unless it’s the editor); next time, perhaps you’ll send a write up to Chris Saaler. We’ve had a great start to our new Rotary year with an overflowing suggestion box and an informative first ‘Open the Box’ event at the Lounge, join us when you can, it’s a great chance to socialise and to review the suggestions that have been made by club members. We’re trialling these informal meetings between 8-‐ 9am on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at The Lounge. There is a purpose to this trial; membership had such constructive feedback at the new member’s meeting in April that we want to give everyone the opportunity to talk through suggestions that come up. 3

The Bra Chain Fun Day in July saw 22 Vigornians mucking in, spreading bras from the back of vans, linking bras and enjoying the day. C&PR did a grand job with their ‘Find the Wine’ stall and raised £261.00 for the Breast Unit Campaign, well done everyone. The main feature of the event, breaking the world record for the longest bra chain, had to be postponed for logistical reasons; we look forward to the next bid. It’s a huge privilege to be with you at events and to see so many of you attending.

Council meetings take place once a month when club matters are discussed in full. Club members are welcome at Council meetings to listen to the debates, just give me notice of intention to attend and any questions you wish to ask. If you can’t make it to a Council meeting, ask your Committee Chair or the club member representatives Judy Owen and Steve Hunt to take your queries and bring you the response.

to do something ‘off the cuff’ from time to time!

The Chairs have also provided a calendar of their planned meetings so that everyone can set time aside to attend, it’s published on our website: www.worcester-‐vigornia.org.uk find the calendars by clicking the committee name in the left column. You’ll be keen to keep up with what’s happening, so you can also find us on Facebook click on this link: FB_Vigornia

else. The only rider to that is that the club must not be committed to any expenditure before discussion with our Treasurer. Simples!

We continue to find time to respond to current affairs – some of our finest work has been done in rapid response to world disasters such as the Tsunami in Japan, and Haiti, often alongside other Worcester clubs, like the Horn of Africa appeal at the end of July when Worcester Severn joined us and between us we collected donations totalling over £535.00 – a big thank you to Tony Blake of St Peters Garden Centre and centre manager Ian Griffiths for their support.

Isn’t our new fortnightly bulletin, sotto voce or ‘little voice’ great? It follows club breakfast meetings and supplements Vigornia Voice; it’s the brainchild of new Communications and Public Relations (C&PR) Chair, Sue Fitzjohn. Communication helps our wheels to keep turning.

New members are being encouraged to go to different Committee meetings in their first three months so that they can make an informed decision about the Committee with which they would like to work – we like a flexible approach. Ideas for events have been floated; you, through your Committees, and through cross-‐committee arrangements, will continue to turn ideas into a reality that will make a difference to many, many people. Plans have been made, yet there is always room for spontaneity, what a joy it is

Vaughan Williams (Worcester Severn) with Vigornians Catherine and Max Steele collecting for the Horn of Africa

If, or when, an event idea smacks you in the eye, let me know, all you have to do is work out how you’ll do it, who will help you, and make sure it doesn’t clash with anything 4

We have continued the three-‐ year plan, which forms Vigornia strategy, this may be viewed in the ‘Members Only’ pages of our website www.worcester-‐ vigornia.org.uk and club members’ feedback will be welcome. There’s an opportunity for non-‐Rotarians to add comments to our

website too, if you’re a non-‐ Rotarian, we’d love to hear from you. ‘Til next time – Polly

Torchbearers

and we want helpers to make it a great success". If you have the time and ability and would like to help David please get in touch by email: jdwells@sky.com

Vigornians nominated three members to be put forward to the Olympic Committee as potential torchbearers when the Olympic Flame comes to Worcester. Ian, Lance and Bryan’s names and details were forwarded by the deadline – we now have a lengthy wait before we hear who is selected – there’s bound to be competition, but our Vigornians are unique – they’re the best!

Festival of Rotary at District Conference 2012 David Wells of Bristol Breakfast requires help with "The Festival of Rotary", the Sunday event at District Conference in Bristol 2012. From feedback received it promises to be a truly momentous event and you can take part in it by being a member of David's Team to achieve that success. David says, "I cannot do all of this single-‐handed and any Rotarian who can help in whatever way would be most welcome. The Festival will be a very big event

Viggie Vole – the tourist Viggie Vole has been enjoying holidays hither and thither this time, so no article from our erstwhile junior reporter (he was in trouble with Ed!) The photo above shows Viggie at the opera in Italy aided and accompanied by Barbara Chapman. There are seven faded images of Viggie in this publication, that look like the one to the right (but faded). The first person to find all seven Viggies, and let the Ed know, could win a prize. Send your answers to vigreply@gmail.com

Thank you Swindon Thamesdown, Nailsworth, Severn Vale and many others A note of thanks to Paul Parfrey and Swindon Thamesdown Rotarians and the Swindon Breakthrough Breast Cancer team for the many, many bras they've donated for the Bra Chain world record event. RC of Nailsworth and RC of Severn Vale have also been major contributors, our thanks to you and to all Rotarians who have been busy gathering bras for the amazing bra chain bid.

Suggestion Box The suggestion box is present at breakfast for you to make suggestions! We’re trialling ‘Open the Box’ 08:00-‐09:00 on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at The

Lounge @ Hodsons, all welcome. Send your news to: vigornianews@gmail.com To contact the editor: vvedit1@gmail.com To read all the news: www.worcester-‐vigornia.org.uk or enter ‘Rotary Club of Worcester Vigornia’ into Facebook to find our Vigornia Facebook page.

Vigornia Voices Score in Bristol

gallant volunteers arrived from faraway Worcester. The chosen charity was “Alive” www.aliveactivities.org and a keen volunteer explained the work of the charity. In brief, volunteers visit care homes to engage with residents in meaningful activity. For example iPads are explained to residents to give them a life beyond their usual activity, which is often groups of older people sitting in front of a communal TV for hours on end.

By Celia Adams “Name the British winners of Formula One World Championships” and Barbara did, all 10 of them. That was worth 10 points. The Vigornia Voices played their joker on the Sports round (due to a misunderstanding). This was how it came to be that Vigornia Voices came runners up in the Quiz organised by RC of Bristol Sundown at Clifton College Preparatory School in Bristol.

Twelve tables of six had congregated in the ancient surroundings of the school on a sunny early June evening. Six

The volunteer also told of a recent success where a gentleman who had not spoken for over a year broke forth singing a verse from Jerusalem, an experience described by the volunteer as “awesome” and so encouraging for the work of “Alive”.The quiz was very well organised despite an over chatty quiz master who took sympathy for the Ladies only group from Worcester (more men next time please!) In answer to the question “what was the oldest international cricket match?” the Quiz Master did give a clue of America versus Canada although this seemed too 6

impossible to imagine. However it was confirmed that the match took place in 1844 in Manhatten, New York. Another point down! Or what was Abba’s last hit? Maggie desperately recounted Mama Mia’s songs but Super Trouper eluded the team. At half time ‘‘Vigornia Voices’’ did look a bit sad, sitting in the bottom 3 but fortunes were to change in the second half with Barbara’s spectacular performance in the Sports Round. So it was Vigornia Voices were runners up. Pitch your knowledge? Can you name the 10 British winners of Formula One World Championships? If not ask Barbara.

Handover

Celia organised a super night for Handover at Sixways where many guests joined us to see the chain of office handed to Polly Robinson, Vigornia President for 2011-‐2012

The 2011-‐2012 Team

The New District Governor for our District 1100

Toye Kenning – Birmingham

District 1100 District Governor Martin Greaves and wife Ann

by Barbara Chapman

Useful online links Vigornia Website: www.worcester-‐vigornia.org.uk District 1100 Website: Rotary-‐ District-‐1100 Vigornia Facebook: FB_Vigornia District 1100 Facebook: FB_District1100home

Eight Vigornians: President Celia, Celia A, Denise, Elizabeth, Lucy, Polly, Penny W and I recently ventured forth to the Toye Kenning factory, which is in the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter. This visit was as a result of a conversation that President Celia had with a representative from the company regarding the lack of jewellery / badges available for female Rotarians, when she was at the RIBI Conference in Dublin. An invitation was received for interested members to visit the factory to discuss the proposed design of an updated range of jewellery and badges for a changing market. None of us had gone on the visit expecting much more than a quick coffee and a look at the proposed jewellery range. We were pleasantly surprised on our arrival to be warmly greeted by Nick Ellwood the 7

Business Development Director, himself a member of the Rotary Club of Severn Vale, and Christine Cushing, who was to be our tour guide for the morning, to be told that a tour of the factory had been arranged for us before we met the jewellery designer. And what an eye-‐opener the tour was! Think Toye Kenning, think Rotary regalia and regalia in general, yes, but that is the tip of the iceberg. Nick explained that we probably see something made by Toye Kenning every day of our lives. From ribbons on policemen’s helmets to buttons on blazers, from RHS Chelsea Flower Show medals to cufflinks and lots more besides. We started the tour in the storeroom for the dies, which are the base for casting all the medals and regalia ever made by the company, yards upon yards, and rows upon rows of them.

Lucy was the cleverest ably deciphering a lot of the inscriptions – some going back before the First World War, but

as the company was founded in 1685 this is not surprising! We were then taken around the various workshops and departments and were told that the majority of the workforce had been with the company for many years and were of a “mature” age! We did however get to meet the company’s “star” 23 year old

Khush Sidhu who had just been taken on as an apprentice Die Caster the first for many years, and who had, because of this appeared on Central TV news. What was very apparent as we went around was not only the skill and craftsmanship of the workforce but their happiness too. To see ladies literally dripping minuscule amounts of enamel onto buttons to create designs and also those forming the regalia with the tip of a pen nib, to a man making exceedingly complex Rotary regalia for a Nigerian Club, all had us in awe. It was daunting to learn that sometimes this

hard work comes to nothing, as when at the final firing, the enamelled item collapses and they have to start again from scratch!

Having completed the tour, we were revived with coffee and biscuits and then were introduced to Louisa Taylor the company’s jewellery designer. She showed us what was currently available along with proposed modifications to this range and possible “concept” designs for the future. Much discussion took place as to peoples preferences and both Nick and Louisa made notes of our suggestions, comments and even our ideas regarding the collection. What was abundantly clear, among even our small group, is that beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder, because as what some people liked others hated! Our two hour visit over we headed back to Worcester and await news of the designs we discussed and hope that some at least will be available in the not too distant future. 8

An Evening to Remember By Judy Owen A wonderful invitation came from my father, Rotarian Roy Lockyer, to attend Malvern Rotary President’s Night. It was going to be a family affair. My mother was also invited as a guest and my brother was providing the entertainment. I saw this as particularly special as my father had just celebrated his 90th birthday. An evening out as a family is a very rare occasion. Unfortunately my mother was too ill to attend but father and I had a wonderful dinner with his fellow Rotarians and their wives. My brother then entertained us with his music. As he is rarely home it was a very special treat for us. Thank you Malvern Rotary Club!

Visitors from Malawi

A Letter from Anke – our Antwerp Branch

Dear Vigornians Update from the Antwerp branch of Worcester Vigornia:

Celia with Noah Banda and Lawrence Benedictu

Two visitors from Malawi, Noah Banda and Lawrence Benedictu, were guests at a Rotary Club of Worcester Vigornia breakfast meeting.

After intensive testing and research I can now confirm the necessity to visit the exciting city of Antwerp. You should take the opportunity to join Ian and Ali for a weekend of sightseeing and sampling Belgian specialities on 29-‐ 30.10.11. I attach some reasons to convince you:

Noah said how much they appreciated the work Vigornia has done over the past year to raise funds for the Malawi Motorbike Ambulance project.

Belgium Specialities

I hope that many of you will be able to come and I am looking forward to showing you around my new home town!

Funds have been raised through a What's My Line evening and by other Rotary clubs in Worcester joining in.

Vital medical attention can be given faster to expectant mothers in Malawi, who will be able to use the motorbike ambulance instead of walking to the clinic. This may not sound like much, but it is when the clinic can be hundreds of miles away.

View over River Schelde

Looking forward to seeing you and all the best

Stop press! Our motorbike ambulance is en route to Malawi – photos soon

Five months have passed since I moved and as you can imagine they were packed with new experiences and challenges. I have settled in well and do feel at home again and really enjoy this city and the way of life in Belgium.

Anke

Cathedral

Vigornia Russian Dinner at Spires

Thank You Worcester Severn

District Handover at Fretherne

By Lucy Hodgson We celebrated the Birthday of Tsar Nicholas II with a Russian evening. The event was held on Wednesday 18th May – numbers were down on previous years as it was same night of the rugby finals. The Russian specialist speaker was Andrew Jameson who set a most challenging quiz; everyone was fascinated by the answers. The Worcester College of Technology catering students expertly cooked a delicious six course Russian themed meal and the service was excellent. It was a slight disappointment with all the other things happening on the night it meant that we did not get hear all of Andrew Jameson’s speech. The one thing we did learn was that it was the action of Tsar Nicholas that led to the foundation of the League of Nations. We will be looking forward to seeing Andrew again to hear more about Tsar Nicholas. The evening ended with the drawing of a Russian themed raffle.

Jacob Waum – an amazing musician

Richard Brown, President Allan Scrafton, and Chris Croft of Worcester Severn

A great big thank you to Worcester Severn who joined us at St Peters Garden Centre for the Horn of Africa Appeal. Our most grateful thanks go to Tony Blake, owner of the garden centre, and his manager Ian Griffiths who made sure all went well on the day. All Rotarians were thrilled with the £535+ that the generous gardeners dug into their pockets to provide. The funds have been sent to the Disaster Emergency Committee. Jonathan Sington, Garden Centre Manager Ian Griffiths, and Brenda Sington 10

A lovely summer day, seating in the shade, the Tommy Charles Tetraphonic playing jazz, it doesn't get much better than that! Wonderful company, lots of chat, plenty of good food and drink, then the most beautiful interlude with a young man called Jacob Waum, wind instrumentalist, with his father accompanying him on the guitar – this young man can make a recorder sing like a bird – and the version of the Theme from Braveheart that he played was breathtaking. Then on to the business of the day, handover. Chris handed over to Martin, Martin to David, David to Jan and so it went on, it was brief, yet moving. Speeches too were brief and heartfelt. Best wishes to all the new incumbents for this Rotary year.

Young Photographer Calling all young snappers! Prepare to point, shoot and enter the national RIBI Young Photographer competition. There are fabulous prizes, including prestigious trophies and cash prizes. RIBI celebrates the photographic skills of thousands of young people with a sequence of competitions that give them the chance to demonstrate and display just what they can produce. We at The Rotary Club of Worcester Vigornia wish to promote the art of photography and give local young people the opportunity to enter the RIBI Young Photographer competition.

Starting with club level competitions, winners progress to district events and, ultimately, a national final, which is judged in March each year, with the winning work

subsequently published in Rotary magazines. This competition is open to young people aged between 7-‐ 17 on the 31st August of the year prior to the competition. We have invited schools and colleges to encourage students to enter and offered to visit to give talks about RIBI Young Photographer.

and cash prizes. Creative writing is a talent to be developed, and to be able to write poetry is a special gift. There are many young people who have this talent and we at The Rotary Club of Worcester Vigornia wish to promote writing through the RIBI Young Writer competition.

Competition Rules, Entry Forms for 2012 and Posters for your School, College or Youth Group, are available from vigyoungtog@gmail.com or contact us by using the contact form on our website: www.worcester-‐vigornia.org.uk

Starting with club level competitions, winners progress to district events and, ultimately, a national final, which is judged in May each year, with the winning work subsequently published in Rotary magazines.

This competition is open to young people aged between 7-‐ 17 on the 31st August of the year prior to the competition.

Young Writer

We have invited schools and colleges to encourage students to enter and offered to visit to give talks about RIBI Young Writer during our Vigornia Young Writer week: 17-‐21 October 2011.

Calling all young writers! Have your keyboard or pen at the ready for the national RIBI Young Writer competition. There are fabulous prizes, including prestigious trophies 11

Competition Rules, Entry Forms for 2012 and Posters for your School, College or Youth Group, are available as per for Young Photographer from vigwriter@gmail.com or by completing the contact form on our website: www.worcester-‐ vigornia.org.uk

If you would like to be involved in either of these projects please contact Polly (writer) or Mike Henley (photographer)

A Saucy Challenge By Elizabeth Hunt

contents of the bottles and then filling them up with all your loose change – preferably washing the bottles out first please! All of the proceeds will go to the "End Polio Now" campaign. The bottles will be available at our breakfast meeting on September 14th, when we will be asking for a £1 donation for each bottle. We would like full bottles returned by Christmas please.

The Rotary year 2011/12 will be the final year when we are asked to meet Rotary's US$200 Million Challenge, which we aim to complete by 30 June 2012. The Rotary Tomato Sauce (End Polio Now) initiative was conceived as a way for Rotarians and clubs to raise funds to help meet the challenge. This link will tell you more about this initiative: Rotary-‐has-‐the-‐bottle-‐to-‐help-‐ end-‐polio-‐now Lurking in the depths of Polly's garage is a supply of Tomato Sauce bottles, which have kindly been donated by Tiptree, the manufacturer. The Foundation Committee would like your help in eating the

As an extra challenge, we also plan to put together a recipe book of all your favourite recipes that contain tomato sauce. Into what weird and wonderful recipes do you sneak a dollop of the red stuff? We want to know your innermost culinary secrets so that we can share them. It is our intention to exchange a copy of the recipe book when you return your bottle full of change. It will also be available for you to purchase, should you want extra copies, maybe for that extra little present for Christmas? I will be coordinating the "Saucy" Recipe book, so please let me have your entry as soon as possible. Don't "bottle" up your secret recipe; share it with the rest of us. I would like to have all entries by 31st August. 12

Stop press! Two recipes received already! C’mon all you cooks, get your recipes to Elizabeth!

Lucy Hodgson’s Vocational Talk

Lucy Hodgson has a giggle with guests

Most Vigornians know Lucy as a past mayor of Worcester; she was in that role when many of us met her at the Celebration Charter Dinner for the Worcester Vigornia Rotary Club at the Guildhall in September 2008. As mayor, Lucy was an honorary member of Worcester Rotary Club whilst in office but Lucy says ‘I have to thank Sue for coming to Tea in the parlour and inviting us to join this club.’ Lucy says that being Mayor of Worcester was the best thing she has ever done and she had the time of her life. For her vocational talk, Lucy brought along three things, her wooden plaque, her past mayor badge and Stephen’s consort badge. These were passed

around to the interest of all present. Lucy is a trained Caterer and worked in the Contract Catering sector for over 33 years, she worked at the BBC at Wood Norton and at Pebble Mill. When she left Wood Norton in 1992 she decided to get involved with the General Election offered to help on Election Day, which was when she met Stephen for the first time.

While at Pebble Mill Lucy became an officer of the local Conservative Party and helped other people get elected onto the City and County Council as well as fundraising for the party. In 2002 she became the Assistant Catering Manager at the University of Worcester. Lucy put herself forward to be a City Councillor. She was elected in 2003 representing the old Warndon and Warndon Village seat winning it by 13 votes after 3 recounts. In 2004 after a boundary review there were all out elections for the whole council and Lucy was elected to represent Warndon Villages

South as she has been again this year. Stephen is also an elected Councillor. Until 2010 Lucy and Stephen were the only married couple on the council. Lucy’s interest in Member Development saw her as the Member Development Champion for a number of years. She has worked closely with Celia Gardner ensuring that Councillors develop into the role and have a better understanding of the job. She has chaired the Policy Development Committee as well as sitting on the main scrutiny committee and also on Licensing. In 2007, Lucy took the opportunity to become Deputy Mayor of the City. It was apparent that she could not work and be Mayor. Once, when working at the Uni she prepared cakes, scones, tea and coffee, set the room up and then had to go and get changed and be greeted as the Deputy Mayor for the event! Three months before the 13

catering contract with the Uni was reviewed Lucy handed in her notice in and left the Friday before the vote on the Mayoralty. As we know, she was duly elected. It was a very special year and Lucy says ‘I could not have done it without the support of Stephen who always managed to keep me on the straight and narrow’. Lucy’s Mayoralty ended on May 13th 2009 and she needed a job. She didn’t want to go back into Catering. She tried for a County Council Seat and was selected for the Nunnery seat in Worcester; in June she won the seat. On the City Council Lucy was promoted to the Cabinet and is now responsible for Customer Care and Citizen Engagement, a portfolio that has been just renamed as Customer Care and Communication. She’s responsible for a number of back office services including HR including member development, legal Democratic including the Guildhall, ICT and the running of the Hub as a shared service with ourselves Malvern and the County Council. She is chairman for the management board for this service and is the only female in our group on the council. As a County Councillor Lucy sits on two overview scrutiny

committees, Children and Young People panel and the Environmental and Economic panel. She also sits on the Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority and is the chairman of the executive of the Young Fire Fighters.

As a governor of Worcester Technical College, Lucy says ‘It is not until you become close to organisation that you understand the hard work involved to ensure that it is run smoothly and is open to all’. The education sector is going through some difficult times at the moment, things will get better but cuts have to be made. Lucy is also a governor of two primary schools, Lyppard Grange School and Perrywood School in Ronkswood.

Guest Speakers at Breakfast

employed, a new kitchen installed and a training scheme developed with the residents; in recent weeks a trainee has been given a full time job at Browns Restaurant.

Guest speaker Peter John, the new editor of Worcester News, gave an interesting talk about the press, the challenges faced and the way forward.

Lucy is a patron of the Worcestershire Breast Cancer Unit Campaign and she is the chairman of the local Conservative Association. Lucy says ‘Life can be quite interesting being a councillor and being married to one. It certainly is not 9-‐5; I could not have done with out Stephen’s support and patience. As you can see I am a busy person but I would not change it for anything. Today I have 8 other meeting to go to!!!’

As mayor, one of Lucy’s charities was St Paul’s Hostel. As a result of her fundraising she was made the Charities Honouree Vice Chairman. The monies raised during her year helped fund developing skills in the Kitchen at The Hostel. As a result, a chef has been 14

Celia with Peregrine Falcon Expert Chris Dobbs

Chris Dobbs, Heritage & Design Leader of Worcester City Council talked to us about the peregrine falcons that have nested in St Andrews spire for some years. The peregrine falcons are camera shy this year so are not nesting, perhaps they heard about the 8 cameras installed to record them. Chris showed a marvellous video from 2009 about ringing this fastest creature in the world, peregrines are even faster than cheetahs and told of the mortality rate often caused by

gull attacks. He said that The British Trust of Ornithologists are experts who ring the birds, and our council is in partnership with RSPB who have a stand in CrownGate this year. Chris said that the nearest nest this year is in Malvern. Overall, the peregrine falcon population is increasing due in part to environmental improvements eg fewer pesticides. No wonder Celia refers to Chris as 'the peregrine falcon expert'.

Celia with Rtn Heinz Eberhard & Alma Ziziliauskiene

Two visitors from overseas, Rtn Heinz Eberhard from Zurich-‐ Glattal RC and Alma Ziziliauskiené from Vilnius, Lithuania, shown in the above photo, joined us for breakfast, both are studying English at a local language school and are enjoying the buzz at Vigornia breakfast meetings.

St Paul's Hostel – 'The Big Sleep Out' By Catherine Steele

You think the homeless are all drunks and drug addicts? THINK AGAIN!! I joined Canon Dr Alvyn Pettersen from the Cathedral and others to sleep out on the Green at Worcester Cathedral in June. This annual event highlights the excellent work being done by staff and volunteers at St Paul's Hostel, Worcester who work tirelessly helping the young, ex-‐forces and those who through redundancy or divorce have lost their homes. I thank all those Worcester Vigornia Rotarians who generously sponsored me – St Paul's will receive over £150. A BIG THANK YOU!!! Next year, why not join me and my friends on the Green and have a 'sleep-‐ out' instead of a 'sleep-‐over' – it's FUN!!! Ed’s note: what a great way to do community service 15

Welcome to our New Members

Maggie Shuter is welcomed as a new member by Celia while sponsor Karen Tomalin looks on

New Rotarians Elizabeth Hunt and Maggie Shuter with their sponsors Karen Tomalin and Lucy Hodgson

afternoons I was desperately lonely’.

New Rotarian Steven Thrush receives his Rotary pin from sponsor Polly Robinson

Paul came up with the idea of forming a club where men from different and non-‐ competing professions could meet to form friendships and make business connections. Initially known as the ‘Booster Club’ they soon adopted the name Rotary simply because they met in each other’s offices in rotation.

Marie Borthwick reads the Object of Rotary at her induction

Who is Paul Harris? By Denise Mylechreest On February 23rd 1905, young lawyer, a printer and a real estate agent met in a Chicago office. The lawyer was Paul Harris who wrote later, ‘Sundays and holidays were days of sorrow. I could go to downtown churches Sunday mornings but during the long Sunday

A simple wagon wheel with 13 spokes, designed by an engraver member, was adopted as the Club’s original emblem. By 1907 the Club had 87 members and had initiated its first community project. This was to provide the first two Public Comfort Stations, one for men and one for women, outside Chicago’s City Hall. The idea spread quickly. In 1908 Rotary clubs were formed in other major cities in the United States including San Francisco, Oakland, Seattle, Los Angeles, New York and Boston. The first Rotary club to be formed in Great Britain was in Dublin in 1911. Belfast, London and Manchester followed later in the same year Today, at the HQ of Rotary International in Evanston just 16

outside Chicago, there is a replica of Paul Harris’s lawyer’s study. Paul Harris Fellowships, respected worldwide, were created to commemorate the work of the founder of Rotary International. Traditionally, the President of the Rotary Club awards these fellowships to those who have made significant contributions to Rotary.

Corporate Membership Pilot The Corporate Membership Pilot will allow a corporation or organisation in Worcester to become a member of the Rotary Club of Worcester Vigornia through an established membership approval process, and appoint up to four individuals to attend meetings, serve on projects, vote on club matters, serve as club officers, on club committees, and so on in accordance with Rotary policy.

Purpose Feedback from numerous Rotary surveys and focus groups has repeatedly shown that prospective members and current younger Rotarians require flexibility in their Rotary club membership. This pilot is structured to research alternatives and options for

Rotary membership and the resulting impact on membership trends and the club’s overall effectiveness.

Premise A corporate membership category will increase the club’s ability to attract and retain a qualified and diverse professional base within the community. It allows for flexibility and recognises the tremendous mobility that is the norm within the current corporate environment.

Timeline 1 July 2011 – 30 June 2014

Demonstrated Results and Measures To evaluate this pilot, participating clubs will be asked to publish results in the following areas: Increase in • Club membership recruitment and retention • Support to The Rotary Foundation (programme participation and fundraising) • Successful service projects (community and international) Improvement in • Leadership and engagement opportunities for

members • Participation in club activities • Gender balance in the clubs’ membership • Overall diversity within the club’s membership To evaluate the effectiveness of this pilot programme, clubs are expected to provide the following data to RI May-‐June 2012 / May-‐June 2013 / May-‐ June 2014: • Number of corporate members that have expressed interest and have been accepted into the club • Amount of designee turnover

Proposal This proposal on progressing the corporate member pilot scheme follows a meeting between members of both Administration and Membership committees 18 July 2011. Attendees: Sue Fitzjohn, Celia Gardner, Lee Gough, Gurdip Kaur-‐Brring, Kathy Leather, Polly Robinson, Guy Sinclair-‐ Marson. In March 2011, the Rotary Club of Worcester Vigornia voted by majority to apply for and if successful take part in the Corporate Membership Pilot Programme. The application 17

was made and the club selected for the Programme.

Aim To implement a Corporate Membership Pilot Programme

Objectives •

•

To recruit four Corporate organisations by March 2012 To promote Corporate Membership to the target audience by end August 2011 To induct up to sixteen individual Corporate Members, no more than four per organisation, by Rotary Year end June 2012 To assess and evaluate the pilot programme by end June 2012

Area covered The focus will be Worcester City.

Target audience Corporate companies within Worcester City with a comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility policy.

Fee structure Basic fee (RI / RIBI / Club) £120.00 x 4 £480.00 Pilot registration @ £25.00 x 4 £100.00 Breakfast @ £8 x 4 x 24 £768.00 Total £1348.00

Fee: £1400.00 ie £350.00 per member Corporate members will be identified by the organisation’s name on magnetic Rotary badges.

Membership approval process Part of the membership approval process will include reviewing the organisation’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy. Organisations that meet the Rotary four-‐way test and Rotary Objects will be eligible to join. There is an expectation from Worcester Vigornia that corporate members will be released to take an active part in community service projects in support of the objects of Rotary.

be available – fee to be established.

Voting / quorum Initially only four corporate organisations will be accepted, giving, at most, 16 members; we need a third of the club to be in agreement to cast a vote, corporate members would be part of that third. They will have one vote as a corporate organisation.

Converting to membership Should a corporate member wish to become a member of Vigornia in their own right they would convert to the normal fee structure and be inducted as an individual following normal 7-‐day notification and other Rotary requirements; the organisation is free to nominate another designee.

Designees and attendance

Promotion

Up to, no more than, four designees per organisation, one of whom must be a senior executive of the organisation. Designees will be encouraged to attend every event and bring guests along to support Rotary.

Induction

Initial discussions with organisations will lead to the production of information material at a later date if necessary. A PowerPoint has been created and will be followed by promotion materials from C&PR.

Induction will be a simple process, as per regular inductions, in which the organisation is inducted to The Rotary Club of Worcester Vigornia. A dated Rotary plaque for the organisation will

Kathy Leather and Gurdip Kaur-‐ Brring, representing Administration and Membership, will lead this pilot scheme for the first twelve months. They will also be

Lead

responsible for preparing the first year evaluation report. This proposal is presented to the club for consideration prior to submission to RI.

Community Mandie shows a Christmas Parcels bag

The first of the Christmas Parcels meetings will be taking place early in August with the other four Rotary Clubs in Worcester. Our youth community projects kicked off with Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) in July / August and our candidate Ben Heagren will be telling us about his experience at breakfast 26 October. Young Photographer / Young Writer details have been sent out to schools and colleges and we’ll be asking for help in visiting those contacted in the last two weeks of September. If you have contacts at local schools and colleges or are willing to help with these worthwhile competitions that help young people to develop skills for the future, please let

us know. Young Photographer: vigyoungtog@gmail.com or YoungWriter: vigwriter@gmail.com

being organised by Lee Gough. There is likely to be a choice of two walks, and easy one and one for the fitter amongst us, and we’ll regroup at a local hostelry – watch your emails for more information.

7 September, a progressive supper is being arranged by Judy and Charles in order to establish Charlie’s measurements!

2011 RIBI Young Chef winner, Oliver McGeorge, receives the trophy from last year’s winner, Caitlin Grainger

Lucy Hodgson is again organising the Young Chef competition – and this year sees another first as we are planning to enter a young person into the Young Citizen Award – if you know of a young person who has done incredible things this year please let Barbara Chapman know.

Social

25 August, get ready to walk the Malvern Hills, a social

invited to come up with a ‘one minute wonder’ about Tomato Sauce. You’ve seen our Service Project committee’s tremendous idea of a recipe book, but what else can be done to raise money for End Polio Now with Tomato Sauce? Any wild and wacky ideas? Can you tell your idea in a minute? It’s against the clock! All Worcester Clubs are involved – it’s stacking up to be an evening of fun and hilarity!

President Burman meets RYLA. Photograph by Nathan Allen Photography

Rotary International in Britain and Ireland (RIBI) President Ray Burman is visiting Worcester Tuesday 11 October and all five Worcester clubs have joined together to make his visit interesting – he will visit the Breast Unit at Worcester Hospital and then go on a tour of the Cathedral – after a short break, we will enjoy his company during the evening at the Racecourse – a great opportunity to meet the head honcho of RIBI – Vigornia has been asked to talk about the Christmas Parcels project, which all the Worcester clubs are involved in, and you are 19

Special Invitations will go out for a Brunch at the Brook Bank House Hotel Sunday 23 October organised by our Secretary Denise. The invites will go to ‘those who find it difficult to get up in the morning’ and to other breakfast clubs; you are encouraged to make a special invitation to people like you who would enjoy finding out more about what we do. There will be a talk about Canine Partners by Stella Hewett, a woman who is an inspiration to us all and who has the most amazing dog. Gothic Horror Halloween Monday 31 October at Hillcrest – stories around the campfire – with ‘42’ a group of

Worcester Writers. If you have a favourite ghostly / horror story you’d like to read, average length 5-‐7 minutes, feel free to bring it along and join in the readings. Rumour has it that there may be something interesting done with Tomato Sauce! Any donations received will benefit The Worcestershire Breast Unit Campaign – come along and enjoy a campfire supper.

Who made the bra dress?

You saw it at the bra chain fun day event or on the TV / in the press after the event … but who made the stunning bra dress that Matt Fearnley will wear as pantomime dame for Norbury Theatre, Droitwich this year?

Fund Raising

The Inaugural Vigornia Golf Challenge takes place at Bransford Golf Course 20 September followed by an evening event for non-‐golfer Vigornians and friends – a Hot Fork Buffet – at the Brook Bank House Hotel. If you can get together a team of golfers or want to go along to support them in the evening, contact organiser Bryan Vaughan: vigsportsofficer@gmail.com or 07768 817027

None other than one of our newest members Maggie Shuter – great work Maggie – and she also made the giant bra that was on the Vigornia stall on the day!

Our Sponsors

Proud to sponsor The Rotary Club of Worcester Vigornia – helping others locally, nationally and internationally – click on the logos in the next column for more information. 20

Many thanks to all who support the charitable work of Worcester Vigornia.

Expanding the dreaded acronyms!

Rotary International

RIBI

Rotary International in Britain and Ireland

District Governor

DGE

District Governor Elect

DGN

District Governor Nominee

IPP

Immediate Past President

President Elect

President Nominee

RYLA

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

PHF

Paul Harris Fellowship

C&PR

Communications and Public Relations

Why we forward jokes This explains why we forward jokes ... A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead. He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them. After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight. When he was standing before it he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother-‐of-‐pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side. When he was close enough, he called out, "Excuse me, where are we?" "This is Heaven, sir," the man answered. "Wow! Would you happen to have some water?" the man asked. "Of course sir; come right in, and I'll have some iced water brought right up." 21

The man gestured, and the gate began to open. "Can my friend," gesturing toward his dog, "come in, too?" the traveller asked. "I'm sorry; sir, but we don't accept pets." The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog. After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road leading through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence. As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book. "Excuse me!" he called to the man. "Do you have any water?" "Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there, come on in." "How about my friend here?" the traveller gestured to the dog. "Yes no problem, there should be a bowl by the pump."

They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an

old-‐fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it. The traveller filled the water bowl and took a long drink himself, and then he gave some to the dog. When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree. "What do you call this place?" the traveller asked. "This is Heaven," he answered. "Well, that's confusing," the traveller said. "The man down the road said that was Heaven, too." "Oh, you mean the place with the Gold Street and pearly gates? Nope. That's hell." "Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?" "No, we're just happy that they screen out the folks who would leave their best friends behind." So... Sometimes, we wonder why friends keep forwarding jokes to us without writing a word. Maybe this will explain: When you are very busy, but still want to keep in touch, guess what you do? You forward jokes. When you have nothing to say, but still want to keep contact, you forward jokes. When you have something to say, but don't know what, and

don't know how, you forward jokes. Also to let you know that you are still remembered, you are still important, you are still loved, you are still cared for, guess what you get? A forwarded joke. So, next time if you get a joke, don't think that you've been sent just another forwarded joke, but that you've been thought of today and your friend on the other end of your computer wanted to send you a smile. You are all welcome at my water bowl anytime.

What did ..? What did the mother buffalo say to her child as he left for school?... Bison!

What did one wall say to the other? … Meet you at the corner. What did the traffic light say to the car? … Don't look now. I'm changing. What did the fried eggs say to the knives and forks as they waited for the monks to start breakfast? … Out of the frying pan into the friar! What did the window say to the door? … What are you squeaking about? I'm the one with the pane! What did the Spanish farmer say to his chickens? … Olé!

What did one mountain say to the other? ... Meet you in the valley! What did the big chimney say to the little chimney? … You’re too young to smoke! 22

What did the wasp say to the ant? … I must fly now, but I'll give you a buzz later!

Rotary Club of Worcester Vigornia Programme August

Rotary Membership and Extension Month

August 24

Breakfast – business meeting – Rotary slot: District Membership Officer – Sue Fitzjohn

August 31

Fifth Wednesday – Social – Admin

September

New Generations Month

September 5

Council meeting

September 7

Social ‘Get the measure of Charles’ – a progressive supper

September 14

Breakfast – business meeting – Rotary slot: Paula Martin

September 20

Inaugural Vigornia Golf Challenge – Bransford Golf Course – Evening Event: Hot Fork International Buffet at Brook Bank House

September 28

Breakfast – Speaker: Mayor

October

Vocational Service Month

October 3

Council meeting

October 11

Meet RIBI President – Ray Burman – Grandstand, Worcester Racecourse – a dinner with all five Worcester Rotary Clubs

October 12

Breakfast at Myriad Centre

October 12

District Council Meeting / New Members Evening with RIBI President Ray Burman

October 17-‐21

Young Writer week

October 23

Special Invitation Brunch – 11:00 for 11:30 Brook Bank House, Bransford

October 26

Breakfast – Vocational Service month – Speaker: RYLA candidate

October 28-‐30

Vigornia Abroad – Antwerp visit to Anke

October 31

Gothic Horror Halloween – stories around the campfire – Hillcrest 19:00

October

Social: Foundation – TBA

Rotary Club of Worcester Vigornia – Dates for your Diary August 2011 Thursday, August 11 – Worcester Severn RC Dinner Meeting – The Grandstand, Worcester Racecourse Speaker: Sir Anthony Hughes, Lord Justice of Appeal Contact: Richard Brown 01905 840711 r.brown711@btinternet.com by August 8 Wednesday, August 24 – Vigornia Breakfast meeting – business Wednesday, August 31 – A Walk on the Malverns – Supper Contact: Lee Gough

Advance Notice of Autumn Events Friday, September 2 – Worcester Severn RC – Question Time – Hindlip Hall Tuesday, September 20 – Inaugural Vigornia Golf Challenge – Bransford Golf Course – Evening Event: Hot Fork International Buffet at Brook Bank House Friday, October 7 – Worcester RC President’s Night – The Crown and Sandys, Ombersley Tuesday, October 11 – visit of RIBI President to District 1100 Dinner – The Grandstand, Worcester Racecourse 7 for 7.30pm – £16 Sunday, October 23 – Special Invitation Brunch – The Brook Bank House Hotel – Bransford. 11.30am £15 Friday, October 28 – proposed visit to Antwerp – details later Monday, October 31 – Gothic Horror Halloween – Hillcrest – 7pm – Contact: Polly Robinson