ÿþ<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN"> <html> <head> <title>WOODBRIDGE ROTARY CLUB - District 1080</title> <meta name="verify-v1" content="veGUxXLjx+45HvexUdPWwdC8zNzODCz4Jge6e9hgyd8=" /> <meta name="GENERATOR" content="Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 7.1"> <meta name="vs_targetSchema" content="http://schemas.microsoft.com/intellisense/ie5"> <meta name="description" content="The Rotary Club of Woodbridge"/> <meta name="keywords" content="Woodbridge, Woodbridge Rotary,rotary,rotary clubs, four way test,River Deben, the Bull"/> <STYLE TYPE="text/css"> <!-- BODY { font-family:sans-serif; } --> </STYLE> </head> <body > <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="780" border="0"> <tr><td colspan="4" height="1" bgcolor="#C00000"><img alt="" src="images/spacer.gif"></td></tr> <tr> <td rowspan="3" width="1" bgcolor="#C00000"><img alt="" src="images/spacer.gif"></td> <td width="125" bgcolor="#4372AA" valign="center" align="center"> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<img alt="Rotary Logo" src="images/rotary-logo-mod.gif"> </td> <td bgcolor="#4372AA" align="center" colspan="2"> <table border="0" width="100%"><tr><td bgcolor="#4372AA" align="center"> <font color="#FFFFCC" face="Tahoma,Verdana,Helvetica"><b> <p> The ROTARY CLUB OF WOODBRIDGE<br> <br> <!--&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Merry Christmas and Happy New Year<p></p> --> </b></font> </td><td bgcolor="#4372AA" align="right" > <table cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" ID="Table2"><tr><td align="center"> <a href="http://66.102.9.104/translate_c?hl=en&langpair=en%7Cnl&u=http://www.woodbridgerotary.org.uk/" target="_blank"><img src="Images/nl.gif" alt="Dutch" border="0"></a><img src="/Images/spacer.gif" alt="" width="2" /> <a href="http://66.102.9.104/translate_c?hl=en&langpair=en%7Cel&u=http://www.woodbridgerotary.org.uk/" target="_blank"><img src="Images/gr.gif" alt="Greek" border="0"></a><img src="/Images/spacer.gif" alt="" width="2" /> <a href="http://66.102.9.104/translate_c?hl=en&langpair=en%7Chi&u=http://www.woodbridgerotary.org.uk/" target="_blank"><img alt="Hindi" src="Images/ind.gif" border="0" /></a><img src="/Images/spacer.gif" alt="" width="2" /> <a href="http://66.102.9.104/translate_c?hl=en&langpair=en%7Cko&u=http://www.woodbridgerotary.org.uk/" target="_blank"><img alt="Korean" src="Images/ko.gif" border="0" /></a><img src="/Images/spacer.gif" alt="" width="2" /> <a href="http://66.102.9.104/translate_c?hl=en&langpair=en%7Cpt&u=http://www.woodbridgerotary.org.uk/" target="_blank"><img alt="Portugese" src="Images/pt.gif" border="0" /></a><img src="/Images/spacer.gif" alt="" width="2" /> <a href="http://66.102.9.104/translate_c?hl=en&langpair=en%7Cru&u=http://www.woodbridgerotary.org.uk/" target="_blank"><img alt="Russian" src="Images/ru.gif" border="0" /></a><img src="/Images/spacer.gif" alt="" width="2" /> <a href="http://66.102.9.104/translate_c?hl=en&langpair=en%7Car&u=http://www.woodbridgerotary.org.uk/" target="_blank"><img alt="Arabic" src="Images/uae.gif" border="0" /></a><img src="/Images/spacer.gif" alt="" width="2" /> </td></tr><tr><td align="center"> <a href="http://66.102.9.104/translate_c?hl=en&langpair=en%7Ces&u=http://www.woodbridgerotary.org.uk/" target="_blank"><img alt="Spanish" src="Images/sp.gif" border="0" /></a><img src="/Images/spacer.gif" alt="" width="2" /> <a href="http://209.85.135.104/translate_c?hl=en&langpair=en%7Cja&u=http://www.woodbridgerotary.org.uk/" target="_blank"><img src="Images/jpflag.gif" alt="Japanese" border="0"></a><img src="/Images/spacer.gif" alt="" width="2" /> <a href="http://209.85.135.104/translate_c?hl=en&langpair=en%7Czh-CN&u=http://www.woodbridgerotary.org.uk/" target="_blank"><img src="Images/chflag.gif" alt="Chinaese" border="0"></a><img src="/Images/spacer.gif" alt="" width="2" /> <a href="http://209.85.135.104/translate_c?hl=en&langpair=en%7Cfr&u=http://www.woodbridgerotary.org.uk/" target="_blank"><img alt="French" src="Images/frflag.gif" border="0" /></a><img src="/Images/spacer.gif" alt="" width="2" /> <a href="http://209.85.135.104/translate_c?hl=en&langpair=en%7Cde&u=http://www.woodbridgerotary.org.uk/" target="_blank"><img alt="German" src="Images/deflag.gif" border="0" /></a><img src="/Images/spacer.gif" alt="" width="2" /> <a href="http://209.85.135.104/translate_c?hl=en&langpair=en%7Cit&u=http://www.woodbridgerotary.org.uk/" target="_blank"><img alt="Italian" src="Images/itflag.gif" border="0" /></a><img src="/Images/spacer.gif" alt="" width="2" /> </td></tr></table> </td></tr></table> </td> <td rowspan="4" width="1" bgcolor="#C00000"><img alt="" src="images/spacer.gif"></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="125" bgcolor="#4372AA" valign="top" > &nbsp; <p></p> <a style="text-decoration:none" href="index.htm"><font size="1" color="#FFFFFF"><b>&nbsp;&nbsp;HOME</b></font></a><P> <a style="text-decoration:none" href="about.htm"><font size="1" color="#FFFFFF"><b>&nbsp;&nbsp;ABOUT<br></b></font></a><P> <a style="text-decoration:none" href="situation.htm"><font size="1" color="#FFFFFF"><b>&nbsp;&nbsp;LOCATION</b></font></a><P> <a style="text-decoration:none" href="meetings.htm"><font size="1" color="#FFFFFF"><b>&nbsp;&nbsp;MEETINGS</b></font></a><p> <a style="text-decoration:none" href="http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/events.asp?ClubID=510"><font size="1" color="#FFFFFF"><b> &nbsp;&nbsp;EVENTS</b></font></a><p> <a style="text-decoration:none" href="http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/gallerypage.asp?ClubID=510"><font size="1" color="#FFFFFF"><b>&nbsp;&nbsp;GALLERY</b></font></a><p> <a style="text-decoration:none" href="http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/clublogin.asp?ClubID=510"><font size="1" color="#FFFFFF"><b><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;MEMBERS LOGIN</b></font></a><P> <a style="text-decoration:none" href="http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/contact.asp?ClubID=510"><font size="1" color="#FFFFFF"><b>&nbsp;&nbsp;CONTACT US</b></font></a><P> <a style="text-decoration:none" href="http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/links.asp?ClubID=510"><font size="1" color="#FFFFFF"><b>&nbsp;&nbsp;LINKS</b></font></a><p> <a style="text-decoration:none" href="sponsors.htm"><font size="1" color="#FFFFFF"><b>&nbsp;&nbsp;SPONSORS</b></font></a><p> <a style="text-decoration:none" href="FAQ.htm"><font size="1" color="#FFFFFF"><b>&nbsp;&nbsp;HELP & FAQ</b></font></a> </br><a style="text-decoration:none" href="http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/about.asp?InfID=2&ClubID=510"><font size="1" color="#FFFFFF"><b>&nbsp;&nbsp;Rotary at a glance</b></font></a> </br><a style="text-decoration:none" href="http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/about.asp?InfID=23&ClubID=510"><font size="1" color="#FFFFFF"><b>&nbsp;&nbsp;The 4 Way Test</b></font></a> </P><a style="text-decoration:none" href="inner.htm"><font size="1" color="#FFFFFF"><b>&nbsp;&nbsp;INNER WHEEL<br></b></font></a><P> <a style="text-decoration:none" href="http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/committee.asp?ClubCtteeID=10555&ClubID=510"><font size="1" color="#FFFFFF"><b>&nbsp;&nbsp;DISTRICT 1080 SUBSTANCE MISUSE</b></font></a><p> <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> <!--<img src="/images/breakfast_2011b.gif"><br />--> <!--<img src='/images/organssmall.gif'><br /><img src="/images/nesssmall.jpg" />--> </p>&nbsp; <!--<a href="http://www.timberweb.com/feedback.aspx"><img src="images/feedback.gif" border="0"></a>--> </td> <td rowspan="2"> <TABLE> <!--<TR> <td><img src="/images/buddypic.gif"> <br /></tD> <td><font size="6">EVENT SOLD OUT - <font size="4"><br />.... Well That'll be a Day you will remember !! &nbsp;&nbsp;<BR />---SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE DETAILS --- </td> </TR>--> <font size="2"> </TABLE> <P></P> <table cellpadding="0" width="450" cellspacing="0" border="0" > <tr> <td valign="top"><font size="2"> &nbsp;<br> <b> &nbsp;<img alt="The President" src="images/chrispres.gif" border="2"><br><font size="2" >&nbsp;The President - Chris Walker </font> </td> <td>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td> <td valign="top" align=&nbsp;"right" > &nbsp;<br> <a href="http://www.bullhotel.co.uk"><img alt="The Bull Hotel" src="images/thebull.jpg" border="0"><img alt="The Bull Hotel" src="images/thebullhotel_small.jpg" border="0"></a><br> <font size="2"> The Bull Hotel Market Hill Woodbridge, Suffolk, UK<p></p>The Rotary Club of Woodbridge<BR>Charter Date 30 October 1946<br />District 1080 <br />RIBI No. 0576<br />RI No. 6506<br />Registered Charity 276111<br> <p> </td> </tr> </table> <table cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" border="0" ID="Table1"> <tr> <td > <font size="2"> You will receive a warm Welcome at our regular Friday lunch at the Bull Hotel Market Hill Woodbridge Suffolk at1300hrs. &nbsp;<br><br /><br /> <table> <tr> <td> Shelter Box Tracking - Latest Box - <br /><a href="http://www.shelterbox.org/deployment_details.php?id=156"> <img src='/images/sb59596.gif' ></a><br /> We have purchased part of box 59595 and 59596 with RC York Ainsty which arrived in Kenya in August 2011 (<a href="http://www.shelterbox.org/deployment_details.php?id=156">Click here to see deployment details</a> or<a href="/images/BMexec_0001.pdf" > receipt from Shelter box</a>) and 0062513 (not yet deployed) </td> <td width="250" border="0"><a href="http://www.shelterbox.org/trackbox.php?ClientName=The+Rotary+Club+of+Woodbridge &Country=United+Kingdom"> Shelter Box Tracking - All Boxes...<p> Click Box &nbsp;&nbsp;<img src='/images/sb.gif' ></a></td> </tr> </table> </font> </td> </tr> </table> <font size="4"> _______________________________________________________________________________<br /> <table cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" border="0" ID="Table4"> <tr> <td > IMPORTANT DIARY DATES/EVENTS/PROJECTS<br /> <p><!-- <font size="3"><b>Sunday 20th November to 18th December 2011 inclusive - Visit Santa in his Grotto at Notcutts Garden Centre - 11am - 1:30pm and 2 - 4:30pm, Saturday 24th Dec. 11.00 am - 1.30pm <a href="http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.asp?PgID=239496&ClubID=510">...more</a> <br /><img src='/images/santanotcutts1.gif' ><br /> <!--<p>Sunday 4th December 2011 - Woodbridge Christmas Town Fayre - 10am - 4pm In the Thoroughfare <a href="http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.asp?PgID=239506&ClubID=510">...more</a></p></b> --><!--<b>Monday 19th December 2011 - The 60th Open Air Carol Service - Market Hill - on the Market Hill starting at 6.30 pm Gifts for the children afterwards Proceeds to EACH Treehouse running costs appeal and other Charities supported by Rotary <a href="http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.asp?PgID=239498&ClubID=510">...more</a> </b> </br> <p> <b>Wednesday 21st December 2011 - Santa's Sleigh - visiting Oxford Drive and Seckford Heights Estates. The collection for the evening will be donated to  Save the Children and other Charities supported by Rotary. <a href="http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.asp?PgID=239500&ClubID=510">...more</a></b><p> ---> <!--&nbsp;<img src='/images/carol-service3.gif' > &nbsp;&nbsp; --> <p> <!--<font size="3"><b>Thanks for Life Day - Rotary Awareness and Rotary Polio Eradication programme jointly with RC of Woodbridge Deben- Saturday 26th February 2011</b><br><font size="2">Members of the Rotary Clubs of Woodbridge and Woodbridge Deben are joining forces on Saturday February 26th to mark  Thanks For Life day. The purpose of the day is threefold-to maximise public awareness of the Rotary movement, to increase membership of Rotary and Rotaract, and to raise funds for the Rotary Polio Eradication programme. There will be a Tombola stall in the Thoroughfare and Rotarians will be on hand to answer any questions about the Rotary movement in general and Polio Eradication in particular, and to provide details of the clubs to anyone interested in joining Rotary. </p>--> <!--<font size="3"> <b>Breakfast2Live at the Bull Hotel all welcome all proceeds to Feed The Children in the UK and around the world. between 7.30 and 9.30 Tuesday 8 March 2011</b><br /><a href="http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.asp?PgID=191797&ClubID=510"> ...Click for More Information </a><br /><br /><br /><br />--> <p><font size="3"><b>Thursday 23rd.Feburary 2012 - The 2012 Notcutt Lecture - and will be in aid of military charities and includes a Presentation by the Commander of Rock Barracks entitled CHALLENGES FACING THE WOODBRIDGE SOLDIER <br /> <font size="4">Admission £10 including wine and nibbles. Time - 7 pm Community Hall Woodbridge.<br /> <img src="/images/notcuttlec.gif" /><br /><font size="4">Admission £10 including wine and nibbles.Time - 7 pm Community Hall Woodbridge.<br /> <font color="black"> <br /> <!--If you wish to help our fund raising for this event <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/Cliff-Longman" > Rtn Cliff Longman has set up a Virtual Bucket.please Click here <img src='/images/virtualbucketsmall.gif'></a><br /> --> <!-- <p><font size="4"><b>Friday 8th July - Presidency Handover</b> <br /><br />--> <!--<p><font size="6"><b>2 Great meetings at the Bull with 2 speakers with great stories to tell <br><img src='/images/ali.gif'> &nbsp;&nbsp;<img src='/images/ali2.gif' /><br /><font size="4"> 16th September Lunch 1pm - Ali Kerr Running for Starlight n the 2011 "Marathon des Sables", dubbed  the toughest footrace on earth! (Number 775) - See Latest news below<br><img src='/images/vata.gif'><br /> </a><p>Friday 30th September Breakfast 7.30am<br> Uur Vata - The famous local chef from the Galley talks on how he runs his restaurants including in Turkey. </a><br /> --> <!--<font size="6">At the Seckford Theatre Woodbridge School </b> <br /><br />--> <!--<p><font size="3"><b>Do you have ideas regarding your future ? Want to set up a new business, progress an idea or invention, confidential career or occupational advice... Talk to the Woodbridge Rotary Team... its FREE and Confidential <a href="http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.asp?ClubCtteeID=6126&ClubID=510&PgID=196608">...Click for More information</a></b><br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="/images/idea2.gif" /><p><br /> <p><br /> --> </tr> </td> </table> _______________________________________________________________________________<br /> <table> <tr><!--<p><font size="4"><b><i> CANCELLED - Lunch Today Friday 3rd December - CANCELLED DUE TO SNOW and ICE</P>--> <td > <font size="4"><I>LATEST NEWS ---- Friday 6th January - MI5 Linguist translates the current Arab Spring for Woodbridge Rotary<br /> <!--<img src="/images/.gif" /><br /><font size="1"> Jeremy Bail (centre) with President Chris Walker and Rtn. Jeremy Harrold </i>--><br /><font size="2">At the lunchtime meeting on 6 January, Jeremy Bail spoke of his life working in the Arab world and as an Arabic linguist. He started life working for the government and later moved into the oil industry. After taking early retirement, he worked for what was then known as MI5 as a linguist and was involved with the 7/7 investigation. The Spooks series on television foretold many events which later happened in real life. After one particular Spooks episode, over 800 people applied for a job in MI5. His current analysis is that another major terrorist attack in Britain is unlikely but with better communication facilities now available, the chance still exists. He sees the major problem with the current  Arab Spring which started a year ago is that Arab fundamentalists will take over the power vacuums which have been formed. Sunday 4th December - Bottle stall at the town fayre makes over £1000 for local charities<p> <font size="4"><I>Friday 2nd December - District Governor Tom Griffin pays a visit <br /> <img src="/images/distgov.gif" /><br /><font size="1"> District Governor Tom Griffin with President Chris Walker </i><br /><font size="2">At the Meeting held on Friday 2nd Dec the club had the pleasure of being addressed by Rtn. Tom Griffin our District President he spoke about what the future way forward should be for Rotary. He stated that one of the aims that every club should have is to gain new members and especially to attract younger members both male and female. He also mentioned that Rotary must promote itself to the public and let the community know the extent to which Rotary is involved locally including fund raising for Charities and helping the community were ever possible. A vote of thanks was given by our President Chris Walker. <p> <font size="4"><I>Sunday 20th November - Santa and his Elf Arrives in military style at Notcutts for the Grotto <br /> <img src="/images/santanotcutts2.gif" /><br /><font size="1"> Santa Arriving with a cute little elf in the back of the jeep</i><br /><font size="2"> Santa starting at Notcutts today Sunday 20th November. He will be there until Christmas Eve 2011 so Visit Santa in his Grotto at Notcutts Garden Centre - 11am - 1:30pm and 2 - 4:30pm, Saturday 24th Dec. 11.00 am - 1.30pm <a href="http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.asp?PgID=239496&ClubID=510">...more</a> <p> <font size="4"><I> Friday 4th November - Whisstock Site Vision unveiled by John Gibbins and Malcolm Hodd <br /> <img src="/images/whisstocks.gif" /><br /><font size="1"> John Gibbins and Malcolm Hodd with President Chris Walker</i><br> <font size="2">The Whisstock site has been derelict for sixteen years, and what happens to it next will either scar or enhance the river-front for future generations. The Riverside Trust was formed in 2008 to acquire the site for the community and re-establish a vibrant and sustainable maritime activity in keeping with the towns maritime heritage. To make this come true the Project needs support from the community they already have the support of Suffolk Coastal DC the Haven Gateway Partnership, Tide Mill Trust,and and Woodbridge Town Council and a good number of local people and companies. The National Trust Sutton Hoo is keen to work together to re-establish the Ferry which would link the two sites on the Deben. After a good number of interesting questions Rtn.Roger Burgess proposed the vote of thanks......<a href="http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.asp?PgID=237218&ClubID=510">Click to read more about The Whisstocks Project</a> <p><font size="4"><I> ---- BUDDY HOLLY RAISES £2065 in aid of Help for Heroes <br /> <img src="/images/BUDDY_CERT3.JPG" /><br /> <font size="4"><I>LATEST NEWS ---- Friday 28th October - An 'eye opening' presentation on the Rotarians Ophthalmic Initiative (R.O.I.) from two members of Stevenage Grange Rotary Club <br /> <img src="/images/eyes.gif" /><br /><font size="1"> </i><br><font size="2">At the meeting on the 28th October the members received an enlightening talk on the Rotarians Ophthalmic Initiative (R.O.I.) from two members of Stevenage Grange Rotary Club Stephen Supula and Ted Coles. Rotarians are helping to make blindness history for people in less developed countries. By providing low cost award winning Ophthalmoscopes to screen for early signs of eye and other life threatening conditions, there are over 37 million blind people in the world 90% of them live in developing countries 75% of those are potentially treatable or curable at little cost. R.O.I. together with Rotary International produce grants to fund cataract Operations, eye-care equipment and a range of other preventative treatments. After a number of interesting questions Rtn Ron Doy give a vote of thanks on behalf of all the Members and they expressed their thanks in the usual way.<p><font size="4"><I>Ed Fletcher Wins Presidents Golf Trophy</i><br><font size="2"> <img src="/images/edgolf.gif" /><br />Earlier in the meeting Rtn Ed Fletcher is seen here being presented with Shield as winner of the Rotary President s Golf Competition from the president Rtn.Chris Walker <p> <font size="4"><I> Friday 20th October - Tide Mill Update by Nigel Barratt<br> <img src="/images/tide mill.jpg" /><br /><font size="1">The Tide Mill Woodbridge </i><br> <font size="2">the Woodbridge Tide Mill is only one of a handful left in the country. The earliest Mill on this site dates back to 1170 with the present one built in 1793 . It was restored in 1970 but time and the inevitable lack of funds over the years have taken their toll and it is in urgent need of a further restoration, which it is now getting in a £ I.25m project as a result of the generosity of many small and large funders of which the Heritage Lottery is by the far largest at over £900k. This funding will enable the whole site to be strengthened including the foundations and the river frontage plus improving the whole appeal of the Mill which will encourage the public to be more involved. They hope to be organising a series of activities during the forth coming year in different parts of the community to get involved and they will be developing a number of specialised Schools projects tied into the National Curriculum as well as new schools resource pack. Rotarian John Pearson proposed the vote of thanks, thanking Nigel for his talk and the members showed they appreciation. <p> <font size="4"><I> Sunday 2nd October - Well That'll be the Day we will remember !! ROCK and ROLL RETURNS TO WOODBRIDGE with Buddy Holly Sell Out Event!! <img src="/images/buddypic.gif" /><br /><font size="1">Tribute Band </i><br><font size="2">The Rotary Club of Woodbridge and Buddy Holly fans from around the area had an exciting and thoroughly enjoyable evening at the Seckford Theatre Woodbridge School when they presented  Rave On  a tribute to Buddy Holly and the Crickets. The theatre was packed to it's 400 capacity proving that fun of Rock and Roll music never loses its appeal. The evening raised £2000 in aid of Help for Heroes and other charities.<p> <font size="4">Friday 30th September - Famous Chef Ugur Vata talks about how he came to England and the secrets of his success at the first Breakfast Meeting of the Club<br /><font size="2"> <img src="/images/vata.gif" /><br /><font size="1">Mr Ugur Vata </i><br> <font size="2">The Breakfast Meeting of the Club held on the Friday the 30th Sept was well attended with a total of 18 Members getting up early to hear an interesting talk given by Mr. Ugur Vata the famous local chef from the Galley Restaurant in Woodbridge and how he has other Restaurants in Ipswich and Turkey.<br> He came over to England in 1983 on a Scouting exchange and studied English at Suffolk College . Opening his first Restaurant In Ipswich 17 years ago his success is due he believes to changing his menu and always using fresh food and vegetables from local suppliers. After a number of questions from Members a vote of thanks was given by Rtn.Peter Ashford. <P> <font size="4">Monday 26th September - True Gentleman Rtn Gavin Reekie sadly dies<br /><font size="2"> <img src="/images/gavin.gif" /><br /><font size="1">Rtn Gavin Reekie </i><br> <font size="2">Unfortunately this morning Gavin Reekie who was very seriously injured in a road accident a few years ago has sadly died. Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly. Gavin was a lovely man and a true gentleman. His last few years of hospitalisation were a very difficult time for both him and his wife Sue.<P> <font size="4"> <font size="4">Saturday 17th September - Niam Pryke awarded Woodbridge Rotary Club 2011 Leadership Trophy<br /><font size="2"><img src="/images/Young.gif" /><br /><font size="1">Niam Pryke with the trophy </i><br><font size="2">Niamp Pryke is awarded the Rotary Club of Woodbridge Leadership Trophy at Woodbridge School Speech day.<P> <font size="4">Friday 16th September - Ali Kerr tells us how he raised £32,00O for Starlight but had to run the toughest foot race on earth <br /><font size="2"><img src="/images/kerr2.gif" /><br /><font size="1">Alistair with President Chris Walker<font size="2"> </i><br>Alistair Kerr came to the Rotary Club to tell us how he became involved in running a 160 mile Marathon across the Sahara Desert to raise money for Starlight Children s Charity.<br /> It was, in effect, 6 marathons in 6 days over desert sand, rough tracks and rocky terrain with also having to carry on his back up to 14 kilos of food and clothing etc. including 4 kilos of water amounting to his ration for the day to cover everything including washing and drinking etc.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <img src="/images/kerrbag.gif" /><br /><font size="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Rucksack with provisions </i><br><br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="/images/ali2.gif" /><br /><font size="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ali No.775 After the race </i><br><br> <font size="2">With the backing of the Charity he raised the incredible sum of £32000 ! Starlight provides entertainment for children in Hospices and Childrens Wards, bringing a little light relief and happiness to them. <BR>The Sahara Marathon was organized by the French in South Morocco and 47 countries were involved with 850 runners with ages from 20 to 74, Alistair came 320th.<br /> After many questions Rtn. Roy Brewster gave the vote of thanks and the members responded in the usual way <br /> <font size="2"> <p> <font size="4"><I><font size="4">Friday 9th September - Ollie Houchell son of Past President David is on his bike from John O'Groats to Lands End raising money for Diabetes - <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/TheTouratForty-2011">If you would like to support this cause click here for the JustGiving page. </a></i> <br /> <font size="2"> <p> <font size="4"><I><font size="4">Saturday 3rd September - Bottle stall raises over £300 at Rock barracks Open day</i> <br /> <img src="/images/rock4a.gif" />&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="/images/rock4b.gif" /><br /><font size="1">Pictures show passers -by and visitors (Faces have been smudged for security reasons) </i> <br /> <font size="2">The Club's bottle stall was in action on saturday at the Rock barracks open day raising over £300 for local charities. <font size="2"> <p> <font size="4"><I>LATEST NEWS ----<font size="4">Friday 2nd September - Alistair Jackson talks on his experiences in Ghana</i> <br /> <img src="/images/frid.gif" /><br /><font size="1">Alistair Jackson and Our President </i> <br /> <font size="2">The Club was entertained by Alistair Jackson the Grandson of one of our Members who had been to Ghana to undertake Volunteer work in aid of a Childrens Orphanage for disabled and handicapped kids to try and give them some hope of a better life. <P> He described the very poor conditions that they had to work under including at one stop he made the only water they had for everything from rain water. Most roads were dirt roads, and while he was there he even suffered an attack of Malaria.<br> Alistair spent most of his time in helping children in the Kumasi School attached to the Orphanage. He has been so touched by the plight of the Handicapped and Disabled Children that he is going to try and set up a Charity to help them.<br> He intends to keep in contact with the head teacher and help them at present from here. <font size="2"> <p> <font size="4"><I>24th August - Past President Rtn Eric Welbourn passes away</i> <br /> <img src="http://www.rotary-ribi.org/upimages/MemImages/EricW.jpg" /><br /><font size="1">Past President Eric Welbourn</i> <br /> <font size="2">August saw the passing of Eric Welbourn who was president of the club in 1970 no less than 41 years ago. A quiet charming man with a civil engineerig background who was never short of a kind word or a funny story at the Rotary lunches. He will be missed by his family and the club. The funeral will be held at Severn Hills Crematorium on 1 September at 11. 15 followed by refreshments at Seckford Hall. <font size="2"> <p> <font size="4"><I>18th August - Deben Radio make first twilight presentation</i> <br /> <font size="2"> <p> Last Thursday at the Club s first Twilight Meeting we received a presentation from Deben Radio <P> In the persons of Tina Morford and Cliff Hoppitt who explained that Deben Radio is an internet community Radio Station for the people in the Deben Valley, covering its towns and villages ranging from Woodbridge to Debenham and Kesgrave to Eyke<P> It s a Radio Station for the community run by the community, for use by everyone whether its voicing local issues, promoting local events, making feature programmes about things that matter to you or just enjoying good music <P> They are looking for volunteers to help develop Deben Radio and also for new Sponsors <P> After a number of questions from the members the Vote of Thanks was given by Rtn. Roger Burgess<P> <font size="4"><I>15th July - Vanessa updates the club on the Treehouse appeal</i> <br /> <font size="2"> Vanessa Bell from EACH and the Treehouse Hospice came and talked to the Club about the progress of the Treehouse Hospice and how they raised £3 million in a matter of 51weeks.<br> <img src="/images/each.gif" /><br /><font size="1">Picture shows new president Chris with Vanessa</i> <br /> <font size="2"> She gave the members details of all the new facilities that have been added and also the cost that the Charity needs to raise to maintain the care in house and support at home for families including end of life support<P> the Treehouse alone supports132 families, 92 children receive care and 40 are bereaved families.<BR> A wide range of questions were put to Vanessa and the vote of thanks was given by Rtn. Max Pemberton and the Members responded in the usual way<BR> <br /> <font size="4"><I>8th July - The FIRST LADY Takes over Helm at WOODBRIDGE ROTARY CLUB<br /> <img src="/images/newpres.gif" /><br /><font size="1">Picture shows new president Chris with past president David</i> <br /> <font size="2"> In 1998 a lady joined the Woodbridge Rotary Club and at the Meeting of the Club on Friday 8th July 2011 that first lady Christine Walker was elected and appointed President . Chris from her early days as a Rotarian has proved that it was an excellent idea to admit ladies as members and the club has been richer for all their impute. Christine Walker. has already had ideas to improve the variety of the meetings by introducing the occasional breakfast and twilight meetings. <br /> Fridays meeting was another opportunity to drink the health of Ron Hepworth MBE as it was his 85th birthday and his sons joined us from South Africa and the USA to celebrate, plus the Club had a visit from Rtn Stephen Derrick from South Anne Arundel Rotary Club of Baltimore he brought greetings from his Club and presented the Club with a Rotary Banner. (see below) <br /> <img src="/images/visit.gif" /><br /><br /><br /> <font size="4"><I>5th July - Charity Golf Day makes £5700<br /> <font size="2"> The Charity Golf day, jointly organised by the Rotary Club of Woodbridge and Woodbridge School, made approximately £5700. This will be shared between the St Elisabeth Hospice, Riding for the Disabled (Hollesley) Group and Alzheimer s Society.<br /> <img src="/images/golf.gif" /><br /><font size="1">Picture shows immediate past president David with his team</i> <br /> <font size="2"> The day was definitely a success, even though the total money going to the nominated charities was down on the two preceding years  a sign of the current economic climate. However, the participating players had a very enjoyable day s golf with the winners of the competitions and in the raffle all generously rewarded.<br /> Again, the visiting players were all very complimentary about every aspect relating to the club including the condition of the course, the hospitality received in the bar and the good food provided at lunch. Our very sincere thanks must go to the staff at the club for all they contributed to the day and in particular for the very warm welcome that was given to both the organisers and competitors alike. We could not have achieved any of this without the generosity of Woodbridge Golf Club nor without the support of many of the members who played on the day, gave prizes or made a cash donation. We are extremely grateful for this support and indeed to you giving us the opportunity to organise the club s 2011 charity day. <br /><br /><br /> <font size="4"><I>16th June - 65th Anniversary and Summer Dinner<br /> <img src="/images/dinner.gif" /><br /><font size="1">Picture shows the dinner setting at WoodHall</i> <br /> <font size="2"> On 16 June, The Rotary Club of Woodbridge held a Summer Dinner at Woodhall Manor, Shottisham to celebrate the 65th anniversary of our club. It also coincided with the end of David Houchell s year as President and was attended by eighty-two Rotarians, partners and guests including Presidents and representatives from many other Rotary Clubs. <br> The evening was to start with Pimms on the lawn but the poor weather meant that this had to be held indoors, but was still enjoyed just the same. The evening then progressed on to an excellent three course dinner. <br><br><img src="/images/ron1.gif" /><br /><font size="1"><i>Ron Overseeing inoculations in Ghana</i> <br /> <font size="2"> During the evening Ron Hepworth was congratulated being awarded an MBE in the Honours list the previous week-end for services to Woodbridge. Ron has been a Rotarian since 1973, which has inspired him to become involved in many activities providing help for people with learning disabilities, the elderly and community life. <br> The photo of him shows him overseeing Polio inoculations on a recent trip to Ghana, just two weeks after helping to collect money for that purpose in Woodbridge. The world-wide eradication of Polio is one of Rotary s major initiatives. <br> The evening was further enlightened by Stephen Bayfield s talk, entitled  Funny Money . His amusing repertoire of jokes and stories were excellent and he gives these talks in aid of East Anglian Children s Hospice, which he told us costs £4m to run each year. <br> Chris Walker organised the event and she will take over as President at the end of June. Chris was the first lady to join Woodbridge Rotary and will also be our first lady President. She has many new ideas and we all wish her well in her year of office. <p> <font size="4"><I>26th May - Treasure Hunt around Woodbridge Town Centre </i><br /> <img src="/images/treasure.gif" /><br /><font size="1"><i>The picture shows Rotarian Keith Dowse together with his wife Judy, striding out to the next clue</i> <br /> <font size="2"><font size="2"> This evening started with a Treasure Hunt around Woodbridge town centre. The twist in the tail was that there was no treasure, just a location which was established by eliminating all other locations on a map. The participants ended up at the Bull Hotel for a well deserved drink and buffet supper. Over 30 Rotarians, partners and guests took part in the evening which required sharp eyes and quick minds. The weather which has been sunny for the past six weeks decided enough was enough and there were intermittent showers as we walked the streets. Despite this, everybody completed the course and most people ended up with the correct answer. Thanks go to Vice President Chris Walker for organising the event and special thanks to her father who devised the questions and clues. <p> <font size="4">20th May - Woodbridge Nurse offers help to the Amazon </i><br /> <img src="/images/emma.gif" /><br /><font size="1"><i>The picture shows Emma with President David</i> <br /> <font size="2"><font size="2"> This Friday Woodbridge Rotary Club were given an enlightening talk from a young lady Miss Emma Howlett a nurse who is intending to give up her holiday to join the Vine Trust Medical Project Charitable Children  s Projects the one she is hoping to join a two week trip working on-board The Amazon Ship 1 an Ex Royal Navy ship converted into a floating clinic providing a vital health service for 126 river communities along the Amazon- equating to approximately 100,000people in rural Amazonia. There are two Amazon Ships all staffed by visiting volunteer professionals and Peruvian medical personnel. Teams of 6 to 8 people are sent out every two weeks throughout the year these Clinic Ships bring Primary Health Care including, diabetes, asthma, blood pressure, etc. and Health Education on things like Contraception, Immunisation, Antimalarials and Screening.. The Floating Clinics also cover Dental care ,Pain Relief and Antenatal care. There were a number of questions from the members and a hearty Vote of thanks was given by Rtn. Max Pemberton <p> <font size="4">5th May 2011 - Ian Chater - Rowing the Atlantic</i><br /> <img src="/images/ian.gif" /><br /><font size="1"><i>The picture shows Ian Chater with President David Houchell</i> <br /> <font size="2"><font size="2"> The guest speaker after our weekly lunch on 6 May 2011, was local man Ian Chater talking about his experiences when he participated in the Row across the Atlantic race, organised by Chay Blyth. <br> He compared rowing in the ocean to being on top of a Bucking Bronco machine with a bear pulling on the tip of each oar. As the boat rocked he grazed his shins and knees and often had blood running down his legs. However a more major problem was the risk of salt water sores from wearing salt encrusted clothing. <br> He carried out his training at Ufford Park and built up his stamina in small degrees over a five year period. Ian had suffered a back injury many years with the result that 3 vertebrae have been fused together. To help him overcome this disability, he visited a physic healer to  operated on his back without touching him. Surprisingly, this overcame the problems that his back caused him. He also visualised the crossing with the help of another expert, so that the journey was broken down into manageable sections. <p> The boats were of a standard design and were 20 feet long with a cabin. They came in kit form, several large sheets of plywood and a set of instructions!! Forty boats started but only 20 completed the journey from Tenerife to Barbados. Two BT Challenge yachts acted as support vessels and those crew abandoning the race, saw the boats burnt to avoid leaving behind floating hazards. <br> Ian (in the striped tie), had an ex-Navy man to help him in his attempt. The actual crossing was completed in 85 days, just 2 days longer than planned. <br> </p> <font size="4">28 April 2011 -  Beyond the Arctic Circle </I><br /> <font size="2"> Our evening social meeting this month was at the Waldringfield Golf Club. Forty four members, partners and guests enjoyed a very pleasant two course dinner and coffee. <br /> <img src="/images/bear.gif" /><img src="/images/coldmax.gif" /><br /><font size="1"><i>The picture shows Max, in the red coat, being guarded from inquisitive polar bears.</i> <br /> <font size="2"> Rotarian Max Pemberton followed the meal with an interesting talk on his adventures entitled  Beyond the Arctic Circle . The Golf Club has a separate room for presentation of this kind which makes it very comfortable to see and hear such talks. Using a series of magnificent photos and video clips, Max showed us Greenland, Iceland, Orkney and other points north. We saw colourful wooden Nordic settlements, the 5,000 year old prehistoric settlements at Scara Brae and modern scientific research centres. We were treated to views of dramatic geysers, icebergs, glaciers and fjords as well as polar bears, walruses, arctic terns, reindeer, foxes and a variety of lovely flowers. The presentation was a combination of several different trips that Max and his wife had made and indeed made a memorable evening. <br /> President David Houchell proposed the vote of thanks. </p> <font size="4"><i>15th April - Karen Hare talks on Cancer Campaign in Suffolk </i> <br /> <font size="2"> After an unseasonal but delicious Roast Turkey lunch, Karen Hare, Chief Executive of Cancer Campaign in Suffolk gave an interesting talk about the unit which has been set up to help and provide information for cancer sufferers and their families.The John LeVay Cancer Information Centre was set up 11 years ago and for the past six years has occupied part of the Woolverstone wing of Ipswich Hospital. Karen was employed two years ago to move the Charity forward and it is their proud boast that nobody is turned away. If they cannot provide help directly themselves, they will provide a contact for some organisation that can help. <br /> <table><tr><td><br><img src="/images/karen.gif" /><br /> <font size="1"><i>Picture shows Karen with President David Houchell</i></td> <td><font size="2">A little known fact is that during the course of their lives, 1 in 3 in people in Britain will contract cancer of one form or another. Each year almost 5,000 people contact the Charity for help. Nowadays, survival rates are much higher due to earlier diagnosis and the support that is offered to cancer sufferers. The most effective way to beat cancer is for both men and women to self examine themselves for the most common cancers e.g. breast and prostate. <br /><P></P> The charity has moved form Felixstowe to Ipswich and they hope at sometime to have a presence on the High Street, where they hope to provide greater help to the local community.<br /><p></p> For more information, call Cancer Campaign in Suffolk on 01473 211884.<br><br><br><br><br></td></tr> </table> <p> <font size="4"><I>31st March - Paddy Heazell Exposes the hidden history of Orford Ness at the annual Notcutt Lecture </I> <br /> <font size="2">The 17th annual Notcutt Lecture organised by the Rotary Club of Woodbridge presented Paddy Heazell talking about his book  MOST SECRET The hidden history of Orford Ness . <br><img src="/images/notcutt1.jpg" /><br /> Once again the Woodbridge Community Hall could offer standing room only to listen to Mr Heazell, who engaged the audience with his depth of knowledge and amusing delivery. <br>  Orford Ness was a mixture of Heath Robinson and high sophistication said Mr Heazell as he described how bombs were tested for safety by dropping them from height onto concrete! He went on to explain how poor World War I bombers were at hitting and damaging railway tracks, and how Orford Ness was influential in developing ordnance that would fall in a predictable way. He also highlighted how useful the site was for preventing bomb damage when German Doodlebugs were shot at from a floating pontoon, at one time bringing down 16 out of 17 of the flying bombs in one sortie. <br> Armed with an album of sepia photographs from the early part of last century, Mr Heazell used his storytelling skills backed by the professionalism of an historian to pepper the audience with anecdote after anecdote drawing chuckles one minute and disbelieving gasps the next. Locals were surprised to know that Butley (just a few miles from Orford Ness) once sported an airfield, that Orford Ness itself was a medieval oyster bed, and that a 125 acre aerial site was erected and then removed when the experiment failed, as Mr Heazell dissected the anatomy of the little shingle spit off the Suffolk coast. More amazing still, was the revelation that one nuclear bomb per week was transported to Orford Ness for safety testing of the detonator (more dropping onto concrete) after the Second World War. <br> Who knew that Orford Ness was used to develop camouflage? Or to track Sputnik and help the Americans spy on the Russians? (Though as Mr Heazell pointed out, the last of these activities was a  monumental flop ). Throughout the evening the audience was treated to story after story, each revealing a new facet to the site's hidden history. <br> Mr Heazell rounded off the evening with a clever tie in to the patronage of Notcutts for the event by highlighting some of Orford Ness' plant life under its current owner The National Trust. <br> All in all, the three hundred or so people who listened to Mr Heazell were informed, entertained and no doubt will view the local attraction of Orford Ness in a wholly new light. <br><img src="/images/notcutt2.jpg" /><br /> From left to right: Charles Notcutt, Paddy Heazell, and David Houchell (President of Woodbridge Rotary Club). <br> The evening raised £2000 from tickets and a raffle which will be split equally between The Woodbridge Tide Mill Trust and the Suffolk Punch Trust. <br> <p> <font size="4"> <i> 24th March - Organ Designs and Recital made a great evening at Chelmondiston </I><br> <font size="2"> The regular monthly social event on 24 March, saw over 30 members, partners and guests congregate at St Andrew s Church, Chelmondiston for a talk on Organ Case designs followed by an organ recital. This was organised by Rotarian Sandy Hamilton, whose social evenings are always looked forward to by other member of the club. <br> The talk was given by Roger Pulham, who designs and builds modern day organs who gave us a fascinating account of organ design from the 15th century onwards. The organ in St Andrew s and several other local churches were designed by Roger. <br> William Saunders is an accomplished musician and is currently Assistant Director of Music at Ipswich School and gave us extracts from several well known and lesser known pieces, demonstration the range of music which can be produced. <br> The meeting then adjourned to the Butt and Oyster pub at Pin Mill, where a private room awaited. The food was delicious and made more appealing by everybody taking advantage of the  Buy one meal and get the second for a £1 offer. <p> <font size="4"> <I> Rotarian Robin Pivett talks on Substance Abuse</I><br /><font size="2">The Bull Hotel supplied an excellent steak pie today which was enjoyed by everybody. Following this was a talk by Rotarian Robin Pivett. Robin has worked for Suffolk Police both as an officer and more recently as civilian staff for 32 years. For the past 9 years he has concentrated on Substance misuse, notably alcohol, drugs and solvents. <br> <img src='/images/robin.gif'><br /> <font size="1"><i>(The picture shows Rtn Robin Pivett and Vice President Chris Walker)<br /></i><font size="2"> Last year Robin was appointed as District Substance Misuse officer for Rotary district 1080 which has 70 clubs in East Anglia with 2,500 members. He gives talks to clubs about the harm that drugs cause and highlighting the fact that sometimes the drug user is a victim of abuse at home or neglect by parents. <br> Drugs mainly fall into three categories; uppers, downers and all-rounders. New mixes of existing chemicals mean that new drugs are always being invented and these have to be restricted. He then went on to demonstrate the various methods for taking different drugs.<br> There were over 1000 people in Suffolk who last year sought help with their addictions but only 39% completed they rehabilitation course. <br> The police are concentrating efforts to reduce demand, restrict supply and provide support to help addicts. It has been found that providing education and housing has a great effect on getting people to come off drugs. Music and fishing also seem beneficial. <br> While cash donations are always welcome, what is needed more are mentors to help these people whether it be on a one-to-one or group basis. Donations of fishing equipment would also be welcome. <br> Vice President Chris Walker gave the vote of thanks and remarked that she would see how our Rotary Club could help. <br> <br /> <b><font size="4">Friday 4 March - Henning Sievets tells us of Neve Shalom-Wahat al Salam (An Oasis of Peace in a Land of Conflict) <br /></b> <img src='/images/henning1.gif'><br /> <font size="1"><i>(The picture shows Rtn John Hutchinson Rtn Ron Doy Henning Sievets and President David Houchell)<br /></i><br /> <font size="2">After our Friday lunch at The Bull on 4 March, the speaker was Henning Sievets talking on an unusual subject; Neve Shalom-Wahat al Salam (An Oasis of Peace in a Land of Conflict). <p> In 1970 Fr. Bruno Hussar and Anne le Meignan founded a bi-national children s School for Peace in Israel. They believed that by taking the same number of children from Jews and Palestine Arabs, all of whom were citizens of Israel, they could form a framework for education to build a better understanding between these different people. <p> Henning Sievets then explained how over the years from the first school it had now grown to a municipality with over 300 people on the waiting list. It is Democratically and Co-operatively run. It s officially recognised and is not politically affiliated. The Speaker then stated that it received a small grant from the government but mainly relied on charity from The Friends of Neve Shalom in the USA, UK ,France, Germany and others. <p> After a number of questions from the members, the Vote of thanks was given by Rtn. John Hutchison who thanked the speaker for a very interesting talk and for showing us that It might be possible to slowly build a future for Israel. The members then showed their thanks in the usual way. <p> <font size="4"><b>Thursday 24 February - Good food and a great presentation on Malta <br /></b> <br /><font size="2">39 members, partners and guests attended a social evening at the Woodbridge Golf Club. Following an excellent meal, Charles Notcutt, gave us all an interesting presentation on Malta. Charles always researches the places he visits and he was able to give us an insight into it s history, the formation of the rocky coastline and its popularity as a holiday destination for those seeking the sun during the cooler months in Britain. While some of those present might remember that Malta was blockaded during the World War II, Charles also informed us that the country had previously been blockaded  in 1525. The picture shows the George Cross awarded to Malta for the second blockade. Rotarian Roger Burgess gave the vote of thanks to Charles and everybody agreed what a good evening had been enjoyed.<p> <font size="4"><b>Friday 18th February- Banyan Tree -Update </b><br /><img src='/images/banyan1.gif'><br /><font size="2"> On 18 February, after having eaten lunch at our regular venue, The Bull Hotel in Woodbridge, Peter Baker and Sue Seabon gave us an update on the Banyan Tree project. The Banyan Tree is an Indian Charitable Trust and is based in Kerala State, South India. It deals largely with women and their children, training and employment, education, tuition fees, books and uniforms, housing, nutrition and health. Low social status, illiteracy, poverty and debt lead to many family problems. A new counselling service was inaugurated in February 2009, to help resolve these problems. The charity has been in place for 12 years now, and during that time Peter and Sue have raised £250,000 helping to set it up and run it. Now it is seen to be time for a change where the Indian helpers will take more responsibility for running costs, now running at about £20,000 per annum. There is tight control over the use of funds with over 95% of all money raised being used directly on projects. However, costs are escalating in India, which causes its own problems. It will shortly be necessary to replace one of the buildings which is currently rented and has concrete rot and is expected to shortly fall down. A small plot of land was purchased on which to build a replacement at a cost of £8,000. Another £40,000 will be needed to erect the new building. It is hoped that Hopkin Homes and The Rotary Club of High Suffolk will supply the money for this to take place. The Rotary Club of Woodbridge helped finance one of the buildings which was named Woodbridge House and each year we donate money to help with the running costs. The photograph shows Rotarian Rosemary Wood, who proposed the vote of thanks, Peter Baker, Rotarian President David Houchell and Sue Seabon.<br /> <a href="http://www.thebanyantree.org.uk" > For more information visit the Banyan Tree website</a> <p> <font size="4"><b>Friday 4th February- A Happy Policeman s Lot - Roger Harper </b><br /><font size="2">Thirty-two people gathered for their regular Friday lunchtime meeting at the Bull Hotel in Woodbridge. The numbers were swelled by two visiting Rotarians from the Saxmundham club, who are a daughter club of Woodbridge, and who had just celebrated their 30th anniversary.<br /> There was also a visiting Rotarian from Söderhalm Sweden who lunched with us and promised to come again next week, before his return home.<br /> The guest speaker was Roger Harper with his talk entitled A Happy Policeman s Lot. He gave us an intriguing and entertaining insight into the many and varied aspects of his police work in which he had been involved during his 32 year career. His talk included many anecdotes and humorous examples of his work and experiences. <p> <font size="4"><b>Woodbridge Rotary Club thank Local People</B> <font size="2">Christmas is a busy time for the Rotary Club of Woodbridge who would like to thank the people living in Woodbridge and surrounding areas for so generously supporting our activities.<p> &nbsp;&nbsp;* The bottle stall which was manned by Rotarians at the Woodbridge Street Fair collected £916. The profit of £790 has been used to buy another Shelter Box, which provides a family of ten with basic essentials after a major disaster and £250 to Rotary Foundation towards the eradication of Polio world-wide. <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;* Father Christmas at Notcutts collected a massive £5,120. Once the cost of presents and expenses has been deducted over £3,000 profit will remain. East Anglian Children s Hospice and St Elizabeth s Hospice will each receive cheques for £1,500. The remaining amount will be distributed to other Rotary supported charities.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;* The weather at the Carol Service on Shire Hall was kinder this year and £878 was donated both during the evening and on-line. This amount will be distributed evenly between East Anglian Children s Hospice and The Tree House Appeal.<p> Over the past ten years, over £120,000 has been collected and distributed to charitable causes. These include a mixture of local, national and international charities and good causes. This is a fantastic achievement and only made possible with the generosity of local people. Of course, Rotary works all year round to help the local community. To find out more search on-line for Woodbridge Rotary. For more information or if you think you would like to help, click on  Contact us <p> <font size="3"> Friday 14th January- Cedric the Seahorse pays club a Visit. <br /> <img src='/images/cedric1.gif'>&nbsp;&nbsp; <img src='/images/cedric2.gif' ><br /><font size="2"><i>(The picture shows Rtn Jeremy Harrold,Jim Wyllie, and President David Houchell...and of course Cedric ..he's the one on the right ;-))<br /></i> <font size="2">Jim Wyllie a local author gave an entertaining talk on his life since leaving school in Woodbridge tracing his history and travels across the World working for various employers in a variety of occupations including Ransomes Sims & Jefferies, Leyland Motors and the Jackson Group. Eventually becoming involved in writing verse and books for young children the illustrations in the books were designed and created by his wife.<br /> His time now is taken up with writing and particularly enjoyable he finds, occasionally giving talks to children in local schools encouraging them to take part and enjoy actually getting involved in creating their own stories.<br /> He is currently working on two new books for children one in verse and another in prose. <br /> The club asked a number of questions and Rtn Jeremy Harrold gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the members. <br />The Cedric the Seahorse books are currently available via <a href="http://www.cedrictheseahorse.co.uk/"> The Cedric the Seahorse Website <img src='/images/cedric.gif' ></a> <p> <font size="3"> Friday 7th January 2011 - Green Bottles in Woodbridge<br /> <img src='/images/green.gif' ><br /><font size="1"><i>(The picture shows Rtn Brian Hamilton, Martin Myerscough, and President David Houchell)<br /></i> <font size="2"> The talk at our lunch-time meeting on 7 January 2011 was given by Martin Myerscough (Centre in Pic). Martin started life as a qualified Mechanical Engineer and then later studied to become a Chartered Accountant before becoming a full-time inventor. Since then he has started a number of companies, producing the products he has invented.<br /> His latest venture is the production of The Green Bottle. The idea came when in the Anchor public house while talking to the person running the rubbish and recycling facility at Foxhall road. A major problem at most of these sites is dealing with empty plastic bottles. Martin s idea was to get rid of plastic bottles and he set about producing his own hybrid bottles which is made of a cardboard outer with a thin plastic liner.<br /> The bottle only uses 20% of a normal plastic bottle. When empty, the bottle is easily split along its length and the cardboard outer is cycled. The plastic liner can either be recycled if facilities exist in the area to do this, or is discarded.<br /> The bottles can be filled on a normal production line and he has major contracts with ASDA and Maybelle dairies. He also has enquiries from major companies in Australia and North America.<p> Friday 31st December 2010 - The Club Provides Toys for Rock Barracks Coffee Shop<br /> <img src='/images/rocktoys.gif' ><br /> <font size="2"> The recently opened Coffee Shop at the new Community Centre at Rock Barracks received an early Christmas present on Friday.On hearing that there was to be a children s corner, the Rotary Club of Woodbridge enjoyed a morning shopping in Ipswich - from childhood memories of long ago they bought lovely wooden toys and drawing materials for the children to use while their Mums are relaxing with delicious hot drinks. At a jolly and informal ceremony the toys were handed over by President David Houchell to Colonel Pete Brown (top right), and to Sandra Ross and Sue Earle (left in the picture), whose husbands are serving in Afghanistan, and who run the Coffee Shop. There will be a warm welcome to anyone who would like to come there for coffee.<p> Friday 20th December 2010 - The 59th Open Air Carol Service Raises nearly £1000 in donations and lantern sales on the night and online. Approximately 800 people faced freezing temperatures but it was a great occasion as usual. </b> </br> &nbsp;<img src='/images/carol-service3.gif' > &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.justgiving.com/carolservice" > <img border="0" src="http://www.justgiving.com/charityaccount/content/marketing/buttons/donateonline1.gif" alt="Donation Online button"/></a> <br /><a href="http://www.justgiving.com/carolservice"> If you wish to donate to the Christmas Appeal click here </a> <p>Thanks to Woodbridge Rugby Club for web publicity <a href="http://www.woodbridgerugbyclub.co.uk/modules/news/news.aspx?newsId=204479">News item</a> <p> Friday 17th December - Christmas Lunch at the Bull Hotel.<br /><img src="/images/PARTY1.JPG" /><br /> <font size="2"><br />Instead of our usual Friday lunch, 42 members and partners joined together to celebrate Christmas in style at The Bull Hotel.There was an excellent Turkey and Christmas pudding lunch together with wine, provided by the management. Rotarian Ron Hepworth led the after dinner festivities with readings and everybody joined in with the carol singing.As is usual at our Christmas celebration, we presented the staff of The Bull with a present and gratuity for all their service during the year. Everybody had a wonderful time and we all agreed it made a great start to the Christmas festivities. </P><font size="4"> Friday 10th December - Update ....Beds in Sierra Leone now in use <font size="2"><br /> While on a trip to Sierra Leone, Annette Roberts saw a refurbished Medical Centre which had no beds. This meant that the patients were lying on mats on the floor, not good for recovery or for the doctors and nurses. Annette decided to provide some beds and on her return to the UK, set about fundraising. <br /> She appealed to her friends and also sold limited edition prints of photographs she had taken while on her trip. These were exhibited and sold in Top Studio in Woodbridge. Rotary was able to help by taking it on as a joint project and were able to claim Gift Aid on appropriate donations. <br> We also introduced Annette to Aid to Hospitals Worldwide, a charity which refurbishes hospital equipment and so the cost of the beds was very considerably less than if bought new. With the help of The London Mining Company and Annette s brother Michael, who works for them and arranged shipment, the project was completed at a surprising low cost. <br />In total, 10 beds and mattresses, 6 drip stands and 26 blankets were donated. Just four months on from the date of Annette s visit to Sierra Leone, those beds are in place and in use. The Paramount Chief of the Area gave a speech of acceptance and mentioned that the dignity and comfort of the ladies giving birth will be greatly enhanced. (Previously they gave birth on the floor). <p> <B>Thursday 25 November 2010 -  The Birds and The Bees at Hollesley Common - A fascinating insight by Nick Mason</B><br /> <img src='/images/woodman.gif' ><br /><font size="1"><i>(The picture shows Nick Mason with Vice-president Chris Walker.)<br /></i><font size="2">At the evening social meeting on 25 November 2010, the evening meeting of the Woodbridge Rotary Club included a talk by Mr. Nick Mason headed Heathland Management and Conservation. It was a very enlightening talk explaining the importance of the Heath country and how it is important to wildlife, namely birds, bees and all types of plants including Gorse, Heather and Fungi. Heathland is very sandy, does not retain moisture and is also acidic. It has to be maintained and cared for. Nick mentioned that our local heaths at Sutton and Hollesley had reduced in size due to the fact that modern farming now means that we are able to plough large areas for crops which has adverse effect on the wild life . He then mentioned a range of plants, birds and insects which are under threat. A healthy heathland is essential to their preservation. A number of questions were put to the speaker by members and received excellent answers. The vote of thanks was given by the Vice President, Mrs Chris Walker who thanked Nick for his informative talk and the members concurred with an enthusiastic round of applause. <p> Sunday 21st November _ Santa Makes his way to Notcutts !<br /> <img src='/images/santa2.jpg' >&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src='/images/santa1.jpg' ><p> November 19th - Trains and Railways with a Roast Turkey Lunch.</p> <img src='/images/martin1.jpg' ><br /><font size="1">(The picture shows Senior Vice President Chris Walker and Rev. Martin Dawes )<br /><br /><font size="2">After the roast turkey lunch we had for our Friday meeting on 19 November 2010, Rev. Martin Dawes from Woodbridge Methodist Church spoke about his lifelong association with trains and railways including the model trains he had built himself. He related the history of his family and how they were involved with the railway, his father having worked for GWR. This started his interest in travelling by rails whenever possible and collecting railway memorabilia. He attended Queens College Birmingham where he found that a large number of his fellow students were also railway fanatics. He quoted a number of clergy who also had this interest including Rev. W Awdry, the creator of Thomas the Tank Engine. He described the various types of model railways he had built and owned, including one time when he was short of room, a tram layout which fitted into a space of 8ft x1ft. One of his first jobs when he arrived into the Manse in Woodbridge was to re-install his outdoor model railway which is a now a permanent feature of the garden. The vote of thanks was given by Rotarian Sandy Hamilton. The photograph shows Rev. Martin Dawes with Senior Vice President Chris Walker. </p> October 29th - A personal account from Dr. Therese Coffey, our parliamentary member for Suffolk Coastal.<br> <img src='/images/coff1.jpg' ><br /><font size="1">(The picture shows Rotarian Ron Hepworth who gave the vote of thanks, President David Houchell, Dr Therese Coffey and Rotarian Geoff Springett.)<br /><br /> <font size="2"><b><i>Dr. Therese Coffey, our parliamentary member for Suffolk Coastal gave a personal account of her early impressions of life at Westminster to 24 Rotarians, following their usual Friday lunch. <br> Born in Wigan and brought up in Liverpool, she has a PhD in Chemistry and before becoming an MP she worked at Mars and the BBC, with the latter, she claims, being excellent training for life at Westminster. While at university she organised a rent strike, so she has always been independently minded. <br>Her constituency stretches from Felixstowe to above Southwold. She relies upon good staff to assist her and maintains an office in Woodbridge, manned mornings and for evening surgeries by a volunteer. She also has an office in Westminster with two paid staff and an unpaid student. Each day is different and she takes her responsibilities seriously, whether this is coastal erosion, listening to the concerns of local businesses, constituency problems or the future of Rock barracks. <br>She seeking to increase her knowledge of South America believing this part of the world will become more important in future and recently met the president of Chile after the recent miners rescue, during his visit to the UK. One of the traditions of the House is to start the day with a service. However, when it comes to prayer, members have to turn and face the wall  apparently so that their swords don t get in the way when they kneel. It is traditions like this that make the whole affair so  British She remarked that David Cameron s  Big Society was not unlike Woodbridge and the part that Woodbridge Rotary play, helping other people and raising money for charities. The government is introducing the idea of Banks to start employing mentors to advise local businesses and those wanting to start up new businesses etc. which is very similar to one of Woodbridge Rotary s current initiatives. <p><font size="4"><b><i> October 1st - Pat Stephenson talks on Save the Children and Eglantyne Jebb<br> <font size="2"><b><i> On 1st October, after an excellent roast lunch, Pat Stephenson gave a talk about Save the Children. <img src='/images/pat1s.jpg' ><br /> <font size="1">Pictures show the President with Pat Stephenson and Rtn Rosemary Wood.<p> <font size="2"><b><i> The main driving force behind setting up this organisation in 1919, was Eglantyne Jebb after seeing the starving children in the Balkans after World War I. She also wrote a charter for Children s rights which was later adopted by the League of Nations which evolved into the United Nations Children s Rights bill. This charter has been accepted by all countries apart from Somalia and the USA. However, not all countries abide by the Bill. Eglantyne believed that education was a key element for children s development and this is supplied in refugee camps along with food and other emergency aid. Save the Children believes that aid should not be misplaced and the best way to make it effective is to ask people what they want. The emphasis now after initial aid is given, to equip people with the skills and materials to help themselves. Generally aid workers are now recruited locally. Save the Children is one of the 12 or 13 charities which form the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). The charity with local workers in the disaster area heads up the relief work. Save the Children has projects all over the world. The aid emphasis of work within the UK has reduced but the organisation still does important work with difficult children and those excluded from school. Englantyne died aged 52; she would be proud of the organisation that exists today. <p><font size="4"><b><i> September 23rd - Sown with Corn - a fascinating evening <font size="2"><br />32 members, partners and friends gathered at The Bull in Woodbridge for an excellent dinner and a talk on the book  Sown with Corn by Frank Binder the author. Michael Rines gave the talk and was he that discovered the manuscript which was written about 70 years ago. Michael was editor of Marketing magazine and later ran a PR consultancy, before retiring. He is now President of Maritime Woodbridge, edits the Woodbridge Society Newsletter, and provides free marketing and PR advice to the Town Centre Management Company. <a href="http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.asp?PgID=165867&ClubID=510">..........Click here to read More </a><br /> <img src='/images/rines1s.jpg' ><img src='/images/rines2s.jpg' ><br /> <font size="1">Pictures show the President with Michael Rines (Left)with the book and Michael with an actor who read passages from the book. <table cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" border="0" ID="Table3"> <p><font size="4"><b><i> </tr> </td > </table> </p> <font size="4"><b><i> September 17th - The Woodbridge Tide Mill bids again for lottery funding. <img src='/images/Tide mill.jpg' >&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src='/images/tide mill panorama.jpg' ><br /> <font size="2">Councillor Nigel Barratt gave an interesting talk about the Tide Mill in Woodbridge. This is one of only five Tide Mills left in the UK and mills can have been recorded on this site for over 1,000 years.<br /> The current mill was in operation from 1793 until 1957, when a broken shaft ended production there. Milling could take place for 4 or 5 hours at a stretch but due to the variable nature of the tides, milling was often done at unsocial hours. The actual mill wheel itself is enormous and weighs approximately 3.5 tons. <br /> In the 1968, the Mill was purchased by Mrs Gardner, but not until 1981 was the Mill completely renovated and capable of milling corn again. In 1977 Mrs Gardner handed the Mill over to the Town Council and the Tide Mill Trust was formed. The Mill now requires major renovation work to be carried out and improvements made to the visitor centre to improve the  visitor experience . It is proposed to include working models of the mill and to involve pupils from local schools. Renovation works includes changes to the staircases, dredging the mill pond, sheet piling to protect the footings, repair/replace timbers, new wheel, visitor toilet and repainting the building. <br /><img src='/images/NigelBarrat.gif' ><font size="1">Councillor Nigel Barratt<p></p><font size="2"> The estimated cost for this is £1,250,000 and a bid will be made in November for almost £1m to the Heritage Lottery Fund. Commitments and donations amounting to £100-150,000 have already been received. It is planned that when the work is complete, there will be regular milling sessions with perhaps the corn being delivered by sailing barge along the River Deben. <br /> <p><font size="4"><b><i>And so to Golf ....the 17th also saw 4 Rotarians from Stowmarket as our guests for lunch followed by the customary round of golf. <font size="2">The picture below depicts our guests after lunch but prior to matchplay and our President looking unusually rather apprehensive. Apparantly a return lunch/match is planned but the webmaster was not given any details of the result.... Hmmn!<br /> <img src='/images/golfsep1.jpg' ><br /> <p><font size="4"><b><i> August 27th - " 2 New Members Join The Rotary Club of Woodbridge <img src='/images/Newrots.jpg' ><br /> <font size="2">Today Cliff Longman from Chillesford and Julie Button from Woodbridge became Rotarians. Julie used to be a member of the Club 2 years ago and left when she moved away, sponsored by Chris Walker (Vice President) she made her return to the Woodbridge Club today to bring the female membership back up to 3 members. <br /> Cliff Longman a successful businessman from the IT industry, probably is the first Woodbridge Rotarian to give his 'Job Talk' on the day of his induction into Rotary. This was more to do with a change in the induction date than any special significance but that said, his job talk was very interesting, professionally presented and gave a good insight into the quality and skills of Cliff who will be a great asset to the club. <table cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" border="0" ID="Table1"> <tr> <td ><p><font size="4"><b><i> August 19th - New Suffolk Punch Education Centre proves popular with Rotarians<br /> <img src='/images/sp1.jpg' >&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src='/images/sp2.jpg' > &nbsp;&nbsp;<img src='/images/sp3.jpg' ><br /> <font size="2">Twenty nine members, wives and guests had a very interesting visit to the Suffolk Punch Stud and Education Centre. We were shown round by Phillip Ryder- Davies, the Chairman of the trust, (Left in Pictures 1 & 2) who told us of the history behind the establishment of the Trust and the Education Centre. The tour was punctuated by amusing anecdotes of the people who had been involved, some of whom still are, and even one about the Princess Royal who had opened the centre. Most of the animals were out in the fields and so we could admire them in their natural surroundings. After the visit we enjoyed a buffet at the Shepherd and Dog at Hollesley all of which had been arranged by Rotarian Dennis Driver <p> <font size="2"> August 17th - The President launches a JustGiving page for his 71 miles Bridge-to-Bridge cycle ride this coming Saturday. <P><font size="4"> PRESIDENT RAISES OVER £500 AFTER GRUELLING RIDE !<font size="2"></P> <font color="red"><a href="http://www.justgiving.com/Houchell">The President's Bike ride on JustGiving ......Click for more</a>_ <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/Houchell"_blank"><p><img border="0" src="http://www.justgiving.com/charityaccount/content/marketing/buttons/donateonline1.gif" alt="Donation Online button"/></a> <img alt= David Houchell New President" src="/images/davidbike.jpg" /> <font size="2"><font color="black"> <br /><a href="http://www.justgiving.com/woodbridgerotaryclub/raisemoney" target="_blank"> If you wish to sponsor David &nbsp;&nbsp;<img border="0" src="http://www.justgiving.com/charityaccount/content/marketing/buttons/createpage4.gif" alt="Donation Online button"/></a> <p> July 28th - Bottle Stalls prove very successful in July raising nearly £1000<br /> <font size="2">The middle weekend in July, was a busy time for Woodbridge Rotary Club manning bottle stalls at two locations and raising almost £1000. On the Saturday at Grundisburgh, £336 was collected with the profits going to Life straws. These straws allow people to safely drink contaminated water which is sometimes the only source following a disaster. On the Sunday at the Woodbridge Regatta, £660 was raised with the profits being donated to the RNLI, which proved to be a popular cause to collect for. As ever, we were only able to collect these amounts due to the generosity of the people supporting our stall. We hope everybody who won a bottle of wine, enjoyed it. <br /><img src="images/bottle.jpg" ><br> The picture shows Robert Digby, Ron Whitaker and Sandy Hamilton collecting money at the Grundisburgh show. <!--JULY 20th - Feed the Children Breakfast Bull Hotel Woodbridge 7.30 to 9.30am informal breakfast wife friends business colleagues all welcome. <!--<img src="images/breakfast1.gif" >&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="images/breakfast.gif" ><br /> </B></i>--> <p> JULY 16th - Club informed about Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS)<br /> <font size="2">David Kane, who is the co-ordinator of the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) gave an interesting talk at the Lunchtime meeting on 16 July 2010. The scheme means that non-police staff from partnership organisations who meet agreed standards, could at the discretion of the Chief Constable, be given limited, but targeted, police powers to deal with incidents such as anti-social behaviour, disorder and nuisance.....<a href="http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.asp?PgID=156488&ClubID=510">.....Click for More</a><p /> <img src="images/kane1.jpg" ><br> <font size="2">The picture shows from left to right Rotarian Sandy Hamilton who gave the vote of thanks, David Kane and our new President, David Houchell. </p> <font size="4"> JULY 8th 2010 - Hospital Beds for Sierra Leone <font size="2"> <font color="red"><a href="http://www.justgiving.com/Operation-Beds-for-Sierra-Leone">Hospital Beds for Sierra Leone on JustGiving ......Click for more</a>_ <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/Operation-Beds-for-Sierra-Leone"_blank"><p><img border="0" src="http://www.justgiving.com/charityaccount/content/marketing/buttons/donateonline1.gif" alt="Donation Online button"/></a> <img alt="Luke Roberts, Annette, Roger Burgess (Retiring President Woodbridge Rotary), David Houchell (New President" src="http://www.justgiving.com/Utils/imaging.ashx?type=convert&imagetype=frpphoto&width=250&img=72010\f97900ff-c13b-4b58-ad87-6f2beee48c7d.jpg" border="0"><p></p> <font size="2"><font color="black"> <br /><a href="http://www.justgiving.com/woodbridgerotaryclub/raisemoney" target="_blank"> If you wish to help Hospital Beds for Sierra Leone ?&nbsp;&nbsp;<img border="0" src="http://www.justgiving.com/charityaccount/content/marketing/buttons/createpage4.gif" alt="Donation Online button"/></a> <p> <font size="4"> JULY 3rd 2010 -Incoming President David Houchell takes the helm watched by new Secretary Geoff Springett</p> <img src="images/Rotary Handovera.jpg" >&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="images/Rotary Handoverb.jpg" ></P> <font size="2">The 3rd of July Lunch meeting saw the handing over of the Presidency of the Club from Roger Burgess to David Houchell(Left picture). Chris Walker became the very first lady Vice President of the Woodbridge Club. David who runs a building company in Woodbridge has been a longstanding member of the RC of Woodbridge serving successfully for many years as Chairman of the Fund Raising Committee. Chris Walker who is the Woodbridge Town clerk has served the club for many years previously as Secretary and currently Chairman of Club Service. The Incoming Junior Vice (Right Picture above) is relatively new Rotarian Ron Whittaker, a popular member of the club and currently Chairman of the fund raising committee. <a href=http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.asp?PgID=164435&ClubID=510>.....Click for more</a><p /> </p> JUNE 29th 2010 - Rotary Charity Golf Day<p></p> <img src="images/ladies1.jpg" ><br> <font size="2"> At the invitation of the Captain of Woodbridge Golf Club The Rotary Club of Woodbridge, in conjunction with Woodbridge School, held a Charity Golf Day on Tuesday 29th June.<br /> Thirty six teams of four each enjoyed the excellent facilities of Woodbridge Golf Club on an almost ideal summers day and played a Team Stapleford competition in the Heath Course (18 holes) and a Texas Scramble on the Forest Course (9 holes). <b>The winners of the Texas Scramble Team Juice (not in any order Chris Leggett, Ev Rumsey, Issie Coe, & Jeannie Tuckwell) are pictured above.</b> <br /> The amount raised for the charities which were Rochford House, a drop in facility for young people in Woodbridge, The Bobby Moore Fund, tackling bowl cancer and the local Group of Riding for the Disabled was in the region of £7,500 (nor yet finalised).<br /> The organisers wish to thank Rachel Woodmancy for her work on the organisation prior to and on the day and all the staff at the Golf Club who presented the course so well despite the dry summer, the delicious food and served the all important liquid refreshments.<br /> They are also extremely grateful to all who have supported the Day, either by sponsoring holes, giving prizes and donations and of course all the players who turned up to try their skill and luck. <a href=http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.asp?PgID=156727&ClubCtteeID=6127&ClubID=510><font size="4">.....Click for Results</a><p /> <font size="4"> JUNE 18th 2010 - Visitors from Canterbury, Hitchin and South Africa, a great talk on Australia by Rtn Canon Jeremy Harrold and last count for Rtn John Hutchinson<br /> <img src="images/jeremy1.jpg" >&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="images/presidents1.jpg" ><br> <font size="2">A packed club lunch received an entertaining and informative account of Rtn Canon Jeremy Harrold's (Above left)recent extended visit to Australia with his wife Rosemary where he was stationed as a priest many years ago. Their children and grandchildren currently live in South West Australia and judging by the photos Jeremy and Rosemary had a wonderful vacation, missing the cold January weather here.<p> The Rotary Club of Canterbury came in force with their President Richard Kemball-Cook (depicted above Right with Vice President David). Richard gave a short account of his recent experience in India witnessing at first hand the immunisation programme to eradicate polio.Accompnaying him to Woodbridge were his wife Cora, and Rtns Jill Dckinson and Alistair Scott. They had been invited by our own Rtn Rosemary Wood who had served on the same Save the Children Fund Committee in Canterbury some years ago. There were 2 other visitors from the Rotary Club of Hitchin and Hibiscus Cove Rotary Club in Margate South Africa.<p> <img src="images/john1.jpg" ><br /> During the meeting, Rtn John Hutchinson announced, that due to there being an evening meeting this coming week, after many years this will be his last report as Attendance Officer, a role he has performed quite spectacularly with a humour and accuracy his successor will have difficulty in following. The club showed their appreciation. <p> <font size="4"> LATEST NEWS - JUNE 13th - Rotary Club of Woodbridge 'Hits the Bottle' <font size="2">The Woodbridge Rotary fund-raising team was present with their popular Bottle stall at both the Debach Open Day and Bentwaters Air Show.<br /> <img src="images/BW1.jpg" >&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="images/hunter1.jpg" ><br /> At Debach, the money collected meant we were able to donate £140 to Help for Heroes. An equal amount will be distributed to Rotary supported charities. At Bentwaters Air Show there was a large turnout of people and during the busy morning period we sometimes had people queuing to hand over their money. As a result Woodbridge Rotary will be donating £232 to the RAF Benevolent Fund. The remaining £190 will be distributed to other Rotary supported charities. <br /> The members of The Rotary Club of Woodbridge would like to thank all those who generously contributed to these successful events and hope the lucky winners enjoyed their bottles of wine! Rotary members are enthusiastic and fun-loving volunteers who give their time and talents to put something back into society and share a common interest in helping others. We also enjoy ourselves while doing this and have weekly meetings with interesting and varied speakers as well as regular social events. If you feel that Rotary may be for you, send us your contact details using the  Contact Us button and join us for a meeting. <p> <font size="4"> JUNE 11th 2010 - Rotary Club of Woodbridge supports the Army <br /> <img src="images/rockpres1.jpg" >&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="images/rockpres2.jpg" ><br> <font size="2">Members of the Rotary Club of Woodbridge recently met the officers of the 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault) at Rock Barracks to formally present a cheque for £2,350. The money will go to ABF - The Soldiers Charity (previously known as the Army Benevolent Fund) and was raised at the Notcutt lecture in April, when two Squadron commanders from the regiment spoke of their experiences in Afghanistan and the preparations being made for their return in September of this year. <a href=http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.asp?PgID=152495&ClubCtteeID=6127&ClubID=510>.....Click for more</a><p /> <font size="4"> The President reports on Zambia Trip to inspect water wells <br /><img src="images/well.jpg" >&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="images/well2.jpg" ><br><br /> <font size="2">President Roger gave a particularly interesting account of his trip to Zambia with his wife Sheila and other Rotarians in District 1080 to inspect the water wells funded by clubs in District 1080 including Woodbridge. The left picture above depicts one of the wells installed before the housing to protect it from animals and the heat of the sun has been installed over it. The picture on the right shows President Roger sizing the rings used to sink the wells watched by a rather intrigued onlooker. <a href=http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.asp?PgID=152598&ClubCtteeID=7678&ClubID=510>.....Click for more</a><p /> <font size="4"> May 28th GROUP STUDY EXCHANGE VISIT INDIA TO UK<BR> <font size="2">On Friday 28 May the Rotary Club of Woodbridge welcomed the GSE team from India to Woodbridge for the day. <BR> The team consisted of Dr Arathi V B, Shruti Veenam, Rajeev and Rtn H Chandrashekhar, the GSE Team Leader. <BR> <img src="images/india12.jpg" >&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="images/india22.jpg" ><br /> We met at The Bull Hotel in Woodbridge for introductions and coffee. We then visited the Shire Hall and moved on to the Woodbridge Museum before walking through the Town to the Woodbridge Art Centre. From there we went to the Tide Mill where we had a tour and an explanation of the history and how the Mill worked. By now it was time for lunch and we walked back through the Town to The Cross Vegetarian Restaurant where we were joined by our new Member of Parliament, Theresa Ann Coffee and other Rotarians from both our Club and Woodbridge Deben Club. <p> After lunch we visited the exhibition and burial mounds at Sutton Hoo and then travelled on to Snape and had a tour of the Maltings complex. We then drove to The Crown Hotel in Framlingham where they were met by their other host, Nick Cork of Framlingham Rotary Club. <BR> <font size="4"><p> May 7th At the lunch-time meeting on 7 May 2010, John Stammers gave an entertaining and humorous talk entitled  Ipswich to Ipswich <p><font size="2"> Returning home as a young man, after a trip to Australia in 1969, John was just in time to see the start of the London to Sydney Marathon. Having been enthused by the event but not being able to afford the entrance fee, he decided to do his own version, with Ipswich near Brisbane as his destination. Purchasing a Mk I Ford Cortina which had been written off, he and a friend repaired it and prepared for the long journey. Collecting various sponsors before and during the trip, he eventually was persuaded to visit two more Ipswich s, both in the USA. After many adventures, newspaper interviews and hospitality from local people, they finally arrived back home from their round the world trip 20 months later, after having driven 40,500 miles. <br /><img src="images/stammers2.jpg" ><br /> The picture shows John Stammers on the left with our president Roger Burgess. <p> <font size="2"> May 4th - The Madeira Appeal reaches nearly £6000 as at today with over £4000 through the Woodbridge Club JustGiving account. The balance coming through offline and direct donations<p><font size="2">The clean up is nothing short of a miracle with stories of the local people and the armed forces working night and day to bring things back to normal and they have done a magnificent job of the main tourist areas, although the scars are there to see. An enormous plateau of rocks and debris the size of 2 or 3 football pitches sits in the harbour waiting for a political decision as to what should happen next. The huge storm drains which featured in the many media reports are now being repaired with temporary barriers to prevent vehicles falling in. Many businesses are still closed including the car parks and ground floor of the new Dolce Vita and Anadia shopping centres. The human cost, particularly in the more remote areas is still being counted with reports of people still unaccounted for.<p> 27th April - Webmaster returns and web site will return to normal very shortly.<p> 23rd April Volcano Dust traps Webmaster in Dubai so web site updates may be sporadic until further notice<p> 9th April - Informative talk on drugs, alcohol and gambling dependency by Matt Wilson of Norcas.<p> <img src="images/matt1.jpg" > <font size="2"> Left to right David Houchell (vice president), Matt Wilson (NORCAS) and Roger Burgess (President).<p> Matt Wilson from NORCAS gave an informative talk on drugs, alcohol and gambling dependency. Norcas stands for Norfolk Community Alcohol Service and is one of several organizations operating in Suffolk providing help for people and their families with dependency issues. It caters for people between 7 and 80 years old and last year saw 6,000 people. It employs 108 full-time staff and 19 volunteers, who are often previous clients of the organization and costs £3.1m each year to run which is 92% funded by public money It operates from 9 local offices and last year helped 1300 children between the ages of 5 and 13. They now have a new group aimed at the over 50 s where alcohol consumption is often over 30 units per day. They find that many problems originate during childhood with many suffering from sexual abuse between the ages 5-13. Approximately 50% of their clients suffer from alcohol abuse, 45% from drug abuse with a growing number suffering with gambling addictions. It is estimated that about 100,000 people currently suffer from dependency problems in Suffolk and that 1 in 7 adults will require help at some time during their lives. While Alcoholics Anonymous is a church based organisation which promotes abstinence, NORCAS works with clients to reduce their dependencies so that they can live a normal life. Picture shows David Houchell (vice president), Matt Wilson (NORCAS) and Roger Burgess (President).<p> <font size="2"> 25th March - The 16th annual Notcutt Lecture organised by the Rotary Club of Woodbridge saw a capacity audience at The Community Centre when 2 Majors from the 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault). [The names have been removed for personal security reasons in their next tour] gave informative and sometimes humorous accounts of their past experiences in Afghanistan and preparations for their next tour. £2350 was raised for the army benevolent fund. <a href=http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.asp?PgID=143137&ClubID=510>.....Click for more</a><br /> <img alt="The picture shows from left to right: Roger Burgess (president of Woodbridge Rotary), the 2 Majors [The names have been removed for personal security reasons] and Charles Notcutt." src="images/rock1.jpg" border="0"> <font size="2">(Left to right: Roger Burgess (president of Woodbridge Rotary), the 2 Majors [The names have been removed for personal security reasons] and Charles Notcutt.) <P> 23rd - President Roger (Son of 'Budge') tees off the 2010 Budge Cup in style.<br /> <img alt="President Roger tees off " src="images/budge_son1.jpg" border="0"><br />This year nine Rotarians met at Woodbridge Golf Club and played 18 holes on the 9 hole Forest Course. The golf tournament was started by this year s president, Roger Burgess who is the son of Budge. The winner this year was John Pearson.<a href="http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.asp?PgID=143133&ClubID=510">.....Click for more</a></p> 19th March Captains Russell and Febe Pipe, from Woodbridge Salvation Army gave an enlightening talk into their work in Woodbridge and The Salvation Army as a whole. <a href="http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.asp?PgID=139643&ClubID=510">.....Click for more</a> <img alt="The picture shows Cpt.Russell (left) President Roger, Cpt. Febe, Visiting Rotarian Chairperson from Kew Club and Robin Sinclair who gave a vote of thanks " src="images/sa2.jpg" border="0"> <font size="2"><P> 12th March <font color="red"><a href="http://www.justgiving.com/madeira-international-school">MADEIRA FLOOD DISASTER APPEAL..Over £4000 raised to date....Click </a>_ <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/madeira-international-school"_blank"><p><img border="0" src="http://www.justgiving.com/charityaccount/content/marketing/buttons/donateonline1.gif" alt="Donation Online button"/></a> <img alt="The picture shows the children of the Madeira International School on their walk of solidarity." src="images/madint2.jpg" border="0"><p></p> <font size="2"><font color="black">Madeira International School Childrens walk of solidarity <br /><a href="http://www.justgiving.com/woodbridgerotaryclub/raisemoney" target="_blank"> If you wish to help the Madeira Appeal ?&nbsp;&nbsp;<img border="0" src="http://www.justgiving.com/charityaccount/content/marketing/buttons/createpage4.gif" alt="Donation Online button"/></a> <p> <br /><font size="2"> 5th March  Crossroads  Caring for Carers from the TV programme of the same name - Katherine Smith gave an insight into a very important subject<br /> <img alt="The picture shows Keith Dowse (who gave the vote of thanks), Katherine Smith and David Houchell (vice President)." src="images/carers2.jpg" border="0"> <font size="1"><bold><br />The picture shows Keith Dowse (who gave the vote of thanks),<br /> Katherine Smith and David Houchell (vice President). </bold> <br /><font size="2"><br />Katherine Smith talked about caring for others. The word  carer has only been in existence for 25 years. There are 220 schemes in England, Ireland and Wales (Scotland has its own scheme).....<a href=http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.asp?PgID=139639&ClubID=510>....Click for more</a> <p></p> <br /><font size="2"> 27th February - £301 raised for Polio Plus Appeal <br /> <img alt=" Immediate Past President Geoff Springett Rtn John White and President Roger " src="images/pp2a.jpg" border="0"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<img alt=" Geoff Rtn Sandy Hamilton Roger and Rtn John Pearson waiting for customers" src="images/pp2b.jpg" border="0"> <br /><font size="2"> <font size="1"><bold>((Left)Immediate Past President Geoff Springett Rtn John White and President Roger)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ((Right)Geoff Rtn Sandy Hamilton Roger and Rtn John Pearson waiting for customers)</bold> <font size="2"> <p>A number of Rotarians took shifts to help raise money for Polio Plus on Saturday in the centre of Woodbridge. Fortunately the rain held off and £301 was raised. <a href=http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.asp?PgID=139706&ClubCtteeID=6127&ClubID=510>....Click for more</a> <p></p> <font size="2"> 25th February 2010 - Good support for evening meeting at the Bull - Experiences is a Nepalese Medical Camp talk by Rtn Stafford Patient<p> Rotarians and their wives were treated to a good meal rather reminiscent of Christmas lunch, but no complaints were to be heard. Following the meal, Rtn Stafford Patient RC of Ipswich East gave an interesting talk on his experiences working in a Nepalese Medical Camp Stafford was a former consultant at the Ipswich Hospital. His presentation described voluntary work in Nepal and contained impressive pictures of the Himalayas. <p> <font size="2"> 23rd February 2010 - £100 Raised at Eat a Breakfast and Save a Life <p> <font size="2"> <p><img alt=" Breakfast2Live " src="images/breakfast.gif" border="0"><p> </p> 17 Rotarians turned up for breakfast at the Bull hotel including a few guests. It was a great breakfast laid on by the Bull Hotel and to meet at that time was a great change. Including donations, £100 was raised. </p> <font size="2"> 19th February 2010 - "When sailing, I leave my wheelchair behind and am my own boss" - John Wilkinson from Ipswich Wolsey Rotary Club gave a presentation on The Woolverstone Project. <p> <p><img alt="John Wilkinson with Senior Vice David Houcell(left) and Geoff Ford " src="images/jwilk2.jpg" border="0"><p> <font size="2">(John Wilkinson with Senior Vice David Houcell(left) and Geoff Ford (right))</p> <p><font size="2"> John Wilkinson from Ipswich Wolsey Rotary Club gave a presentation on The Woolverstone Project which opens up sailing to a wide age group of physically and mentally handicapped people. The project is part of Essex and Suffolk Sailability and operates at Woolverstone and at Oulton Water. <p> The object is to get all abilities of people sailing either with qualified sailing people or sailing on their own in single person dinghies. At Woolverstone they operate a Drascombe longboat which can take up to 10 people including 2 able-bodied crew. <p> At Oultan water they operate seven 2 seater and seven single seater dinghies as well as one trimaran for more experienced sailors. There is an open session each Monday when anyone can come along and regular sailors attend each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 52 weeks each year. Last year there were over 200 regular sailors with over 1,000 people attending during the year. <p> As one disabled person described it: when sailing, I leave my wheelchair behind and am my own boss making my own decisions. Many people attending find the experience both soothing and therapeutic. <p> Rotary clubs in the area are a major source of funding for this project and many Rotarians regularly give their time helping both on and off the water. It costs over £30,000 to run each year and John went on to describe the East Coast 50 fundraising event this year when sailing clubs between Walton and Frinton will be participating in a number of events including dinghy races, bar-b-cues and a 50 mile off-shore race. <p><font size="2"> 12th February 2010 - Smugglers, wrecked boats and war time invasions - A Talk by Tim Miller from Coastguard Cottage, Shingle Street <p> <p><img alt=" Tim Miller with President Roger " src="images/tim2.jpg" border="0"><p> <font size="2">(Tim Miller with President Roger)</p> <p><font size="2"> Smugglers, wrecked boats and war time invasion were the evocative images conjured up by the talk from Tim Miller who lives in Coastguard Cottages, Shingle Street. His father had bought a property there after the war for a holiday home.<p> There was nothing at Shingle Street apart from shacks built from wrecked boats and used by fishermen until the Martello Towers instigated by Pitt, and nicknamd Pitt's Pork Pies, were built in 1808. They were built to prevent French invasion although after the Battle of Trafalgar this was exceedingly remote. The main raison d'etre for Shingle Street was apparently smuggling and there are many stories about secret tunnels and warning lights from the local churches. Until the defeat of the French at the Battle of Trafalgar there had always been a frigate moored in Hollesley Bay guarding the coast.<p> During World War II many strange things were said to have taken place including a failed German invasion. All rumours were vigorously denied and all official documents were kept secret until they were released in 1993. A BBC report in 2002 suggested that the whole thing might have been propaganda to help bring the USA into the war, although the Suffolk Home Guard received reports of such an incident at the time.<p> The people living at Shingle Street have to live with the very real threat of flooding every time there is high pressure linked to high spring tides and northerly winds, not to mention rising sea levels from global warming.<p> However Shingle Street does have a sense of real community spirit with the villagers joining together for parties and Christmas concerts.<p> <font size="2"> 28th January 2010 - Fascinating insight into the history of The Woodbridge School from Michael Weaver<p> <p><img alt=" Mike Weaver with Senior Vice David Houchell " src="images/weaver2.jpg" border="0"><p> <font size="2">(Mike Weaver with Senior Vice David Houchell)</p> <p> Michael Weaver gave a fascinating insight into the history of The Woodbridge School Cadet Force. Mike and his wife, Carol, wrote the book  When Duty Calls which celebrates 100 years of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) which is still today part of Woodbridge School life.<br> The CCF has it s origins in the 1860 s when young men volunteered for Officer Training Cores (OTC).<br> The book documents the experiences of Old Woobridgeons during their military careers from the Boar war onwards including the horrors of war. Mike worked at Woodbridge School for 41 years, was once mayor of the town and is still a town councillor <p> 15th JANUARY 2010 - Haiti Earthquake dominates Business Meeting as Club decides to fund 2 Shelter Boxes as a result of the Haita Earthquake. <p><img alt=" Shelter boxes in Afganistan 2008 " src="images/ShelterBox_Haiti_01small.jpg" border="0"><p> <p> <font size="2">(Image of a Rotary Shelter box being discharged in Haiti)</p> At £490 each these boxes provide immediate shelter and disaster relief for 10 people for 6 months. ShelterBox is an international disaster relief charity which provides humanitarian aid worldwide in the form of shelter, warmth and dignity for people displaced by natural and other disasters. It is an independent charity that relies on public donations to carry out its work. Founded by Rotarian Tom Henderson, a former Royal Navy search and rescue diver, ShelterBox started in 2000 as a project of the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard, Cornwall. ShelterBox is now the largest Rotary Club project in the world and has raised more than £25 million in donations. It has responded to over 80 major disasters in more than 50 countries including the Indian Ocean Tsunami, Hurricane Katrina and Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar. Each ShelterBox contains a 10-person tent, blankets, water purification and cooking equipment, basic tools, a stove and other essential equipment. All boxes are numbered so they can be tracked by donors. Each box costs £490  this includes all materials, packing, storage, transport worldwide and distribution to the final recipients. Assuming six month s use, this equates to shelter and warmth for less than 27 pence per person per day. ShelterBox works closely with key suppliers to ensure all items are of a high quality and are purchased at the most competitive price. The delivery of our aid is undertaken by a volunteer ShelterBox Response Team whose members have undergone an intensive training programme. ShelterBox prides itself on its speedy response to disasters and often works closely with Rotary clubs in recipient countries enabling it to get aid to where it is needed faster than many other charitable organisations. <p> <font size="2"> 8th January 2010 - BIG BATTLEFIELD BIKE RIDER Visits Club <img alt=" John Miller " src="images/Johnmiller.jpeg" border="0"><img alt=" John Miller " src="images/h4hpic2.jpg" border="0"><p> The signature event in the Help for Heroes calendar is the Big Battlefield Bike Ride. <p> <font size="2"> Next year, in May, 300 cyclists will gather at HMS Victory, the Flagship of Britain's greatest wounded hero, Admiral Lord Nelson, before setting off to ride 350 miles across France and at the same time raise a great deal of money to support our current wounded heroes. The route is through Normandy and Picardy countryside, stopping at historic sites to remember those who have fought and died there, before finishing at Dunkirk on the 70th anniversary of the evacuation accompanied by the flotilla of little ships. Various ceremonies and events along the way will take their minds off the saddle and if you want to have an idea of the wonderful atmosphere of the ride, videos of the last two rides can be found on www.helpforheroes.org.uk BOBBR 2009 OVERVIEW. The ride is a challenge, he must ride 75 miles a day. He has been told that when he is feeling a little tired and in a bit of pain on yet another 'undulation', the sight of the Headley Court team of wounded servicemen flashing past him some having lost arms, legs, or both will just focus his mind a little bit. John is seeking to raise a lot of money for these men and women so please give as much as possible on his charity page by , <a href="https://www.bmycharity.com/V2/johnmiller">clicking here</a> <p> <font size="2"> 18th December 2009 -RECIPE CALENDAR A SELL-OUT - <font size="2"><b>Marina Richmond </B>of Woodbridge Inner Wheel who conceived the idea to turn cake recipes experienced by Woodbridge & Madeiran Rotarians into a calendar for 2010 revealed that the net profit on the joint venture between RC of Woodbridge and the RC of Machico/Santa Cruz reached £2020 at todays family Christmas lunch at the Bull. Marina presented President Roger Burgess with a cheque for £1010 representing 50% of the profit, the other 50% will go to the RC of Machico Santa Cruz who sold half of the 550 calendars printed.<br /> Marina, who trajically lost her brother in a fatal accident 3 weeks earlier leaving 2 children as orphans, asked the club if a small part of the profit could be donated to a local orphanage as support for orphans is so very important. She mentioned that the Machico/Santa Cruz club also intend to use some of the funds raised to support an orphanage in Camacha. <br /> Whilst many calendars have been sold locally the calendars have reached many cultures, countries and prominent people including the British Ambassador to Portugal and Mr Adam Blandy of Madeira. Cross-translated from English into Portuguese and German and vice versa,the calendar found many fans of the ideal of furthering international understanding and friendship in such an interesting way. President Roger presented Marina with some flowers as a thank you on behalf of the club for all her work.<br /> <br /> <img alt=" Marina with the calendar " src="images/calendar1.jpg" border="0"><img alt=" The Calendar" src="images/calendar2.jpg" border="0"><p> <p> <font size="2"> 18th December 2009 - VISITORS FROM LONG ISLAND - USA <img alt="US Flag" src="http://www.timberweb.com/Common/Uploaded/SmallFlags/usa.gif" border="0"> - <font size="2"><b>Susan and Richard Brewster</B> of Greenford Rotary, Long Island gave a very interesting talk on 18 December 2009, about their experiences with The Smile Train which they helped during March/April 2009. Their trip was combined with The Gambia Mercy Ship Mission and they were involved with 51 operations to correct hare lips and cleft pallets in the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital in Banjul, The Gambia. This was their second visit with this very worthwhile cause and this time the hospital had the benefit of running water!! Patients in the hospital are expected to do their own washing and provide their own food  very different to western countries.<br /> <img alt=" Susan and Richard Brewster" src="images/smile.jpg" border="0"><p> <p> <font size="2"> 11th December - Help for the Heroes - President Roger Burgess (left in picture below) presents a cheque for Help for Heroes to Sergeant Major Kelly Farrant of 23 Engineer Regiment.which are based at Rock barracks. The money was raised by members of Woodbridge Rotary manning a bottle tombola stall at the recent Rock Barracks Open Day. <br /> <img alt=" President Roger Burgess (left) presents a cheque for Help for Heroes to Sergeant Major Kelly Farrant of 23 Engineer Regiment. " src="images/heroes.jpg" border="0"><p> <font size="2"> <b>Richard Smith of the RNLI </b>gave the after lunch talk on 11 December 2009. Richard who used to work at the East Anglian Daily Times is one of seven RNLI media managers. <br /> <img alt=" Launch of an RNLI Lifeboat " src="images/rnli.jpg" border="0"><p> The RNLI was formed in 1824 and since then more than 137,000 lives have been saved. There are on average 22 launches a day, with 21 people rescued daily in 2008. There are 235 lifeboat stations around the coastline, in addition to the newer inland rescue craft which include four Hovercraft. An all-weather craft can cost £2.5m to build and the re-fit every four years costs £250,000 The running costs for the organization amount to £378,000 per day with 60% of this coming from legacies. This is an entirely voluntary organization with no government funding. Although the crews freely donate their time, each launch cost £2-5,000 depending upon the size of the boat. The target times are 10 minutes to launch the boat and to reach 90% of vessels within a 10 miles radius in 30 minutes. <p> <font size="2"> 20th November Julian Alcock of Deben Yacht Club gives an entertaining talk about his summer adventure to the Island of Elba in a Laser 16 <br> <img alt=" Julian Alcock during his presentation 'My Summer Adventure' " src="images/julianitaly.jpg" border="0"><p> <p> <font size="1"> Julian Alcock, who is a member of the local Deben Yacht Club, gave an entertaining talk about his summer adventure, sailing around the island of Elba.<br> Julian who is an experienced dinghy sailor who sails a Laser 16, explained about the preparation for his trip, the navigation and safety course he took the previous winter, fitting out his dingy with anchor, cockpit tent and cooking facilities etc. as well as planning the actual voyage. <br>It took place during September 2009 when he loaded his dingy and equipment on a trailer and drove to Italy. He first had to find a place to launch his boat and to store his car and trailer. He then regaled us with his adventures with a definite light hearted view of sailing in the Mediterranean around Elba. Finally finishing with his journey home. <br>He claims it was a very enjoyable experience which his audience viewed as a brave adventure, as he did it absolutely on his own with no outside help. It is a holiday he plans to repeat next year. <p> <font size="2"> 7th November Rotary Cake Recipe Calendar gets an Ambassadorial Launch in Madeira<br> <img alt=" HM British Ambassador to Portugal, Alexander Ellis ,Honorary British Consul to Madeira Joy Menezes (right), Lourenço Basilio, immediate past President of the Rotary Club Machico e Santa Cruz (left), Keith Richmond Rotarian of the Woodbridge Club (second left)Marina Richmond Inner Wheel Club,Woodbridge " src="images/calendarlaunchweb.jpg" border="0"><p> <font size="1"> The Rotary Cake Recipe Calendar had a truly ambassadorial launch at a Cocktail Party held in the Library of the English Church, Funchal, in honour of a visit from the HM British Ambassador to Portugal. The pictures show the HM British Ambassador to Portugal, Alexander Ellis ,Honorary British Consul to Madeira Joy Menezes (right), Lourenço Basilio, immediate past President of the Rotary Club Machico e Santa Cruz (left), Keith Richmond Rotarian of the Woodbridge Club (second left) Marina Richmond Inner Wheel Club,Woodbridge who produced the calendar officially presenting the Cake Recipe Calendar 2010, as an example of the strong friendship between Madeira and England. <A Href=http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.asp?PgID=123894&ClubID=510>........READ MORE</a> <p> 6th November Brian Bartrum from the Royal British Legion gives memorable talk<br> <p> <img alt="Brian Bartrum, RBL (centre), Rtn Jeremy Harrold (left) who gave the thanks and Roger Burgess (right) President of Woodbridge Rotary." src="images/brianbartrumweb.jpg" border="0"><p> <font size="1"> Photo shows Brian Bartrum, RBL (centre), Rtn Jeremy Harrold (left) who gave the thanks and Roger Burgess (right) President of Woodbridge Rotary. Brian Bartrum is the Hon Secretary at Stanton District Branch and County Recruiting Officer for Suffolk. He gave a memorable talk about the role of the Royal British Legion which was all the more pertinent with Remembrance Day being so close. The Royal British Legion was formed in 1921 and safeguards the welfare, interests and memory of serving and ex-service people, their families and dependents. Currently 9.5 million people are eligible for help in the UK. In 2008, 100,000 people were given assistance. People as young as 17 ½ years can be sent on active service, so veterans are often much younger these days and can be of either sex. Each year the Legion receives thousands of calls to it s helpline covering a huge range of issues including counselling, job retraining, skills assessment, claiming the correct pensions and benefits, advice on interest free loans and setting up small businesses, welfare grants and pilgrimages to war graves.. The Legion runs four convalescent homes and seven nursing homes. It is responsible for the Two minute Silence on Remembrance Sunday and 11 November and the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall. In 2008, the Poppy Appeal raised £31 million but over £100 million was spent on it s work. Money is raised from individual donations, legacies, sponsorship, corporate support and fundraising. 380,000 members are involved with the Legion and for every £1 collected only 6.6p goes towards admin. costs. The Poppy Factory at Richmond, Surrey annually produces 30 million poppies, 5 million remembrance petals, 100,000 wreaths and 750,000 Remembrance Crosses. More than 70% of the staff are disabled or chronically ill. <p> <font size="2"> 16th October 2009 - Mike Simpson, the Project Director for Just 42 talked about Local Youth Work in Woodbridge<br> <p> <img alt="Mike Simpson.....Project Director for Just 42" src="images/simpson3small.gif" border="0"><p> <font size="1"> Mike Simpson, the Project Director for Just 42, gave an interesting talk about the work that Just 42 do to help the vulnerable children in our society. While Woodbridge has far fewer problems than inner city areas, Kyson and Melton/Ufford are both lacking in lacking economic or social necessities The UK came last in a recent survey of 21 countries for the well being of our young people. <A Href=http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.asp?PgID=118145&ClubID=510>........READ MORE</a> <p> <font size="2">9th October 2009 - Christmas Cards and a Cake Recipe Calendar for 2010 are in the pipeline<font size="1"><p> Rotary members, family and friends will be able to purchase Rotary Christmas Cards from the Club and a unique Cake Recipe Calendar for 2010 produced by Marina Richmond of Woodbridge Inner Wheel following the informal exchange between the Woodbridge Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Machico/Santa Cruz of Madeira. Orders are already being taken for the cards and clendar and quantities are limited so book your copy now. Any profits on the calendar will be shared between the two Rotary clubs in aid of the cahrities supported by them <p> <font size="2">18th September 2009 - Diane Milan gave an interesting talk about her 6 months work with the VSO in Tanzania. <font size="1"><p> <img alt="Diane Milan .. VSO in Tanzania" src="images/rotary_dianemilan.jpg" border="0"><p> Originally she was the Director of IT at Ipswich Hospital, Suffolk but decide to use her skills to project manage a program in the Ndanda parish of 20,000 people to combat HIV and Aids. After a week s induction into the country, she spent 2 weeks learning Swahili before being based near the parish hospital where there was also a Benedictine Abbey. She developed and managed two major projects; Home based care and Prevention. 90 volunteers were trained in Home based care skills where they also treated some of the other chronic illnesses in that area. In addition bedding and money for food was also distributed. Prevention used health clubs for schoolchildren, Behaviour change programs for older people and villagers with the local Community leaders also being involved and trained. At present Diane is using her skills by working for VSO 2 days per week. <br> <font size="1">On 5th September club was raising money at the Woodbridge Rock Barracks open day. The picture shows Fund Raising Chairman Ron Whittaker 'bucket in hand'<br> <img alt="Fund Raising Chairman Ron Whittaker manning the bottle stall" src="images/rotary_rockbarracks.jpg" border="0"><p> IMPORTANT PRESS RELEASE - WOODBRIDGE WAR MEMORIAL REFURBISHMENT The Appeal made by the Rotary Club of Woodbridge for funds to repair and restore the War Memorial in the Town has received a swift response from the people of Woodbridge. The target for both the basic repairs and the planned refurbishment has been achieved <A Href=http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.asp?PgID=115852&ClubCtteeID=7739&ClubID=510>........READ MORE</a> </p> <b><font size="1">4th September 2009 -  WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE OR HAVE IN WOODBRIDGE ? </b><br> <font size="1">The Rotary Club of Woodbridge is anxious to have any ideas which you may have for the improvement of Woodbridge from your point of view or from the point of view of a visitor to the Town. By  improvement we hope that ideas will range as widely as possible. Perhaps clubs or groups which they would like to see but are not at present catered for, facilities which are presently lacking but which would enhance the lives of people in the town. We feel sure that given time to ponder you will be able to think of some interesting and exciting things to suggest. <A Href=http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.asp?PgID=115583&ClubID=510>........READ MORE</a> </p> <b>7th August 2009 - St Audry's Golf Club donates £650 to the Woodbridge War Memorial Appeal</b><p></p> <img alt="Ron Hepworth receives Cheque for £650 from Club Captain Bob Clements " src="images/ron_staud.jpg" border="0"><br> <font size="2">A successful Golf day on 1st August at St. Audrys Golf Club together with a raffle raised £1300 of which 50% was given to the Woodbridge Rotary War Memorial Appeal and 50% to Help for the Heroes. The picture shows Ron Hepworth receiving the Cheque for £650 from Club Captain Bob Clements. <br /> Today Keith Richmond lead a workshop on using the Club website, thanks to a fast Wifi connection and the manager at the Bull Hotel. An interesting statistic emerged from the 24 members present. 75% (18 in number) had access to the Internet with 62.5% (15) using the Internet on a daily basis. Based on email address 75.67% of the club has internet access (28 members). <p></p> <font size="2">The <b>31st July 2009 <br />Speaker Stephen Bayfield</B> gave a highly amusing talk on the traits of Suffolk people. His talk was entitled Funny Money which is how he describes the money which as been raised by his amusing talks. A vote of thanks was given on behalf of the club by Rtn Robin Sinclair.<br /><br /> <font size="2"><b>War Memorial Appeal Update</b> - The President told members present that hundreds of donations had been received and whilst counting was still taking place and money still arriving it looks as though we are well on the way to achieving the objective. Two donations were particularly noteworthy one of the princely sum of £1000 and another of a £2 coin from an OAP. <br /> <p></p> </P> 24th July 2009 - Jenny Auber of Oxfam <br /> <img alt="Jenny Auber gives inspiring talk on the work of OXfam in Senegal" src="images/jennyauber2.jpg" border="0"><br> <font size="2">Todays lunch had an inspiring talk by Jenny Auber of Oxfam on the work of Oxfam in Senegal. <p></p> <img alt="The Rotary Club of Woodbridge leads War Memorial Repairs Appeal" src="images/rotarywmweb.jpg" border="0"><br> <font size="2">The Rotary Club of Woodbridge leads War Memorial Repairs Appeal New President Roger Burgess seen here today with the Mayor and Town Clerk (Woodbridge RC's Junior Vice President)of Woodbridge as well as the President of the British Legion (left in pict) at the launch of the Appeal on 16th July 2009. <A Href="http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.asp?PgID=106249&ClubCtteeID=7739&ClubID=510">........MORE</a><p></p> <img alt="Woodbridge Appoints First Lay Junior Vice on 10th July 2009" src="images/roger_chris.jpg" border="0"><br> <font size="2">Woodbridge Rotary Cub New President Roger Burgess makes history at Woodbridge club as Chris Walker takes on the role of Junior Vice President from 10th July 2009 who takes over as President for 2009/10 . <A Href="http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.asp?PgID=105246&ClubCtteeID=7677&ClubID=510">........MORE</a><p></p> <img alt="Roger Burgess takes over as New President on 3rd July 2009" src="images/rogerandgeoffsmall.jpg" border="0"><br> <font size="2">Woodbridge Rotary Cub President Geoff Springett hands over to Roger Burgess on 3rd July 2009 who takes over as President for 2009/10 . <A Href="http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.asp?PgID=105026&ClubID=510">........MORE</a><p></p> <img alt="Presentation to Deben Rowing Club" src="images/debenrowing.jpg" border="0"><br> <font size="2"> President Geoff Springett and David Houchell of Woodbridge Rotary Cub are seen here presenting a cheque for £1000 to Nicola and William Notcutt who are receiving it on behalf of the Deben Rowing Club. The money was raised at the Notcutt lecture held at the Woodbridge Community Centre earlier this year where Nicola Notcutt held a capacity audience enthralled with her experiences in the Galapagos Islands and South America while on honeymoon. The Notcutt lectures are organised by Woodbridge Rotary and have been on-going for a number of years with the next one planned for March 2010. <A Href="http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.asp?PgID=101098&ClubCtteeID=6127&ClubID=510">........MORE</a> <a href="http://www.rotary-ribi.org/districts/committee.asp?DistCtteeID=519&DistrictNo=1080">District Directory 2010</a> &nbsp;<br> </b> </font> </td> </tr> </table> <br><font size="1" >&nbsp;2009 All rights reserved E.&amp; O.E</font> </td> </tr> <tr><td width="125" bgcolor="#4372AA">&nbsp;<a style="text-decoration:none" href="disclaimer.htm"><font size="1" color="#FFFFFF">&nbsp;Notice &amp; Terms</font></a></td></tr> <tr><td colspan="4" height="1" bgcolor="#C00000"><img alt="" src="images/spacer.gif"></td></tr> </table> <!-- Start of StatCounter Code --> <script type="text/javascript"> var sc_project=4842832; var sc_invisible=0; var sc_partition=56; var sc_click_stat=1; var sc_security="076f7668"; </script> </p> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.statcounter.com/counter/counter.js"></script><noscript><div class="statcounter"><a title="wordpress statistics" href="http://www.statcounter.com/wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><img class="statcounter" src="http://c.statcounter.com/4842832/0/076f7668/0/" alt="wordpress statistics" ></a></div></noscript> <!-- End of StatCounter Code --> <font size="2"> &nbsp;Visitors to date since 20th June 2009</font> </body> </html>