President's Report, December 2008In October, we enjoyed an excellent presentation by Richard Day, who had spent his working life at Windsor Castle. He had been very much involved in the fire, and the restoration that followed. Our Friends evening talk in November was also most enlightening, the speaker being John Woolley, who had been a village policeman in Buckinghamshire, close to the hideout used by the Great Train robbers. No pictures, but a really entertaining talk. For our final speaker in the quarter, we shared with our wives and partners to learn more about the national Water Aid programme, which is improving and supplying water facilities throughout many parts of the world, and thus contributing significantly to the reduction of illnesses and loss of life that result from the use of contaminated water. On 12 October, Eileen and I and several other members of the Club went to Henley to meet the 13 incoming Ambassadorial Scholars for this year. They are here as part of the Rotary programme worldwide, whereby around 1,000 Scholars visit other countries to study for a year. They usually have a first degree already, and must be fluent in the language of the host country. All the Scholars at Henley gave a brief talk on their plans for the coming year, and also how they might use the qualification and experience after their year is over. The following weekend we and 44 other members and partners went to the new Forest for the Presidential weekend. The hotel lived up to our expectations, and this fellowship weekend went all too quickly. On the Saturday a large group visited the Motor Museum and house at Beaulieu, just a short drive away, and enjoyed a varied and informative visit. The Museum in particular has changed a great deal since we were last there, which must have been over 30 years ago. Later in October, we ran the second of our now annual ‘Young Chef’ competitions, in which 7 youngsters from local schools competed in the preparation of a healthy meal for 2 persons, for which they had 1hr 30 mins to complete their task. The winner will go on to the District final in March, and the winners at each level then progress to the national final in the summer. The competition was judged by 2 professional chefs, and was keenly fought. On 1 November, we worked with Ascot Round Table members to present the annual Fireworks display at the Racecourse. The display itself was excellent, and appreciated by all who went. However, the sale of pre-event tickets was lower than in previous years, and the weather on the day was foul, so only a small number braved the elements. In consequence, the costs exceeded the takings, and once again we learned valuable lessons as to how the event might be improved in future years. But it was a great team effort by all who contributed their time and efforts. Later in the month, we ran the annual ‘Youth Speaks’ competition, in which 17 teams from local schools took part. This is a public-speaking competition, the teams of 3 each presenting their topic for 10 mins. Experienced and independent judges found their task of choosing the winners quite difficult, as there were again many excellent performances. The winning teams at intermediate and senior level go on to the next stage in February, and the competition progresses to a national final later in the year. Our last social event of the year was in mid-December, when 80 members, friends, wives and partners attended the Christmas Dinner at Stirrups Country House Hotel. The meal was enjoyed by all, and our fellowship was complemented by the performance of 25 youngsters from Rosie’s Rainbow Choir who came to sing Christmas and other songs. David Marshall |