Editor's letter
and finally... with Managing Editor Dave King editor@rotarygbi.org
When in Rome…
W
HAT’S the weariest phrase in the English language? There are a few, but let me offer: “That’s always the way we’ve done it, so why change?” I loathe Luddites; those stick in the muds who remain rooted to their beach towels even when the tide is rolling in. The excellent article by Great Britain and Ireland president Denis Spiller in the August issue of Rotary, when he unveiled his 2020 vision and let rip with some harsh truths about mistakes of the past, has caused a fair few ripples judging by the letters page (see pages 10 & 11). Equally, those beach towels have begun twitching with the decision to offer hard copies of Rotary on a subscription basis from next February, while still making the magazine available online. But the bottom line is this: would you rather continue subsidising the magazine to the tune of £75,000 a year because of crippling distribution costs, or pay an annual fiver to have it posted to you – with an option to view it for free on your laptop, tablet or smartphone? It’s a no-brainer, in my opinion. One Victor Meldrew wrote in describing the charge as ‘extortion’ and ‘discriminatory’, stating: “You call your methods progress, I call it illogical, ignoring the forgotten non-
tech minority – unless they pay for the privilege.” He added: “The public relations geeks can’t really man-up to the situation because they don’t acknowledge the diversity of their long-serving and ageing Rotarians within the membership. “However, we still participate and pay our dues in your new ageist regime.” Ageist? Absolutely not. Because Denis Spiller is spot on. We have to be imaginative and innovative in the way we do Rotary, attracting a younger and more diverse membership to ensure sustainability. Otherwise, Rotary will soon become a bunch of Chelsea Pensioners wielding collection buckets. Yes, what is happening within our movement can be described as progress. But far from being illogical, the moves to a subscription magazine model, and radically looking at the structure of club Rotary, are brave, sensible and informed approaches which will ensure the viability and future financial health of Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland. And you know what, I bet many of our veteran Rotarians are not as digitallynaïve as we might think. That’s the irony of technophobe Victor's withering rant – he submitted his dirge by email. Go figure! l
HERE’S an interesting bit of trivia. Did you know that Pope Francis is an Honorary Member of the Rotary Club of Buenos Aires? He accepted the honour back in 1999 when he was Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires. It might help explain this interesting photograph captured by Roger Hart from Sheffield Vulcan Rotary Club. He was on holiday in Rome visiting the Pope’s summer villa, when he spotted the Rotary bell on an office desk. History shows that back in 1951, a Vatican decree banned members of the clergy from belonging to Rotary. Ironically, it’s a decree which has never been officially lifted. However, times have clearly changed since, in April 2016, 9,000 Rotarians from 80 countries gathered in St Peter’s Square to celebrate a message of compassion, inclusiveness and service to humanity from the Pope. l
Editorial material and opinion expressed in Rotary do not necessarily reflect the views of Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland or the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure that the magazine’s content is accurate. Information is published in good faith, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience arising from error or omission. The editor welcomes contributions of articles, news items, photographs and letters, but is under no obligation to publish unsolicited material. The editor reserves the right to edit for clarity or length. Contributors must ensure that all material submitted is not in breach of copyright or that they have obtained any necessary permission, in writing, for its reproduction. While every care will be taken with material submitted to Rotary magazine, no responsibility can be accepted for loss or damage. Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland believes in the highest standards journalistic integrity. Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland and the publisher do not accept responsibility for advertising and insert content. Advertisements are accepted at face value and no liability can be accepted for the actions of advertisers.
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