Chatterbox 1011 - Rotary Club of Belper

otary international district 1220
www.belper-rotary.co.uk
Winning Club Bulletin 2010/2011
September/October 2011
the rotary club of
belper &
duffield
World Heritage Site
-a birthplace of the Industrial Revolution
In this issue:
District Conference Report
National Memorial Arboretum
In Shackleton’s Footsteps
1
CHATTERBOX

Club members at District Conference enjoy a meal together and relaxing after a
formal evening. Report on page 3.
The two guest speakers from the Air Training
Corps with their host, David Collard.
Report - page 4.
2
Clive and Jean after their Evening
of Magic, Mystery and Mayhem
as described on page 6.

District 1220 Conference
Scarborough - October 2011
On what seemed to be the most pleasant weekend of the summer the Belper
and Duffield contingent mustered at the Ambassador Hotel on the ‘posh’ end
of Scarborough’s seafront. Elizabeth Henson had volunteered to be reconnaissance
officer for this operation and had bagged a super set of rooms in this newly
refurbished hotel at a very good price. We all met up on the Friday evening for an
excellent dinner before sliding down the cliff railway for the entertainment in the
Spa theatre. ‘That’ll be the Day’ was worth every penny that the organising
committee had spent on it. The cast had a rapturous reception as we all rocked,
clapped and stamped our feet to songs from the heyday of Rock’n Roll. The choreography
was superb and the energy put into the performances reminded us of how
things used to be… (some of us of course may still be burning the candle at both
ends!) It was a treat to come out into a balmy summer’s evening, no rushing back
to the hotel in freezing rain this year!
The Saturday workshops were the usual blend of riveting and less than interesting.
However it was good to find that the Officer’s addresses were brief and
relevant. The last push to eradicate polio was highlighted and the urgency of
completing the task emphasised, as any reservoir of infection left might return with
devastating effects on world populations who will by now have lost their residual
immunity.
Thankfully the House of Friendship was back so that we could stock up on
Christmas cards and browse the displays linked to presentations. I then played
hooky and spent a blissful hour paddling with my skirt tucked in my knickers,
proving that some things have not changed since childhood visits to Scarborough.
(though there was no one to rub sand into damp legs with a scratchy towe!) The
resort looked wonderful and so after the Governor’s Lunch and entertainment by
the ‘Dale Divas’ we walked to the harbour to see if we could have a boat trip - too
late alas. However it was relaxing to wander round the bay in warmth and sunlight
and lots of others delegates were doing just that. (We failed to spot our Immediate
Past President cavorting in the surf as promised).
Saturday evening brought another excellent show and then music to
dance or listen to and Sunday morning offered more presentations for those who
could resist the lure of the weather. A most enjoyable weekend with great company,
but next year’s programme looks even better!
Sheilagh Harnan
Cover Picture - Young Chefs at work!
Some of the pupils at Belper School took the opportunity of their Open
Evening to compete in the Club’s Young Chef Competition for a place in the District
Competition. Report on page 18.
3

Meeting – 5th September
Air Training Corps
by former Cadet Warrant Officer Alex Smith
and Cadet Sergeant Jake Brown
Sixteen Rotarians gathered in the Lion Hotel whilst others were apparently
holidaying in France. Immediate Past President David Harris opened the meeting
and explained that he was in fact fourth choice for taking the chair but was
pleased to do so. He welcomed Rotarians and the two guests and thanked the duty
officers.
During the evening John Scotney reported back on the bowls competition
where the ‘team’ successfully kept themselves dry and well fed on a chilly and wet
Sunday morning as well as managing to avoid playing in the finals. David Harris also
identified to members that there was to be a memorial service to recognise the
work in the community of Frank Troughton, a close friend of David and known to
many of us, in St Clement’s Church in Horsley at 6.30 on 30th October. Peter Davis
promised a ‘magical’ evening in two weeks time and it was agreed that this would
be a guest evening.
David Collard, the activity organiser, introduced his speakers who were to
explain the work of the Air Training Corps. Their presentation started with a short
video showing the kind of activities which cadets can experience. Alex then
explained the history and the work of the Corps which had been formed in around
1938 to give teenagers opportunities and experiences they could not get elsewhere
and provide a potential training ground for them for a career in the Royal Air Force.
Both speakers were from the Derwent Valley squadron of the Corps which has been
around for about 20 years under various titles but renamed itself the Derwent
Valley squadron when it moved to larger premises in Belper in 2009. Alex explained
that there are about 3500 cadets across the country and the organisation is based
on six regions each of which has six ‘wings’. Each wing has between 25 and 35
squadrons. Members can join at the age of 13 and stay until they are 20. Alex has
now reached the age where he has had to ‘move on’. The list of activities available
is extensive and includes flying, gliding, drills, field crafts, sports and work experience
courses.
Alex and Jake answered a wide range of questions including how they
recruited members and the impact of current ‘cut backs’ in the forces on possible
career paths. John Lowe offered a vote of thanks to Alex and Jake on behalf of club
members.
John Horwood
There is a photograph of the two speakers on page 2.
4

Meeting - 12th September
Visit to the
National Memorial Arboretum
John Frankland was the activity organiser for the meeting and he set a Club
precedent by arranging a morning visit to the National Memorial Arboretum at
Alrewas which concluded with a lunch. It was well supported with 22 Rotarians and
partners attending, including President Martin who completed the whole walk on
his crutches!
The weather forecast was for high winds, not encouraging for an outside
event, but it turned out to be quite sunny and only breezy. Following coffee we
proceeded to the Millennium Chapel of Peace and Forgiveness where a 2 minute
silence is observed at 11a.m. every day of the year. One of the volunteers gave a
talk about the Chapel itself which is a central part of the site and was created to
offer a place of tranquillity to appeal to people of every faith and none.
From the start the Arboretum was seen as a place of joy where the lives
of people would be remembered by living trees that would grow and mature in a
world of peace. The project began with no money, no land, no staff and no trees.
The National Lottery granted some 40% of the funds which was matched by
thousands of individual donations from a wide variety of organisations, military,
civilian, corporate and voluntary.
We were then guided on a 45 minute walk amongst the 160 memorials
which are contained in 150 acres of trees and gardens. Some of the memorable
sites were the Basra Wall which had returned from Iraq, the memorial to those who
were convicted of cowardice and “Shot at Dawn” and the Armed Forces memorial
which contains over 15,000 names of those who have died in the armed forces
since 1948. No organisation seems to have been omitted – there is even a
memorial to Popski’s Private Army! On certain days of the year commemoration
parades are held. For those who need it, a train runs through the site with a useful
commentary.
Returning to the Visitor Centre we were served an excellent meal which
rounded off the visit in style. President Martin concluded by thanking our friendly
guide and John for arranging a very interesting visit.
Photograph on page 12.
5
John Lowe

Meeting – 19th October
Magic, Mystery and Mayhem!
by Clive and Jean
A ctivity Organiser Peter Davies had been anxious to have a good turn out for this
unusual evening of entertainment and the club had not let him down.
President Martin, returning to chair the meeting after a break of four weeks,
commented on the excellent outing to the National Memorial Arboretum the
previous week (reported on page 5) and passed on greetings from Chris True, who
would join the club contingent at the District Conference in Scarborough next
month. (There is a note from Chris about her experiences joining a York club on
page 17).
Peter Davies then introduced his guests, Clive and Jean, explaining that they
were long standing members of the Magic Circle and gave regular shows both
locally and nationally, usually in aid of charities; their special cause was the
Rainbows Hospice at Loughborough.
Clive proceeded to give us a brief history of magic, illusions and conjuring with
a selection of illustrations of some classic tricks. He started by producing handkerchiefs
from ‘empty containers’, changing the colouring and patterns accompanied
by a very entertaining (and distracting?) patter. We were all gob smacked when he
passed Gaynor’s engraved ring round the room for inspection and then produced it
minutes later from a miniature samurai sword kept under wraps at the back of the
‘stage’.
He then moved on to ‘mind reading’ and was able to tell Hilary Surga which
card she had selected from a pack, literally ‘switching it’ to the correct one when
we though he had muffed it! He went on explained that there was not sufficient
room to carry out ‘Sawing a Lady in Half’ so had to compromise by chopping off
Carole Soul’s finger with a miniature guillotine; no, she still has ten digits and it
didn’t hurt!
His final performance was to ‘Name that Bear’, which sat looking bemused on
the bar ledge behind him. Fifty two names had been inscribed on the back of a pack
of cards and he invited Pam Collard to select a card whilst he dealt them. She chose
the Ace of Spades, which turned out to be ‘Lucy’ and, lo and behold, the tag round
the bear’s neck read ‘Lucy’! Jean then brought the performance to a close with a
display of classic illusions, knotting and unknotting coloured ropes and making
coloured clothes appear and disappear from a variety of containers.
John Norreys thanked Clive and Jean for a most unusual and entertaining
evening and Clive performed his final illusion by selecting Nick Blurton’s token to
win the raffle!
John Scotney
Photograph on page 2.
6

Meeting - 26th September
Update on the Drop Inn Centre
by Andrea Fox
A ndrea started by saying that she first gave a talk to Rotary 10 years ago soon after
“the Drop Inn” was initiated. At that time she worked closely with a Buddhist monk
in setting it up. The aim was to give the young people of Belper somewhere to meet off
the streets. Apparently Belper Town Council said at the time, nice idea but it won’t work.
Ten years on it is the only Youth Foundation of its type in the country and continues to
flourish.
The sort of problems that the teenagers who come to the Drop Inn Centre
have been involved in or subjected to include knife crime, alcohol and drug abuse, anti
social behavior, domestic violence, physical and sexual abuse. 60% of the young men
were at risk of exclusion from school, 82% had an alcohol problem and 91% were smokers.
The Centre continues to improve its facilities and has a games room, cinema
space and music and recording studio. It provides mediation and counseling and works
closely with the police. Andrea illustrated the success of the Centre’s work by saying
that over the past 10 years, 447 young people have continued on to formal work
training and qualifications and 5 are now involved in the management of the Centre.
There are no paid workers and the volunteers average a total of 179 hours per week -
each volunteer having a particular specialty. The Centre has received much recognition
for its achievements and has collected many awards, especially over the last couple of
years and Andrea and a youth representative were invited to the Queens garden party
at Buckingham Palace.
Andrea spoke about two recent projects. “Safe Rave” (modern version of a
disco) has been tried out on Friday nights with great success with attendances of 80 -
120 young people; the aim is to get underage drinking off the streets. The Police
confirm that there were no call outs for this reason on the Safe Rave nights. The other
project was “Linking Lives” which is an intergenerational strategy aimed at breaking
down the stereotyping and discriminations between the young and older generations.
The project has involved young children visiting the older generation in their homes and,
in turn, the older generation being invited down to the Drop Inn to take part in quiz’s
etc. A film has been made called “Role Reversal” which was shot at Chatsworth using a
professional film crew and this shows old people dressed as ‘Hoodies’ and young people
dressed as OAP`s. Sheilagh showed excerpts from this film last year at a Rotary evening.
The film has won awards. A 3 year funding for this project has been provided from the
Methodist Circuit but this has now come to an end but Andrea says that the project will
continue.
The talk was followed with a short question and answer session; asked
whether the Centre was involved in any outdoor activities, Andrea sited litter picking
and rock climbing.
Stuart Limb
7

Meeting – 3rd October
Wills & Related Things
by Duncan Lyon
I have been a member of the Club for nearly eleven years and as far as I can
remember this is the first time we have had a Solicitor talk to us. Ellis Fermor &
Negus have recently opened an office in Belper and Duncan, who lives in
Nottingham, was introduced by Vernon Barnes.
Duncan commenced by telling two amusing stories and then slipped into gear
by illustrating the problems which could occur if no will was made. Cyril Booth (a
widower without children, brothers or sisters) died, and his estate went largely to
the offspring of his father’s brothers and sisters virtually excluding a relative who
had been very good to the deceased during his lifetime.
Following this Duncan pointed out that if no will was left the spouse can only
get £250,000 when their partner dies leaving children and a house worth more than
£250,000. Where there are no children but there are parents or siblings this
amount is increased to £450,000. He warned against leaving making a Will too late
and risking testamentary incapacity. Whilst you can make a Will yourself there are
many pitfalls and it is much better to employ a professional.
Duncan explained that under the present law partners in a cohabiting situation
do not automatically succeed to the belongings and wealth of their partners when
dead. The cohabiting partner must show that he or she was dependent on the
deceased and make a claim under the appropriate legislation.
The main advantages of making a Will are:
(1) Intestacy kicked into touch.
(2) A Will can reflect one’s own circumstances e.g.
(a) Specific legacies to friends and charities.
(b) Age conditions (otherwise children inherit at age eighteen)
(c) Exclusion of unwanted beneficiaries.
(d) Funeral wishes.
(e) Discretionary trusts e.g. for disabled children.
(f) Appointment of guardians and appropriate Executors.
(g) Tax planning – Inheritance Tax (£325,000)
This was an interesting, well delivered talk and I am sure that we will all be
checking over our Wills based on the points Duncan brought up. After several
questions David Soul proposed the Vote of Thanks.
8
John Frankland

Business Meeting
10th October
Youth Chair Hilary Surga reported that
a potential RYLA candidate has been
identified by Gail Ashley. Cycling Proficiency
- volunteers needed to take on
the job of organising this as David and
Gail Ashley are now both too busy. The
club needs to appoint an Youth Exchange
Representative; it was suggested
that this should be a member of the
Youth Committee. Individuals who have
been CRB cleared need to ensure that
their clearances are up to date. Mock
Interviews - The Derbyshire Building Society
has again agreed to us using their
offices for the 2012 interviews.
International & Foundation Chair
David Soul reported that the club was
still supporting Water Aid (£150 donation)
and Aquabox - support of the club
is still needed for rebuilding supplies of
the boxes. Fund raising for the Indian
Housing Project is now completed and
David Harris is to report back after his
visit to the Kenya Orphanage at Easter
2012. Gail Ashley gave a short report on
the Fishtail Project which is based in
Nepal; it is being supported by the RC of
Dronfield and was featured at District
Conference. The project was to ensure
that poor but bright children could remain
in education, gain qualifications
and degrees and then use them back in
Nepal. It costs £60 to support one
student for a year or £300 for five years.
The Club target for it’s contribution to
Polio Plus is £550 and our Club Subscription
to foundation for the year is £1247,
9
which is generally met by our Member
Covenant Scheme and by Gift Aid. This
years’ incoming Ambassadorial Scholars
will be coming to speak to the club in
February 2012.
Community Chair Gail Ashley confirmed
that the Santa Sleigh collections
would be on the 12th and 15th December
in Duffield and 21st December in
Belper. Dates for the street collections
and collections at Morrisons still to be
determined. Peter Davis reported that
Clive & Jean, the magicians who had
recently visited the club were interested
in joining forces with the Belper Town
Band to hold an event in Belper. They
were looking for “supporters” of the
event and the opportunity was on offer
to the Club. It was agreed in principle
that we should “adopt” the event.
IPT David Henson gave a useful
explanation of how the clubs accounts
are structured. The “Club Account” is
designed for the day to day running of
the club and holds things like subscriptions
and pays out expenses. The “Charity
Account” is from where the club
makes its donations. It was proposed by
David Harris, seconded by Nick Blurton
and agreed unanimously by the members
present, that the Club Account be
approved and accepted. It was proposed
by Nick Blurton, seconded by John
Scotney and agreed unanimously by the
members present, that the Club Account
be approved and accepted.
Nick Blurton

Meeting – 17th October
In the Footsteps of Shackleton
by Ken Hall
O ur guest for this evening was introduced by David Harris. Ken’s boyhood hero
was and still is to this day Ernest Henry Shackleton - born on 15 February 1874
in County Kildare, Ireland; his father was a doctor. The family moved to London
where Shackleton was educated. Rejecting his father's wish that he become a
doctor, he joined the merchant navy when he was 16 and qualified as a master
mariner in 1898. He travelled widely but was keen to explore the poles. In 1901,
Shackleton was chosen to go on the Antarctic expedition led by British naval officer
Robert Falcon Scott on the ship 'Discovery'. With Scott and one other, Shackleton
trekked towards the South Pole in extremely difficult conditions, getting closer to
the Pole than anyone had come before. Shackleton became seriously ill and had to
return home but had gained valuable experience.
Back in Britain, Shackleton spent some time as a journalist and was then
elected secretary of the Scottish Royal Geographical Society. In 1906, he unsuccessfully
stood for parliament in Dundee. In 1908, he returned to the Antarctic as the
leader of his own expedition, on the ship 'Nimrod'. During the expedition, his team
climbed Mount Erebus, made many important scientific discoveries and set a
record by coming even closer to the South Pole than before. He was knighted on his
return to Britain.
In 1911, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen reached the South Pole,
followed by Scott who died on the return journey. In 1914, Shackleton made his
third trip to the Antarctic with the ship 'Endurance', planning to cross Antarctica via
the South Pole. Early in 1915, 'Endurance' became trapped in the ice, and ten
months later sank; Shackleton's crew had already abandoned the ship to live on the
floating ice. In April 1916, they set off in three small boats, eventually reaching
Elephant Island. Taking five crew members, Shackleton went to find help. In a small
boat, the six men spent 16 days crossing 1,300 km of ocean to reach South Georgia
and then trekked across the island to a whaling station. The remaining men from
the 'Endurance' were rescued in August 1916. Not one member of the expedition
died. 'South', Shackleton's account of the 'Endurance' expedition, was published in
1919. Shackleton's fourth expedition aimed to circumnavigate the Antarctic
continent but on 5 January 1922, Shackleton died of a heart attack off South
Georgia. He was buried on the island.
Ken’s passion for his hero has even gone to lead him to take a cruise holiday to
trace the various places Shackleton explored. Ken then went on to show a power
point presentation of the destinations and wildlife when he visited with his wife
Judy. David Soul gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the club members.
John Moore
10

An Evening of Song
22nd October 2011
This concert, held at Ecclesbourne School, had been arranged by Dave and Gail
Ashley as part of the Club’s fund raising initiatives for international projects.
Despite plenty of publicity and requests to club members to sell tickets, the attendance
was not high; however for those people who did make it, there was a real
musical treat!
Cantata Ensemble are a small group, numbering about a dozen, and they
presented a dazzling programme of songs from the shows – such as Big Spender,
On the Street where You Live, My Favourite Things, Nothing Like a Dame, Thank You
for the Music and Rhythm of Life – under the title ‘Cantata Cabaret’. They were
accompanied by very professionally prepared backing tapes and to show that all the
choir were talented soloists in their own right, the various numbers were fronted
by each member in turn.
The programme by Cantata Ensemble was interspersed by two slots from our
specially invited guest soloists Sam Barson and Lilly Taylor-Ward. They were the
winner and runner up in the recent Ilkeston Rotary Club Young Talent Competition
and had performed at the Wollaton Park Charter Celebration earlier in the year.
Sam and Lilly each sang a solo and then a duet; everybody was overwhelmed by
their very professional performances and we all expect to hear much more of them
in the future. They have been made Honorary Members of the Ilkeston Club!
In thanking all the artists for their performances and the audience for coming
along and supporting the event, Dave Ashley added that the money raised (some
£360) would be going to the Polio Appeal and ‘Mary’s Meals’, an organisation
operating in a number of impoverished countries which ensures that young
children get at least one meal a day to allow them to go to school and better
themselves; the sum of £9.40 will feed a child for a whole year!
John Scotney
Christmas Collections
Club members will have the opportunity to continue their fund raising efforts
on the following occasions in the run up to Christmas:
December 12th & 15th Santa’s Sleigh in Duffield
December 17th Christmas Concert at St Peter’s Church, Belper
December 19th Collection at Morrisons
December 21st Santa ‘s Sleigh in Belper
December 23rd Collection on King Street
11

An attentive group listen to the official guide during the visit to the National
Memorial Arboretum - report on page 5.
John Horwood helps his
speaker, James Coates, from
Matlock Area Schools’ Trust,
with one of the props used in
their school work.
Report - page 15.
12
Julia Hampson and
Andrea Hudson from the
Bluebell Wood Hospice
with Club Community
Chair Gail Ashley.
Report - page 14.

We are trying to make this Musical Evening an annual Belper Event for the
town. Please support the concert by coming along yourselves, bring your children
and grandchildren and sell some tickets to your friends and neighbours!
13

Meeting - 24th October
Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice
by Andrea Hudson and Julia Hampson
B efore Gail Ashley was asked as Activity Organiser to introduce her speakers she made a
proposal to the club to make donations to Mary’s Meals. This is an organisation that
provides a daily meal for children in deprived situations in Asia and Africa; Malawi in
particular was mentioned. For £9.40 a child can be provided with a meal each day for a year
thus enabling them to attend school. Gail, in the role of District International Chairman,
proposed that our club members, in common with others in District 1220, should donate an
extra 50p for their meal each week during November. This was unanimously agreed by
members present.
Gail then introduced her guests, Andrea Hudson and Julia Hampson, both involved in
fund raising for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice. Both Gail and David Ashley had visited the
Hospice and been very touched by what they had seen there.
Andrea who led the presentation pointed out that the Hospice was “over the border”
in Sheffield but with the Rainbows Hospice in Loughborough covers Derbyshire. All finance
is a result of corporate donations, fund raising activities and their outlet shops. The Hospice,
which opened in 2008, costs £2.5M to run each year, for which there is no statutory
government funding. They have been involved with Rotary clubs in fund raising activities, eg
bucket collections at supermarkets.
She then played a video showing the facilities of the Hospice and interviews with
parents and their children with special needs. Bluebell Wood offers facilities for those living
in S. Yorkshire, N. Derbyshire, N. Notts and N.W. Lincolnshire and overlooks about 580
families. There are 8 bedrooms and 8 family rooms. (42 children’s hospices nationally
provide only a total of 265 beds). They try to raise awareness of their existence with doctors
and nurses. Bluebell Wood provides respite, the time needed being assessed by the staff.
End of life care is provided using a paediatrican from Sheffield Hospital. Following death
the child may stay in the hospice allowing the parents to maintain contact at any time –
unlike a funeral parlour. There is a “Forget me not Suite” where a child can be kept for up
to three weeks, which can be decorated with the child’s favourite toys and pictures and even
favourite music can be played, to assist the grieving process of the parents. Funerals can be
arranged from the Hospice. After the death of a child they retain contact with the family for
two years. Andrea emphasised that the building was not as sterile as one would expect with
play rooms, music rooms, a spa pool and a multi sensory room.
In answer to questions Julie said that they had a bank of 250 volunteers doing a range
of jobs, but new ones were hard to recruit – this was mainly done via presentations. End of
life and emergency cases took priority over respite care. There was space available to
double the number of special rooms, but money was not available for fitting out.
At the end of the evening all present were provided with “goody bags” containing
relevant information. For those not present full information can be found on the Hospice
web site - www.bluebellwood.org.
John Norreys
Photograph on page 12.
14

Meeting – 31st October
Matlock Area Schools’ Trust
by James Coates
John Horwood drew a rabbit out of the hat with this dry title which hid a
presentation of amazing energy and content.
James and a small group of colleagues offer schools in the Matlock area the
opportunity to have one of their Collective Worship (Assembly!) periods
choreographed around a story from the Bible. The team come from an evangelical
background and believe that children should have a dynamic experience of the
Christian religion.
James gave up his career as a cabinet maker to join forces with his artist wife
to tell familiar bible stories with the aid of compelling yet simple visual effects. He
himself is a wonderful storyteller as he illustrated by giving us an ‘Assembly’. The
use of shadow play with ingeniously designed and crafted polystyrene to carry the
Easter narrative to an audience was particularly refreshing in these days of
computer enhanced entertainments which most children seem to be weaned on.
His team has two puppeteers and a clown/magic artiste who bring their own
craft to the telling of these stories. I am sure that the schools in the area look
forward to their visits. John had done a little research himself and confirmed that
the children find these assemblies very memorable.
James and his wife also work with children within their church congregation
and are supported by the church financially. This must have required faith to
commit to such a fragile future. Between them the team accomplish 100 school
visits each half term to 71 schools reaching 8,000 children and 250 grateful
members of staff! They also offer a ‘Bible Explorer ‘ programme which comprises
five one hour periods using the principles of what the profession calls ‘active
learning with kinaesthetics ’- lots of participation and emphasis on hand signs to
enable the children to remember the content.
James places a lot of emphasis on the quiz at the end of the story and the
members gamely participated. I am sure that many classrooms could do with an
injection of James’ enthusiasm, verve and snappy delivery - I wonder if he could do
it for physics?
Sheilagh Harnan
Photograph on page 12.
Sheilagh has contributed more articles to this edition of Chatterbox than me -
I am sure the readers will welcome a different style!
We also seem to have acquired a ‘Staff Photographer’ - many of the pictures
were taken by Alan Widdowson which accounts for the improved quality.
Editor
15

MISCELLANY
District Bowls Competition
The Club Team (D Harris, J Brazier and J Scotney) turned up at the Hucknall
Bowling Club on Sunday 4th September in pouring rain, not looking forward to
the competition. Donning protective clothing eventually achieved the desired effect
and most of the games were played under tolerable conditions, although it was a
novel experience watching bowls skimming down the green with bow waves!
The format for the matches had been tightened up from last year so that the
play offs for the final places were held by about 2 o’clock. The results confirmed our
belief that last year’s achievement in coming fourth was a fluke; the Winners were
Hucknall ‘A’, Runners Up Carlton and Third Place Chesterfield Scarsdale. We were
submerged in the bottom six out of a field of sixteen clubs - we really must practice
next year!
JS
Photograph of the participants on page 23.
District Ten Pin Bowls
The first round was played on 5th October and we were more successful than our
Flat Green Bowling colleagues! Our scores were as follows:-
Game 1 Game 2 Aggregate
Graham Wright 101 64 165
David Harris 91 121 212
Martin Drake 70 74 144
Stuart LImb 105 91 196
Alan Widdowson 68 77 145
Nick Blurton 76 119 195
The four highest aggregate scores count so we had 212, 196, 195 and 165 giving a
total of 768 as against 743 scored by Ashbourne. We now need to assemble a team
for Tuesday 29th November - any offers?
Nick
There are some photographs of the evening on page 23, with a fine action shot
of Alan!
16

Letters from
the North
19/09/11
Hi to you all, I spoke to Martin the other day so
that you all knew I was still alive. I don’t know
where the time goes to! I have been inducted into
the York Ainsty Rotary Club just a few weeks ago.
The club has about 45 members of which there
are now two women. The club is holding a recruitment
evening soon to try and swell the numbers
of both sexes so I have asked two female friends
to attend and I didn't have to twist their arms.
Everyone has been very friendly and welcoming. The age range is similar to
B&D but I think with a few younger ones who do still work. We meet earlier 6.15pm
for 6.30pm. No choice of meal, two courses, £11, but we do get a 'Mint Choc' with
tea/coffee! Of course some things are done differently here to how it was in Belper,
they ask me what 'we did' but every club is so different and individual.
There was an outcry when the new S- at -Arms wasn't wearing his sash and he
said he was only going to wear it on 'ceremonial occasions'. There was an outburst
from one member (we found out later he had bought the sash in the first place)
which caused an in-depth discussion of where we were heading in the future. My
goodness, all sorts of speech was flying around, I put in my fourpenneth too. Phew
what an evening. The next meeting went on in the same vein - thought 'do I want
to be here'. It's settled down now. But change is on the agenda. I'm on the
Recruitment Committee. I shall see those who attend Conference in Scarborough
25/10/11
I have settled well back up here but still miss Belper very much. The fine system
is very different - we don't have a 'pig' and the system is overlooked at times. One
difference one pays a pound! Phew. I'm on the recruitment committee great fun. I
have tried to involve two friends and I think they enjoy the friendship etc. but the
commitment of every week can seem daunting at first even when you say it's what
you put in not how many times you attend!
At Christmas time there is the Sleigh Collections - hope it isn't snowing they
go out for 3 weeks, about 4 - 5 times a week and 3 hours at a time. Only for the
strong ones, I feel faint thinking about it.
I will try to get down on the 14th November for your ‘Birthday Party’
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Love to you all, Chris xxx

Rotary Young Chef of the Year
Belper School - September 2011
Hilary Surga took on the organisation of this well established event. Belper
School agreed to host it on their Open Evening which gives the young chefs a
large and appreciative audience and allows us to publicise our club. There were five
contestants this year including one from last year’s event who was really keen to
show how his skills had improved. Interestingly over the year he has shown his
interest in food and cooking by consulting with the staff at Fresh Basil Deli in Belper
and it looks as though this might influence his career choice.
The staff in the Food Technology Department are very supportive and the chefs
all performed calmly and efficiently while being observed and commented upon
throughout the evening. The Club had supplied them with a selection of table mats
and napkins to enhance the table settings, as we had noted last year that the
department cannot supply these and the winner of the regional finals (from
Ilkeston) had a very attractive table setting to enhance his menu. Each contestant
had five pounds from the club towards the cost of the meal.
The two course meals were all ready on time and the judges, Sam from the
Deli and Anne Brown, who works in catering, took some time sampling and discussing
the finished menus. Some members of our club sneaked in behind them and
also had a good sampling session!
The winners were Cameron Hutchinson with his menu of Paella and
Seasonal Crumble and Laura Meier as runner up with Fishcakes and Lemon Drizzle
cake (not much of that left by the time the rotary boys had finished!) Everyone had
a little memento of the occasion and thanks from Rotary. Cameron has been
offered a tuition session at Angelo’s Restaurant in Milford to prepare him for the
regional finals after Christmas. Following Cameron’s success the other chefs have
said that they will try again next year!
The Belper News published a good photograph and write up the following week.
Sheilagh Harnan
Cover picture and another photograph on page 23.
Christmas Greetings
The Club has agreed to publish Christmas Greetings from members and friends
in the Christmas Edition of CHATTERBOX which will be published on the Christmas
Guest Evening, 19th December.
Can you please let the editor have your Greetings (no more than a dozen words,
please) by 12th December. The cost per ‘box’ is £10.
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District Council Highlights
21st September 2011
1. Steve Laws was elected as DGN for 2014/15.
2. DG Gordon McGlone reported that RIBI are continuing to implement changes
in procedure and operations to reduce costs.
3. PDG Val Leivers reported that following close links with the Lord Mayor of
Nottingham developed during the Rotary Showcase last June, local clubs have
been asked to help the British Legion with Poppy Day Collections. This
partnership could spread to other areas in the District in future years.
4. District Treasurer Malcolm Whitt thanked all the clubs for paying their
capitations promptly.
5. Council of Legislation:
a. Matlock has now withdrawn their proposal to start a programme
to combat the spread of tuberculosis.
b. Wollaton Park put forward a proposal to amend the rules
regarding transfer of former Rotarians.
c. Beeston wished to propose that First Class air travel by senior
Rotarians should not be funded; they should use Business Class.
Council approved b. and c.
6. District Conference Director D Curtis reported very good attendance at over
900. Shuttle buses between hotels and the Conference Centre are to be tried
this year.
7. All members were reminded that they should not discuss any potential ‘bad
news’ story with the news media before getting guidance from the DG and RIBI.
8. District Membership Chair Jill Bethel reported a net drop in District
membership of 17 so far this year. She requested that clubs increased their
recruitment efforts, particularly amongst ladies; currently they only make up
165 of the 1807 total membership.
Club Council - 10th October
The following donations were approved:
1. Rainbow Trust - £100
2. Tree Tops Hospice - £150
3. Shelter Box - £150
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NB

District Governor’s Newsletter
October 2011
Now that I have returned from the District Conference at Scarborough, I am
coming back down to earth, but I must thank all Rotarians and partners who
took the time to attend, and helped make this yet another successful event for our
District. At all my Club visits I had promised to arrange some weather, but even I
could not have expected almost Mediterranean temperatures and constant blue
skies. I hope everyone gained something from the various presentations and encouragement
to continue the service we give through Rotary. Finally on Conference,
can I thank you for the generous giving at the morning service where we received
£1,724, and with Gift Aid this will come to well over £2000.
I am grateful to the Clubs who have made donations to help the people in the
Horn of Africa by supporting Aquabox, Shelter Box or the District 9200 Appeal. The
situation may have lost television coverage, but the problem has not gone away and
millions of people are still suffering.
We are now well into the “Charter Season” and it is good to look back on the
tremendous work Clubs have been doing. But to continue this work we must stop
the decline in membership which some Clubs are suffering. My congratulations to
those Clubs that are maintaining or growing their membership, but to the rest,
please give this your attention and remember the best way to find a member is for
YOU to ask someone.
This is Vocational Service month: over the years this seems to have lost focus,
but it was one of the major avenues of service when Rotary was founded. Why not
have a meeting to discuss Vocational Service or have an evening when each member
gives a couple of minutes on their vocation. Look to the future and encourage
young people in your area to start planning their careers.
I am grateful to Rtn.Terry Leivers and Rtn. Michael Longdon for arranging the
Evening Race Meeting at Southwell. This event is booked for Tuesday 15th May and
as all races have been sponsored by or through Rotary it will be a ROTARY Race
Meeting. Tickets are £5 and all the money raised from ticket sales will go to Polio
Eradication. Clubs can have as many tickets as they can sell and all your ticket sales
will be credited to your Club for polio. Why not arrange for your weekly meeting to
be on Thursday 15th May at Southwell Race Course and bring some friends?
Next month November is Foundation Month – start planning now to promote
the Rotary Foundation, after all it is our own Charity. On 10th November at 7.30pm
the District Foundation Seminar will be held at the Novotel, Junction 25. Please try
to attend to hear about the new Future Vision Programme.
Remember – Always look on the Bright Side of Life.
Gordon
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Joseph Peter Radford Pym
I have been asked to write a few lines after the passing
of Peter Pym, one of our honorary members, who
constantly expressed his appreciation of this honour by
his interest in the club’s activities which he heard about
through reading his regular copy of Chatterbox,
although he realised that his knowledge of recent
members could not be very extensive.
Peter’s father, J. Percy R. Pym, was appointed
the founder president of this club when it was formed
in 1930 and was the wearer of the first past-presidential
gold jewel presented to him at the end of his term
of office in June 1931. It is that jewel which Peter subsequently passed on to the club
and is worn by our immediate past presidents in turn. Percy Pym died in 1946 whilst
still a member.
I have known Peter since he and Ruth married and came to live in Spencer Road
in the town, and we were both founder members of Belper Round Table in 1950. We
were both inducted into Rotary in 1965 – he by P.P. Ted Bennett at a charter
anniversary in November that year – and he followed me into the presidential chair
at the end of my term of office in June 1974.
Peter was descended from a well-known local family, and his great grandfather
was the former constable of the town, when constable was a high office indeed in the
community. He spent the later years of his education at Repton School, and on his
call-up for National Service he joined the King’s Own African Rifles, serving as a
commissioned officer in East Africa, India and on the Burmese border, receiving the
Burma Star decoration.
He returned to Belper after the war and after completing his articles joined the
family firm. In 1946 Ruth had arrived in Derbyshire to take up a post as teacher at
Derby School for Girls. They subsequently met and married, earlier this year celebrating
their diamond wedding anniversary at Blackbrook House – the same venue where
his grandfather had lived, and where in 1926 his father had celebrated his diamond
anniversary. Peter was a dedicated worker for St. Peter’s Church and he and Ruth
became avid Scottish dancers after he had theoretically retired from his practice.
They were enthusiastic Francophiles, and spent many holidays motoring in the
highways (and mostly byways) of France. He admitted to enjoying their wines, and a
visitor would often be offered a glass from his selection.
Peter and Ruth have two children, Anne and John, and we send to them and their
families our sympathy. I personally have lost a sincere friend.
Vernon
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2011 Organiser Reporter Cash Fraternal
November
7 P James D Partridge J Frankland A Widdowson
14 D Henson J Scotney R Giffin G Wright
21 Business Meeting S Harnan D Ashley
28 S Limb P Shepherd D Harris G Ashley
December
5 P Löchel D Soul D Henson V Barnes
12 J Lowe H Surga J Horwood J Brazier
19 Christmas Dinner P Taylor P James D Collard
26 CHRISTMAS
2012
January
2 NEW YEAR
DUTY OFFICERS
9 P Taylor A Widdowson J Kerr P Davies
16 J Norreys G Wright S Limb J Frankland
23 Business Meeting P Löchel R Giffin
30 D Partridge D Ashley J Lowe S Harnan
DIARY
November 14th Club Birthday Party (Guest Evening) with Rtn Chris Knight
November 16th Club Council 7.30pm
November 21st Club Business Meeting
November 28th Sustainable Transport - talk organised by S Limb
November 29th Ten Pin Bowling - Round 2.
December 12th Santa Sleigh round Duffield with the help of Massive Project
December 19th Special Christmas Guest Evening
The latest information about meetings can be found in the weekly Bulletin Boards
and on the Club web site:
www.belper-rotary.co.uk
Christmas Edition CHATTERBOX: Publication - 19th December
Editor - John Scotney 01773 823678
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Some of the participants in the District Flat Green Bowling Competition with members of the
Hucknall ‘A’ team holding the Winner’s Trophy. Report - page 16.
The victorious Belper Team at the First Round of the District Ten Pin Bowling
Competition . Inset - Alan Widdowson with an elegant pitch.
Report with the scores - page 16.
The winning meal at the Young Chef Competition - see page 18.
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The Rotary Club
of
Belper and Duffield
Founded 1930
President Martin Drake
Senior Vice-President Graham Wright
Junior Vice-President Hilary Surga
Treasurer Peter James
Secretary Nick Blurton
The Club meets every week on Monday at 7.30pm.
The Lion Hotel, Bridge Street, Belper (01773 824033)
Rotary is a service organisation which exists to help those in need and to provide
fellowship and support to its members, whilst maintaining high ethical standards. If you
are interested in visiting the Club and learning more about Rotary, please contact the
Secretary, Nick Blurton:
01773 824607 nickblurton@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.belper-rotary.co.uk
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