Community & Vocational Service July – September 2006

During the first quarter of the Rotary Year 2006/7, this committee held one meeting, which reviewed a wide range of requests.

1. Ascot Day Centre

The centre currently has a motley collection of crockery, cutlery and glasses that are quite inadequate for their needs. A quotation has been received that provides for a full five-year guarantee on the crockery and amounts to £1339.16. This is slightly higher than approved at Club Assembly but it is felt that the breakage guarantee will ensure a longer life for the investment. The committee recommend this proposal.

2. Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)

CAB is suffering from LA funding reductions and this is placing an outreach project in the Sunninghill Day Centre at risk of closure. Committee members were against supplementing LA cuts by grants from charities such as ours. At Council, members were prepared to recommend a stopgap measure PROVIDING measures were taken (perhaps by seeking funding from RB of Windsor & Maidenhead in whose locality the outreach is based) to reach an ongoing solution.

3. Ascot Driving Group

Members recommend the payment of the budgeted £300 grant.

4. Cross Roads Caring for Carers

A request for a grant of £500 has been received to support the assistance given to carers in the Ascot area. Although the movement is based in Dedworth, they currently provide 780 hours of care to Ascot residents. Committee and Council recommend the request subject to personal verification with the movement.

5. Student application (name withheld)

The above, a student of the Marist School, wrote requesting funding towards a trip to Fiji to further her chances of a career as a doctor. This request was not approved.

6. Thames & Kennet Narrow Boat Trust

This trust, which originated from Charters, provides boating experience to children from a wide area within Berkshire. Their sole asset - a 70ft Narrowboat now urgently requires a refit, which is estimated to cost £12,000. Subject to a detailed check on the validity of the estimate, Council and Committee recommend a pledge of £500 PROVIDING the remaining funds are secured.

7. Vitality - Rehab

This organisation made a request for joint funding with Round Table of £2,500 prior to presentation to the club. Members felt they needed to know more about the work of the movement. Round Table have subsequently provided £1,250. At Council it was requested C&VCS members should be briefed on the activities of the organisation and why the club should provide support.

8. RIBI Preferred Projects.

Barnardos, Institute of Cancer Research and The Wheelchair Foundation were considered collectively. No support was forthcoming because members wished to use our limited resources on local needs.

9. Youth Speaks

Mike Leaman reported that offers had been extended to all local schools including for the first time to Sunningdale School. He also arranged for the Marist winning team from last year to make their presentation at the October Friends evening.

Alan Penny - Chairman, 2006-7