Reading Rotary Club News and Events

Youth team update

Jack H — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:53:00 GMT

SHOEBOXES

Shoebox HQ said the warehouse was full until the 16000 were taken out to deliver to Moldova and that happened in March which made it possible to collect the 98 from Tim on April 1st.

The 98 comprised 40 from Amazon staff at Thames Valley Business Park and 58 from staff at The Circle Hospital. Both companies had initiated their involvement themselves but we collected the boxes from them and Tim secured them on a pallet for collecton.

This use of local company staff groups obviously has great potential but like all good ideas needs a volunteer to run with it. With our own 100 box filling project coming up after the Summer holidays, now is a perfect start time.

Anyone interested in learning more ?

103^rd READING SCOUTS – new HQ Kensington Road.

We have introduced the project to Reading Matins for their consideration and they have given 103^rd Leader Bob Spokes a Speaker slot this month - April. Reading Abbey are also looking at it but nothing else to report at the moment.

It is amazing what they have achieved so far with over £150,000 already invested in the build with an estimated £83,000 to go and this ignores what they might get from us in relation to the toilet block.

Around 80 youngsters attend their particular groups each week and another aspect that appeals is the involvement of a number of Dads, and no doubt some Mums, who turn out to get their hands dirty on site.

May the force be with them.

RRCP Awards 2026

Roger — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 09:06:00 GMT

READING KOREAN SCHOOL (£250)

This school teaches Korean language along with Korean culture and history to Korean families and multicultural families living in the UK. The school has been running in Reading for over 10 years. They hold regular events, including a music concerts, poetry recitals and book reading recitals. Through these activities, the children and young people gain confidence in expressing themselves and learn the value of caring and contributing to their community. They have established a strong and supportive community and proudly host an annual event to honour Korean War veterans. K Sunny Chung gave a presentation to the Club on 20^th January.

JOHN ALLEN CHARITY (£1000)

This charity was formed in the 1800s. They help families in hardship, supporting young people to access educational tools. They currently support young people with laptops, bus passes and uniform vouchers. They instill a Christian ethic in what they do. This award would enable them to provide 4 laptops or 2 annual bus passes or 10 uniform vouchers. Fiona Jones gave a presentation to the Club on 3^rd February.

READING BIKE HUB (£1000)

The Hub offers a range of services to make cycling more accessible and affordable in Reading. They provide refurbished bikes, skates and skateboards and free workshops for bike repairs to help people learn the skills they need to maintain their own bikes. They also provide a space for local creatives to display their art, participate in workshops and take up instruments through art walls, and instrument hire. Their premises are really large, and utility costs form a significant outlay, with electricity currently between £12-£20 a day. The Hub are looking to replace 150 fluorescent light bulbs in the unit, which could help reduce costs to £10 per day, saving over £300 each month. Kat Heath gave a presentation to the Club on 3^rd March.

GOLD DUST HUB (PROPOSED (£500)

Gold Dust Hub CIC is a Reading-based community organisation delivering Community Radio and our DJ & Broadcast Academy. They provide creative education, mentoring, and skills development opportunities for young people and underrepresented members of our community, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Through hands-on workshops in DJing, broadcasting, media production and event delivery, they equip participants with practical skills, confidence, and pathways into employment, further education and entrepreneurship. Many of the young people they support face barriers such as low confidence, limited opportunities, or financial hardship. Award subject to lunchtime presentation / confirmation of how they would spend the money.

Roger

March 2026

Fellowship weekend Bristol

Leslie & Alan N — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 17:54:00 GMT

Towards the end of March many members and their spouses enjoyed a wonderful fellowship weekend in Bristol.

The group met at Dyrham Park, a National Trust country estate just outside Bath from where they motored on to Bristol

The group spent the weekend based at the Bristol Hotel along the harbourside where an lengthy evening meal was enjoyed

On the Saturday morning we all walked around the harbourside to the SS Great Britain (we would have taken the ferry but this doesn't operate before April!)

After coffee and a snack the group walked back along the harbourside and visited the M-Shed

... enjoyed the sunny weather and ice creams!

The visit ended with a visit to St Mary Radcliffe

With many thanks to Matt for organising the weekend.

Youth Team update, February 2026

Jack H — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 09:48:00 GMT

DICTIONARIES

After a big hiccup last year when the future of this project seemed in doubt all is back on track and Amir is kindly continuing as leader.

Separately Amir will be making a bid to Council/Club for the estimated cost in 2026.

Note for newer members. In 2025 some 900+ dictionaries were delivered to 16 Reading Primary schools as leaving presets for Year pupils.

SHOEBOXES

The Shoebox project is very active and a lorry with 16,000 boxes on board was due to leave for Chisinau, the capital of Moldova this month . Chisinau is just 50k from Ukraine border so some of the benefiting families will be Ukrainian refugees and some may go over the border. We of course packed and sent 100 Shoeboxes to the HQ warehouse in Oldham last Autumn as usual and aim to do again this year. If any member or friends would like to send a personal box please let Jack know.

In December we were approached via our website by a group of local Amazon staff who wished to help and we supplied 40 boxes to them for which they paid. They filled the boxes and returned them to Tim. In February received an SOS call from Shoebox HQ to see if we could help with the return of 58 boxes filled by Circle Hospital staff. Jack collected the boxes and took to Tim who has packed them on a pallet with the 40 so that’s nearly 100 awaiting collection by HQ.

Maybe a volunteer member might rollout this plan to a couple more local companies?

103^rd Reading Scouts – new hut.

Hut is hardly the word to describe the new building in Kensington Road but is still progressing and getting closer to its final stage. Bob Spokes reckons less than £100,000 to go and that ignores the potential £10,000 we have in reserve. For newer members it is worth saying we have helped with professional advice and drawings from Matt, very special timber deals thanks to Simon and paint deals from Jack. Tim and Peter have also given valuable input.

As the final stage is in sight we are now helping them with introductions to charitable trusts and selected Rotary Clubs. Bob has been asked for a summary of what jobs/costs are outstanding to help with selling the project to potential donors and he has this in hand.

YMCA. Still on Youth Team agenda but nothing to report. The ball is in their court until we ask for an update late in year.

Life Education. Volunteer wanted for this. Carol and Jack have recently spoken to the Club about this project and we are waiting until March/April when the newly recruited Educator should be ready for action hopefully in the Reading area.

RYLA

Vicky remains lead on this project and reported that Council agreed to support two girl Guides to attend WINGS Jamboree 2026. RYLA has therefore been put on the back burner this year.

Faith Christian Group thank you

Andy Dickens — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:41:00 GMT

Dear Reading Rotary

Thank you very much for your kind donation to Faith Christian Group last year.

Your donation helped us to provide 18,000 meals, 7,500 food parcels as well as having over 10,000 shop visits through Readistreet, Readifood and Pantries in 2025.

We continue to develop and expand our services and have plans for voluntary health checks and cooking courses this year. Further details can be found on our website www.fcg.org.uk

You may wish to consider a regular contribution through our Business Club, please email me for further information.

We are also holding Quiz Night on Friday 20^th March 2026 at the Holiday Inn – please see attached flyer.

We hope that you will continue to support us in future.

Kind regards

Andy Dickens

Chief Executive Officer

Faith Christian Group

33 Boulton Road, Reading, RG2 0NH

Tel: 01189872672 / 07936845300

Email: ceo@fcg.org.uk

Santa Run Photos December 2025

Alan N — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 09:10:00 GMT

Our annual Santa Run held on 7th December 2025 in the grounds of the University of Reading was a great success.

Here are some of the photos....

Plenty more can be viewed and downloaded here>

RRCP Awards 2025

John B — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 17:32:00 GMT

2026 has started with some new requests for RRCP grants....

CAVERSHAM DISTRICT GUIDES - £1000

Caversham District Guides are fundraising to enable guides to attend WINGS 2026. WINGS is an International Guide and Scout Jamboree which takes place in Windsor Great Park in Berkshire. The event promises to take Guides outside of their comfort zone with a whole week of outdoor living, adventurous activities, new skills to learn and different cultures to experience, with participants coming from across the world. The participant cost for the event is £425/guide (though this is closer to £500 with transport and extras factored in). We will ask the guides or their Leader to speak to us with feedback, after the Jamboree event.

WYFOLD RIDING FOR THE DISABLED - £1000

Diane Lee and Tom O’Meara gave a lunchtime presentation to us at our meeting on 21st October. Wyfold Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is an independent local charity based at Wyfold Court, near Stoke Row and Peppard. Their mission is to offer therapeutic riding, carriage driving and ground-based pony interaction to children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities’. Each week, they support around 75 people through the dedicated work of over 80 volunteers. They were seeking support for their ongoing operational costs and some upcoming capital projects. The £1000 award is subject to it being used for capital expenditure and not running expenses. To this end, they have identified refurbishment of The Wyfold Room building, currently estimated at £55.3k.

SPIRE 2 WITLEY - £1000

Nina Bailey and Charlie Clare gave a lunchtime presentation to us at our meeting on the 18^th November. They were requesting an unspecified sum to purchase experiences for a silent auction. The auction is part of a wider fundraising activity to purchase two minibuses, enabling continued use by the 10 schools in Whitley. These minibuses provided enrichment opportunities for the children taking them to sporting fixtures, tutoring sessions. day trips and swimming lessons. The award of £1000 is subject to it going towards the capital cost of a minibus and not to experiences for the silent auction.

In 2025 the Rotary Club Community Project of the Rotary Club of Reading made the following financial awards to local charities and organisations totalling an amazing £20,600!

Amount Name of institution

£6,600 Rotary Club of Reading Benevolent Fund

£1,000 ABC to Read

£1,000 Activity Club for Children

£1,000 Adventure Dolphin

£1,000 Building for the Future

£1,000 Citizens Advice

£1,000 Dee Caf Community Cafe

£1,000 Faith Christian Group

£1,000 Greenways

£1,000 Greyfriars Church

£1,000 Mustard Tree Foundation

£1,000 Parents and Children Together

£1,000 Reading Civic Society

£1,000 Reading Refugee Support

£500 3rd Reading Boys Brigade

£500 Hope Counselling Service

Hurricane Melissa

Bill M — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 12:44:00 GMT

Following the recent devastating Hurricane Melissa the Rotary Club of Reading agreed to help provide some emergency relief to the rural for the community of Sao Arriba in Holguin, Cuba. As you can see from the attached map showing the path taken by the hurricane through Cuba on Wednesday 29th October, Sao Arriba lies in one of the worst hit inland areas of the island.

Initially there was no news from the area as power and communications had been cut. From a GP in the provincial city of Holguin 20-odd miles to the west, we know how badly that city has have been hit and there are plenty of ‘Holguin’ video clips doing the rounds on Facebook, but Sao Arriba and most of the surrounding rural areas were essentially cut off.

Local reps in Holguin have been acquiring food and sanitary supplies to prepare a ‘first run’ of 100+ emergency relief supply parcels for families facing hardship as a result of Hurricane Melissa. The immediate focus is on families in low-lying areas to the south of the city where there has been severe flooding and storm damage. The cost in Sterling of the sums spent locally to date is c£1,750. Our reps in Holguin (Dr Rosel Torres and Reynold Teruel) are currently at the stage of packing & distributing the relief parcels.

Our ‘phase 1’ aim would be to increase the number of emergency relief parcels to 300 parcels for which we already have sufficient funding pledged.

Looking ahead, a phase 2 will involve expanding the scope of the project to aid the reconstruction effort at a village/community level. That will require further thought, local research and planning but we have in mind identifying one or more schools or community buildings in flood-affected areas which would benefit from Rotary support.

Additional Rotary funds could be allocated to phase 1 or phase 2 as Club approves.

A number of individual member donations, totalling £1,244, had been received. Members and others can still contribute via the Benevolent Fund Account. The club has agreed a significant contribution too.

December 2025 Update...

LETTER OF THANKS – HURRICANE MELISSA – ROTARY CLUB OF MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA

Thank you for your message and for your generosity. Please extend my appreciation to the Reading Rotary Club as well; the additional £1000 contribution will make a real difference for those affected by Melissa. We’ll look out for the credit over the coming weeks.

Your support means a great deal to us and to the communities we’re trying to help.

Wishing you a very happy Christmas, and thank you again for standing with us in this work.

Warm regards,
Antoinette

News items

Sun, 02 Nov 2025 10:49:00 GMT

SHELTERBOX BRONZE PARTNER CLUB AWARD 2024/25

Certificate received via. Fiona Turner ( ShelterBox Rotary Engagement Officer)

INVITATION FROM LODDON VALE CLUB

Dear Club Secretaries,

Please could you circulate details of Loddon Vale's Prelude to Christmas to members of your club (poster attached). The event takes place on Tuesday 18th November, 7 for a 7.30pm start at Waingels College in Woodley. Tickets cost £8 and include tea/coffee and a mince pie. Proceeds will go to The Salvation Army and Sue Ryder. Tickets are available from Bill Soane: w.soane@ntlworld.com.

Many thanks

Best wishes

Melanie

INVITATION FROM DINGLEY’S PROMISE

Just a reminder of the Dingley’s Promise AGM on Tuesday 18^th November starting at 5pm. Please do let us know if you would like to attend:

This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our long-awaited new West Berkshire Centre in Spurcroft school and to celebrate the many developments within the charity through the last year.

Please reply to me, or secretary@dingley.org.uk to confirm your attendance.

We very much hope to see you there.

Best wishes,

Kate

Kate Martin

Head of Fundraising

Tel 07738 943 440

Santa Run 2025

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 09:39:00 GMT

The Rotary Club of Reading
Christmas Charity Event

Prices held for 2025 - with Early Bird prices once again.

The Reading Santa Run will be on Sunday 7th December, by kind permission of The University of Reading.

5Km Timed Run, starting and finishing in ‘The Quad’.

There will be a 2Km course and an option of a shorter distance this is a Festive Event open to all!

Walk, jog or run – the choice is yours!

This event attracts hundreds of runners and families each year, with an interesting route through the University campus.
Once again we are raising funds for local charities – this year the club has chosen ‘No 5’ and ‘Berkshire Musicians Trust’.
Come and join in the festive fun; individually, as a family or as a team.

Use our event to raise money for a charity of your own choosing.

Children under the age of 5yrs are welcome to attend the event accompanied by a responsible adult. Under 5s will be able to take part in the 2k run/walk for free... we encourage them to come in their own festive outfits..

Entries will close midday Friday 5^th December.

For more details and entry forms please click here> or for a flier please click here>

Youth Team updates

Jack H — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 08:20:00 GMT

July 17th 2025, Youth Opps Update. For info and to highlight need for volunteers.

Dictionaries

We have been part of the Rotary Dictionary project since 2007/2008 and from modest beginnings with three schools to sixteen this year. The team, especially Amir, has done a great job over the last 9/10 years. Rotarian Colin Bryant who led the Rotary Dictionary project virtually from inception early in the 2000s with his wife Zoe has sadly passed away. At the moment it is doubtful if RIBI can find another leader, but Amir has some ideas that will be explored at a forthcoming Youth team Zoom meeting.

RYLA

Vicky works her socks off on this one and has secured a candidate for this year’s trip to Rhos Y Gwaliau. However, more candidates with economically and educationally diverse backgrounds are needed to benefit them from this Outward Bound type leadership course.

See https://rygoutdoor.co.uk/

YMCA

In the 90s and early 2000s we were very close to Reading YMCA, but it faded. In January 2020 we made an approach to reopen the relationship which was hampered immediately by Covid. In 2021 we helped with a grant of £4,800 to purchase kit for the IT training and Jack’s son in law Terry Pollard produced 20 used but good condition laptops from US IT company Veritas where he was a director. Later in 2023 Council and members approved a £20,000 grant primarily to help train young residents in IT matters and the training room would be renamed “Mikes Room” in his honour. We visited “Mike’s Room” in January 2024 and were received by General Manager Jayne Evanson who said she would report progress to us. Janet is currently organising a slot for Jayne to visit us as Guest Speaker.

We also commissioned the YM’s carpentry workshop to refurbish Caversham Rotary Club’s park bench on Christchurch Meadow which they presented to Reading Borough to mark Rotary’s Centenary in 2008. The Club no longer exists so led by Roger we paid for the job carried out by YM trainees.

Finally, great hot news is that Terry became a new Assoc member on Tuesday 15th July and has already joined the Youth Opps team and will liaise with Jayne to see where we might help with contacts, ideas, professional advice etc.

Shoeboxes

Last year we had great help from a wholesaler in Leeds who supplied most of the 900 items on a pallet direct to Tim and Vicky’s with a smaller number coming via Amazon. The latter route has been a challenge as it has meant multiple deliveries because of offer limits etc. The wholesaler is being unresponsive in spite of calls and emails.

Whitley Wood Playgroup - Mothers and toddlers reading group. See - https://reading.hubbub.net/p/WhitleyWoodPlaygroup/

In March 2024 the group was helped financially to reach its budget for April 2024/2025 and Elie Walker the Community leader came to speak to the Club last year. It was a project initiated by Reading Uni but intended to be run locally so not sure how long their involvement will last. Basically, the aim is to help young local mothers, in this poorest area of Reading, to encourage babies and toddlers to become interested in real books (pop up books for example) which should lead to stories and hopefully an interest in reading. Amir and Jack recently attended a seminar at Reading Uni that was devoted to this and similar initiatives. The reports were very positive and again underline evidence that children who engage early with books and reading are advantaged educationally and maintain that advantage at Primary School and at 11.

They are just about Ok for funding at the moment but might use RRC for advice, contacts, ideas etc.

Life Education

Life Education Wessex is part of Coram, one of the World’s oldest children’s charities. The next time you visit The British Museum do look into The Foundling Hospital which is just around the corner. Our Club has been involved since 2007 and has encouraged some 15 local primary schools, mostly in central Reading and Tilehurst, to participate. This often involved contributing to the cost of the visits.

There is some information on our website but basically the project provides specialist educators who visit primary schools and run proactive lessons on the basic skills of life. – health, hygiene, friendships, loneliness, bullying and the benefits and dangers of the internet. Covid put paid to such visits, but recent discussions confirm there is still an important role for Rotary in promoting the project.

We have arranged for Life Education’s Caroline Payne to visit the Club and Janet has fixed a slot in October so that Caroline can bring us up to date and to see how we might help further.

See www.lifeeducationwessex.org.uk

If you would like to learn more about the Yoth team or our club in general then please do get in touch with our membership secretary

Handover 2025

Leslie — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 09:16:00 GMT

At our evening meeting at the end of June 2025 the outgoing President, Tim Metcalfe, hands over the chain of office to President Elect Dr Tony Cowling.

We wish Tony well and a very successful club presidency for 2025-2026

The Club was also delighted to bestow Paul Harris awards to Janet and Roger for their invaluable and long-standing contributions to Rotary and the club.

Caen visit May 2025

Leslie & Alan — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 11:49:00 GMT

The club had a great visit to our twinned club of Caen Abbaye in May.

The small group included our President Tim, Vicky, Matt and Elizabeth A, Nick H and partner Anne, David B, Bridget and Leslie.

Our visit included trips to Bayeux, Caen to celebrate the 1000yrs of the town and some sights of the DDay landing and English memorial.

Our hosts were extremely generous with their time provided us with wonderful food and wine in pleasant social settings.

On arrival...The Couque estate

Pont de Normandie

Dinner at Grossets

Anelia Cafe

Arromanches Cliff

Bayeux

Plus many more wonderful photos kindly shared by Leslie here>

More from our links to the Rotary club of Caen Abbeyes here>

Recent RRCP Awards

Alan & Roger — Fri, 23 May 2025 05:57:00 GMT

Reading Rotary Club is pleased to announce the following RRCP Award applications have been granted

ABC to Read (£1000)

An award of £1,000 from Reading Rotary would enable ABC to Read to recruit, train, and support five new volunteers.

These volunteers would each provide one-to-one reading support to three children, meaning 15 struggling young readers in Reading would directly benefit from improved literacy skills and increased confidence.

The funding would cover:

Recruitment and safeguarding checks for new volunteers
Initial and ongoing training to ensure volunteers are equipped to support children effectively
Resources such as books and literacy materials to use in sessions
Fieldworker support to ensure volunteers are well-placed, trained, and supported throughout their time with us.

Hope Counselling Service (£500)

Hope is a counselling service offering help and support to adults experiencing issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, bereavement, or other problems.

Hope provides affordable counselling for those unable to afford private fees.

A donation of £500 would provide money towards purchase of a laptop and back up hard drive needed for the office, and to set up a bursary fund.

3^rd Reading Boys Brigade (£500)

3^rd Reading Boys Brigade have qualified for the finals of the Boys Brigade ‘5 a Side’ finals to be held in Northern Ireland.

The Boys Brigade would like to take 10 boys aged 11-14 and 3 leaders to the event, without having to pass on the costs to the families.

Thumbs Up Club (£1,000)

This is an Activity Club for children with special needs. They provide activities outside school hours and over school holiday periods.

Currently they are helping 90 children and their families from the Woodley, Reading and local areas, and have 42 on the waiting list.

This money would subsidise 10 families over the holiday period.

We have also received the following thank you letters

LETTER OF THANKS FROM BOUNCE BACK 4 KIDS

We have had a thank you letter, which is attached. They have advised that they will produce a report in a year’s time to confirm how this funding was spent and the difference it made to children recovering from domestic abuse.

They have also advised that they would love to have a group from Reading Rotary visit their community café. It runs from 10am-12pm on Thursday mornings.

LETTER OF THANKS FROM LOOK DRAW BUILD

We have had some thanks from look Draw Build . I attach an RCS Newsletter Special covering Look Draw Build@Reading and Bristol Stations. It follows completion of the Reading leg of the project and leads into the Bristol leg in late April to June.

The exhibition in the Oracle Shopping Centre on 29 March was successful. They were visited by most of the station builders. Feedback from their parents was very much about how it engaged the kid’s interest, even those who usually don’t tell their parents about anything they do in class.

They have advised that they will do a specific report for the Rotary Club of Reading in due course, but hopefully this gives a feel of what is going on.

Piano restoration update

Tony C — Sat, 17 May 2025 07:12:00 GMT

Tony and a friend sanding the piano in Tim’s barn, getting it ready for the artwork.

It is hoped the piano will be installed in a public place for anyone to use, perhaps Reading station so do keep a lookout.

Well the piano has now been fully restored, appears to have been painted with a unique style and is now ready to be moved to a central location where, after tuning, members of the public can demonstrate their skills a nd others appreciate some wonderful music!

Finally the piano will be officially presented and open to the public at 3:00 p.m. on 24th April on the concourse at Reading Station. All welcome. The piano will be moved into position a day or two earlier and be professionally tuned. So if you fancy a chance to perform please turn up and enjoy.

The new addition, which was unveiled last week (Thursday 24^th April), is already proving a hit with passengers at the station, which is celebrating 185 years since it first opened its doors as a terminal for Brunel’s Great Western Railway in 1840.

The piano was donated to the Reading Library of Things by Highwood School in Woodley, but as the library don’t take musical instruments it was offered to The Rotary Club of Reading who agreed to take it. Their intention was to renovate it and repurpose it to be used as a ‘public piano’, offering a free and accessible way to play for the people of the town.

The piano was then fully-restored and given a fresh design named ‘The Musical Forest’ by Commando Jugendstil, a Solarpunk collective who also designed the mural for the Reading Hydro turbine house close to the station.

Bernadette Sachs, said: “We’d like to give a huge thanks to The Rotary Club of Reading for the donation of this beautiful piano, which we are delighted to have on the concourse at Reading station.

“We’ve seen how appreciated pianos at some of our managed stations in London have been by passengers and staff alike, and we hope this will help brighten people’s journeys at Reading for years to come.”

Reading Rotary Club quote: “We are delighted that the piano now resides in Reading station and that it has been such an instant success”

Wow! Shortly after the official opening of this piano the public were entertained with this amazing talented young person....

More photos...

At the beginning of July while passing through Reading Station I was delighted to see and hear someone enjoying the piano. Here is brief clip

First aid training by Air Ambulance

Katherine & Alan — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 14:36:00 GMT

Members and friends of Reading Rotary club attended some wonderful first aid training that was excellently run by Brian from Thames Valley Air Ambulance. They learnt how to correctly carry out CPR and use a defibrillator. These are very valuable skills that may one day help to save someone's life.

Following the session, Ruth Dunkin, Head of Community & Events sent this thank you for attending our CPR Awareness session – Brian said it was great to meet you and thank you for your enthusiasm and brilliant questions!

I hope you’ve had a chance to look through the wallet card and will find it useful – the weblink it refers to can also be accessed via CPR Champions - Thames Valley Air Ambulance (tvairambulance.org.uk)

Of particular note is the Defib finder – find the defibrillators nearest you., and as mentioned a video of our Lucas device (automatic chest compressor) WHAT IS THE LUCAS DEVICE AND HOW DOES IT HELP PATIENTS? - Thames Valley Air Ambulance (tvairambulance.org.uk) along with some FAQ’s. The Youtube video’s are also shared at the bottom of this email – they are a bit of fun, but do deliver a really strong message.

Resus Council interactive video can be found at Lifesaver

You may remember completing a couple of confidence level questions when you signed up and then again in your on the day feedback form. I’m delighted to say that the confidence levels reported increased in both instances.

A certificate of attendance is available on request – so if you would like one please do let us know along with preference for email or postal copy.

If you have any additional feedback you would like to share that would help us improve these sessions or have any questions then please do get in touch cpr@tvairambulance.org.uk

We are delivering CPR Awareness sessions across the Thames Valley – if you are interested in booking one for a group you can do so at CPR Awareness - Thames Valley Air Ambulance (tvairambulance.org.uk) or drop us an email to discuss further. NB – there are some specific criteria detailed on the sign up page.

And finally…
We would like to share with you details of our events, services, appeals and how you can support our life-saving work. We will do this by writing to you. If you would prefer not to hear from us or wish to change the way you hear from us, please email info@tvairambulance.org.uk or call 0300 999 0135. To view our privacy policy please visit www.tvairambulance.org.uk/privacy-policy
You can also sign up to receive updates via our monthly e-newsletter https://www.tvairambulance.org.uk/newsletter

Kind regards
Ruth

Ruth Dunkin
Head of Community & Events

m: 07539 901258
e: ruth.dunkin@tvairambulance.org.uk

Thames Valley Air Ambulance, Stokenchurch House, Oxford Road, Stokenchurch, HP14 3SX
Reg Charity No: 1084910

Other local Rotary Club events

Roger — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 09:34:00 GMT

SATURDAY 22^nd FEBRUARY – ROTARY CLUB OF LODDEN VALE - RACE NIGHT

Dear fellow Rotarians

Join us for a fun evening at the races.

On Saturday 22nd February we are hosting a race night with 8 races shown on a large screen.

You will be able to bet on each race and have the opportunity to be the proud owner of a winning horse.

The evening will include a Fish & Chip supper, please bring your own drinks.

Start time 6.30pm for a 7pm start

Venue : 1st Woodley Scout Group HQ, The Close, Southlake Crescent, Woodley, RG5 3QL

Ticket Price £12.00.

Payment to: RCLV No 1 A/c

Sort code : 40-52-40

Acc No : 00014074

Please add ref : RN/ Name.

For any further details please contact Bill Soane, 07710 576427, email w.soane@ntlworld.com.

Kind regards

Bill Soane

SATURDAY 1^st MARCH – DINGLEY’S PROMISE – FUNDRAISING GALA

Step into a world of magic and wonder at the Dingley's Promise Annual Gala 2025!

Date: Saturday, 1st March 2025
Venue: Hilton Hotel, Reading

Join us for an enchanting evening where fairy tales come to life.

This year's theme is Once Upon A Time, blending the whimsical charm of Alice in Wonderland with the mystery of an enchanted forest.

Be prepared to immerse yourself in a storybook setting filled with surprises and magic at every turn.

What Wonders Await?
📖 A spellbinding evening with a three-course feast fit for royalty
🎩 Captivating entertainment straight from a fairy tale
🌟 Inspiring stories and special guests who bring magic to life
💎 A treasure-filled live auction to support our heroic cause

Secure Your Happily Ever After:
Tickets are £75 per guest, including a royal banquet and selected elixirs.

Gather your knights and dames—a table of 10 can be reserved for £700.

To express your interest in tickets, table bookings, or event sponsorship, please contact fundraising@dingley.org.uk and we can issue an invoice with bank details.

Don’t let the clock strike midnight before securing your place at this unforgettable evening. Together we will weave a tale of hope and transformation for children with SEND.

Warm wishes,
Kate

Head of Fundraising

Dingley’s Promise

Tel: 07388 943 440

THURSDAY 6^th MARCH – THE MAYOR OF READING - INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY FUNDRAISER (SEE ATTACHED FLYER)

I write to tell you about the Mayor’s fundraising event being held to celebrate International Women’s Day. The purpose of the event is to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women in our community. Funds raised will go towards the two charities I have chosen to support during my Mayoral term: Reading Community Learning centre (RCLC) and Reading Prostate Cancer Support Group.

The event is being held on Thursday 6^th March 2025 at 6.30pm at the Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, RG1 1QH. Tickets for this event can be bought here.

I do hope you can help me to celebrate this special day and support two wonderful charities at the same time. Please feel free to share this information to your communities and partners.

Best wishes

Cllr Glenn Dennis

Mayor of Reading 2024-25

Reading Borough Council
Ground Floor, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU

01189 372071 (Internal ext 72071)

Email: mayor@reading.gov.uk

THURSDAY 3^rd APRIL – BERKSHIRE VISION – CHARITY QUIZ NIGHT HOSTED BY CHRIS TARRANT

Tickets selling fast!

Get ready for an evening of fun, laughter, and life-changing impact! We’re thrilled to invite you to our Charity Quiz Night, hosted by the legendary Chris Tarrant, on Thursday, 3rd April, at 7:30 PM at BrewDog Reading.
This is more than just a quiz – it’s a chance to come together and enjoy a fantastic night of friendly competition all in support of local sight loss charity Berkshire Vision.
Event Details:

· Venue: Upstairs at BrewDog, Reading

Time: 7:00 PM
Ticket Options:

£15: Includes a free drink and 1 raffle ticket
£30: Includes a free drink, 2 raffle tickets, and a £15 donation to Berkshire Vision

· Team Size: Up to 8 people per table

Why Your Support Matters:
For over 115 years, Berkshire Vision has been a lifeline for blind and visually impaired children and adults in our community. From emotional and practical support and life skills to social activities, adapted sports and assistance with equipment and technology, we empower people to regain confidence and independence after sight loss.
Every day, more people face the overwhelming challenge of losing their sight. By joining our quiz night, you’ll be helping to ensure we can continue offering life-changing support to those who need it most.
Exciting Extras:
Not only will you enjoy a thrilling quiz hosted by a TV icon, but there’s more! We’ll also be running a prize-packed raffle with incredible prizes to be won.
Secure Your Spot Today:
Seats are limited, so don’t wait! Click here to reserve your tickets and secure your table for what promises to be an unforgettable evening.
1 in 5 of us will experience sight loss, so help us make a real difference for those facing the challenges of sight loss. Thank you for your support – we can’t wait to see you there!
Warm regards,
Matthew Thomas
Fundraiser

SANTA RUN – CHARITY ‘THANK YOU’ LETERS'

Roger — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 11:50:00 GMT

Please find attached ’Thank you’ letters received from the two independent charity beneficiaries of our Santa Run: -

Thrive and
The Rainbow Trust.

News update January 2025

Roger — Sat, 11 Jan 2025 09:20:00 GMT

REMINDER – THAMES VALLEY AIR AMBULANCE CPR TRAINING

Following our District 1090 initiative, Katherine has arranged a TVAA CPR Awareness session for our Club, as follows;

DATE: 27^th February 2025

TIMING: Commences 1pm (sessions last approx. 2 to 2.5 hours)

LOCATION: Greyfriars Centre, Reading

Booking has to be direct with TVAA using the following link https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thamesvalleyairambulance/1484406

which also gives all details.

CLUB VISIT TO CAEN – REQUEST FROM MATT

Dear Folks,

At our meeting last Tuesday I raised the topic of visiting our sister club in Caen this year. They have been in touch with me and are very keen to see us again and stay with them in Caen.

Daniel, who I know quite well tells, me they have a lot of interesting ideas for things we can do together while we are staying with our hosts. I briefly counted about 6 raised hands at the meeting, but I would like anyone to drop me a brief line to confirm they would like to come. As I said on Tuesday, the likely time for this visit will be 15th-18th of May.

If you are not certain, just let me know you might be a possibility to make it.

From my last experiences with Caen Club, they are very friendly, hospitable and welcoming.

Can I have any replies by the 28th of January. at the latest please.

Best wishes,

Matt

REQUEST FOR REFUGEE ACCOMMODATION – NOTE FROM LAURA HUMPHREYS (DAUGHTER OF MATT ANDREWS)

Following on from our Christmas talk from Reverend Asa Humphreys a number of you expressed an interest in providing lodgings for a refugee/asylum seeker. We have a need for temporary/permanent accommodation for a female refugee known to Greyfriar's Church. The lady is 46 (so will get up to £850 a month rent benefit) and from Iran where she was a teacher and school counselor. She fled Iran because of her faith after the government broke into her house.

It would need to be a placement where there is another female in the house.

If you would like to discuss whether you could help please email: sanctuary@greyfriars.org.uk

Many thanks,

Laura Humphreys (daughter of Matt Andrews)

Project lead for Conversational Kitchen

THANKS FROM THE VILLAGE OF HOPE

Attached file shows photographs of food being distributed to villagers at the Village of HOPE using funds donated by the Reading Rotary Club, There are also photographs of Ali Clark-Morris, (Reading podiatrist) handing out blankets for the winter when she visited in December 2024.

The Rotary Club of Reading - Santa Run 2024

Vicky M — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 17:26:00 GMT

And so another Santa Run completed…

...and be it the first time for some or a repeat for others, ‘thank you’ goes to all for entering and coming to the University grounds for Reading’s Great Gathering of Santas!

Between you and our sponsors we have raised funds for our chosen charities, and as part of the Reading community we are always very pleased to be able to direct funds to well deserving local causes.

Pro-vice Chancellor Elizabeth McCrum started both the 2k and the timed 5k runs with a great countdown and with the Mayor of Reading, Councillor Glenn Dennis, in attendance to hand out awards.

The Rock Choir kept us all entertained with festive music and so despite the damp conditions another fun time was had by all

Mayor of Reading, Cllr Glenn Dennis presents the awards to the winner of the ladies', Rachel, and the winner of the men's Max.

All the above photos kindly provided by Bex Willis of Bexboater Photography- 07778 978870

www.bexboaterphoto.co.uk

www.facebook.com/bexboater

see more from the photo gallery here> where you may need the password santa2024

Many, many thanks

Chief Elf

New Beginnings

Leslie & Alan — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 18:29:00 GMT

On Tuesday 26th November our club visited this young local charity where they were warmly greeted and given a tour of the facility followed by a convivial luncheon. You can read more about the amazing work of this charity here>

BBC Children in Need 2024

Vicky M — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 14:18:00 GMT

The club has recently supported the 2024 BBC Children in Need/Pudsey Bear Campaign ... Delivering items out to primary schools, so that they can sell the merchandise to raise funds for this brilliant national fundraiser.

Our president- Tim Metcalfe setting out to accompany 'Pudsey Bear' ( aka Simon Creffield) on his visits to local primary schools, many photo opportunities were taken with this now famous bear!!

Oh! I thought Pudsey was real!

Didn't realise Simon was so talented!

Visit to MERL

Leslie — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 08:04:00 GMT

Members of the club enjoyed a guided tour and lunch at the Museum of English Rural Life on 22^nd October 2024

Shoeboxes – Mission accomplished – or nearly

Jack H — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 09:01:00 GMT

After the guided tour and lunch at the Museum of English Rural Life on 22^nd , President Tim, and members Roger, Simon, Janet, Graham, Tony, Richard and Jack packed 100 Shoeboxes with toiletries for families in and near Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, just 50k from the Ukrainian border. Shoeboxes UK can obviously no longer deliver direct into Ukraine. We sourced the items from an online wholesaler, Amazon and Morrisons at very competitive prices and should be under budget.

The pallet was loaded with 184 boxes which included 50 from Abbey Rotary, thanks to Greg Wilkinson’s initiative, 25 from 103^rd Reading Scouts and the remainder from individual members.

It was fun packing the boxes and hopefully a good result for the end user.

I hope the Club will agree funding in 2025

Fellowship weekend in Salisbury

Simon & Alan — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 08:58:00 GMT

A large group from the club together with their spouses, partners and some friends had an enjoyable weekend away in Salisbury. More details and pictures soon.

RRCP Grant Awards

Roger — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 10:38:00 GMT

The Rotary Club of Reading Community Project has recently awarded grants to the following charities:-

Faith Christian Group

£1,000 to open a new food pantry in Southcote.

The Charity priorities are:

A food pantry where members of the local community can come and chose food at reduced rates and connect with others in the café.
The café is free, so members chat between themselves but also with members of the Faith Christian Group, who can direct them to other partners for extra help.
The money would be instrumental in providing food to those who struggle financially and are often lonely and have additional pressures.

Reading Refugee Support Group

£1,000 to purchase a branded gazebo, to use at fundraising and awareness events.

Their existing gazebo needs replacing, and having a branded gazebo is essential for promoting their work and attracting funds.

The Charity priorities are:

Offering free legal services.
Running ‘Drop-in’ centres and services.
Re-settling families through the Government resettlement scheme.

Over the last year, the weekly ‘Drop in’ attracted a total of 1045 visits.

Citizen Advice Reading

£1.000 to assist with their Outreach Program.

The Charity priorities are:

To help people with the problems, by providing free, impartial , confidential, high-quality advice.
To campaign on the issues that they see affecting their clients.
To recruit and train local volunteers to help local people.

This service has helped 219 people since October 2023.

RRCP is currently considering the following additional requests:-

Green Ways

£1,000 to keep their Community Free Shop open, including covering rent whilst other funding is processed.

Sarah Snow from Green Ways gave a presentation at our lunchtime meeting on the 17^th of September

The Charity priorities are:

To reduce expenditure for all, reduce emissions and unnecessary travel costs and promote sharing of community resources, by the recycling of goods.
Running a free shop ‘Waste Not’ , based in Caversham, to receive and recycle unwanted items.

They support around 300 people a month (not unique visitors) with items from their shop.

Rahab

£1,000 to fund an outreach project in the Oxford Road/Western Elms area to identify and support sex workers.

The Charity priorities are:

To support women to break free from cycles of abuse, poverty, and addiction.
To decrease loneliness and isolation, reduce health and social inequalities and to support the women to have a voice in decision making.
This leads to empowerment to make positive choices, leading to a brighter and more hopeful future.

In 2023 Rahab supported 49 women and a similar number will benefit from the proposed project

Santa Run 2024

Vicky M — Sat, 28 Sep 2024 06:07:00 GMT

Shed for Homestart

Tony C — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 16:25:00 GMT

A shed was erected today by Tony, one of our volunteers with the help of The Rotary Club of Reading of which Tony is a member.

Read more about Homestart on their website.

More classrooms at Orum Schhol, Uganda

John O. — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 16:20:00 GMT

Fr Boniface, who kindly graced us with his presence today whilst in the UK, manages the construction, employs the contractor and engineer, buys in Lira and negotiates the materials arranges transport and manages the budget.

It would not be possible to manage this in the U.K. and his experience and help have been invaluable.

The school now has eight classrooms and educates around 500 youngsters, providing them an invaluable start in life.

Keep Caversham Tidy

Anthea (secretary, KCT) — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 08:11:00 GMT

At a recent meeting, the KCT trustees decided that it would be sensible to keep our litter-picking colleagues in other local organisations informed about our future plans, to save duplication and overlap if practical. I've added in our 2024 timetable below: this may of course be subject to change or cancellation, depending on weather or leader availability. We do try to keep our Facebook page up-to-date at all times, though.

You may not yet be aware of your own plans so far ahead, and we offer this very much in a spirit of cooperation rather than competition! but thought it might be useful for all concerned. All enquiries and comments welcome, of course.

Best wishes,

Anthea (secretary, KCT)

Date - Route

27-Jul-2024 - View Island

3-Aug-2024 - Nire Rd, Rhine Cl, Honey Meadow Cl and the park

10-Aug-2024 - King's Meadow

17-Aug-2024 - Mill Green, Kings Rd, Queens Rd, Champion Rd

24-Aug-2024 - Christchurch Meadows

31-Aug-2024 - Amersham Rd North Side (Clonmel Cl, Rothwell Walk, Charles Evans Way, Alston Walk)

8-Sep-2024 - NB Sunday: Reading Cycling Festival

14-Sep-2024 - SPECIAL: Hills Meadows

21-Sep-2024 - Rotherfield Copse

28-Sep-2024 - Coal Woodland

5-Oct-2024 - Managua Cl & Ian Mikardo Way

12-Oct-2024 - Thames Banks

19-Oct-2024 - Rivermead & Richfield Avenue

26-Oct-2024 - TRUSTEES MEETING + AGM

2-Nov-2024 - View Island

9-Nov-2024 - Amersham Rd South Side (Dickens Cl, Mead Cl, Meadow Way)

16-Nov-2024 - Lower Henley Rd, South View Av., Ardler Rd, Hardy Cl., Washington Rd. & Westfield Park

23-Nov-2024 - Star Rd, Douglas Rd & Eccles Cl

30-Nov-2024 - Coal Woodland

7-Dec-2024 - Nire Rd, Rhine Cl, Honey Meadow Cl and the park

14-Dec-2024 - Christmas do

21-Dec-2024 - Hills Meadow & George St

Keep Caversham Tidy

Facebook | X (previously Twitter) | Website

Trustees: Richard Allan, Andy Turner, Anthea West, Marian Martin, Christian Rennison-Jones, Graham Bates

Upcoming events

Roger — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 08:08:00 GMT

Monday 19^th August

Erection of a new shed for Homestart, at their offices in Southcote

Tony is looking for a volunteer to assist in the erection of a new shed. Starting 9.45 likely finish lunchtime.

RESPOND TO : Tony Cowling <antonycowling@gmail.com>

Saturday 31^st August

Thames Clear-Up and Plastic Blitz. Thames Riverside behind Coppa Club Sonning. 10.00am to 12.30pm.

All equipment will be provided. For more details see attached file. To get involved, please contact: cmashworth1848@outlook.com

RESPOND TO :Tony Cowling antonycowling@gmail.com who will collate our numbers and will be helping with the event.

Tuesday 24^th September

University of Reading Community Fair: Reading University Students Union. 11.00am to 4pm.

We have registered for this event and will need volunteers to man the stall.

Further detail in due course.

Thames Valley Air Ambulance Offer

John Smart — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 07:47:00 GMT

Thames Valley Air Ambulance are making an offer I don't think we should refuse.

Did you know that 60% of heart attacks happen outside of hospitals?

Did you know your chance of survival in the Netherlands is probably twice what is here?

Thames Valley Air Ambulance want to train bystanders in the basics, and they want us to help get this training into the community.

Please look at the flipbook and sign your club and your community for CPR awareness training.

CPR Awareness Sessions for your Club and Community

You never know when you'll need it, or need someone with the knowledge.

Please encourage your club and its community to sign up, and if you need help, Thames Valley Air Ambulance are only too willing to help.

Please contact Air Ambulance who will be happy to help you. Alternatively email Brian Jonson (Rotarian and Thames Valley Air Ambulance Ambassador) on Jonson@sky.com.

Club meeting 6th August 2024

Vicky M — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 13:59:00 GMT

At the lunchtime meeting of the club yesterday - 06-07-24, we welcomed a delegation of City Council members and Rotarians from The City of Reading, Pennsylvania, USA.

Exchange of Club Flags-

Our President exchanges club flags with Chris Miller from The City of Reading Rotary Club, Pennsylvania USA

That Rose Bowl!

Members of the delegation from The City of Reading Pennsylvania USA gather with Tim M around the Rose Bowl that The City of Reading Rotary Club, Pennsylvania gave as a memento on the occasion of our Club's 50^th anniversary in 1972.

David Sutherland from District gave a presentation on Aquabox and here he gives a demo of the hand-pump filter in action, from dirty water to clean.

Tim tests the filtered water!

Fellowship weekend

Alan & Roger — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 15:49:00 GMT

Matt has been investigating possible dates, venues to stay and activities for a Fellowship Weekend in Salisbury, in October.

Please see attached map of the City, there is a lot to see and do:

The Cathedral which is pretty unique, Mompesson House (National Trust), Arundells (Edward Heath's residence), the Town Museum, the Rifle Museum, and those are just the ones in the Cathedral Close.

Haunch of Venison, the oldest pub in England, Market Place, Butchers/Fish Row, the Water Meadow walk to the Mill, a special place for a beer, Old Sarum, etc .

Certainly, plenty to see in a weekend.

The weekends in Question are October 11-13 or 18-20.

WHETHER OR NOT YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING IN THIS EVENT AND WILL YOU BE BRINGING A GUEST ?

WHICH OF THE WEEKENDS (11-13 OCT OR 18-20 OCTOBER) ARE YOU FREE ?

PLEASE CAN YOU GIVE ME A QUICK RESPONSE, IDENTIFYING:

Many Thanks,

Roger

Visit to Carleon, Wales

Alan & Roger — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 15:58:00 GMT

Visit to Carleon, Wales:

On Tuesday 18th June a number of members and their spouses and friends drove to Carleon, National Trust site in Wales.

The trip, which was greatly enjoyed by all, included meeting for coffee at the Priory, then, having chosen our lunch, a visit to the baths and museum. The afternoon included a visit to the Amphitheatre and generally look round the town.

Many thanks to Tony C for organising and the drivers who helped take everyone safely.

You can read more about this interesting site here>

Handover 2024

Chris N & Alan N — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 15:49:00 GMT

Both Tim and Alan were in fine form and we enjoyed a chicken curry followed by a chocolate tart.

We started prompt at 7:00 p.m. and were home in time to see the last 30 minutes of the England Euro match. A very good evening.

With congratulations to Tim our new President for the year and many, many thanks to Alan for leading us very successfully through 2023/2024.

The club will be seeking a new regular location to meet on most Tuesdays with the occasional Zoom meeting, probably once a month.

Keep Caversham Tidy

Wed, 01 May 2024 08:16:00 GMT

For the lazy Rotarians, this is the mural that Tony helped fix this recently.

Have you seen it?

Centenary House Painted

Tony C — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 06:19:00 GMT

Member of the club helped to paint Centenary House recently.

It is looking much smarter. Thanks to all who helped.

Global Peace Training Conference at University of Oxford

Dr. R. M. Chitnis — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 08:48:00 GMT

Warm greetings from MIT World Peace University, Pune, India.

I am happy to share about a One-Day Conference scheduled at the Said Business School, University of Oxford, UK; on 19th April 2024 organised by MIT World Peace University, Pune, India; for which we request you to participate in.

THE ONE DAY ROUND TABLE CONFERENCE ON THE NEED TO ESTABLISH AND PROMOTE A PEACE-LOVING HOLISTIC GLOBAL SOCIETY THROUGH VALUE BASED UNIVERSAL EDUCATION SYSTEM has been organised with the following objective: UNESCO asks: Are we giving adequate attention to teach peace? Are our education institutes really interested in producing a peaceful young generation? Quite unfortunately, those who want ‘war’ (consumerism, sex, violence, drugs, lower pleasures, and entertainment) prepare the young for war; but those who want peace, have neglected training the young for peace.

In Education system, the major focus should be on inculcating good values, habits, discipline, manners, care, and concern for each other, being helpful, learning to share, being friendly, doing their duties, clean, simple hygiene. This is the age to imbibe through good stories, fun, playful activities, human values of truth, love, non-violence, righteous conduct, peace, etc.

That is why, we need to reflect on:

Are education and science superior to spirituality, wisdom and character?
Is education today producing men of character and wisdom?
Are educated people virtuous, full of goodness, committed to their duties?
Has freedom of choice given to everyone equally, been a good or bad experience?
Or have they allowed people to rise to their levels beyond their character and competence?

It is observed that the education systems developed in the past couple of centuries have been focused on the development of the body and the brain (intellect) but paid little attention to the nourishment of the mind and the soul (spiritual education). It is time we made a slight diversion from the set syllabi to include this aspect of human development also. And according to me, only the introduction of a value based universal education system can achieve that. The highly developed and scientifically advanced education system carefully devised by the great thinkers, philosophers, academicians, scholars, scientists and taught in reputed Universities all over the world. The values of the bygone era, which helped this planet earth to sustain over the ages, are missing. Once the time-tested value system is missing, then there is no difference between human beings and other living beings like animals. Hence, curriculum in education must develop key values on Truth, Peace, Non-violence, Love, Righteous conduct also honesty and integrity along with qualities like regularity, punctuality, cleanliness, self-control, industriousness, sense of duty, desire to serve, responsibility, enterprise, creativity, etc.

Who can attend? All learned scholars, thinkers, teachers, professors, academicians, scientists and others from across the world are welcome to participate in this path breaking and historic One Day Round Table Conference. We appeal to you to participate in this conference and also forward this information to your esteemed colleagues. The ideology and principles of 'service for humanity' of the Rotary International resonate well with our principles of value based holistic education for creating responsible global citizens.

The extensive work and vast experience of Rotary members in diverse fields are most befitting to grace the occasion to participate and/or briefly speak on the prudent topics related to the role of education in establishing world peace, harmony, compassion, and so on. In the round table conference, the following eminent speakers shall deliver their addresses, in addition to others: Dr. Neil Hawkes (Values-Based Education, UK) Dr. Yukteshwar Kumar (University of Bath, UK) Prof. Brian Ford (University of Cambridge, UK) Dr. Christopher Germann (University of Plymouth, UK) Dr. S. N. Pathan (former Vice Chancellor of Nagpur University, India) Ms. Madhu Sethi (Head of Education wing, Indian High Commission in UK) Our Founder President Dr. Karad strongly believes that "Religious scriptures of all faiths are the life guiding principles for the entire humanity". That is why, participation of speakers from various faiths will surely help in accomplishing the desired objective of devising a universal education system for establishing world peace. We look forward to your feedback and kind confirmation of yourself and the Rotary members from your District Club as well as other District Clubs for participation in the conference on 19th April 2024 at the Founders Room, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. This conference is fully sponsored by MIT World Peace University, Pune, India and we do not seek any financial assistance from any organization. Registration in the conference is free but necessary. It also includes lunch hosted by Dr. V. D. Karad.

Should you require any additional information and registration, you may contact Mr. Sachin Kulkarni on sachin.kulkarni@mitwpu.edu.in and/or (+91) 8446158837.

Thanks and best regards,

Dr. R. M. Chitnis Vice Chancellor MIT World Peace University, Pune, India

Email Id: vc@mitwpu.edu.in Contact No.: +91 9850041773

Village of Hope Report 2024

Ali Clark-Morris #, Podiatrist — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 12:35:00 GMT

Ali has recently returned from her annual visit to Delhi and here is her update..

She thanks everyone for their continued support/interest and she would also like to thank podiatrists who have visited in previous years, without whose input, they would not have been able to achieve all that they have. 2024 was an extremely rewarding visit and Ali has come away for more plans for the future.

Team 2024 comprised of :-

Ali Clark-Morris Podiatrist, Private Practice, Feetwise Footcare, Berkshire https://feetwisefootcare.co.uk/about-us/

Eloise Clark-Morris Engineering graduate, now working for Casenove Capitol, Client Service Executive
https://www.cazenovecapital.com/en-gb/uk/wealth-management/

Sangeeta Dhall, Podiatrist in Private Practice at Walkel clinic, Herts. https://www.walkwel.co.uk/about-us/meet-the-team, Fluent in Hindi

Our Aims and Objectives

1. To ensure that staff are trained and confident to use Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow to patients’ feet.

During the first week we set aside time at lunch time to train Jolly (assistant bandager), Vijay (bandager) and Shekar (Cliniko administrator). It was a fun session; a couple of students joined us and afterwards we encouraged the staff to use the Doppler as much as possible. It was so heartwarming to see them, during our second week, explaining to the nursing, the reasons for its use and showing them how to use it. The patients were fascinated and I, personally, think that psychologically it had a very positive impact, helping them connect their numb feet to the rest of their body. I am confident that they will continue to use Doppler as an assessment tool for every patient and thereby, detect feet with vascular impairment earlier.

2. To train the new member of staff to use the Cliniko data management system and clarify the reasons and the importance for its use.

We had a one hour session with staff before we started our first clinic explaining how to use Cliniko. We emphasised that this is a valuable tool for data collection (e.g. number of patients seen for treatment, number of patients seen by the doctor, number of patients with diabetes etc.) Eloise then, followed up the training by overseeing and supporting Shekar in clinic until he was proficient and confident using Cliniko.

We also taught staff how to score wounds using the SINBAD scoring system, considering, size, site, depth, blood supply and presence of infection and neuropathy. By recording this information, we can ascertain if wounds are getting better or worse and gauge approximately how long they should be taking to heal and the risk of amputation as an outcome.

3. To establish a better link between the bandaging unit at The Village of Hope and the neighbouring Leprosy Mission Hospital

We had a fruitful trip to The Leprosy Mission Hospital (TLM), spending time with the Hospital’s Superintendent.
During this meeting, it was agreed that the bandaging staff will attend the dressing clinic at TLM every 3 months for training and most importantly to liaise and build a relationship between the two sites.

This will establish far better integrated care for the patients. We were then given a tour of the hospital.
During the tour, we met a 10-year-old girl who had come in for surgery on her hand. The leprosy had caused clawing of her fingers and that is how she first came to know she had the disease. She and her mother have not told anyone in her village about her diagnosis due to the likelihood that she will be ostracised by her village and family.
We also spent some time in the orthotic/footwear lab with the physio/orthotist or ‘jack of all trades’ as he liked to describe himself.

4. To ascertain whether there is a need and feasibility of establishing a footwear/orthotic laboratory within The Village.

I have been approached by a lecturer in Podiatry at Cardiff Metropolitan University, who together with a wound care specialist and a lecturer in design and technology at the university, is keen to establish footwear and orthotic provision in the Village itself. On talking to staff at the hospital and the programme leader at The Village of Hope, I am excited to report that this vision is achievable. It will need thought, research, and funding but it will be so worthwhile to the patients, many of whom cannot access to the TLM for a variety of reasons. As you can see for the photos there is a definite need for this service!

5. To film and interview the staff and patients to make a promotional video for prospective podiatrists and benefactors.

Sangeeta has a daughter who works for the BBC. She has very kindly offered to edit and produce a video for us. Sangeeta managed to interview many people and film footage during our visit. Once the video is finalised, I will share it with you.

6. Review the impact that the weekly doctor’s visits are having on the clinic.

Since I was last at The Village, Hope Worldwide have started funding weekly doctor visits to the clinic. This is something that has been on my wish list since my very first visit in 2017. He is a retired doctor with experience in the field of Leprosy. He attends every Wednesday and offers advice to the patients and will prescribe medication for neuropathic pain and infection. Both Sangeeta and I were able to make use of his expertise while he was in attendance. This patient has exposed bone so very likely has bone infection. Antibiotics were prescribed, the doctor will keep a close eye on the foot and if there is any deterioration he will refer him to TLM. We might not save the foot in its entirety, but we will save the leg. He looks happy because he has had his circulation and blood sugars checked as well as receiving antibiotics. A complete service!

7. To utilise a Hindi speaker to better understand the patients and their backgrounds, and to ascertain their needs and how we can help and empower them.

Having Sangeeta as part of the team emphasised the importance and value of having an interpreter in clinic. I learned so much more about the patients and their lives and she relayed some sad stories to me. One man in particular who, on being diagnosed has been totally neglected and deserted both physically and financially by his family. Thanks to the Village of Hope he has a roof over his head and food in his belly. Since the Village of Hope was built only 5% of village residents now beg for a living. That 5% is mainly made up of users of the bandaging service and so 80% of our patient cohort beg for a living. Time at the bandaging unit is time they could be spending begging and so unfortunately their foot health is often not a priority hence wounds deteriorate, or they wait to access the service only when they have a serious problem.

Added extras

Eloise’s expertise was not just limited to Cliniko data collection, she was appointed with the task of offloading wounds by making poron insoles, at which she excelled.

We have provided the unit with a glucose monitor. Patients with diabetes can now have their blood sugars checked and the appropriate advice given to them during their visit to the clinic.

A further 12 tricycles were distributed.

Plans for the future

More needs to be done to prevent foot ulceration in the first instance. Foot health education needs to be addressed, patients need to be encouraged to be proactive in looking after their feet and the clinic needs to be set up in such a way that preventative footcare (debridement of hard skin) can be offered as part of the service. This may involve employing another member of staff.

On that note, I will sign off. Many thanks from me and the patients for your continued interest and support.

Please feel free to message me if you would like any further information about our work at The Village of Hope.

Sanctuary Fundraising Event with Lord Alf Dubs

Tony Page, Mayor of Reading — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 19:50:00 GMT

The Refugee Support Group, one of the Mayor of Reading’s chosen charities is celebrating 30years of sanctuary at the Refugee Support Group. The event is taking place on Friday 26^th April from 7pm – 9pm at the Concert Hall, Reading Town Hall, Blagrave Street, Reading, RG1 1QH.

Refugee Support Group offers help and practical support to refugees and people seeking asylum in Berkshire and they would love for you to come along and celebrate this significant milestone for their charity. Tickets for the event can be found on What’s On Reading by following this link.

We would be grateful if you could promote this special event through your social media and professional channels and support this wonderful charity.

Kind regards

Tony Page

Mayor of Reading 2023-24

Reading Borough Council
Ground Floor, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU

01189 372071 (Internal ext 72071)

Email: mayor@reading.gov.uk

Reading Rotary Events

Bob & Tony — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 09:51:00 GMT

There are a number of forthcoming events and activities for club members and their family and friends:-

23 March 2024, at 10:00 - Hydro Centre for Litter Pick on View Island with Keep Caversham Tidy
26 March 2024, 12:30 for 13:00 - Fellowship meeting at CIRDIC (details to follow)
10 April 2024, 10:00-18:00 - Centenary House DIY support (Remove fence, move post, exterior wall minor repairs and painting)
12 April 2024, 10:00-13:00 - Centenary House DIY support (continuation)
23 April 2024, 12:30 for 13:00 - Fellowship meeting at JAC over soup (details to follow)
8 May 2024, 10:00 for 10:30 - Reading Rotary Walk in Cookham (follows 2nd deferral)
6 June 2024, 10:00 - Hydro Centre for Litter Pick near the Thames
18 June - Whole day visit to Carleon, Wales, allow for very early private transport departure and meet there at 10:15 for coffee in The Priory, followed by visits to nearby Roman baths (£5) & museum. Please see more information in Tony’s provisional description below.
Handover meeting moved to 25 June 2024, 19:00 for 19:30

Please make a note of the dates in your diary and advise Tony which of event numbers 1, 3, 4, 6 and 18 you will join.

Visit to Carleon, Wales:

Life was hard for a Roman legionary in first-century Wales. When he wasn’t cooped up in his barracks or being barked at by a centurion he was out risking his life in skirmishes with ancient Britons.

But here in Isca, one of just three permanent legionary fortresses in Britain, there were compensations. He could always hang out with his friends at the fortress baths – or take a stroll to the amphitheatre to watch the gladiators.

Inside a modern covered building in today’s Caerleon you can still explore the remains of the immense natatio, or open-air swimming pool, that once held more than 80,000 gallons of water. Depending on the timing of your visit you may get a glimpse of a Welsh actor being a Roman soldier and swimming or diving in the cold pool there.

You can also see the cramped rooms where the men slept and stored their weapons – the only Roman legionary barracks still on view in Europe.

The legionary soldiers of Isca were originally from northern Italy, Provence and southern Spain. Even in chilly Wales, at the farthest corner of the Roman empire, they would have expected some of the comforts of home.

The fortress baths didn’t disappoint. They were a combination of state-of-the-art leisure centre and spa retreat. After bathing the legionaries could play ball games or gamble, meet friends, visit a masseur or even buy a pastry or a roast duck.

A long narrow open-air swimming pool or natatio with a fountain house at one end sat next to the bath building itself – three lofty vaulted halls on the same epic scale as a medieval cathedral.

A soldier coming to the baths would strip, hand his clothes to one of the bathhouse slaves and pass through into the frigidarium or cold bath suite. After a cold dip he’d anoint his body with oils and then visit the warm and hot bath suites in turn.

Luxuriating in the heat from the wood-fired furnaces he’d scrape the oil and sweat from his body with a metal tool called a strigil. It was all finished off with a final cold plunge and perhaps a trip to the latrine.

This wasn’t a completely men-only experience. Women and small children also used the Caerleon baths, although not at the same time as the soldiers. Mixed bathing was officially frowned on by Roman emperors.

Bathers often wore their rings and other jewellery – pilfering from lockers wasn’t unknown. This explains the wonderful collection of 88 engraved gemstones rescued from the bathhouse drain, all these are on display in the museum.

The approximate programme for the day will be to travel to Carleon, it is approximately a one hour forty five minute journey. We plan to meet at 10:15 for coffee at The Priory and then, having chosen our lunch, visit the baths and museum. We will start lunch at 13:00 at the Priory. In the afternoon it will be possible to visit the Amphitheatre and generally look round the town, making your own way home in your own time.

Village of Hope update

Ali & John B — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 09:27:00 GMT

Pangbourne podiatrist Ali Clarke Morris recently sent these photos from the Village of Hope in India which our club continues to support, especially with monthly donations to their food-bank and occasional larger donations for various projects.

The photos are of a street scene at the village, and one of the upgraded bandaging unit.

Nutrition and Exercise in Later Life

Dr Rachel Smith — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 10:26:00 GMT

The Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences want to share their new online course and article with the Friends of the University of Reading. It explores healthy ageing and it aimed at carers and individuals interested in healthy eating/exercise in later life.

The 2-week online course is free and can be done in your own time, and just launched last month.

Course - https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/ageing-well-nutrition-and-exercise-for-older-adults

Article - https://theconversation.com/millions-of-older-people-dont-get-enough-nutrients-how-to-spot-it-and-what-to-do-about-it-221380?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1707845388

Millions of older people don’t get enough nutrients – how to spot it and what to do about it

Want to stay active and healthy in later life? Food fortification and strength and balance training could help improve quality of life for older adults

Kind regards,

Rachel

Dr Rachel Smith, BSc, PhD

Postdoctoral Researcher

Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences

Harry Nursten Building, University of Reading

Pepper Lane, Whiteknights

Reading RG6 6DZ

United Kingdom (UK)

News nibbles

Various — Sun, 04 Feb 2024 10:28:00 GMT

Reading Library of Things

One of our members has been actively involved in this project to provide a library of tools and other useful items that can be borrowed instead of hired. See more details at https://lotreading.myturn.com/library/

Next Reading Rotary Walk.

All welcome to join us on te next club walk around Cookham on Wednesday 13th March. More details here> If interested please email Bob to book your place

Final Classroom block 3 Aryamet Uganda

Although our club has not contributed directly to this project we have helped facilitate the international transfer of funding and are pleased to see the great progress being made.

International Dinner: To support the work of the International Team the club will be holding another fundraising dinner at the Elephant in Pangbourne. More details here>

Berkshire Vision, a local charity our club has helped in the past, is looking for helpers with various activities as described in the email below.

Monday 5th February Riverside 4km Walk through Caversham. Starting at 12.30pm - help guide members on the walk and socialise with them in the pub afterwards.
Friday 9th February Dancing at The Space Hub in Woodley meeting for 1:45pm – Be partnered up with the members and follow the guidance from the instructor. Afterwards we normally head to Costa for some food and drink.
Thursday 15th February Rock Climbing at the Dolphin Centre in Pangbourne 5-6:30pm - Help guide members around the building and provide guidance from the instructor.
Monday 19th February West Berkshire Social Group: Basildon Park at 12pm – help guide members around the park and socialise with them over lunch.
Tuesday 20th February Wokingham Socialeyes 1:30-4:30pm at Woosehill Community Hall – help with hot drinks, food and support the entertainment.
Wednesday 21st February Mid Berkshire Social Group Snowdrop at Welford Park – time to be confirmed. Help guide members around the park and socialise with them over lunch.
Thursday 22nd February Mid Berkshire Pub Quiz at The Three Tuns 7:30-10pm – help answer and write down the quiz questions.
Friday 23rd February Blind Football 5-6pm at Reading Madejski Stadium – help guide members and provide instructions on where the ball is.
Wednesday 28th February Dual Sensory Loss Social Group Milestones Museum 1-3:30pm – help guide members around the museum and help them interact with others.
Thursday 29th February Bracknell Socialeyes 1:30-4:30pm at Priestwood Community Centre – help with hot drinks, food and support the entertainment.

Please let Hannah know if you are free and want to help at any of these events or wish to know more about the activity.

Midleton House, 5 Erleigh Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5LR

Tel: 0118 987 2803 Email: hannah.lennox@berkshirevision.org.uk

www.berkshirevision.org.uk

Celebration of Volunteering: Reading University's Celebration of Volunteering event returns on Thursday 25 April 2024, bringing together colleagues, students, alumni and community partners to award, showcase and celebrate those who have gone above and beyond to volunteer on campus or in their local community. Nominations for the Celebration of Volunteering are now open until Friday 1 March at midnight.

Head to the Celebration of Volunteering website now to nominate yourself or another person.

Rotary Village Showcase

All 1392 Active Rotarians in Thames Valley District are invited to Thames Valley Rotary Showcase Event on February 10th at Benson Parish Hall. To book or find out more please follow this link: http://showcase.thamesvalleyrotary.info

Imternational Dinner

Leslie — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 10:54:00 GMT

The Rotary Club of Reading

invites you to its

International Dinner

The Elephant Hotel, Church Road, Pangbourne, Reading, RG8 7AR

Friday 22 March 2024 at 19:30 (carriages at 23:00)

Cost: £55 per head*

*Cost includes:

a glass of Prosecco on arrival
a three course set meal with coffee (VG option available), and
musical entertainment

After dinner Olivia Fancourt will sing for us.

Olivia is currently studying at Italia Conti, one of the leading Performing Arts Institutions in the country.

Funds raised will support:
The Lilongwe Institute of Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery (LION), Malawi.
Building Classroom block 3 at The Nick van der Borgh Primary School, Orum, Uganda.

NB: There will be a cash raffle during the evening so don’t forget those paper notes!

To book: contact John Brunnen - john.brunnen@lineone.net or tel: 0786 6048172

by 8^th March

Payment: by BACS to Rotary Club of Reading Benevolent Fund , CAF Bank,
Sort Code: 40-52-40, Account Number: 00018129

Dress: Lounge suits

Report on 2023 Santa Run

Vicky M — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 09:58:00 GMT

And so this year’s Reading Santa Run – organised by The Rotary Club of Reading, is done and despite the damp conditions, both underfoot and from the sky we all had a good time.

More than 40 Rotarians, family and friends turned out to help make this fun, festive, community event happen; at registration, setting up, marshalling around the course and then packing away in the rain. We proved to be quite a team!

There were over 500 entries and all seemed to enjoy themselves, as the photos taken by our on-site photographer, show !

Here is the link to his site so that you can look through the files- all 4000 of them here>!!

Still a bit to do for the organising team ; - wet gazebos to dry out, santa suits to count and store, thank you letters to send and finally we wait to discover how much the event, held at this special time of year, has raised for our 2023 nominated charities... Starting Point and Reading Community Learning Centre.

We were very fortunate to have the support of a number of sponsors, without whose support the event would not have been able to take place….

The University of Reading. https://www.reading.ac.uk/
Creffields (Timber and Boards)Ltd - https://www.creffields.co.uk/
Macbeths - https://www.macbeths.co.uk/
Vaughan Wealth - https://www.vaughanwealth.co.uk/
Dexter Montague - http://www.dextermontague.co.uk/
House of Flavours - https://house-of-flavours.co.uk/
Field Seymour Parkes - https://www.fsp-law.com/
Holland & Partners - https://hollandandpartners.eu/
Hickies - https://www.hickies.co.uk/
Peppard Building Supplies - https://peppard.uk/
UFit - https://ufitdrinks.com/
JMRoofing

Reading 10th Annual Santa Fun Run & Walk

Vicky N — Sat, 02 Dec 2023 09:22:00 GMT

Yes, Santa Run Day is almost upon us and it seemed very appropriate that temperatures were below freezing as we set up our new Gazebo in the car park at the University of Reading to wait for entrants to arrive to collect race Packs and Santa Suits to beat the rush on the day !!

We were seen!! and several folk stopped to talk and ask what we were up to, so great publicity for the club.

Add the date to your calendar!
....and so into the last few days to get your entry in to take part in this festive community event!

Come and join us at the University of Reading for a timed 5k Run and an untimed 2k mini-Run or Walk for ALL.

The routes take you through the vast and wonderful University grounds; once again we are very grateful to the University for its support and sponsorship for this fun event at a special time of year. Register here>

Enter Here>

For entries received after this time you will need to collect your Race Pack on Event Day; from 8.45am - so please allow extra time.

Entries close at Midnight on Friday 8th Dec.

So take part with family and friends, enter as a team- raise funds for an organisation which means alot to you....come and join in the festive fun

Children under the age of 5yrs are welcome to attend the event accompanied by a responsible adult. Under 5s will be able to take part in the 2k run/walk for free... we would like to encourage under 5s to come in their own festive outfits..

By entering you will be helping Rotary Club of Reading to raise funds to support local charities chosen by our members.

Please note that after Friday 1st Dec we cannot guarantee that we will be able to provide you with a Santa Suit in your requested size

Enter Here>

Another Christmas Concert

Alan H — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 11:11:00 GMT

Loddon Vale is arranging a carol concert on Wednesday 29th November, poster attached.

If you would like to attend please advise Bill Soane, and pay for your tickets into account Rotary Club of Loddon Vale, 40-52-40, 00014100

We are also having a talk at Sonning Golf Club on Monday 27th November, 7.00 for 7.30pm, entitled Aviation Medicine, by Dr Sally Evans MBE, which should be very interesting.

Cost is £28pp for a three course meal, coffee and mints. If you would like to attend please advise me, Richard Ward, richardjohnward@hotmail.com, 07742 637066 by Thursday 23rd November.

We would love to see you with us.

Christmas Concert

Alan H — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 11:23:00 GMT

An invitation to you and your family and friends.

Why not kick the festive season off with a Charity Carol Service and a post service reception on 16th December at Eton College Chapel, hosted by TV presenter Chris Hollins with celebrity readers, all in aid of two deserving causes, Guide Dogs and Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue.

More details here>

Tickets just £28 per head: https://windsorstgeorgerotary.org.uk/carol-service/

Shoeboxes 2023

Jack H — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 09:08:00 GMT

What a team. 990 items packed in one hour dead.

Thanks all and thanks Tim & Vicky for hosting us the storage and the tea and cake.

Jack

UoR Sustainability Fair 19 September 2023

Bob — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 12:48:00 GMT

On Tuesday 19th September members of the club manned a stall at the University of Reading's Sustainability fair.

It was very well attended with several attendees showing a real interest in what we are about.

Guernsey reunion with Caen Abbaye

Leslie — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 12:29:00 GMT

Some of our members are enjoying a few days of fellowship away in Guernsey together with some members of our sister club Caen Abbaye.

Where to next year?

REPORT OF VISIT TO THE ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF SHINYANGA, TANZANIA

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 13:35:00 GMT

Please find attached a very detailed and enlightening report here of their visit to Shinyanga Tanzania which includes a para 4.9 on Buhangija School from Leslie & Bridget Green.

Food money going to good use in Orum

John O — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 10:59:00 GMT

Short video of the food distribution to children in Orum. Uganda here>

Kindly provided by John Osborne

Minority Report

Tony C — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 10:48:00 GMT

What is it like to be a free thinker?

Some of my friends live ‘alternative lifestyles’ and others campaign for minority rights. Many of my friends can’t believe it when I tell them that I don’t go along with the current almost universally accepted theory of anthropogenic global warming (AGW), especially as I am so active in renewable energy projects, have driven an electric car for twelve years, live in a new house that I designed and built without a heating system, and help people in energy poverty with energy use reduction.

In the nineties I interacted with some of the thinking on AGW and helped it get retitled as Climate Change. Even in this phrase there is still a strong underlying assumption concerning global warming. “Sit down Tony you are rocking the boat”, is what they say. I occasionally meet people who think like I do but are afraid to put their heads above the parapet. I warn them that it is not nice when one does so, as one gets shot at, told to shut up or sit down. On occasions I have suffered abuse and even been told that I am an idiot for taking the stance that I do. I have two degrees in science. I am big on rational thought and kindness and see these as lacking in our society. I have been discriminated against, vilified, prevented from taking part in some events. I am concerned about the juggernaut effect, everyone jumping on the bandwagon of climate change, massive funding for research into it, effectively zero funding for anything not following the party line. There is an almost complete block on publications from all other standpoints. The phrase ‘most scientists’ winds me up, most scientists don’t work on climate science. Then the weather - floods, heatwaves, fires are all blamed on CC when not everything can be, there has always been extreme weather and there always will be. The polar ice has always been melting round the edge as seawater is salty it causes calving, yet this is frequently used as proof for CC. Unusually, I was invited onto the panel for the Reading version of COP26 and at the end of my three minute presentation I said, “…..and some of you might not agree but I do not do any of the things that I have mentioned because of Climate Change or because of AGW; I do them because “WE SHOULD BE DOING THEM ANYWAY”!

The whole gathering erupted with enthusiastic applause (I was expecting either silence or booing) it was a nice surprise to be clapped. I don’t think they realised that I was a skeptic because people like me don’t get invited to such events 🙂. I got several e-mails afterwards from people who are fully committed to climate activism saying that they were completely with me on the “we should be doing it anyway” line that I introduced, those were very nice. There’s already been one cherry picking incident in the Climate Change field and it caused quite a furore.

True science is where the facts are looked at and a theory developed. In the case of climate change, we seem to be starting with the theory and anything that fits it is then avidly followed up and published, but things that don’t fit are ignored or suppressed. The idea of peer review is a very good one, but sadly it is not working as it ought to in the field of climate science. Doing the right thing for the wrong reason in some circles used to be considered to be doing the wrong thing. In this instance I remain silent on it but am concerned that when when the tide turns and the realisation that CC was not man made after all we may cease to care about the environment as much as we do at present. I like the outcomes but would rather that it was being driven for the right reasons, ie that we should be doing it anyway.

Tony

Rotary Rugby fans

Jean Delas, Rotary France — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 15:39:00 GMT

Please see this attached file about the Rotary Fellowship of Rugby Fans and the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

PDF file attachment

Possible tool bank/library

Tony Cowling — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 10:43:00 GMT

Tony has had several goes at trying to start up a tool bank or tool library in Reading and they have never yet succeeded. Over the past few months he’s talked to several people about this, just to incidental conversations, and last week a donation of tools was given for the Reading tool bank, which of course doesn’t exist yet, so Tony is hanging onto them until it does.

There are several models for a tall bank and I rather like the one in Edinburgh. https://edinburghtoollibrary.org.uk/ this one has a membership model where you pay £20 a year to be a member and then you can borrow whatever tools you like, they run delivery service and they like a library fine you if you don’t bring the tools back when you said you would you can book tools out so they’re available when you need them it’s a completely brilliant system they’ve developed. They have an awful lot of very helpful and useful information in the frequently asked questions section of their website.

I’m talking to Reading Repair Café about this and between us, we are going to look at some premises. I don’t see it happening quickly. I would like to Rotary to be involved but will continue to pursue open avenues of enquiry as they crop up.

Tony

RC Loddon Vale Meetings

Sat, 12 Aug 2023 07:58:00 GMT

Woodley Theatre have once again generously given us 60 tickets to sell for a forthcoming production.
The play, Night must fall by Emlyn Williams is a thriller full of surprises and thrills.
The date is Tuesday 26th September at 7.45 at The Oakwood Theatre, Woodley. I would suggest an arrival time of around 7.15pm to order drinks and purchase raffle tickets.

The tickets are £10.00 each and the full cost goes to charity.

Could you please let Bill Soane know your ticket requirement. w.soane@ntlworld.com 0118 961 8491 or 07710 576427.

Our meeting on Monday 30th October is a 3 course dinner with coffee and mints at Sonning Golf Club 7.00pm for 7.30pm. Our speaker will be Hayley Scott, a forensic scientist working for the Metropolitan police. Her talk is entitled "A day in the life of a Metropolitan Police Crime Scene Investigator". The cost is £28pp

Our meeting on 27th November is the same format, with the speaker being Dr Sally Evans whose talk is entitled "Aviation Medicine"

I'm sure these will be very interesting speakers and we would be delighted if some of you and your partners could join us.

Please let me know if you can.

Richard Ward. richardjohnward@hotmail.com 07742 637066

Rotary KidsOut Update JULY 2023

Sat, 12 Aug 2023 07:41:00 GMT

Compiled by Rotary GB&I KidsOut Coordinator Steve Cartwright

National Rotary KidsOut Day (NRKD) A big ‘THANK YOU’ to Clubs and members, it is VERY pleasing to report that just over 20,000 children from 1,438 schools, and sponsored by 312 Rotary Clubs enjoyed a great day out at 168 venues around Rotary GB&I in June.

It is still not too late to register your Club’s NRKD Event, however please contact me without delay.

‘Moving on swiftly’ to the MAIN priority for Rotary KidsOut until the end of 2023:

ROTARY Christmas Toy Box initiative ‘Every Refuge, Every Child’ held annually every year (July – December). Rotary Clubs are asked to donate £25.00 to KidsOut for every ROTARY ‘Toy Box’, each, individual ‘Toy Box’ will be filled with over £80.00 of NEW toys, applicable by age and gender and sent to EVERY child residing in a UK ‘Domestic Violence’ Refuge at Christmas.

Following a very successful Christmas 2022 where Rotary Clubs donated over £75,000, ensuring 3,138 children received their very own ‘Toy Box’ at Christmas, we shall be doing it all over again for Christmas this year (2023). ‘Closing Date’ for donations is 30 November 2023.

Further details will be supplied separately as Steve Cartwright is currently compiling current data on over 450 Refuge locations throughout Rotary GB&I.

Pantomime / Christmas Show Tickets: At the time of going to press, details are still to be confirmed regarding this year’s FREE Christmas Show tickets. KidsOut hope to again be able offer restricted date/time tickets at various larger city venues.

NB: Please note it is expected in return for supplying free tickets that Rotary Clubs will able to provide ‘bucket collectors’ at the end of the specified performances.

Again, further details to follow when confirmed.

Rotary District KidsOut Ambassadors / Coordinators are in 20 of the 24 Rotary GB&I Districts

Rotary KidsOut are desperately in need of finding an ‘Ambassador / Coordinator’ in Districts 1010, 1180, 1285 and 1320.

Do you know who is your District Ambassador / Coordinator, why not invite them along to speak at your Club / District Event?

Have you seen the KidsOut Website? https://www.kidsout.org.uk/

Who to CONTACT in the ‘first instance’? District Rotary KidsOut Ambassador where available, or if in any doubt contact Steve Cartwright – Rotary GB&I KidsOut Coordinator

scartwright1@hotmail.com

Beyond the Box 2023

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 13:03:00 GMT

As you may be aware ShelterBox and Rotary have a very special partnership and we would like to invite you and your Club members to attend a free event called ‘Beyond The Box’ at Reading University SU building on Wednesday 25^th October at 6pm to hear a presentation about our responses and learn how our aid has evolved as well as the opportunity to talk to staff and volunteers.

Please do share the attached poster to your social media and personal networks as we would love to open out the invitation to the wider community and increase awareness of our work as much as possible.

To attend we ask that you register each person via the Eventbrite link here, this allows us to know how many people will attend Beyond The Box: LIVE IN READING Tickets, Wed, Oct 25, 2023 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite

As Rotary are key supporters of our work, we would also like to invite you to have a stand at the event to promote Rotary membership and therefore you giving you the chance to speak to attendees too. I am also sending this invitation to other Reading Clubs, so if this is something you would like to do collaboratively, please do let me know.

We may also require some assistance on the evening with directing attendees from the car park to the building etc, so if anyone if free to help, please do let me know.

Thank you so much and we look forward to welcoming as many Rotarians from your Club as possible.

Best wishes

Regards

Fiona

Guest visit from Rotary Club Reggio Emilia

Alan & Bob — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 09:40:00 GMT

At our meeting at Pepe Sale on 1st Augsut 2023 we were delighted to welcome Carmelita A. Ardizzone as our guest visiting from the Rotary Club of Reggio Emilia in Italy.

During the meeting our president, Alan Haine exchanged club banners with Carmelita as you can see in the photos.

Carmelita addressed the club to warm applause.

Sad news

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 10:49:00 GMT

Dear Green Zone Presidents and Secretaries,

Sadly I have to report that one of our past Presidents and a long standing member of Loddon Vale, John Hicks, died on Thursday night.

I am advising you, as John was, at one time, Chairman and President of Woodley carnival committee and known to many in the Reading and Woodley area.

If anyone would like details of John's funeral arrangements please let me know and I will advise you, when they are available.

Would advise your members please.

Thanks and kind regards

Richard.

Hon Sec RC Loddon Vale. richardjohnward@hotmail.com

Update from our friends in Brazil

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 16:28:00 GMT

Introduction

Please find enclosed a PDF letter from our President Mr. Paulo Lanari Prado. He introduces us, confirms our re-appointment as Goodwill Ambassadors for Rotary Club of Rio de Janeiro, and mentions our recent Centennial Celebrations this past February.

News

We also have some news of our own. Please find enclosed a second PDF one-page letter with a couple of pictures which you may wish to circulate to fellow RC members showing:

Mrs. Jennifer Jones, President Rotary International and Mrs. Maria Odete, President RC Rio de Janeiro holding the certificates after planting the “Friendship Tree” in the same spot where Paul Harris planted his tree in 1936 at the historic Botanic Garden of Rio de Janeiro founded by King John VI of Portugal in 1808.

Ana and I receiving our Paul Harris Certificates and Pins from Mrs. Maria Odete, President RC Rio de Janeiro.

When we met last year, we were members of RC Barra da Tijuca. This past May, we transferred to RC Rio de Janeiro. In addition to our activities with the Food Bank Project, we have become involved with RC Rio de Janeiro Environmental and International Committees.

We look forward to hearing from you, and hopefully seeing you again.

With Kindest Regards,

Claudio H Steuer & Ana E. A. Steuer

Goodwill Ambassadors, Rotary Club Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

1^st Portuguese Speaking Rotary Club - Founded 1923

Claudio Steuer Ana Steuer

First Secretary, RC Food Bank 2022-24 Fiscal Counsellor, RC Food Bank 2022-24

International Commission 2023-24 Environmental Commission 2023-24

Email: claudio.steuer@gmail.com Email: ana_steuer@hotmail.com

Mob: +44 7769 204 555 Mob: +44 7796 502 524

WhatsApp: +55 21 98175 5900 WhatsApp: +55 21 97086 8139

Rotary park bench

Eric — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 16:34:00 GMT

The Rotary bench in the Thames Promenade Park is restored and in place!

It was the old Caversham Rotary Club that installed it in 2002 to mark the century of the Rotary movement but over the years it had deteriorated badly. So our Club decided to mark our own centenary by restoring it. Now, thanks especially to Immediate Past President Roger Butler, it is in place and looking very smart.

In the pictures are Roger, John Brunnen and Tim Metcalfe who reassembled the bench and Eric and Doreen Moyse who had the honour of being first to sit on it.

An official opening will be held shortly. All members of our Club should attend and invitations will be sent to former members of Caversham Rotary Club.

RYLA Volunteer needed

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 13:51:00 GMT

Dear all,

Are you free Sat 15 - 22 July 2023 and interested in attending RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award)?

Sadly due to injury, one of the Rotarians planning to attend can no longer make it, so we're looking for another volunteer!

It's a really fun and rewarding week in North Wales, and to see how the candidates change in such a short amount of time is just fantastic. Below is a document that describes the role of the Rotarians during the week to give you an idea of what to expect.

You would only need to pay the RIBI insurance cost of £20; travel, food and accommodation is all paid for.

If you're available for 15-22 July 2023, either in the full week or possibly a part of it, please contact Sarah Shears District RYLA Organiser on the details below. Also get in touch if you're interested for future years.

Kind regards

Sarah

Sarah Shears

RYLA Coordinator, Rotary District 1090

district1090ryla@gmail.com

0787 295 8865

RYLA 1090 website: ryla.thamesvalleyrotary.info

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ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD

District 1090

Rotarians roles and responsibilities

To offer pastoral and welfare support to candidates if required;
Offer limited guidance or mentorship and not to interfere with the candidates’ activities too much: candidates will be led by professional staff at the centre and need to be able to make their own mistakes to learn from, unless they’re in a dangerous situation;
Assist in the event of an emergency, under professional guidance from RYG Outdoor Education Centre - this may include handling the candidate data whilst in attendance;
Taking part in activities is at your discretion and your own risk, providing you have completed the appropriate medical form and are covered by RGBI Insurance;
Encourage candidates adhere to the rules of the centre e.g. smoking only in permitted areas, no alcohol, no mixing in dorms overnight, no mobile phones when advised, or anything else the centre specifies. This will also include any Covid-19 related procedures as advised by the centre and the risk assessment.
Assist with candidates on the coach journey as necessary, including at the services when stopping for a break;
Assist hosting the District Governor or other visiting Rotarians;
Optionally take photos or videos of candidates and activities for candidates to use later in their presentations to Clubs and for Rotary publicity materials.

Golf day 2023

Simon Creffield — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 10:30:00 GMT

SAVE THE DATE!

Rotary Club of Reading’s 34^th Charity Golf Day

Wednesday 13^th September 2023

Shotgun Start at 9.00am

Theale Golf Club, North Street, Theale, Reading, RG7 5EX

DUE TO THE ECONOMIC CONDITIONS ROTARY

HAS DECIDED TO KEEP THE SAME COST AS BEFORE

18 hole Stableford Competition for Teams of Four

Bacon Buttie & Coffee Welcome

Competition Prizes

Nearest the Pin and Prize Holes

Lunch

Tombola

All-inclusive price of £270 for a team of four.

This popular event has raised tens of thousands of pounds for Rotary charities & good causes both local & international. Your support will ensure another successful and enjoyable day.

For further information and a booking form contact:

simon@creffields.co.uk or or download it below:

2023 booking form

2023 sponsorship form

Handover meeting

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 13:18:00 GMT

On Tuesday 20th June our outgoing president Roger Butler handed over the mantle to Rev. Alan Haine.

The club expressed sincere tanks to Roger for his leadership throughout 2022/2023 and wishes Alan, our new president, every success in taking the club forward.

The photo below shows, from left to right, our new vice president, Tim Metclafe, our outgoing president Roger Bulter, Alan Haine our newly installed president and past president Simon Crefield

John Osborne was awarded the clubs, very elaborate teapot

Club News June 2023

Bob C — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 11:49:00 GMT

1. Dictionary Delivery - Request for Volunteers

Amir is is seeking to deliver dictionaries to the schools on behalf of Reading Rotary from next week until the end of June. The schools are listedrn it to him. He can arrange to have the labels (to be applied to the first inside page of dictionary) with the dictionaries for collectio on the spreadsheet attached. Amir would be grateful if you could volunteer to deliver to schools, add your name to the list and retun from Tim Metcalfe at Home Farm. Please contact the school and advise them of your delivery date. Instructions with school contact address and telephone numbers will be supplied with the labels.

2. Club Directory 2023-24

The final draft Club Directory is now subject to final checking and submission to the printers later this month. The fional draft takes into account all modifications which you have brought to my attention.

Morvyn and Janet asked me to make you aware that they no longer have landlines, which I am doing herewith.

3. Club Walks

Our next Club walk is planned for Wednesday 13 September. I am proposing to make it a 6.5 km circular walk in the Moor Green Lakes Nature Reserve area east of Finchampstead. The route is attached. Please let me know any alternative route suggestions you may have.

We will be hosting another walk which will be focussed on preparing the Santa Run. During last Thursday's Santa Run Team meeting it was proposed that the walk on Wednesday 8 November will be focussed on distributing leaftlets promoting the evemnt in the area surrounding the University of Reading. Further details will follow in due course.

Please reserve 10:00-14:00 hours in your diary for 13 September and 8 November for now.

Thames Path Cleanup 2023

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 06:21:00 GMT

Once again a team from the Rotary Club of Reading took part in the campaign to clean up the path along the River Thames.

It is amazing how careless and thoughtless some people are littering and spoiling the environment. Thanks to the selfless hard work of our members a great deal of rubbish was removed, restoring the environment to its natural beauty for all to enjoy.

Here are some photos that were captured of their much appreciated hard work....

Celebration of Volunteering

Alan N — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 08:40:00 GMT

The Rotary Club of Reading received a mention at the Celebration of Volunteering awards at Reading University on 27th April 2023.

Rotarian, Alan Nicholsby and his wife, Marie, were also short-listed for an Alumni and Supporter Volunteer of the Year award at the event,

More details about the event are available here and specific details of the mentions of Reading Rotary by Student Volunteer of the Year nominee, Samual Barber and Marie & Alan Nicholsby under the nominee details for each category.

Club visit to Pangbourne College held on 12 April.

Eric M — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 10:16:00 GMT

Thirty-four members and friends started out with an enjoyable walk around the extensive grounds of the College.

We then visited the impressive Falklands Memorial chapel and ended with a light but very tasty lunch. The weather was not particularly kind with a very chilly breeze but at least the rain held off until after the walk.

President Roger's vote of thanks was well deserved as he acknowledged the warm welcome from the College staff and Tim and Vicky's time in organising the visit.

Nice weather.... for Icelanders!

The Falklands Memorial Chapel

Lunch in the College with President Roger thanking Tim and Vicky and the staff of the College

Theatre outing to the Mill of Sonning

Jack H — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 08:37:00 GMT

Are you up for another visit to Sonning Mill to see Gypsy – another classic? It would be at end of May or early in June.

Sally, the Mill owner has recently apologised but says she has no option but to increase prices and the tickets are now £76 each That does include a two course supper and coffee.

Please let Jack know as soon as possible if you are a probable or possible.

More details on the sghow and the venue here>

Buhangija Fire Appeal - thank you and update

Bridget Green — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 09:27:00 GMT

THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF TANZANIA

DIOCESE OF SHINYANGA

P. O. Box 144 Mobile: +255 787 844 462/+255 752 844 462 SHINYANGA, TANZANIA Email: chinyongole@gmail.com

SUMMARY REPORT FOLLOWING BUHANGIJA SCHOOL FIRE APPEAL OF NOVEMBER 2022

INTRODUCTION AND THANKS

I would like to thank all friends in the UK on behalf of the children who survived the fire in Tanzania at Buhangija Primary School where children with special needs study. It is hard to say with words for such great love shown by all who have been touched by the tragic scene of fire that caused the death of three children and 29 survivors. You have played a great godly role that will never be forgotten by the children, school staff and their parents.

THE FIRE

Buhangija Primary School is found in Shinyanga Region, Tanzania. It is owned by the government and is one of the schools where children with special needs study. At the moment the school has 250 children with different impairments. There happened a tragedy scene of fire on 23^rd November 2022 in the dormitory, where 32 girls were sleeping, was burned out.

Around 11:00pm the matron sensed a smell of burning fire from the celling board. Unfortunately the whole roof was on fire. She tried her best to rescue children out of fire while screaming for help. Five minutes later the guards came to help but it was too late to rescue every child because the fire was so extensive. As a result, three girls died in the fire.

This was a horrible event causing deaths, loss of property, building damage and psychological trauma to the children, school staff and the community in general.

The building had a capacity to accommodate 32 girls with various impairments. The following are the number of children who were in the hostel at the time of the fire:

- Children with visual impairments - 11,

- Children with albinism -18,

- Children with hearing impairments - 3.

Three of the girls with visual impairments passed away: Catherine (11) class two, Careen (9) class one, and Miriam (11) class three. May their soul s rest in peace.

THE APPEAL

It is against this background that the Headmistress launched an appeal for funds to replace the children's destroyed belongings, purchase games to occupy them and assist in their recovery.

Measures taken after the appeal of the school Headmistress

· Bishop Johnson, Rev Stanley and others visited the school, met with the school staff and prayed for them.

· The Anglican Church in Shinyanga Diocese, together with Friends from UK, has been helping children at the school since the start of Corona Virus in 2020. The church took the initiative of sharing the appeal raised by the Headmistress to friends in the UK.

· On behalf of the church, Rev Stanley with staff at Buhangija, made analysis of the needs of the children and school to redress the situation after the fire. The total amount needed was £3,500.

· Friends from UK through Friends of Amani Tanzania (FOAT) donated a total of £3,350 (to date) and other gifts – games and activities – to assist play therapy for the children who survived.

· The donations were used for buying clothing, shoes, bedding, storage cases and educational resources to replace those destroyed in the fire.

Adjustment to identified needs

After some initial purchases of uniforms, shoes and bedding, it became evident that the girls also needed underwear and nightwear which had not been included in the initial budget.

The initial budget did not include reparations and purchase of equipment and seeds etc for the re-establishment of the vegetable garden (initiated in 2020, supported by donations from FOAT). Following discussions with FOAT and the Headmistress, it was agreed that some of the funds raised could be put towards this as therapy and education for all the children and to supplement

the school’s meagre food budget.

UPDATE

· The fundraising target of £3,500 has been reached.

· All children are back in school; they are staying in a temporary hostel which was intended for another use.

· They are psychologically fine now.

· The government has identified funds to build a new hostel for the children as will be seen on picture Annex E

· Unfortunately, the investigation on the causes of fire is still on-going; according to the Headmistress it is expected to take six months or more since the fire happened.

· I have visited the hostel they are staying now; it is adequate.

The garden

· The garden is progressing well, though the challenge was rain, as it hit the land and destroyed some vegetables.

· The children have eaten the first produce for three weeks.

· The school replant vegetables for this March for more production of vegetables

· Tanks for storing water for irrigation are full after harvesting rain water

· It has been advised to stop using irrigation drops at this time because the pipe’s holes for drip irrigation get damaged as the heavy rain forces sand inside.

Prepared by

Rev Stanley Sewando

Coordinator of Care Ministry work in Shinyanga Diocese

13 March 2023

CONCLUSION AND THANK-YOU

Thank you once again to all those who donated to the Buhangija Fire Appeal. Your humanitarian action has not only enabled the purchase of tangible items to meet the basic needs of the girls who lost everything in the fire, it has also contributed to restoring a sense of love and care to all the children at Buhangija School. These children are among some of the most disadvantaged in Tanzania; disadvantaged by disability and poverty. Some are orphans, some abandoned by their parents because of their disability.

The Tanzanian Government provides the school buildings, basic educational resources, funds the teachers and a limited budget to feed the children. Parents are expected to provide uniforms, clothing, bedding and school books and bags.

There is very little provision of specialist resources for children with visual impairment, which includes those with albinism. Any further funds donated through this appeal will be used

· to purchase some additional exercise books required by the children,

· to purchase some specialist educational materials for the visually impaired children, and

· to assist with the running of the vegetable garden, particularly the purchase of organic manure, seeds and for any unforeseen eventuality relating to the garden.

Bridget Green

Trustee, Friends of Amani Tanzania https://amanitzuk.org/, and

Commissary to the Bishop of Shinyanga https://amanitzuk.org/shinyanga

16 March 2023

Annex A New hostel under construction for girls who survived the fire

Annex B. Children who survived the fire now back at school.

Annex C. Children with their teacher and new matron (right)

Annex D Children enjoying some games donated by FOAT

Annex E. The temporary hostel where children are staying at the moment

Pangbourne College Walk 12th April

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 15:28:00 GMT

Bob has passed over the reins for our next walk as we are visiting Pangbourne College where Vicky and Tim have a few contacts!

The event will comprise of a circular walk around the extensive grounds taking in the bluebell woods, views from several vantage points and various features of the College. We will then visit the Falklands Memorial Chapel before crossing the parade ground to Devitt House for a finger buffet lunch in the Old Library.

Itinerary :-

10.15 - meet at car park. The entrance to Pangbourne College is on the right at the top of Pangbourne Hill (turn up by the church). Proceed up the drive, the barrier will be open, turn right at the mini roundabout and turn right again into the carpark above the tennis courts. Don walking boots.
10.30 - walk commences. Only a couple of miles with potential detours!
12.00 - arrive back at carpark and change shoes!
12.15 - visit the Falklands Memorial Chapel
12.45 - cross over to Devitt House for lunch

For those that do not fancy the walk, please feel free to join us for the chapel visit and lunch.

£10/head contribution for lunch - please bring cash and place in bucket - thanks!

All invited, but please let Tim know numbers by midday, Wednesday 5^th April as he has to place the food order before Easter.

International Dinner 2023

Alan & Eric — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 08:50:00 GMT

Reading Rotary Club enjoyed another International Dinner in Pangbourne on 10th March with 63 members and guests attending.

The funds raised aere used towards the many international projects that the club has initiated and supported over the years.

RYLA Candidate presentation

Alan & Nigel — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 10:43:00 GMT

At our Zoom meeting at the end of February RYLA candicate Zoe Peters gave us a superb presentation about her experience of the Leadership week and clearly emphasised everything that she had learnt and will take with her

The following week Zoe was able to attend in person and receive her certificate from President Roger. We wish her ever success in her future career.

RotaryGB&I support for Ukraine over the last year

: John Smart — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 10:00:00 GMT

The war in Ukraine has had a profound effect on everyone. Rotary Gresat Britain and Ireland have provided help and support in a variety of ways. There is a short video (1:25 mins) here, https://www.rotary-ribi.org/districts/page.php?PgID=872072&DistrictNo=1090

that highlights all the support that RotaryGB&I have given to Ukraine and Ukranians over the last year

Please share it on your Social Media outlets by clicking on the Share button.

Your social Media post could include this URL: http://ukraine.thamesvalleyrotary.info to show what we have done in District 1090

Two Local Charity Leaders are Guests at our Club Meeting

Eric M — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 13:10:00 GMT

With the scheduled speaker being unable to attend because of illness, time was available to hear from two of our first-time guests (brought by Rtn. Nick Harborne) at our Pepe Sale meeting on 21^st of February:

Lorna McArdle (left) is founder and VEO of SupportU (www.support.org.uk), a charity that helps counter the many and varied difficulties that are experienced by gay, lesbian, bi and trans people among our townsfolk.

Francisca Yates (right)is CEO of CommuniCare (www.communicare.org.uk), a local charity that offers support and advice to local people, including those who are homeless. It aims to meet their complete needs by offering them both advice and support.

We were impressed with their work and hope that they enjoyed their time with us and so will come again.

Witheridge Walk

Eric M — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 13:57:00 GMT

With the Chiltern Hills being so close to Reading, we have an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on our doorstep and the Club walk on 16 February 2022 took full advantage of that fact. Starting and ending at the Rising Sun pub, nine members and friends led by Club Secretary Bob Castelijn enjoyed a walk around the Witheridge Hill area on an unseasonably mild late winter’s day.

The highlight of the walk was a visit to the Cobalt Smithy where the principal, David Gregory gave a fascinating talk on the blacksmith’s profession. Much has changed since “the boy blew the bellows” but some things remain the same. The ultra-modern forge is heated by electricity but its traditional equivalent is still heated by coal (which no longer comes from Newcastle but from abroad). David and his colleague produce an amazing variety of iron and steel products including beautiful decorated fence-work for stately homes and swords for the film industry.

The walk back to the pub ensured hearty appetites for the excellent food that the Rising Sun provides.

Footnote: A short drive from Witheridge Hill is the Maharajah’s Well at Stoke Row. Anyone who has not been before should make a point of having a look when next in the area.

An Evening of Wellbeing

Eric M — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 06:56:00 GMT

Reading Rotary Club normally meets at Pepe Sale on Tuesday lunchtimes (alternating with Zoom meetings). But when there is a fifth Tuesday in the month, we go in the evening to Mapledurham Golf Club.

Our visiting speaker at the end of January was Angela Rigby and her talk was about the importance of looking after ourselves in both mind and body. The emphasis was on achieving calmness through contemplation and gentle exercise. Angela (second from the left in the first photo) found no difficulty in getting full participation from an audience who were obviously given food for thought.

International Dinner 2023

Leslie G — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 14:39:00 GMT

invites you to an

International Dinner

supporting our ongoing projects in Uganda, Tanzania, India and Ukraine

Venue: Elephant Hotel, Church Road, Pangbourne, Reading, RG8 7AR

Date: Friday 10 March 2023 at 19:15 (carriages at 23:00)

Cost: £47 per head*

Entertainment by:

Simon Alexander, Magician and Tom Green, Pianist

*Cost includes:

a glass of prosecco on arrival
a three course meal with coffee, and
magical and musical entertainment

The menu is:

Smoked trout, beetroot salad, horseradish cream DF/GF

---

Roast breast of chicken stuffed with sun blushed tomato and thyme,

roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables ,light red wine jus DF/GF

---

Iced dark chocolate and honeycomb parfait, cherry compote V/GF

Vegetarian/Vegan main course is:

Roast Butternut squash risotto, rocket and parmesan salad Vegan/V/DF/GF

NB: There will be a cash raffle during the evening so don’t forget those paper notes!

To book: contact Leslie Green email: leslieeg@talktalk.net or tel: 07759223797

Payment: by BACS to Rotary Club of Reading Benevolent Fund , CAF Bank,

Sort Code: 40-52-40, Account Number: 00018129

Please confirm your attendance and supply first and last names of guests.

The deadline for replies is 28 February.

It would be good if members could make up a table of eight or ten but individuals are very welcome too

Visit from Uganda

Eric — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 07:16:00 GMT

At our meeting at Pepe Sale on!7th of January we were visited by Rotarian Monika Nakiwala Chittendon of the Muyenga Kampala Club in Uganda. Monika, who organises her District Conferences, was interested to learn of our project at Orum Primary School in the North East of her country. The picture shows her signing our new Visitor Registration Book (the previous one lasted 47 years!) with President Roger Butler looking on.

Rising Sun Walk

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 17:23:00 GMT

Dear All

You are invited to take part in what I think will be a lovely varied walk, which will now take place on 16 February 2023. The image below shows the route with supporting illustrations; we will cross a meadow with horny cows and there are some very muddy sections along the route.

We will start at The Rising Sun at 10:30 where we will also have our lunch around 13:00. Two menu cards have been attached. David Gregory will provide us with a demonstration at the Cobalt Blacksmith around twelve noon.

The plan is that John Brunnen will charge members' respective meal accounts as usual and transfer the cost of the meals to The Rising Sun some days before 16 February 2023. Non-members please can you therefore pay your meal cost through a Reading Rotary Member.

Please advise me before 9 February 2023 if you will be coming and if so, what your meal choices will be, so that I can advise the Rising Sun in advance.

Thank you

Bob

Centenary Celebration Invite from the Rotary Club of Rio de Janeiro

Roger / Alan — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 10:17:00 GMT

Dear Mr. Roger Butler,

I hope this letter finds you and the members of Rotary Club of Reading well. I have fond memories of our visit and learning about your Club.

On 26/10, I have presented the Rotary Club of Reading Friendship Gift to our President after making a presentation about our UK visits.

Please find enclosed, as promised, a limited edition Rotary Club of Rio de Janeiro banner for the 100^thAnniversary of Rotary International in Brazil.

I also enclose a flyer about our Centenary Programme from February 24^thuntil March 1^st. There is a lot of information about the events and various “Passports” at https://rotaryrio100.com.br/en/valores/ We would be honoured and delighted to have the presence of your Club in this event, and strengthen the historic bonds of friendship between our countries.

Kind Regards,

Claudio H. Steuer First Secretary,

Rotary Club Food Bank,

District 4571, 2022-23 Rotary Club Barra da Tijuca, Goodwill Ambassador

The Rotary Club of Reading’s 9th Santa Run.

Eric M — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 09:36:00 GMT

Reading Santa Run 2022

Six hundred hardy souls braved the misty Sunday morning of December 9 with temperatures below zero to take part in The Rotary Club of Reading’s 9^th Santa Run.

The venue was new – no longer through the streets of the town centre - but on the magnificent campus of the University of Reading.

A dinosaur waits patiently to get its entry number

Rotarians Eydis Björndottir and Vicky Metcalfe discuss the finer points of organising the event

Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Elizabeth McCrum started both races and pronounced herself very happy with the event. She wants to come again next year! (Hope it’s not as cold.)

Warming up

The IK Race gets underway

And the winners were:

1st Female Runner 5K Race - Emily Bryce
2nd Female Runner 5K Race - Katsiaryna Chapman
3rd Female Runner 5K Race - Toni McQueen

1st Male Runner 5K Race - Oliver Scott
2nd Male Runner 5K Race - Anthony Keeble
3rd Male Runner 5K Race - Dan Bufton

1st Girl Runner 1K Race - Georgia Ferguson
2nd Girl Runner 1K Race - Mollie-Grace Williams
3rd Girl Runner 1K Race - Aaliyah Ellul

1st Boy Runner 1K Race - Jamie Palmer
2nd Boy Runner 1K Race - Bobby Jones
3rd Boy Runner 1K Race - Toby Collier Keeble

Thanks to the participants and to so many Rotarians (some from other local clubs), members’ partners and other friends for organising a successful event at a new and different venue without the professional help that we have previously enjoyed. It will be a while before we know how much money the Santa Run raised but it will certainly be significant.

A huge thank you to the University for their splendid co-operation and especially to Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Elizabeth McCrum, who cheerfully endured a very cold morning to start the races—and then volunteered to come back next year!

A good few of the Club’s members deserve praise and thanks but especially: Eydis Björndottir, Tim Metcalfe and Vicky Metcalfe.

…………………………………………………………………………………

Rotary helping Ukrainians in Reading

John O — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 11:22:00 GMT

The club has been granted £2,071 from Foundation for vouchers for children’s costs shoes clothes and One4All vouchers for food treats etc

It is being distributed by the RRSG service to the 60 families in Reading. 90% of the 130 refugees in the town are women and children.

The photo will accompany a press release by RRSG

To help refugees further my company I has offered two families flats in Reading. Ukrainians have been first refusal of these flats before going into the market.

One couple has moved in

Fellowship Weekend

Leslie & Eric — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 14:32:00 GMT

Early in November a group of Reading Rotarians enjoyed a fellowship weekend in Chichester. Some of us met at Uppark house for lunch on Friday. The journey down for many was rather longer than expected due to diversions and roadworks.

We were able to walk around the house and gardens in the afternoon sun.

Chichester Park Hotel was comfortable, the menu choices excellent and food well presented One or two of the more energetic enjoyed the indoor swimming pool. Matt Andrew’s had done a great job organising the weekend and he lead the walk round Chichester on Saturday to see many of the more historic sights.

On Saturday evening the President of the local Chichester Rotary club joined 20 of us for dinner. It was a very enjoyable weekend and good that Jack and Graham and their wives were able to take part. It was good to welcome New Rotarians Bob and Nick and their wives.

John Parham , President of Chichester Rotary Club, and his wife Shirley are entertained by RRC President Roger Butler and his wife Marjorie, folowed by some more photos to remember the occasion...

Rambling on again

Bob — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 12:56:00 GMT

Seventeen members and friends enjoyed a Club Walk taking a circular route around South Stoke on Thursday 27 October 2022 organised by Club Secretary Bob Castelijn. The weather was fine and amazingly warm for late October. A hearty lunch followed at the Perch and Pike pub and all agreed that the event had been another success.

Waiting for the stragglers

The earlier notice below about the walk below, was posted spome weeks ago...

This is to invite you and any guests you would like to bring along to the next Reading Rotary Walk on Wednesday 26 October 2022. Amir proposed the walk, which will be a circular in the North-South Stoke area with an optional spur to North Stoke. The proposal is to start at 11:00 and finish with a lunch at https://www.perchandpike.co.uk. The route details and menu are attached.

I would be grateful if you could let me know if you would like to come and which guests you would like to bring along with your menu choices so that John Brunnen can deduct cost from your meals account and pay The Perch and Pike one week in advance of the event.

I look forward to hearing from you before 19 October 2022.

Pub menu

Shoeboxes again

Leslie — Sat, 15 Oct 2022 09:06:00 GMT

A team of our members met at Tim's Home Farm to fill more than 100 shoeboxes with toiletries and children's items for shipping to Ukraine, Romania and other locations where there is a need. In all, over 200 shoebixes have been prepared and are ready to be despatched.

It might appear to resemble a disorganised car boot sale but it was a smooth operation with everyone making a valuable contribution.

Melford Primary School Aryamet

John O — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 09:13:00 GMT

This is a Club facilitated project, the club's bank account is used to facilitate the transfer of funds that are raised ourside of Reading Rotary with minimal fees and overheads that might otherwise be incurred.

Shown in the picture is the new school behind the grass thatched old ones.

1,000 pupils have now registered at the school, with one of the classrooms shown below.

Block 1 of the 3 that will form the new school

DraughtBusters

Tony C — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 12:11:00 GMT

Could you spend half a day a month helping those in fuel poverty?

Increased fuel costs affect everyone, but for some it will be a very hard decision between food, warmth and increasing debt. Living in a cold and draughty home is far too common, and many of the solutions are both quick and cheap

DraughtBusters is a voluntary group that surveys homes for draughts and takes remedial action. The website draughtbusters.net gives all the advice needed to survey your own home and make changes, but the main thrust of the project is to provide the materials and trained labour to undertake the work, free of charge, for those in fuel poverty. Households are referred to Draughtbusters through Citizens Advice Bureau and WInterwatch,or might contact us through the website or through word of mouth.

With the cost of energy at a massive high, we anticipate a far larger demand for help this Autumn than can be provided through the current set of experienced volunteers. Draughtbusters wants to set up additional hubs across Reading and train new volunteers to undertake this important work. We’ve applied for additional grants from the Reading Climate Action Network amongst others, and have enough money in place to start training new volunteers in October and provide the tools and equipment for each hub.

It’s easy to survey a house and carry out draught proofing! If you would like to help with this project, and can commit to at least half a day a month, we’d love you to join us. This could be as an individual, or through a group of people forming one of the new hubs. You’ll get full training (and can go on to help yourself, friends and neighbours do their homes), and go out in a team of 2 or 3 (with one expert trainer to begin with) and with all tools and draught proofing materials provided. Everything is arranged by appointment and there is no cold-calling.

Alternatively, if you cannot become a draughtbuster, but know people who need help, then please give them the website or help them apply for assistance.

Interested and want to know more?

There will be a meeting at the civic centre on October 14th from 6-8pm to launch the extended programme and anyone interested is welcome. Alternatively, if you think your group could form a hub, then perhaps it would be easier for one of us to come out and chat to you at a more convenient time.

You can get hold of us on www.DraughtBusters.net using the contact form

or telephone tricia on 0118 9268341 for an initial chat

Thames path clean up

Eric — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 11:37:00 GMT

Plastic blitz 17th-25th September!

On Wednesday 21 September, seven of us from Reading Rotary Club(pictured) joined with other local organisations in a clean-up of litter on View Island and Hills Meadow by the Thames in Reading. We met by the Reading Hydroeleectric project, of which our member Rtn.Tony Cowling is a leading light (not meant to be a pun) and cleared an enormous amount of litter as well as coming across some interesting things (also pictured).

Meeting notes from 23rd August 2022

Bob — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 14:13:00 GMT

NOTE OF READING ROTARY CLUB MEETING 23^rd AUGUST 2022

Eydis welcomed:

1. Colin Maclean, Chair Foundation Team of the Reading Abbey Rotary Club and Fred McCrindle – the two guest speakers,

2. Karan Bhadiara, software consultant new to Caversham and interested in today’s topic,

3. Diogo Barros from Portugal (District 1970) who is also interested in the topic, and

4. Margaret Rice-Jones of the Binfield/Winnersh Rotary Club, which took over the Bracknell charter last year. The club meets in the Binfield community hall Sunday at 17:00hrs. Margaret has an international business career and wants to help mentoring local young people.

1. PRESIDENT’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. 28 August Reading Abbey Club needs volunteer marshals, for 10k Run @ Englefield

2. 30 August Mapledurham meeting – 36 will now attend

3. Claudio Steuer & Anna Steuer of Rio de Janiero will attend 6^th September meeting

4. Henry Rugamba Immediate Past Uganda Rotary Club President will attend 20 September.

2. MEMBERS’ ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Eydis: Santa Run update – confirmed to take place on 11 December at Reading University.

3. SECRETARY’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Next Face to Face Meeting: Tuesday 30th August at the Mapledurham Golf Club at 19:30 for 20:00 hours; SPEAKER: Simon Jones; Subject: Art Auctioneers and Valuers

Welcome to Guests and Vote of Thanks: TBA

2. Following Face to Face Meeting: Tuesday 6th September at Pepe Sale 12.30 for 13.00; SPEAKER: Reading Youth Leadership Awards; Welcome to Guests: Jack Holt; Vote of Thanks: Amir Kharkowa

3. 12th September is Golf Day so no meeting on 13th September 2022

4. TODAY’S SPEAKER: Colin Maclean, Chair Foundation Team, & Fred McCrindle of Reading Abbey Rotary Club

Subject: 'Launch Reading' - A Rotary initiative to support entrepreneurs in the Green area.

Today’s presentation is to solicit engagement, as Launch Reading needs more clubs to be involved in the pilot. Current difficulty is to access new entrepreneurs – numbers doubled during the Covid period. This increase can principally be broken down into 1) youth not willing to (continue) study at university, 2) 75+ers in need of more money. USA initiatives provide a great enterprise example.

Networking with experienced business people is the key to support the initiative. Applicants are being sought through posters in shopping & community centres and via. www.launchreading.org . A 10-week course set to start 22 October 2022 is being organized. RVA provides meeting space whilst Hamerson offers a classroom at the Oracle. Rotary assistance is needed to fund learning software licenses. Reading UK, RBH and RVA are already supporters.

During question time it was stated that templates showing processes or sample business plans are not yet available. It was suggested that Launch Reading approach - U3A, 1^st graduates, YMCA, Theale Green and other Schools for possible applicants.

They were encouraged to submit an application for assistance through the RRCP process and Leslie mentioned during his vote of thanks that we will look for candidates and mentors.

Shoe boxes

Jack H — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 16:31:00 GMT

The Youth Team will be helping the Rotary Shoebox Scheme again this year but with a different twist.

Odessa, January 2022

Council have approved £700 to purchase household supplies for families and such things as soap, shampoos, toothpaste etc will be bulk purchased from Amazon or similar. We aim to fill 100 boxes and will hold a morning or afternoon box packing session on October 11^th at 2pm kindly hosted at Home Farm thanks to Tim and Vicky. We reckon half a dozen volunteers will be enough and we should get these easily.

Please let Jack know if you would like to take part in the filling session.

Additionally, members may still like to fill a shoebox personally. We have boxes available for this so please let Jack know if you would like an box or two.

This year with our 100 box event, individual member boxes and some filled by 3^rd Reading Cub Scouts we could get to 150 boxes which would be great.

In February Rotary Shoebox HQ sent over 11,000 boxes Odessa, Ukraine before the Russian invasion and since then to neighbouring Chisinau Rotary Club in Moldavia where some Ukrainian refugees are among the recipients.

For more information see https://www.rotaryshoebox.org/

Best wishes to all

Jack

The ninth Reading Rotary Santa Run

Eydis — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 09:51:00 GMT

The ninth Reading Rotary Santa Run is now open for entries. Come and join us on the University grounds on the 11th December 2022 for a 5K festive Run. There is also a 1k family Run so everyone of any age or ability can join in.

Reading Rotary organises the event and this year's race will be in aid of Reading's Food bank and The Mustard Tree - Starting Point Reading as well as local Rotary charities.

All entrants, including children, will receive a unique special event medal and there will be prizes for all ages.

You can visit https://www.santarun.co.uk/ for details and to register.

Thank you from Brazil

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 19:09:00 GMT

On behalf of Maria Rodrigues Aller Sanchez and Jorge Aller Sanchez, our Presidents of Rotary Club Barra da Tijuca, I would like to thank you and the members of Rotary Club of Reading for the wonderful warm welcome and hospitality extended to us this afternoon.

We have thoroughly enjoyed our lively conversation about Rotary Club, delicious meal, and getting to know other Club members. It was nice to hear about your Rotary Club activities and see how our activities are similar, despite the country differences.

We were impressed with your record of service, wisdom of past and current members to develop and maintain a constant source or revenue to be deployed to local and international projects. This is a dream for every Rotary Club - well done !

Thank you for providing us with the opportunity to share information about our Rotary Club and plans for our 100th Anniversary. We would be truly honoured and very grateful if your International Committee elects to participate in our 100th Anniversary by celebrating Mr. Coates legacy and contributing to our Food Bank project. Reading and Rio celebrating 100th Anniversary together !

Please find enclosed as promised, a PDF copy of our presentation, and we remain at your disposal to provide any additional information for your deliberations.

We are also grateful for having received the Centenary Anniversary Booklet and the very thoughtful and beautiful set of Reading Rotary Coasters which will be used with pride when enjoying a single malt and a cigar !

I understand our new banners are under production, and once they are ready, we will make sure to send one to you at the Rotary Club of Reading.

Should you or any member of Rotary Club of Reading come to Rio, please do not hesitate to let us know, as we would delighted to reciprocate the wonderful hospitality received.

Warm Regards,

Claudio H Steuer & Ana E. A. Steuer

Goodwill Ambassadors

Rotary Club Barra da Tijuca – District 4571 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

First Secretary, Rotary Club Food Bank Directorate 2022-24 Fiscal Counsellor, Rotary Club Food Bank Directorate 2022-24 Rotary Club Barra da Tijuca – District 4571 – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

NOTES FROM ROTARY MEETING 16th AUGUST 2022

Bob C — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 08:48:00 GMT

NOTE OF READING ROTARY CLUB MEETING 16th AUGUST 2022

1. PRESIDENT’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. 31 have now confirmed attendance on 30th August; minimum requirement has been met
2. Trustees will consider the £1,000 request from RRCP Shift, Youth and Community
3. David Tigwell can now be formally inducted as a new member
4. Reading Abbey Club is still looking for assistance, especially marshals for their Englefield 10k run on 28 August 2022. Details can be found on www.englefieldrun.info. If you can help, please contact the Abbey President Darren Holmes on dmholmes001@gmail.com

2. MEMBERS’ ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Eydis: UoR has still to decide the date for the Santa Run
2. Leslie welcomed members’ support for food in Africa where problems are huge. Food and fuel prices have doubled.
3. Jack can obtain 20 tickets in the centre front two rows for Top Hat at The Mill at Sonning on Wednesday December 7th. It will have to be on a first come first served basis. The bar opens at 6.00, dinner is at 6.45 and the show start 8.15. Tickets cost £76 and include a two-course meal with coffee and a programme.
4. Simon C invited tombola prices for the September golf day
5. Frank P offered wine to the tables to celebrate his 60th wedding anniversary 40 year of which he has been a Rotarian.

3. SECRETARY’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Next Zoom Meeting: Tuesday 23rd at 11:45 for 12:00; Speakers: Colin MacLean + Fred McCrindle of Reading Abbey; Subject : “Launch Reading” Rotary initiative to support entrepreneurs; Welcome to Guests: Alan Haine; Vote of Thanks: Leslie Green
2. Next Face to Face Meeting: Tuesday 30th at 19.30 for 20.00 hours at Mapledurham Golf Club; SPEAKER: Simon Jones of Jones & Jacobs; Subject: Art Auctioneers and Valuers

5. TODAY’S SPEAKER: Romy Biscoe - Starting Point The Mustard Tree

Subject: Mentoring young people who face disadvantages

1. Starting Point is in its 10th anniversary mentoring and creating opportunities. Last year they 127 mentored 127 of whom 63 had mental health issues as well as disabled people and those with criminal record. The large number of mental health clients is due to long NHS waiting lists.
2. Starting Points tries to incentivise clients, provide them with a boost to get up in morning, steer away from bad behaviour and integrate in the local community.
3. Mental health help and eliminating anxiety are common themes where just a simple coffee chat can be a helpful start.
4. Mentoring is the next step. It consists of talking to independent person, role modelling behaviour, showing care, kind gestures, providing a long term relationship by sharing experience, being a sounding board and providing encouragement without set time limits. It is a relational, tailored and holistic activity, based on a genuine interest in the person’s wellbeing – seeing and following positive changes with them.
5. Starting Point provides the hub, creating a safe welcoming space; young people need trusted adults around them.
6. Romy concluded by inviting volunteers to come forward and spend 1 hour per week with young people in need. She said in response to questions that most referrals come through the Council’s Social Services department but also mental health agencies and connections. 26 14-15 years old girls form the most critical age group, needing early intervention. Work is generally not their radar; just getting them to sport is already quite something. Today’s choices make life difficult without the structures we had in the past - mobile phones have a lot to answer for.

7. During his vote of thanks Tony valued Romy’s great contribution to a utopian vision endorsing her encouragement to become befrienders.

NOTE OF CUB MEETING 9th AUGUST 2022

Bob C — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 13:09:00 GMT

NOTE OF READING ROTARY ZOOM MEETING 9th AUGUST 2022

1. PRESIDENT’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

7 day letter for David T has been circulated
27 have registered for the 30/8/22 Mapledurham meeting to date
Marshalls are needed for the Abbey run on 28 August 2022 – please help if you can!
Tony C will lead the new to be started Reading Rotary Environmental Team
Alan H will chair the next meeting on behalf of Roger
We will have two Rotary guests from Rio de Janeiro during our meeting on 6 September 2022

2. MEMBERS’ ANNOUNCEMENTS

Tim: Back to Nature will be a special event along the Thames on 21 August 2022
Chris: Please do keep meeting times under control, and
30/8 will be a good meeting to introduce David T as a new member
Graham: Please ensure that all team leaders invite new members to a team meeting

3. SECRETARY’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEXT FACE TO FACE MEETING: 16th August at Pepe Sale at 12.30 for 13.00. SPEAKER: Romy Biscoe of Starting Point The Mustard Tree
Subject: Mentoring young people who face disadvantages.
Welcome to Guests: Tony Cowling; Vote of Thanks: Simon Creffield
NEXT ZOOM MEETING: 23 August at 11.45 for 12.00
SPEAKER: Colin MacLean + Fred McCrindle of Reading Abbey Club
Subject: “Launch Reading” Rotary initiative to support entrepreneurs
Welcome to Guests: Leslie Green; Vote of Thanks: Alan Haine

4. TODAY: BUSINESS MEETING - Reports from Team Leaders

1. Club Services
Roger on behalf of Alan Haine: 1) Pepe Sale questionnaire is being reviewed – all will be asked for views; 2) Associate Member fees are being considered; 3) Thank you to Matt for finding a hotel for fellowship weekend in Chichester late October 2022

2. Speakers

Janet Poland: 1) 2022 diary schedule update will be posted on the website tomorrow; 2) five items are to be valued during our Mapledurham meeting on 30 August 2022 (two water-colours, a world cup package, an old farm package, a clock and a pistol); 3) ideas for entertaining evening speakers are welcome

3. Membership

John O and Graham considered the need for new in- and outdoor banners to promote Rotary and attract new members.

4. Youth Services

Tim on behalf of Amir: 1) RYLA Speaker booked for 6th Sept; 2) All dictionaries went out; 3) Theale Green School event was a success; 4) Shoe boxes and associated budget are sorted for Sept. 2022

5. Santa Run

Eydis (after the meeting): Date may remain at 11 December. Details will follow soon

6. Community and Vocational

Leslie on behalf of Matt Andrews: All to advise Matt before 17/8 if they will join the fellowship weekend 28/29 October 2022

7. International and Foundation

Leslie Green: 1) In Tanzania, safeguarding is now being defined with supporting national policies – note that historically it was completely legal for a 40+years old man to marry a girl of 12; 2) Leslie and Bridget will visit Tanzania again shortly; 3) Foodbank support for Orum and Amani is welcomed; as both areas are in crisis; 4) will host an International meeting on 21 September at 12:00 noon. All will be invited to attend as new members are needed.

8. RRCP

John Brunnen on behalf of Peter: Early loan repayment is under consideration – the property is being valued for a decision in November 2022

9. Centenary Dinner

Members agreed that John B will transfer a tip to the value of £150 for staff serving at the centenary diner, as agreed at the outset.

ROTARY CLUB MEETING 2nd AUGUST 2022

Bob C — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 08:52:00 GMT

1. NOTES FROM READING ROTARY CLUB MEETING 2nd AUGUST 2022

2. PRESIDENT’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Please advise a.s.a.p. if you will be coming to the Evening Meeting at Mapledurham Golf Club on 30 August 2022. So far only 15 members have confirmed.
2. Thank you to Tim and Vicky for Sunday’s wonderful afternoon of fellowship.
3. Members approved £550 for Kids Cancer Charity to fund a respite break, for a family with a child suffering from cancer. We gave money to this charity two years ago. Council proposal is that the money should come from RRCP. It is to be made clear to the charity that we will not give them money again for at least 3 years.

3. MEMBERS’ ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Simon handed the ‘Rotary Teapot’ to Eydis in appreciation of her work in making the Santa Run such a success.
2. Simon then presented a Paul Harris Award to Sandra for her past contribution to the Club, including twice as President, but also more recently in the preparation of the Club Centenary Brochure.
3. Matt has identified suitable hotels for the fellowship weekend being planned for October 2022. More details are to follow.
4. Tony has received a flag from the Adamanad Club in India which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Their website refers to its achievements including the cataract hospital, sowing skills initiatives and installation of solar panels.
5. Simon stressed the need for members to come forward to form teams for the golf day in September.

4. INDUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS – VICKY METCALFE AND NICK HARBORNE

1. Eric introduced Vicky and John introduced Nick as our new members, further welcomed by Roger Butler.
2. Whilst giving them the Rotary Pin and Welcoming Booklet, Roger highlighted that elected members have responsibilities to involve themselves and to develop friendship through fellowship in the club.

5. SECRETARY’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Next Zoom Business Meeting: 9th August at 11:45 for 12:00
2. Next Face to Face Meeting:16th August at Pepe Sale at 12.30 for 13:00
SPEAKER: Romy Biscoe of Starting Point The Mustard Tree
Subject: Mentoring young people who face disadvantages
3. Bob highlighted members that ‘Reading Age UK’s speaker Matt Taylor is seeking walkers for joining their team on 19 September 2022 as well as befrienders. See his email dated 26 July 2022 for more details.

6. TODAY’S SPEAKER: JOY JARVIS + JESS BARKER

Subject: A Day in the Life of a Roads Police Officer

Both speakers explained that they feel passionate about road safety. Joy has been working for 8 years in the serious collision investigation unit, initially as a family liaison officer. After passing her detective exam she became a constable.
Jess passed her exam 2 months ago and stressed that crashes always have a reason. A contributory factor is that modern cars have lots of distractions.
The main causes of death are 1. Speed (24%), 2. Mobile phones (10%), 3. Seatbelt noncompliance (12%), and 4. Drink & drugs (impairment 26%). The remaining 28% is largely due to human error and misjudgements.
The chances of survival are 95%, 80% and 10% for collisions respectively at 20, 30, and 40mph. The maximum sentence of 14 years for speeding (no one has had more than 10 years) is considered far too lenient. However life imprisonment is now possible as a result of fatal collisions due to mobile phone use.

7. Thank you from Dr Claire Bankole, who did a presentation to us last month.

Thank you so much for organising for myself and Anika to visit the rotary club and present our work there the other week.
We felt very well cared for and welcomed!
I have just completed the rotary annual awards application form which we were encouraged to do, I have sent it to Lizzie Heaver by email as per the instructions on the form.
I also would like to pass on something that occurred to me following our presentation.
Apart from finances, we really value people's expertise, especially when this is available over a period of time as part of our team; as a volunteer run organisation (traditionally) this is how we are used to operating. Should anyone in the club be interested in volunteering with us, particularly on the training development side of things - a more business-like approach to that side of our work would be of great benefit! It may be that this could tide us over until we have raised all the funds required to appoint a training manager, or it could be that this replaces our need to raise funds for a training manager and we could then focus on raising funds for a program manager to grow our youth work provision.
I put this forward as an addendum to our presentation on the 19th!
Thank you once again for organising our visit.
I wish you and the club all the best in all your endeavours.
Claire

Please Note: The SYC national team, based in Reading, is operational Tuesdays through Fridays each week.

NOTES From meeting 26th JULY 2022

Bob C — Sun, 31 Jul 2022 08:59:00 GMT

NOTES READING ROTARY CLUB ZOOM MEETING 26th JULY 2022

1. FAMILY OFFICER – FRANK PARKINSON

Welcomed Graham back after a long period of recovery.

2. PRESIDENT’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Jubilee bench has been transferred to YMCA for a make-over
2. A representative is still needed to liaise with Pepe Sale
3. All are asked to advise if they will attend the meeting at Mapledurham on 30 August as the golf club wants an early deposit
4. Nick Harborne will be sworn in during our next meeting at Pepe Sale
5. Vicky Metcalfe could possibly be sworn in at the same meeting

3. MEMBERS’ ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Jack Holt reminded all of the golf event on behalf of Simon
2. Eric Moyse will send a 7-day notice letter about David soon
3. John Osborne: Reading Rotary will have a page in the next Reading Chronicle
4. Tim Metcalfe: Please advise if you wish to attend the shoebox party on 31 July
5. Tim: the Rotary Chair items have been put back together with some centenary pictures + coin. All agreed that the chair can be opened again in 25 years.

4. SECRETARY’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Next meeting: 2nd August, Pepe Sale at 12.30 for 13.00; Speaker: Joy Jarvis, Thames Valley Police; Subject: A Day in the Life of a Roads Police Officer Welcome: David Barrett; Vote of Thanks: Matt Andrews
2. Next Zoom Meeting: 9th August, Business Meeting

5. Gert-Jan van Dommelen of PlasticSoup: Plastic in the Air and Oceans

The worldwide initiative was conceived in Amsterdam to raise awareness and take action to reduce the magnitude of the amount of plastic. The first presentation was in Oxford on 10 October 2021 with Rotary representatives from Henley and Marlow unable to attend today.

Pictures were showing how plastic gets smaller but never goes away: it becomes micro plastic and ends up in the food chain. Each of us eats at least 2kg plastic per annum. Plakton is an important element of the ecosystem. One of the results is that oceans have lost 40% of their capability to eliminate CO2. Another feature is 20% fertility reduction during the last 40 years. Despite all this plastic production is expected to double in the next 10 years. This will result in 45kg plastic waste per person per annum.

PlasticSoup is aiming to stop plastic pollution by 2050 by reducing, reusing and recycling plastic. It has prepared action packages for schools, sport clubs, events, shops, restaurants.

Clear up initiatives have been taken

• along the River Drina where a power station was stopped by waste
• in Egypt where recycling initiatives are in progress,
• in Russia where the Black Sea is being cleaned
• in Ghana / Sierra Leone where recycling factories are operational at the Limes Bubble Barrier and
• along the Oude Rijn in The Netherlands where plastic is being burnt to provide heating for most dwellings in Amsterdam.

3 June is the Global End Plastic Soup Action Day. Details can be found on the Beat the Micro Beat App. Its young ambassadors are telling us that we need a plastic treaty now. The United Nations signed the agreement in March 2022.

Plastic helps to bind and work with people.

During the Q&A session it was stressed that it is better to recycle than to burn plastic. 65% of plastic has recycling potential whilst only 1% is being recycled at present. Best of all is to use different material. Single use plastic constitutes 50% of all plastic – a huge problem.

During his vote of thanks Tim Metcalfe highlighted that, with particles of plastic in sewage, farmers are effectively contaminating the land when applying waste to fields and that Greta Thunberg’s generation has to be involved with solving the problem of plastic in the air and oceans.

Read more about Gert's presetation and watch the videos here>

End Plastic Soup

Gert-Jan van Dommelen — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 10:37:00 GMT

Attached the link to the recording of the presentation by Gert about Rotary initiatives to reduce plastic pollution.

Download link: https://we.tl/t-WRBHZ6JW0k

Thank you for your interest in EndPlasticSoup, the initiative for Rotary to end the problem of plastic pollution.

Attached is the link to the presentation https://we.tl/t-ekNgMMdIFo

Some videos are included.

Please watch other videos on Youtube: search for 'EndPlasticSoup'.

In this mail you will find information about our initiative and the way you can join EndPlasticSoup as a Supporter, Ambassador or Friend Club. In addition we present you some information about the problem of plastic pollution and what you can do yourself and what your club can do to help to EndPlasticSoup.

Our Goal

Our goal is to ensure that by 2050 there will be no more plastic waste in oceans, seas, rivers, forests, parks and streets.

EndPlasticSoup is already supported by thousands of Rotarians and hundreds of Rotary, Rotaract & Interact Clubs worldwide.

We all work together with Alliances to solve and prevent the plastic pollution problem, throughout the life cycle: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

We are happy that you and your club members are embracing this initiative and we will work together to ‘EndPlasticSoup’.

You can read more about EndPlasticSoup on our website www.endplasticsoup.org.

Join EndPlasticSoup

You can join us as a Supporter Club for 200 euro per year or as a Friend Club for 50 euro per year. Ambassador Clubs are Supporter Clubs who represent us in their district/region.

More information how to join us you will find here.

EndPlasticSoup flag and logo

As a Supporter, Ambassador or Friend club you will receive the EndPlasticSoup flag and logos with your club name after we received the payment.

You can start today

We hope we can inspire you to take action: Start today, step by step and only together we will ‘EndPlasticSoup’.

Here you can find more information about the problem of plastic pollution and the actions you can take.

Problem of plastic pollution What can you do? Join our actions

Latest news

Latest news and more information you can find on our website www.endplasticsoup.org and in our latest newsletter.

You can also follow our social media channels: Facebook and Instagram.

For more information or a presentation of EndPlasticSoup in your Club please mail us endplasticsoup@gmail.com.

Kind regards,

EndPlasticSoup team

Wytzia, Wendela, Marja, Gert-Jan, Willem & Albert Jan

www.endplasticsoup.org

endplasticsoup@gmail.com

READING ROTARY CLUB MEETING NOTES 19th JULY 2022

Bob C — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 12:38:00 GMT

READING ROTARY CLUB MEETING NOTES 19th JULY 2022

1. PRESIDENT’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

o Roger reported that the Rotary bench along the riverside is to be collected by YMCA on Thursday and transferred to their workshop for refurbishment.

o A volunteer is still required, to be responsible for recording attendance and liaison with Pepe Sale over meals.

o A number of communications from Rotary District are being circulated, two topics of interest are the Plastic Blitz (we have had previous correspondence with other Reading Clubs regarding joint action) and survey regarding the format of the District Conference next year.

2. MEMBERS’ ANNOUNCEMENTS

o Bob Castelijn: Shiplake Henley Circular Walk was successful with 13 participants and a very enjoyable lunch afterwards. The next walk will be the North-South Stoke Circular on 12 October 2022.

o Tim Metcalfe: 9 Rotarians interviewed the 35 out of 50 17 year old students about their CV at Theale Green School. The quality of the CVs varied considerably but the caliber of students was impressive overall.

o Tim Metcalfe reminded us of his garden party on 31 July 2022.

3. SECRETARY’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next Zoom Meeting: Tuesday 26th July at 11:45 for 12:00

Speaker: Gert-Jan van Dommelen; Subject : Plastic in the air and oceans

Welcome to Guests: Roger Butler; Vote of Thanks: Tim Metcalfe

Next Face to Face Meeting: Tuesday 2nd August at 12.30 for 13.00 at Pepe Sale

Speaker: Joy Jarvis, Thames Valley Police; Subject: A Day in the Life of a Roads Police Officer

4. TODAY’S SPEAKER: Dr Claire Bankole CEO SYC (Shift, Youth & Community)

Subject: SYC’s to provide opportunities for young people, their families and communities to flourish.

Claire explained how SYC focuses on teamwork to share lives and connect young people with the community. SYC started 6 years ago in response to church invitation to work with people of good will and to respond to felt need.

The John Majeski Academy forms an important part of SYC’s work. SYC has been working with one teacher to help underperforming pupils. 1:1 support is helping children to get back into the 6-form classes. Community work consists of depression courses and extra support during a meal on the last Friday of the month.

Training is another focus: specific dealing with depression alone and within family settings. SYC supports other leaders to cause their teams to flourish, an income generating aspect to ensure long term support. A video showed how fun days, diners, courses, coaches; can help in social and academic encouragement. SYC is currently surveying all people in the network with a view to identifying next steps whilst looking for a part-time Training Manager.

During the Q&A session it was mentioned that the Reading Community Church does a similar thing. Others expressed sadness that schools are unable to do this work themselves,

During his vote of thanks John Osborne expressed admiration about SYC’s work with minimal funding and that both Claire and are both working as very committed volunteers. He encouraged SYC to keep in touch and apply for RRCP funding.

2022 Mock interviews at Theale Green School

Vicky M — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 15:10:00 GMT

The last week of the Summer term found 9 members returning to school - Theale Green- in the guise of Interviewers!

We were welcomed by Dr Anne Richards, Head of 6th form and 'looked after' by Claire Smith, 6th form Careers Manager.

who kindly made a wonderful sponge cake for the mid-morning coffee break- a definite perk of the job!

35 students of the 50 expected arrived at their appointed times and many an interesting interview was had using the helpful guideline notes previously circulated by Tim Metcalfe; kindly provided by Polly Metcalfe, a member of the careers department at The Oxford University.

Conversations varied around the room , from dress code for the interview, fidgeting, how to improve their CV, to discovering that a number of the students had little free time as they were involved in so many different activities, both in and out of school and we learnt that many were working at weekends and looking to increase their hours over the summer, a sure sign of the world that they are growing up in .

Interviews lasted approx 30 mins and Rotary members all felt that they had been able to give something to each of their interviewees, shaking them by the hand, thanking them and wishing them well as they left.

Theale Green then provided us with a light lunch which gave us an opportunity to discuss the morning, with all departing the school feeling that they had contributed to the students' futures, if only in a small way.

VM 19/07/22

Shiplake-Henley Circular Walk

Bob — Sun, 17 Jul 2022 12:58:00 GMT

The latest club Club Walk was held onr July 13th between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The route was almost traffic free, very varied, and had only one or two gradients.

Because of work on Marsh Lock we were diverted and could get only a glimpse of the magnificent elevated wooden walkway.

Lunch in Pete's Potting Shed at the Baskerville Arms and guess who is in the chair.

A beautiful entrance that we passed near the end of the walk

Melford Primary School - Aryamet

Leslie — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 10:26:00 GMT

Melford Primary School - Aryamet which the club has been supporting is now fully operational

Help to St Martins Primary School

Jack H — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 10:20:00 GMT

Members like might to know that St Martins Primary School in Lower Caversham have just sent a photo of their raised vegetable beds. They plan to give some produce to families and sell some at their fete.

We supplied them with 1000 litres of compost in early March courtesy of club funds and Metcalfe Logistics.

Golf Day

Graham B — Mon, 04 Jul 2022 09:01:00 GMT

[image:image-0] SAVE THE DATE! [image:image-1]

Rotary Club of Reading’s 33^rd Charity Golf Day

Monday 12^th September 2022

Shotgun Start at 9.00am

Theale Golf Club North Street, Theale, Reading, RG7 5EX

18 hole Stableford Competition for Teams of Four

Bacon Buttie & Coffee Welcome

On Course Refreshments

Competition Prizes

Nearest the Pin and Prize Holes

Lunch

Tombola

All-inclusive price of £270 for a team of four

This popular event has raised tens of thousands of pounds for Rotary charities & good causes both local & international. Your support will ensure another successful and enjoyable day.

For further information and a booking form contact:

simon@creffields.co.uk or download it below:

2022 booking form
2022 team booking
2022 sponsorship form

Centenary Celebration

Alan N — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 19:28:00 GMT

On Wednesday 22nd June 2022 Reading Rotary Club celebrated its centenary with a formal dinner at Sindlesham Court Masonic Hall.

You can view or step through some of the pictures below, kindly taken by Mr Andrew Fewings a guest of our outgoing president Simon.

Meeting Report 14th June 2022

Alan H — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 19:51:00 GMT

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

16 of our members joined in the Zoom meeting on 14th June and we were pleased to welcome a possible new Associate Member, Michael Ogunseye, and, joining us from Stockholm, Mr. Frake, a member of the Rotary Club of Kankaria in India whose son is a next-door neighbour to Tony Cowling and who, through Tony, has presented us with a pennant from his Club celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Our speaker was Sarah Hacker of PACT, an Adoption Charity and family support provider. We hope eventually to provide a recording of her talk on our Club website. Sarah has sent the following message to us since her talk:-

"Thank you so much for hosting me at your meeting on Tuesday. I really appreciated being given the opportunity to tell you a bit more about the work we do at PACT. If you would like any more information please do not hesitate to ask and it would be great is you were able to share the invitation to our garden party: https://www.pactcharity.org/support-us/garden-party/

Frank Parkinson reported that Graham Broadhurst was making steady progress, but that his recovery was bound to take some time.

President Simon reported the sad news of the resignations of two of our members, Simon Soname and Dudley Ives, but was pleased to say that both gentlemen were willing to become Associate Members of the Club, so they can still join us in fundraising and social events when they are able. He also told us that Club Council on 13th June had agreed that any profits from our Centenary celebration (including the raffle) woulkd be divided three ways between Shelterboxes, Water Aid and our Club funds. Members present agreed the motion from Club Council that we make a grant of £500 to go to Step by Step, an organisation working with homeless yoiung people about which we heard a talk back in March.

Simon also reminded us of the Golf Day at Theale on 12th September, noting that teams and sponsorship and prizes for the tombola would all be very welcome.

It was agreed that the Secretary should send round an email to see who would still like to attend lunch at Pepe Sale on 5th July, as this now clashed with the Memorial Service for Ian Hammond which has been arranged for 2.0. p.m. that afternoon. The Secretary has since sent out that email and has just sent out another asking who would be available on 28th June if we decided to meet at Pepe Sale then instead of on 5th July.

Bob Castelijn reminded us of the Club walk planned for 13th July. Please contact Bob if you are interested in going on this.

Chris Nicholls announced that there would be at least 130 people sharing in our Centenary celebration on June 22nd. The Hall will be open from 6.30 p,.m., and the neal will start at 7.30 p.m.

Janet Poland mentioned that she was in negotiation with Simon Jones, an auctioneer, for him to attend our evening meeting on 320th August and wondered if members would like this to take a format similar to "Antiques Road Show" where people bring along items they would like valued and assessed. Those present seemed very happy with this idea.

Our next Zoom meeting will be on Tuesday July 12th at 11.45 a.m. for 12 noon and would be hosted by our new Secretary, Bob Castelijn.

Best wishes,

Alan Haine

Global Sight Solutions

John & Fiona Miles — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 13:55:00 GMT

220607 Reading Rotary Meeting Global Sight Solutions Presentation by John & Fiona Miles

Global Sight Solutions is a Rotary charity to offer eye care to the poorest in a sustainable manner. The care is free to the world’s poorest people. The Charity was registered by Guildford in the 1990’s and has already set up eye hospitals at a typical cost of £40k. The current target is 50 hospitals plus mobile hospitals (buses) in areas of need. The cost of a typical for cataract operation is £15.

John and Fiona are behind the initiative and recognise that Rotarians are getting older which hampers fundraising as well as community work. They are seeing the numerous Rotary Clubs’ centenaries as a vehicle for publicity. John has found that only 42% of the population has heard of Rotary and is therefore sending emails to all clubs. He will be attending 53 clubs in 24 districts and encourage these to involve the media which will be interested in Rotary centenaries. He further suggests to

- add quarterly reports to the media

- get the fundraising message across to local people

- integrate Rotary in the community and

- attract new Rotary members

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John further referred to Rotary Radio, an initiative which was taken 5 years ago and still rather unknown and underutilised. He showed car stickers which are available to visualise Rotary presence as well as a Global Sight Solutions leaflet. This material will be used for two cars, second hand Rolls Royce and a Mercedes, which will be auctioned after travelling a 6000km journey.

John closed his talk by promoting a £5 booklet entitled Lovell’s Laughter Lines, another fundraising initiative, and giving our president a flag, some stickers and draft leaflets.

News update

Alan H — Mon, 23 May 2022 07:02:00 GMT

Last Tuesday just over 20 of us met at Pepe Sale when we heard an inspiring talk from Martin Butler of the Royal Berks Charity. Our Family Officer, Frank Parkinson, had been speaking by phone to Morvyn Hayes and told us that sadly Morvyn's surgery had been unsuccessful and that it was too risky for him to have another operation, and so his medication was being changed instead. Jack Holt told us he had spoken to Graham Broadhurst who was much better and would welcome short phone calls, although it was probably best to text Graham first to make sure it was convenient. Jack had also spoken to Richard Stone who, unfortunately, was not feeling so well.

Members present approved £415 to be spent on repairs by the YMCA team to the bench originally put up by the old Rotary Club of Caversham. President Simon urged members who had not already done so to reply to Chris Nicholls concerning our Centenary. Roger Butler, on behalf of Club Services, noted that Eric Moyse wished to give up as Membership Secretary. Thanks were expressed to Eric for all his hard work and Roger asked for a volunteer to become Membership Secretary from July. Roger also announce that Alan Nicholsby would shortly be moving to Bristol, so we needed someone to follow him in looking asfter the Club website and laising with the Pepe Sale restauarant about numbers for meals. We are also grateful to Alan for all he has done. Roger also mention ed that some of our members would be attending the Breakfast meeting of the Matins Club on June 1st and that if anyone else wished to go , they should let him know.

Best wishes,

Alan Haine

Reading Friendship Festival

Tue, 17 May 2022 09:21:00 GMT

The upcoming Reading Friendship Festival on Saturday 28th May (11-4pm) at Christchurch Meadows, with the goal to bring the new Hong Kong arrivals and local community together! It is free to join and there will be lots of fun activities for kids and adults to mix with the local community including face painting, balloon modelling, and a sports day competition!

We would love to invite you and your family to join us and enjoy the day together! Please see attached flyer and further details in my email below.

The event registration link is https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/reading-friendship-festival-registration-310437495907

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Club news

Alan H — Mon, 16 May 2022 07:28:00 GMT

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

Our meeting on Tuesday May 17th at Pepe Sale will welcome Martin Butler as our speaker.

He is a Community Fundraising Officer for the Royal Berks Charity.

Last Tuesday 21 of us joined via Zoom and we were pleased to welcome David Tigwell, a prospective member, as a guest once again. Frank Parkinson told us that Graham Broadhurst was no in the Community Hospital in Didcot and will be there for 3 weeks. Graham was making slow progress. Jackie Hammond, Ian's widow, had been going backwards and forwards between hospital and care home, but as of last Tuesday she was back in hospital. Frank subsequently let me know the care home address where she should eventually be permanently. It is Penhurst Gardens Nursing Home, New Street, Chipping Norton, Oxon, OX7 5ED. Frank had also spoken to Morvyn who had changed medication and was in good form.

Chris Nicholls noted that advertisers for the Centenary brochure were still being sought and also raffle prizes for the Centenary evening. Donations of worthwhile prizes or money to buy them should be given to Chris and Jack Holt suggested that those who were unable to attend the evening could make up for that by helping with raffle prizes.

Matt Andrews noted that he was arranging a Fellowship Weekend in Chirchester for 14/15 October whilst he also mentioned the Hong Kong Friendship Festival on Sat. 28th May from 11.0. a.m. to 4.0. p.m in Christchurch Meadows . to which all Rotarians and their families would be very welcome. He was arranging a visit to Launchpad for those coming for our Centenary from Caen Abbayes.

The Secretary announced that our next Zoom meeting would be on Tuesday 24th May at the usual time when Alice Gostomski would speak about the Reading Fibromyalgia Support Group.

The rest of our meeting was a Business Meeting looking forwards to the new Rotary year. Eric Moyse spoke on Membership and said he was about to write to members' spouses and partners to invite therm to consider joining the Club. He urged that Associate Members be involved in our projects and also that members invite friends to meetings.

Amir spoke on Youth matters. The number of dictionaries will be back to their normal numers covering 17 schools after a drop because of dictionaries not used in the previous year. Gardening in local schools may be extended to others. Last year's RYLA candidate was hoping to take the course asgain as last year the vcourse was abandoned because of a Covid case and there was also a second candidate in the pipeline. A presentation about the YMCA project was being prepared. Help was needed for the mock job interviews of Lower 6th pupils at Theale Green School on 11th July. Tim Metcalfe noted that there would be a Club event to fill the Shoeboxes and also a Garden Party to help with the costs of this on 31st July at Home Farm during the afternoon. There would not be tickets, but simply a bowl for donations.

Eydis spoke on the Santa Run and noted that Council was considering the idea that people might bring their own Santa Suits as these were increasingly expensive and hard to obtain. It was also hoped that we might team up with the University and relocate the Run to the University area. Using the town centre costs too much . Matt Andrews was going to speak to the University authorities and then Eydis would let us know the outcome.

On Community matters, Matt told us that the Oxford Road Residents' Association had approached the Club Council for help and Matt had replied to say that once the Association had got going we would see about what support we might give. The team are also working with refugees in Reading from Afghanistan, Hong Kong and, once they arrive, Ukraine. Matt is collecting tools for "Tools for Self-reliance" so if anybody has any they wish to donate, please let Matt know.

Leslie Green was not able to be present, but had sent notes on Foundation and International matters. On Foundation, he noted that the team hoped to sponsor a scholar next year whilst on International, he reported that through Bob the team were investigating a possible project in Cameroon for next year. Leslie also mentioned the need for more funds for projects and for more members on the International team. The people who benefited from our projects in Uganda and Tanzania had conveyed their thanks to the Club.

Bob Castelijn noted how successful the walks had been during the last Rotary year and mentioned that the next would be on 13th July in the Henley area. Any ideas for future walks would be warmly welcomed.

The walks had been amongst he highlights of Club Fellowship, but it was hoped to encourage members to visit the Matins Club at their new venue and we also needed someone to lead a visit to the Bombay Distillery.

As President-Elect, Roger Butler spoke of hopes for the next year and noted that Rotary International was using the slogan "Imagine Rotary" and Roger suggested that as a Club we needed to imagine what Rotary could do to help people. He hoped for closer links to other local Rotary Clubs and possible joint initiatives. There were already links with 2 other Clubs in the hope of cleaning up the River Thames in our area, but no action as yet. Roger also thought that the effects of the pandemic on young people meant that they needed our support in new ways. He wondered if the Club should have a special Environment team. He also expects that support for refugees in Reading will be a major feature next year.

Under A.O.B., Tim Metcalfe pointed out that some of our Club were going to the Matins Club 30th Anniversary dinner.

Best wishes,

Alan Haine

Our centenary celebrations

Sat, 30 Apr 2022 18:40:00 GMT

In June 2022, Reading Rotary club will be celebrating its centenary.

To reserve places at the Rotary Club of Reading Centenary celebration on Wednesday 22 June

2022 at £50 per person please compldete the form here>

Rambling on and other items

Alan N — Sat, 30 Apr 2022 18:08:00 GMT

In April our walkers enjoyed a very pleasant ramble along the Thames from Whitchurch to Goring followed by a pleasant lunch at Pierreponts cafe.

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we are all anxiously waiting for the next trek, many thanks to Bob for organising.

Internationally we are facilitating the building of a new primary school in Arayamet, Uganda. The photos below show the existing classroom, the new classroom in block 1 and the work on the new classroom in block 2.

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At the end of March we had a very pleasant dinner at Mapledurham Golf club where we learnt about the amazing charity SERV-OBN, which provides out of hours rapid response to NHS hospitals delivering blood, medical supplies & equipmentService by emergency rider volunteers. You can read far more about them on their website here>. Without wanting to influence anyone this charity could be a worthwhile contender for our support at this year's Santa Run in December.

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Some recent updates

Alan N — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 08:53:00 GMT

Rambling on....the next club walk is planned to start in Whitchurch High Street (north of the Pangbourne Toll Bridge) on Wednesday 13 April at 11:00 AM. It is aligned parallel to the north of the Thames, starting along a quiet road, then leading along paths and through meadows to Cafe Pierreponts in goring for lunch at 12:30. The idea is to walk towards Goring station immediately after lunch to buy a £3.20 train ticket through the machine and board a half hourly service to Pangbourne. It is a short walk from Pangbourne Station to the car park. TGhe walk is 6km and more details can be found here>. Please remeber to confirm your participation and menu preference to Bob.

For music lovers... one of our gifted musicians will be particiapting in the orchestra of this concert agt the Town Hall. Members and their friends can request some balcony tickets from Bill and, in return, make a proportionate donation to Rotary for RI’s Ukraine Appeal.

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Step by Step...Gordon Pope who spoke to us recently about this worthwhile charity to help prevent youth homelessness has provided this report to compliment his presentation. More details from their website https://www.stepbystep.org.uk/

Ukraine... of course we are all affected and devastated by the awful events happening in Ukraine. There are several initiatives to help the Ukranian people by Rotary and others. This photo was taken at the enmd of February in a Ukrainian church The woman to the right of Prince Charles called Lesya is the organiser of the run to Ukraine.

Her brother Pagojute owns the lorry and drives down to Poland and his father drives it into Ukraine from Poland

Flak jackets, helmets, walkie talkies, infra red camera, bullet proof jackets, tourniquets medical supplies will be on the lorry. The amount raised by RRC members is £735 to date.

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Purple for Polio... continuing to celebrate the success of the Rotary International campaign to eradicate polio throughout the world teh Reading Rotary club created another bed of purple crocuses to mark the achievement, this one in Forbury Gardens. [image:image-2]

Village of Hope update

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 12:10:00 GMT

Over the last few years we have, through club members' friendship with Pangbourne podiatrist Ali Clarke Morris and her colleagues Mandy and Millie, developed a close connection with The Village of Hope leprosy village near Delhi.

Ali visits the bandaging unit every year to treat and train locals in how to improve the care for their leprosy wounds. At one her recent visits she identified some unused buildings that could be converted and used as an extension to the bandaging unit. As you can see from these photos they are cracking on with the work to re-purpose these building and it already looks impressive.

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You can read a little more about the village here>

Reading Hydro Walk

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 16:54:00 GMT

Nearly 30 Reading Rotary Club members, family and friends joined a beautiful sunny walk along the river Thames. This was followed by a very illuminating visit to and very interesting talks about the Reading Hydro project, a new hydro-electric generator by the weir near Reading bridge.

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We then enjoyed a very social and pleasant tapas lunch at the nearby Reading Lido which obtains all of its electricity from the Reading Hydro project.

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Our thanks to Bob and Eric for the planning and organisation and to Tony and David for sharing their knowledge and involvement with the hydro project. More informastion about the hydro project can be found on their ebsite https://readinghydro.org/

The project is heavily reliant on the willingness of volunteers and they would welcome your help too - https://readinghydro.org/get-involved/

Helping the Reading Refugee Support Group

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 16:05:00 GMT

Reading Rotary Club have recently been helping the Reading Refugee Support Group (RRSG) by providing much-needed toiletries and other essentials. Below is an update and response the RRSG

Toiletries

The toiletries were distributed to refugees in four hotels around the Reading area, being given to at least 70 individuals. The recipients have been incredibly grateful, as the toiletries are very high quality and a treat compared to the single use, poor quality items at the hotels. Soha said everyone has been beaming smiles on receipt and passing on their thanks to ourselves and the Rotary club for them. 🙂

The sanitary towels have been incredibly popular with the women, as these are not provided to residents at some of the hotels. We have also given out some of the toiletries to destitute clients attending support sessions, who have been similar blown away by them.

Laptops

COVID resurgence has forced us to pause things, but we have established a weekly 'internet cafe' drop in for refugees from the local hotels to use the four laptops we purchased with your donations. We've had 18 people use the laptops in the 3 weeks it ran. We have also set the four laptops up on a table at our weekly Monday Drop Ins to provide internet access for those attending, and they've been in constant use since we've been putting them out during the three Drop Ins.

My colleagues forgot to get photos, so I've asked them again, and they've assured me they'll get photos of the laptops in use the next time we have them out.

Thanks so much to you, and to the rest of the Club for your support this year. We really appreciate it 🙂

PS thanks to you and the rest of the Club for having us involved in the Santa Run! It was a brilliant day and we were really pleased to get more than 50 people running for us.

From everyone at Reading Refugee Support Group, we wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! 🎄

Reading 2021 Santa Run

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 10:43:00 GMT

The annual Reading Rotary Santa Run is back!

On Sunday 12th December hundreds of happy santas and some elves enjoyed the traditional fun run around the town.

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International Dinner

Leslie — Sun, 28 Nov 2021 16:20:00 GMT

Fifteen members and thirty-five guests attended the International Dinner at the Elephant Hotel, Pangbourne, on 26 November. This wonderful fundraising event was in aid of two of the club's international projects:

The Amani Centre for people with disabilites in Tanzania and
The Village of Hope leprosy village near Delhi, india.

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We were served a glass of prosecco on arrival and enjoyed a two course meal of roast chicken followed by chocolate brownie.

Kitty Mazinsky entertained us with a selection of vintage songs (although some of us were too young to recognise them!) [image:image-1]

Peter West won the Auction paying £400 for a three night stay at Matt Andrew’s “Potting Shed” in the New Forest. The raffle raised £525. Jack Holt gave a short talk on the “Village of Hope” and Leslie Green spoke on Amani’s Dream for Magubike, view his presentation here

Caversham Hydro Electric Walk 12 January 2022

Bob — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 10:46:00 GMT

The next walk for Reading Rotary Club members and friends will be on 12th

january 2022! If you would like to come and please address any questions to Bob.

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Purple for Polio

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 14:25:00 GMT

Help Rotary free the world from [image:image-0]

May we invite your school to go purple for Polio in February 2022.

Our Rotary Club would like to offer you a box of purple crocus bulbs to plant in your school grounds as part of Rotary’s global campaign to rid the world of Polio.

Our Club has been supporting Rotary's End Polio Now campaign for many years and this year, we are again inviting schools to help us in our efforts to raise much needed funding to help finish the job. We would like to donate to your school a box of purple crocus corms to plant in the school grounds.

In February/March when the crocuses come into flower, the sea of purple will help remind you of the children who are having to be vaccinated in the three Polio endemic countries.

Perhaps you could help us to raise money by having a 'purple' day - encouraging children to wear something of that colour and each donate £1 (the cost of immunising FIVE children)?

Many Rotary members have been out to endemic countries to take part in a vaccination days when millions of children under 5 are offered the two drops of life saving vaccine. We would love to come and tell you about it in class talk or assembly and explain why the left-hand little finger of each vaccinated child is painted purple!

Polio has been eradicated from the UK, But it’s only a plane ride away.

For over 30 years, Rotary has been working hard to rid the world of polio – a terrible disease that can kill or severely disable children.

Polio has no cure, which means immunisation programmes are essential to prevent children from contracting this disease.

Until polio is eradicated, children everywhere are at risk.

It costs just 20p to immunise a child, plus with the 2-to-1 donation matching scheme from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, your £1 will become £3, meaning 15 children can be protected for life. Your local

We would be delighted to have your support for the Purple4Polio campaign and would love to work with you to end Polio now.

Update

Reading Rotary Club has ordered and received 4000 crocus bulbs. The 1500 allocated to the Youth Team have now been delivered to three Reading Primary Schools – Moorlands in Tilehurst and St Annes and St Martins both in Caversham. These are for the children to plant now and enjoy next Spring. The lead teachers have also been provided with educational aids to show the pupils the connection between the purple of the crocuses and the purple dye used on the little fingers to identify the children who have received the polio vaccine through the Rotary International campaign.

The other 2500 bulbs are being used by Community Services team for a civic planting hopefully in the Forbury Gardens.

2021 Reading Santa Run

Eric & Eydis — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 18:45:00 GMT

Reading Rotary 5K Santa Run

10AM Start Sunday 12^th December 2021.

Forbury Gardens Reading

5km run for adults - you can race, run, walk, jog or even stroll if you like.

Special 40% discount offer to Charities

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Here is a readymade festive fun event for you to use to raise funds for your charity as one of our aims is to help other charities as well as our own.

Enter a team and get sponsorship to raise money for your own charity. Special £10 entry fee per runner (normal adult price £18) for Teams of a minimum of 6 from your Registered Charity.

Entrants come from all walks of life and abilities and include babies in buggies, those with disabilities, dog owners, joggers and walkers.

FREE Santa Suit included in the entry fee!

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Charity group team entry forms available from readingsantarun@readingrotary.org.uk

For general information and flyers to promote the event to friends and supporters go to www.readingsantarun.co.uk

Idlecombe Wood Walk

Bob — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 13:15:00 GMT

A group of seventeen club members and their partners enjoyed a most pleasant walk in The Chilterns on Wednesday 20 October 2021.

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The walk started with a short section along Holloway Lane between The Bull and Butcher Public House and Ashfield Barn Road in Turville, followed and by another section which went slightly uphill through an open field. The team spirit was great and all tackled the steepest section of the route before reaching the heart of Idlecombe Wood.

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We had some rain whilst walking along the path leading through the Wood itself, which was the main part of the route: very pleasant, varied and protected. We were chatting a lot amongst ourselves and the event became most enjoyable during the lunch in The Barn, a very special and unique place in Turville Heath. After lunch we had an easy continuous downhill section of the 6km walk, largely through fields and in the sunshine.

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Santa Run - early bird discount

Santa Team — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 08:24:00 GMT

Save the date

Sunday 12th December 2021

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Enter now for an Early bird discount!

The Reading Santa Run 2020 website and entrance system is now open, there are more details on the website; https://readingsantarun.org.uk/

The Early bird discount runs till the 10th of October 2021.

ReadingSantaRun.Org.Uk

Plasma donors wanted

Sun, 15 Aug 2021 16:59:00 GMT

I am a Donor Recruiter for NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) for Plasma for Medicines. My role is to work closely with organisations and the wider community to maximise the donation of plasma (antibodies) for medicines. Until now, plasma for these medicines had to be sourced from overseas (at a cost of £200 million), but we are now authorised to collect plasma from UK donors to help provide life-saving and life-enhancing medicines for patients being treated for rare diseases in the NHS. It is critical that we raise plasma stocks as plasma-based medicines saves lives.

You may have seen on local news the launch of our new summer campaign to encourage more plasma donors to come forward and donate. I wondered if you might share some of our messaging and collateral to members and through your social media channels to raise awareness. I have also noticed you are hosting a gold day on 13^th September, it would be great to be able to supply some leaflets etc to be handed out to participants.

We have a full social media pack that includes images for Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, there is also a short video plus zoom/teams backgrounds etc…

We currently have 11 donor centres across England which includes one on the King’s Road in Reading, below is a press release that was sent out for the Reading area and on which the coverage yesterdays was based.

If you need anything further or would like to discuss please do drop me an email or give me a call. I look forward to hearing from your soon

Warm regards

Fiona

Media Release

Wednesday July 21

Shortfall in plasma donors in Reading - lack of awareness after 23 year gap

NHS Blood and Transplant is today (Wednesday, July 21) launching its first national campaign for people to donate plasma for medicines, including at the Reading plasma donor centre. 

Plasma donation only restarted in April after a gap of more than 20 years and few people know what plasma donation is. An NHSBT survey shows only 23% of the public know about it. (1)    

This lack of awareness is contributing to a shortfall in donors. There are 876 active plasma donors at the Reading donor centre, which is in Kennett Place on Kings Road. However the centre needed to have 1,059 donors by this time.

Now, over the next three months, as plasma donation expands, NHSBT needs about 1,000 more people to start donating plasma in Reading to get back on target.

To recruit the lifesaving donors needed, NHSBT is working with partners and running a campaign with a call to ‘join the donor pool’ over the summer, asking people who may not be able to enjoy a holiday to help build the pool of active donors. NHSBT will be working with national and local partners to drive new donors to the 11 new plasma donor centres. (2)  

The campaign will include educational content on what plasma donation is. There was a ban on using plasma from UK donors for these medicines from 1998 to February 2021, as a vCJD safety precaution. The independent experts of the MHRA concluded it could safely be restarted.  

Donated plasma is made into antibody medicines known as immunoglobulins, which are used to save the lives of people with immune disorders. Around 17,000 people a year receive these medicines.  

Last year, 750 people living in the Thames Valley area received medicines made from plasma.

They are mainly used to treat immunodeficiencies (for example, when people lack antibodies to fight infections) and neurological disorders (for example, when the body’s immune system is attacking itself). (3)

Currently the NHS depends entirely on imports of blood plasma from other countries – mainly the US – to manufacture immunoglobulins.  Donation to NHSBT will bolster long term NHS supplies. The plasma being donated to NHSBT now will reach hospitals from 2022 onwards, following a manufacturing process to turn it into a medicine.  

Donna Blofield, Reading Donor Centre Manager, said: “After a gap of more than 20 years it’s understandable that not many people know living in Reading about plasma donation. 

“Now we need the public’s help to expand our pool of plasma donors and meet the targets which will help make England more self-sufficient in the supply of these lifesaving medicines. 

“We particularly want to hear from men because they’re more likely to be able to donate.

“Please support this campaign and donate plasma at our centre - you will save lives.” 

· To donate plasma, visit www.blood.co.uk/plasma or call 0300 123 23 23.  

Notes to Editors  

(1) Awareness of Plasma for Medicine stands at 23% among the 16+ population in England. NHSBT Survey respondents May 2021 (2192 people).  

(2) There are plasma donor centres in Barnsley, Birmingham, Bolton, Bristol, Croydon, Chelmsford, Manchester, Reading Stratford, Stockton, Twickenham.  

(3) Examples of immunodeficiencies treated with immunoglobulins include; genetic disorders where the body can’t make antibodies, and when someone has a damaged immune system from a virus or aggressive cancer treatment. Examples of neurological disorders treated with immunoglobulins include Guillain Barre syndrome and myasthenia gravis. Immunoglobulins also used for a wide array of haematological and other illnesses, such as kawasaki disease, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, and haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn

NHSBT Notes  

NHS Blood and Transplant is a joint England and Wales Special Health Authority. We provide the blood donation service for England and the organ donation service for the UK. We also provide donated tissues, stem cells and cord blood. We are an essential part of the NHS, saving and improving lives through public donation

PSA - Prostate cancer test

Nigel — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 09:28:00 GMT

It’s very important that all men between 50 and 75 test annually for the signs of prostate cancer.

It will often be too late once symptoms are evident. One way to avoid this situation is to have a blood test for PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) which can give early warning that there may be a problem and further investigation is warranted.

The wonderful Reading Lions Club organise an annual event* at the Rutherford Cancer Centre in the new Reading Science Park near Junction 11.

They don’t charge and every year can point to a number of lives being saved by virtue of having this test.

Prostate Cancer kills more men than Breast Cancer kills women!
Unlike Breast Cancer men are not regularly screened by the NHS!
A PSA test COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!

There's something in the air

Eric & Eydis — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 13:48:00 GMT

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2021 - 2022 Handover

Alan N — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 09:03:00 GMT

Our new president for 2021 - 2022, Simon Creffield takes over the reins and is featured on the website home page.

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At the Handover meeting of Reading Rotary Club on 6 July 2021, one of the Club’s members, Eydis Bjornsdottir, gave a short talk on how to use social media for Rotary. She emphasised that the messages should remain the same, anything of interest to members and potential members. The generational gaps that have hampered selling the messages are fading, which gives new opportunities. Facebook is particularly useful as a message can be sent only to a targeted group. Always use pictures to get your story across and make sure you get every good item to Alan N for the website and Eydis to put it on social media.

Presentation of the "famous" teapot at the the recent handover meeting at Tim's farm.

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Testing of Emergency Alerts from the Government

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 13:13:00 GMT

Emergency Alerts in the Area - Message on Behalf of Cabinet Office

23red, a marketing agency, working on behalf of Cabinet Office to deliver the public information campaign in support of a new Emergency Alerts system in the UK. This emergency alerts service will broadcast messages to people’s phones in the event of a scenario that poses a significant threat to life, health or property.

The service will be tested in Reading on 15th 29th June, and you need to be aware when you receive the test alert.

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The new Emergency Alerts system will warn people when lives are in their mobile phone.

Emergency Alerts are sent to compatible mobile phones within an area of risk.

They don’t need your location or phone number, and only the emergency services can send them.

An Emergency Alert is a loud, siren-like sound with a message on your screen.

You can check an alert is genuine at gov.uk/alerts

The service will be tested in Reading on 29 June, 1-2pm.

Find out more here>

Reading City News

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 16:23:00 GMT

Following his presentation to Reading Rotary Club, Nigel Horton-Baker, Executive Director of Reading CIC (Community Interest Company) has shared this link to this months City Vision News (it may take a little while to load)

Club members can find the link to watch Nigel's presentation again here>

Rotary Unplugged

Thu, 20 May 2021 10:00:00 GMT

Help Grow Your Rotary by promoting the Rotary Unplugged Zoom event, to friends, local businesses, charities, networking groups - the sky is the limit!

These zoom talks have recruited over 20 new Rotarians. For Example Thame Rotary Club recruited 5 new members from the January and February Rotary Unplugged Talks - If Thame can do it, so can you!

To help you promote please find below an example of an email to help you.

Let's follow Shekhar Meht's example to "Each One Bring One".

Please come along and learn new ways of promoting Rotary and to stop Rotary from being the best kept secret.

If you are feeling Rotary is no longer for you then come along to be inspired - don't leave Rotary - WE NEED YOU!

Best Wishes

Kate

District 1090 Membership Chair

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Dear

I would like to invite you to Rotary Unplugged on Wednesday 26th April at 7pm - 8.30pm to learn more about Rotary and what we can offer and how perhaps we can work together.

You are welcome to share/promote this event to your friends, family and to your work colleagues.

"Have you ever wondered what Rotary is all about? where it began? Discover how Rotary is perfect for employee engagement programs. Maybe, how you can get involved and begin to make a difference to your local community.

Discover how Rotary can help enhance Mental Well Being, and how it offers its members the opportunity for self development through networking, leadership....

Did you know Rotary was one of the original Business Networking Clubs founded in 1905?

With fewer apprentices available since the pandemic we can offer the Leadership and Management NVQ Level 2 and Rotary Youth Leadership Award https://www.rotarygbi.org/projects/young-people/rotary-youth-leadership-awards

We have Rota Kids for primary school children and Interact for secondary school children.

If you are aged 18 to 101 Rotary is for you!"

We have many options for membership, from Business Networking, Corporate to individual....

Best Wishes

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You are invited to a Zoom meeting.

When: Wednesday, May 26, 2021 19:00 London

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYrcO2gpjwsE9XVZaEZIvYXPc9Fgf0fdCSm

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Rotary's Got Talent

Thu, 13 May 2021 15:46:00 GMT

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Ticket sales for Rotary’s Got Talent on Saturday, 19^th June at 8pm are now open.

Rotary’s Got Talent is a brand new livestream competition, that will bring Rotarians across the Thames Valley together to showcase their talents!

Performances include singing, piano, balloon modelling, storytelling and much, much more! Brave contestants will take to the virtual stage in front of a panel of judges to be crowned "Rotary's Got Talent" Winner! Think Britain’s Got Talent crossed with Strictly Come Dancing!

The event is all in aid of a really important cause, our Nepal project where we’re supporting the rebuilding of Saurpani Primary School.

Tickets are £10 per household and everyone is welcome! Buy your tickets here: https://www.maidenheadbridgerotary.org.uk/rotarys-got-talent

DISTRICT ASSEMBLY 2021

Tue, 11 May 2021 08:29:00 GMT

COMMUNITY SESSION

MONDAY 17th MAY : 1900 – 20.00

COMMUNITY MATTERS

Everyone

I very much look forward to welcoming you to our Community Session at this year’s District Assembly. It will a jam packed, insightful, fun journey into ‘Rotary of the Future.’

Paul Bolton, our guest speaker, is President of RC Marlow Bridge. His drive, energy and enthusiasm has created a forward looking, multi-generational club, supporting the flagship organisation ‘Making Marlow Dementia Friendly’ and the newly created ‘Community Support Hub.’

Please join us. Monday 17th May, 19.00 – 20.00

Your Rotary Of The Future

Yours in Rotary

Annie Roy-Barker

District 1090 Community Lead

The link for registration to this anf the other events is,,,

https://www.rotary-ribi.org/districts/page.php?PgID=838512&DistrictNo=1090

Covid crisis in India - update

Wed, 05 May 2021 14:49:00 GMT

We have all seen the dreadful pictures from India and that following the suggestion by one of our respected members the club has responded quickly and donated one of these machines.

The British Asian Trust, of which Prince Charles was a promoter, has an excellent website showing that, for example, a Low Flow Oxygen Concentrator can be donated for £450. Such a machine will help 900 patients.

For more information please visit https://indiadailydigital.com/2021/diaspora/prince-charles-charity-british-asian-trust-seeks-oxygen-for-india/ and a very nice thank you letter received can be seen here>.

Hambledon Walk Reading Rotary Group Participants 15 April 2021

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 18:38:00 GMT

A small but energetic group of our members recdently enjoyed a pleasant ramble in the countryside around Hambledon.

The goup expressed their desire for further such rambles and a walk around Frilsham and the Pot Kiln pub is being planned for 22 July 2021. More details nearer the time.

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Hambleden Walk on Thursday 15th April

Sat, 27 Mar 2021 11:05:00 GMT

The walk will be on Thursday 15th April, probably starting at 11.0. a.m. The route will probably be the orange-highlighted one on the attached map (see Bob Castelijn's directions below). If you haven't already done so, please let Bob know if you are interested in going on the walk. Spouses will obviously be very welcome.

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Bob's directions:-

The 5 miles walk, highlighted in orange, starts from the car park on the left as you travel from Mill End towards Hambleden and can easily be extended or shortened. Longer walks could take us to 'The Vicar of Dibley' village (Turville) but parking in Skirmett, Fingest or Frieth is difficult. All are excellent walking areas with great views. A direct walk (starting at Hambleden) to and from Turville is six miles and somewhat more if you do a circuit. The walk involves significant road walking.
The six miles green walk starts at the car park behind the Stag and Huntsman pub, starting with a steep climb out of Hambleden. The Stag and Huntsman could possibly be considered for refreshments! The walk involves some road walking.

Crocuses again

Eric M — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 14:58:00 GMT

One mystery has been solved in Reading – the painting on the wall of the old Reading Gaol is the work of Banksy. But what is that circle of crocuses presently blooming by Christchurch footbridge all about? Now the crocuses can be revealed as the work of Reading Rotary Club.

For 35 years Rotary International has been working to banish the scourge of Polio from the world. The campaign has been brilliantly successful with all but two of the 125 countries affected by this terrible disease. Polio causes paralysis and sometimes death, mainly to children (it used to be called infantile paralysis) and Rotary is determined to end this disease forever.

Why crocuses? The variety that is planted produces light purple flowers with a white stripe, reminiscent of the purple dye that is put on the little finger of the children when they receive their jab. So, Reading Rotary Club planted a “Rotary Wheel” of crocuses next to Christchurch footbridge. The crocuses are there to provide a beautiful reminder of the need to finally rid the world of polio.

Rotary is a worldwide organisation of people of action taking part in and supporting good causes both locally and internationally. You may know of Reading Rotary Club through its staging of Reading’s annual Santa Run. If you would like to help with any of our projects, have a look at www.readingrotary.co.uk

Rotary Crocuses at CIRDIC

Eric M — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 14:31:00 GMT

Now that Spring is almost here, crocuses planted by our members are in full bloom at CIRDIC’s centre in Berkeley Avenue. The flowers are intended to be a reminder of Rotary’s 30year-old international campaign aimed at putting an end to polio. When the campaign began, this terrible disease was present in 125 countries, now reduced to three. Some years ago, a party of local Rotarians including some of our members, travelled to India to assist in the programme of immunising children, who are the main victims of polio. To show that they have received their jab, the child’s finger is stained purple. For this reason, the crocuses that Rotary continues to plant are of the variety Ruby Giant, purple with a white streak.

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Although restricted by the pandemic, CIRDIC continues to provide meals[MB1] to homeless and needy people of our town. Nourishing takeaway meals are provided and recently another (but this time outdoor) Pamper Day was held, bringing a few home comforts to people who have little.

Reading Rotary Club has been donating to CIRDIC for many years. In 2020 our contribution amounted to £500.

Crocus update or perhaps not so lack of!

Alan N — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 11:09:00 GMT

This photo was taken on Monday 22nd March 2021

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Monday 8th March 2021 - Another week on and we can now see the Rotary Wheel design

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although there are no cricuses inthe centre - did we forget to put some bulbs there? The little triangles on the outside of the wheel are also looking a bit feeble but there is still hope!

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Continuing to bloom...

...as of Tuesday 2nd March 2021. The shape of the Rotary Wheel can just about be seen.

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At last....

..... as of Thursday 25th February, 2021 some of the crocuses can be seen...

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still too soon to make out the Rotary symbol but getting there....

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Village of Hope update

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 14:00:00 GMT

Jack has recently received the update below from a Vilage of Hope. The photos feature our contact Ali Clarke Morris, Pangbourne podiatrist, who of course cannot make her annual trip to the unit this year. The word Rotary doesn't appear in the letter but we know that the Club has had full recognition not least with the dozens of wheelchairs carrying our badge around the village. Even though Ali cannot visit I hope we will still encourage then in some modest way.

We would like to thank you for being a supporter of the Village of HOPE Bandaging Unit in New Delhi. This programme means a lot to us and so we appreciate your sacrifice to support it and those suffering from leprosy.

We are optimistic about the future of the Bandaging Unit thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, and we would like to provide you with an update on recent developments. From October of last year, the bandaging team started to use Cliniko, a healthcare software tool, to record progress in patients' wounds over time. We have never had the funds to monitor and evaluate the patients before, but thanks to your generosity we are able to make improvements. At the date of this email the team had registered 266 patients on the database and made 1519 appointments.

In the image below, you can see an example of the data that we are collecting on Cliniko.

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At each appointment, podiatrists are able to record the number of wounds presented by each patient, medical history, changes in the wound, and the method used to dress their wounds. The 'Progress' record is particularly helpful for recording and monitoring the healing process. The team would like to record SINBAD scores (used by the NHS) once practitioners receive further training. This would allow for more detailed monitoring of changes in wounds.

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The bandaging team can also use Cliniko to create lists of patients with other health conditions, such as diabetes, using reference number filters. They can also produce reports of practitioner performance in order to track how many patients each practitioner has seen.

Over the next three months, the bandaging team hope to begin logging photographs of patients' wounds onto Cliniko. This will provide photographic evidence of the effect of wound treatment. This will also enable the practitioners in the UK to view the images online and then liaise with patients about their wound healing progress.

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about the work of the Village of Hope.

Kind regards,

HOPE worldwide UK

50th birthday celebrations of Caen Abbayes

Sat, 16 Jan 2021 10:19:00 GMT

Our twin club Caen Abbayes will be celebrating their 50th birthday this year and are planning to hold some festivities the last weekend in June. Assuming the current restrictions are eased by then and travel permitted, a trip to Caen for the weekend to join in their celebrations is being considered. Please do reserve these dates in your diaries for the event.

Saturday 26th - Monday 28th June 2021.

Chris has kindly offered to organise the trip to Caen, including ferry bookings etc.

More details will be shared when they are known.

Santa Run update

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 09:55:00 GMT

Our 2020 Virtual Santa Run is now over and we thank the 450 volunteers who kindly registered and particpated in some way.

Due to the current lockdown restrictions the distribution of the medals is likely to be delayed a little, so please be patient. We will get them to you as soon as possible. We hope that things will be back to normal for next year's event.

Sparkles

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 09:46:00 GMT

On Tuesday 5th January 2021 we we treated to a personal, informative and moving presentation by Gabby McMillan from Sparkles, a charity that provides invaluable therapeutic support to young children with Down's Syndrome. Members can watch the presentation again from the link here>

For more information on the Sparkles charity please visit their website https://sparkles.org.uk/

Mayor of Reading takes part in Santa run

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 09:35:00 GMT

We are delighted to see the Mayor of Reading participate in this year's Virtual Santa Run and share the video with us here>

There is still time to participate, simply register here>.

Christmas Meeting

Alan N — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 13:53:00 GMT

Many of us enjoyed our Christmas meeting via Zoom and the sincere, thought provoking address by the Right Revd. Olivia Graham, the Bishop of Reading. A Recording of the meeting can be found on youTube here> and the address by the Bishop starts 21.5 minutes into the recording.

The club unanimously approved the following donations...

£3,244 from RRCP for the cost of dictionaries and alternative books to 17 local schools for Year 6 pupils.
£500 to CIRDIC to help with their hot drink and snack bar for rough sleepers as they have an adequate supply of clothing.
£1,000 also from RRCP to Readifood, Reading foodbank, towards a number of new mobile phone
£636.51 to Kids Out, including £250 from our Benevolent Fund and the rest from member contributions and gift aid.

Further details can be seen and heard by watching the recording of our zoom meeting.

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Over 250 people have registered for this year's virtual santa run. There is still time to register here>. Please do encourage your family and friends, and their friends too, to participate.

Despite all the current restrictions we wish everyone a merry and healthy Christmas and look forward to a better 2021.

Club walk for Virtual Santa Run

Alan N — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 17:46:00 GMT

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On a bright, sunny winter's day in December, 18 of us were guided by Bob C. for a one hour walk, socially distanced of course, through the woods around South Lake in Reading as part of this year's Reading Rotary Virtual Santa Run. We express our thanks to Bob for his planning, organisation of the walk and for his leadership or many of us might have ended up lost! This motley crew have helped raise £200 towards the total, so thank you too, to everyone who took part.

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Thank you from Shelterbox

Sat, 12 Dec 2020 10:39:00 GMT

Attached here is a thank you letter from Shelterbox for our recent donation

Hong Kong University interview about Covid

Tony C — Sat, 12 Dec 2020 10:35:00 GMT

Do watch this interview with the son, Ben (from Hong Kong University), of one of our members, about the likely future of the pandemic.

Previous items from Ben have been well worth viewing.

Good interview answering almost all our questions,

https://twitter.com/bencowling88/status/1335438438791725057?s=21

And part two

https://twitter.com/bencowling88/status/1335438440100364289?s=12

Membership

Alan N — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 10:23:00 GMT

We are always eager to welcome new members to our club and whilst you are writing your christmas cards please think whether any of your family or friends may like to join us. Guests, especially potential members, are welcome to join our Zoom meetings, just let our secretary Alan know so he can send them the link. Nearly all of our members are from personal recommendation and introductions from existing members so please do consider enticing others whom you know. Please download our leaflet for more information here>

Jingle Bell Jog

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 17:57:00 GMT

The Rotary Clubs of Oxford Spires and Abingdon are combining forces to have a bit of fun and put smiles on people's faces.

It is only £10 per entry and goes to the wonderful "OK" Our Kids. The money will go towards printing our AWESOME "Watch Out" books and "Mistakes and Ladders" board game.

100% of the money raised will go towards printing our products and in turn, empowering young children.

We would REALLY appreciate your support. Please do it early so that you don't forget.

Of course there is our own Virtual Santa Run too!

PSA Testing

Nigel — Sun, 29 Nov 2020 18:00:00 GMT

The male members over 40 might be interested in this. Also anyone who knows a man over 40! So that’s everybody in effect.

I recently received an email regarding home PSA tests from the charity behind the testing that the Lions Club organised in 2016 and 2017 to say they had perfected a home testing kit in lieu of testing events which have obviously been cancelled this year. (The Lions Club used a different organisation or organisations to process the 2018 and 2019 events apparently.)

I signed up for one, received it, took my blood sample and sent it back. They processed it on receipt and emailed the results within 24 hours. Interestingly my account also had a record of the previous two tests I had done through them.

The blood sampling is a little fiddly, necessitating “milking” your little finger to collect blood droplets in a tiny tube.

But if you think you can cope with that, I thoroughly recommend this service.

To take it further go here:- https://www.mypsatests.org.uk/

Tip: make sure your hands are warm and stand up to ensure you hand is below your heart.

(You may receive an email from them directly if you were, like me, one of the participants in the earlier test, but hopefully you have found the information that I have successfully used the procedure helpful.)

Rotary Unplugged

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 14:44:00 GMT

Join us and discover the world of Rotary!

We’re opening the doors to invite you in (via Zoom of course),

to see what Rotary is all about and what it can offer you.

Join us Via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83627764126
Meeting ID: 836 2776 4126

Saturday 28^th November

2.00 - 3.30pm

Meeting

Volunteer with Rotary and help make good things happen!

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Santa Run idea

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 10:03:00 GMT

The proposal is that Reading Rotary members register for the South Lake Walk and make it their Santa Run for 2020 in full compliance with the current Covid-19 restrictions. Registration for the Santa Run will be in the usual manner here and members are expected to be ready to start the walk at the entrance leading towards the Highwood Local Nature Reserve on Tuesday 15 December 2020 at 11:00. We will depart from the green space located along the east side of Church Road in Woodley, south of its junction with High Tree Drive where ample car parking space can be found. An annotated location map printscreen is shown below.

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Kids Out

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 16:38:00 GMT

Steve Cartwright, Co-ordinator GB & Ireland Rotary for the KidsOut charity providing a detailed pesentation of the charity. Their website can be accessed at https://www.kidsout.org.uk/

Members can see a recording of the meeting here>

https://

RAGS Golf

Graham B — Sat, 14 Nov 2020 15:40:00 GMT

[image:image-0]Back in late September Graham Broadhurst is pictured collecting, or in Anthony Rowberry’s words "collared", the prestigious, Mike Mortimer Trophy with a 2 best rounds total of 72 points. Simon Creffield was runner up.

The trophy is competed for in The Rags Golf Society organised by Reading Abbey Club with several Reading members taking part.

The late Mike Mortimer was secretary and organiser of RAGS for many years.

Previous Reading club winners are Jack Holt, Simon Creffield and three times winner Peter Webb.

SHOEBOX PROJECT

Jack H — Sat, 14 Nov 2020 12:33:00 GMT

A big thanks is due to the members who responded rapidly to this year's Shoebox appeal. From the appeal to members until President Tim struggled to load four obviously extremely heavy boxes took just four weeks. Nineteen members took part and the result was that 81 boxes were collected and are now on their way to Rotary Shoeboxes' new warehouse in Oldham as part of their journey to Romania.

From small beginnings some 25 years ago the project has now become a sizeable player in helping the poor of Romania, Moldova and Ukraine. Over 26000 boxes have been sent by road so far in 2020 although this is down on previous years where between 40,000 and 50,000 boxes have been delivered. All this run by a small group of dedicated Rotarians from half a dozen Lancashire Clubs.

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We used to believe that these boxes were for Christmas but this is not so. The website is very informative https://www.rotaryshoebox.org

District Quiz

Sat, 14 Nov 2020 12:29:00 GMT

Wednesday the 25th of November. Richard Kirby will be hosting a quiz for all of us in D1090, and for all our friends and family in the UK and the rest of Europe! Book a place for yourself or form a team of 6 across existing county and country lines before the 18th of November! It's going to be an international, fun, competitive Zoom quiz evening!

Reading Virtual Santa Run

Sat, 14 Nov 2020 12:25:00 GMT

Unique Christmas Opportunity for Runners, Walkers and Cyclists

The Seventh Reading Rotary Santa Run is now open for entries. This year’s evet event presents a unique opportunity to do something towards local charities at this difficult time.

Due to the uncertainty caused by Coronavirus participants will complete a safe Virtual Run at any time either in a park, around town, up and down their stairs or even on a treadmill between 1^st December and 31^st December 2020. Families and friends can get together to run in their own bubble giving everyone the opportunity to join in the Festive fun.

Reading Rotary organises the event and this year's race will be in aid of various Rotary charities. In the past we have supported Macmillan Nurses, Sport in Mind, Launchpad , The Multiple Sclerosis Society and many other charities.

All entrants, including children, will receive a unique special event medal and there will be prizes for all ages.

More than 1,500 runners are expected to take part for charity and you can visit: www.readingsantarun.co.uk for details and to register.

Windsor & Eton Rotary Club Christmas Quiz

Sat, 14 Nov 2020 11:38:00 GMT

14th December 2020 Windsor & Eton Rotary Club Christmas Quiz.