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BULLETIN

INDIAN EVENING ON FRIDAY 6TH NOVEMBEROur Indian-themed event at St. Margaret’s Church Hall, Acton on November 6th was again very successful. Grateful thanks must go to all who made the arrangements, helped beforehand and during the night - for example at the bar and the servery - and stayed to clear up afterwards. The wonderful sing-ing by the children and the dancing entertainment by young ladies from Liver-pool University, was much enjoyed. The hot vegetarian meal, was provided again by the excellent caterers from previous years, and was a great treat. A fantastic total of £1065 was raised for our charities.

IMPORTANT FORTHCOMING EVENTS IN 2016 CHARTER NIGHT 4TH MARCH BEETLE DRIVE JUNE * CLUB AGM 12TH APRIL ASTON HALL CONCERT SEPTEMBER * CLUB ASSEMBLY 24TH MAY INDIAN NIGHT NOVEMBER NEW PRESIDENT 28TH JUNE CHRISTMAS MESSAGE DECEMBER CAROIL CONCERT DECEMBER PROVISIONAL *

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MORE INDIAN NIGHT PHOTOS

THE PERFORMERS

ORGANIZER PALAVOOR ANANDARAM AND ROTARIAN ALISON STACE

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ISOBEL AND ALISTAIR DONALDSON OBE PHF

VISIT TO LODGE FARM BIOGASLocal Farmer, Richard Tomlinson, gave a presentation on 11th August about his major investment in green energy from the use of a large anaerobic digester to generate heat and electricity from the tons of manure produced each week by his large herd of diary cows. The energy produced is enough to meet all the needs of the farm and also provides power and heat for the farm. Surplus elec-tricity is exported to the National Grid. His talk aroused a great deal of interest and club members were invited to Lodge Farm on 26th August where they learnt more about the process and were given tea and biscuits at a discussion afterwards. The website is at: http://www.fre-energy.co.uk/lodge-farm-development.html

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NEW BESPOKE WEBSITE

Past President, Peter Howell, has designed and implemented a bespoke website specifically for The Rotary Club of Wrexham and directly tailored to our needs. The website has been produced using development tools provided by British Telecom ( BT ) as a completely free service to charitable organiza-tions. The new website is now ‘live’ on the Internet, but will not be advertised currently. There is a legal requirement that the Club, as a charity too small for formal registration with the Charity Commission, must apply for an HMRC charity reference number. Past President Tony Thomas PHF has applied to HMRC and a response is awaited. Once that has occurred, the Website will require final formal approval by BT, and then our Council. It will then be publi-cized in the BT charity website directory. The new website will provide con-tinued links to existing RIBI and District 1180 websites. The new website is located at :

http://www.wrexhamrotaryclub.btck.co.uk/

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USED POSTAGE STAMPS APPEALHearing Dogs for the deaf are able to receive £100 per 7 kg of used stamps. They respectfully ask that we trim the excess paper around the stamps to a 1mm. border.

FROM THE CLUB COUNCIL

Service Committee ReportsIt was decided by Council that the President Elect should collect reports from the various Commit-tee Chairmen prior to the Council Meeting. These reports should be given to the Secretary and attached to the monthly Minutes. Important items such as forthcoming events, help needed, or any monies required from the Club should be discussed at Council in advance. It is hoped to cut the down time spent in double reporting: once to Council and then to Members at the business meeting of the Club. All items will be discussed anyway at the Club’s Business Meetings or, if ur-gent, at any Club meeting.

Corporate membership/Rotary business partners

Corporate membership was discussed by Council. One approach would entail the creation of a Rotary Member Partnership scheme whereby Companies or businesses would be asked to donate £50 to £150, depending on size, to have their business promoted at Rotary events. With a large event, for example, several companies might contribute and have their businesses promoted. Companies would nominate a person to attend Rotary meetings and, if this person is not available, another colleague could attend instead. All funds raised through this proposed partnership would go to Rotary charities and the cost would be tax deductible. Members could, on receipt of an invita-tion, come to the Club to speak about their businesses. The companies would pay for the cost of events and have their logos advertised as sponsors for that day. All monies raised would go to Ro-tary charities. Firms would be encouraged to have leaflets promoting Rotary at their premises to be seen by their clients. This might generate more applications for Rotary membership. Council felt this could prove to be a win/win project and well worth serious consideration. Strong contrary views were also expressed by at least one member of the Council.

PROGRESS ON OUR PLANS FOR 2015/16

To try to make our Club Meetings more fun.The third Tuesday in each month is now reserved for social and alternative events. The Membership Committee to continue seeking new members.The letter send to CEO’s of locaL firms has produced little response so far.

To review fund-raising strategies through general discussion.The Fund Raising Committee are planning a Beetle Drive and a concert, arranged in conjunction with Erddig Rotary Club in Aston Hall, Plas Coch. These are additional to

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QUEEN’S GOLDEN JUBILEE TREEAs previously reported in September, the existing tree died during the late summer drought and will have to be replaced. Past President Brian Davies has agreed to liaise with ex-mayor,Councillor Bithell, with regard to the choice of the replacement tree, and also a date for the replanting in conjunction with the plaque kindly donated by Peter Tompsett and his family. Unfortunately, Councillor Bithell has been unwell recently and has not been available.

the usual annual Christmas Message, Indian Night and Carol Concert. No date has been fixed for a general discussion.

To work with the Erddig Club to enhance the Father Christmas Float tours.The Christmas 2015 tour was a resounding success and covered a greatly extended area.

To work with Erddig and Yale to plan a major event supporting a local cause.A concert at Aston Hall is being planned - see Fund Raising above.

To plan for a local Rotaract, ideally in co-operation with Erddig and YaleThe Erddig Club is not in a position to become involved currently. President Keith is visiting and consulting with Chester clubs about their Rotaract experiences. He is also seeking the views of the Yale club.

To make the public more aware of the benefits that Rotary brings to Wrexham.Wrexham Rotary Club, has been very visible in the town along with other Rotarians this year. The two Wrexham Street Parties, the Christmas Float and Blood Pressure checks at Sainsbury’s were very well received. There is plenty of scope to do more, however.

To comply with Safety and Vulnerability Law. Rotarian Alison Stace is now our Compliance Advisory Officer covering legislation on pro-tection and vulnerability. A formal statement of Club compliance, signed by the President Keith, has been sent to District 1180. Every member will also be asked to sign a local document stating that they have read and understood the relevant Government legislation regarding Health and Safety, Risk Assessment & Insurance; Equality and Diversity Policy, and the regulations concerned with Disability.

FUNDS RAISED SO FAR IN 2015/16 TEDDY BEAR GAME AT WREXHAM STREET PARTIES £ 125 INDIAN NIGHT 6TH NOVEMBER AT ST. MARGARET’S HALL £1065 WEEKLY BONUS BALL £ 186 JOAN MURRAY JONES’ 20p BOX £ 13

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VISIT TO THE VILLAGE BAKERY COEDPOETHA fascinating visit to the Village Bakery, Coedpoeth took place during the evening of Thursday, 12 November at the kind invitation of Mr Robin Jones CEO who came to talk to us in June. Established in 1934, Village Bakery is a family owned business wholly owned and run by traditional bakers. Staying true to the principles of craft bak-ing, they produce a range of high quality bread, pies and morning goods which are sold in independent retailers throughout North Wales, as well as Tesco, Spar, Coop, Asda and McColls stores in the region. Their products are also available in Asda stores throughout the whole of Wales.

L to R: Norma Mason, Mike Kagan, Thelma Bamford, Tony Thomas and Dave Mason

FRIENDS OF WREXHAM ROTARY CLUBThe ‘Friends’ group was set up to provide a link to people wishing to be supportive to the club but are not currently wishing to be full Rotarians. It also provides an intermediate stage for potential members. Here is the the current list of Friends of Wrexham Rotary Club:

Pat Hughes, Carys and Tony Baker, Pat Thomas, Barbara Wren, Handel Williams, Jill Andrade, Sashi Anandaram, Kay and Mike Edwards, John and Pat Parry, Clay and Eileen Greatbank, Kath Hayes and Karen and Kevin Jones.

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NEW EDITION OF DERI’S HISTORY OF THE CLUB

Past President Deri Thomas, PHF has published a new edition of his book: “Impressions of 75 years of the Rotary Club of Wrex-ham, 1928 -2003”. It is for sale at £15 per copy. It was first pub-lished in 2004.

SPEAKER REPORT - TALK BY MR GERAINT EVANS The speaker on 27th October was Mr. Geraint Owens, retired Paediatric Consultant at the Maelor Hospital. Mr. Owens spoke about his role in helping supply food to the roo-fless population in Wrexham. He told the Club that there were many agencies in Wrex-ham looking after homeless people and, with the help of about 10 churches, food is be-ing distributed in various locations in the town on a regular basis. He informed the meeting that some of the recipients live in bedsits and some live rough around the town. His organization helps anyone who asks for food. The number of requests have grown in recent years and this, at times, puts pressure on volunteers. The life expec-tancy of persons living rough is about 43 years. They die prematurely largely because of ill health due to alcoholism, drug taking and hepatitis in various forms. More, suitable volunteers are being sought and Mr. Owens asked that his charity be considered when the club is distributing money raised during the Rotary year.

Cheryl Furney- Brown

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FUTURE DATES FOR DIARIES

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RECENT SPEAKERS

05 MAY DEBBIE ROWLEY - THE TENOVUS CANCER CHARITY26 MAY RICHARD WITHERS - COMMUNITY SERVICE

09 JUN MIKE HOVEY - 46 YEARS A ROTARIAN30 JUN ROBIN JONES - CEO OF THE VILLAGE BAKERY, WREXHAM

14 JULY KIMBERLEY BARR - CHANGE STEP28 JULY REVD. NICK FINLAY - PEACE AND HOPE ( REPORT BY ROTARIAN BARRY MACLOSKEY IS ON PAGE 9 )

11 AUG RICHARD TOMLINSON - FARM RENEWABLE ENVIRONMENTAL ENERGY25 AUG PETER SCOTT - WREXHAM CBC

01 SEPT RONNIE DEVLIN - CAIS - ADDICTIONS, MENTAL HEALTH, PERSONAL29 SEPT GRAHAM JACKSON - HOPE AND HOMES

13 OCT STEVE DAYMAN - MENINGITIS NOW27 OCT GERAINT EVANS - FEEDING THE ROOFLESS

10 NOV DAVE COOKE - TEAMS4U - VULNERABLE 3RD WORLD CHILDREN24 NOV MARK VENING - YOUTH WITH A MISSION CYMRU

01 DEC PHIL ARTON - CHRISTIANITY AGAINST POVERTY

12 JAN MARK & SUE PENGELLY - THE COMMUNITY CHURCH - STREET CHILDREN26 JAN GARETH JONES - WREXHAM STREET PASTORS

GLOBAL GRANT APPLICATIONAn application has been made for a matching grant in aid of MHAT and an outcome is awaited. Mental Health Action Trust (MHAT) is a registered Charitable Trust based at the Institute of Palliative Medicine in Calicut, Kerala.

ROTARIAN GARETH PARRY’S NO-SHAVE NOVEMBER

Gareth raised £138.75 altogether for charity thanks to some very generous friends and colleagues, not least his fellow Rotarians.

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Stroke Club rota 2016

Members are asked to participate in this community service task. It involves about two hours of your time. Rotarians are requested to pick up and convey members of the Stroke Club to the Cunliffe Centre (or other venue as advised by Keith Samuels prior to the evening) by 7.00pm and return them to their homes at 9.00pm on alternative Wednesdays. Contact numbers for Rotarians are Keith Samuels telephone 01978 840645 or Cheryl Furney-Brown telephone 07971 224560. Mr. Ian Taylor

Mrs. Janet Coulthurst

17th February David Gittins Cunliffe Centre

2nd March Cheryl Furney-Brown Cunliffe Centre

16th March Tony Burdge Cunliffe Pub

13h April Alison Stace Cunliffe Centre

27th April Peter Tompsett Cunliffe Centre

11th May Tony Thomas Cunliffe Centre

25th May Cheryl Furney-Brown Cunliffe Centre

8th June Peter Tompsett Cunliffe Centre

22nd June David Gittins Bradley Bowling Club (afternoon event) 6th July Tony Burdge Cunliffe Centre

20th July Alison Stace Cunliffe Centre

3rd August Tony Thomas Cunliffe Centre

17th August Peter Tompsett Day trip outing pickup to be advised

31st August Tony Burdge Cunliffe Centre

14th September Cheryl Furney-Brown Lord Moreton Pub

28th September Alison Stace Cunliffe Centre

12th October Tony Thomas Cunliffe Centre

26th October David Gittins Cunliffe Centre

9th November Peter Tompsett Cunliffe Centre

23rd November Tony Burdge Ramada Hotel

7th December Cheryl Furney-Brown Cunliffe Centre

The members who require transport are:

Mr. Ian Taylor, 23 Box Lane, Wrexham LL12 8BY – Telephone number 01978 364233 (house is situated on the right hand side of the road going towards Chester Road – opposite playing field.

Mrs. Janet Coulthurst, 37 Cardigan Road, Borras Park, Wrexham LL12 7TS – telephone 01978 261669.

Will drivers please telephone Mr. Taylor and Mrs. Coulthurst on the above telephone numbers on the morning of the Stroke Club duty and they will advise whether they need to be collected or possibly not due to changes in arrangements or illness. Rtn. Keith Samuels will have a copy of this rota.

Very important: If you are unavailable on the date given please arrange a swap with someone else on the list.