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MARCH/APRIL 2013
SOUTH COTSWOLDS NEWS
Following discussions between the SCN Editor and me, we decided
to issue a SCN covering both March and April to accommodate
domestic pressures on both our parts and the Easter Break which
falls very early this year.
This has been a very busy period for me as your President. The
preparation and induction of two new members, the visit of the RIBI
President, attendance at the District Conference in Torquay with
Pam and at the final District Council for the year where I was
supported by Doug Hughes, have all combined to extend still further
my knowledge of Rotary. In addition, an extended council reviewed
the structure of the club 6 months into my year – the outcome of
this on-going debate will be brought to you in preparation for next
year.
The Club has enjoyed some very interesting speakers during
February and March. The presentation by ‘mine host’ Arthur Grun on
rugby refereeing at a national level provided a unique and most
enjoyable insight into both the technical and political dimensions
of the sport. I for one now watch the sport with an entirely
different perspective (I wonder where both sports would have been
today had they not split apart in 1863!!!!).
Equally enthralling was the presentation by Emily Avent on her
ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of the Meningitis charity. The
Club’s decision to assist in her sponsorship was more than repaid
by a thoroughly entertaining and informative presentation. The
presence of Anthony St. John Smith’s father Roger, now 72, who trod
the same path when he too was in his early twenties, added a
special dimension to the evening as did the presence of Emily’s mum
and dad (Sue & Stuart) whose obvious pride in their daughter’s
achievement was equally rewarding for us. As a Club, we very
properly exercise careful judgement as to how we spend our
charitable funds but Emily was a fine example of the benefits in
supporting the young.
We have inducted two new members since January – welcome to our
Club to both, Tony Hadfield and John Edwards, who along with their
wives, Biddy and Edna will, I am sure, add yet more value to the
fellowship and service capacity of our club . Thanks to the two
Nigels who helped me in preparing both for membership and to you
all for the warmth of your welcome. We were also joined by Zone ADG
Polly Robinson who graciously presented Tony with his Rotary
badge.
The Club’s significant contribution to the ‘Young Musician’
competition was again successfully managed by Doug Hughes – a big
thank you to Doug and also to those of you who responded to his
request for support at the three prestigious events held
locally.
On the welfare front, our best wishes for a swift recovery go to
Yvonne following her fall and to Diana following her knee
operation. (Diana is very grateful for the kindly and thoughtful
visit by Derek and Gill Langston and for the flowers that they
brought with them - Ed.)
Finally our debate at the business meeting last week on how we
might raise awareness of Rotary and the ‘end polio now’ campaign
was most helpful. Council will report back when our plans firm
up.
On 21st February, RIBI President John Minhinick and his wife
Sheila visited District 1100. The morning started with a civic
reception at the Town Hall hosted by Mayor Ray Sanderson with the
DG, his wife Val, and Club members Margaret, Philip, Nigel W and
Nigel G in attendance. A visit around the flooded alms houses and
the Malmesbury Court House was followed by a trip to Rotary Glade
where John planted a tree labelled with the date and occasion. At
Nigel G's instigation, Westonbirt staff gave John a map with the
precise location of the tree indicated, thus providing an exciting
opportunity for John and Sheila's grandchildren to seek out the
tree in years to come. Nigel G and I then joined in lunch put on by
the Roy-al Wootton Bassett clubs in honour of the President’s
visit. Philip
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MEET A NEW MEMBER President Philip and ADG Polly Robinson
were
delighted to welcome Tony Hadfield as a Mem-
ber on the 4th March.
Peter is sponsored by President Philip.
TONY HADFIELD
Box Lane Barn
Box Lane
Minchinhampton
Glos. GL6 9DH
D.o.B: 4th October 1946
Tel: 01453 887548
Email: [email protected]
Classification: Computer Marketing/B&B
I was born in England but was moved out to Turkey when I was
just a few months old, as my father was in the Army. My first four
years were spent living just outside Istanbul, and the first
language I learned was Turkish. Although I cannot remember a word
of Turkish, I developed a love of languages, and have learned
several during my life; the latest being Greek and Japanese which I
taught myself at a very rudimentary level. My early schooling was
in Turkey, Gibraltar and then Baghdad, following which I started
school in England at the age of eight.
After school, I spent five years in HM Forces and then embarked
on a career in IT, first of all with IBM and then with an IBM
spin-off. I joined IBM in the days when IBM was considered to be a
career rather than a job, and I had several jobs within the
company, all of which were involved in computer marketing. The IBM
spin-off which I helped to set up was a computer marketing
consultancy, and we worked for IBM, BT, Lockheed Martin and CSC to
name just a few.
However, I reached a point where I wanted to set up a business
of my own, and my wife and I decided to try setting up a bed &
breakfast. We had recently moved to a house which had been created
from a collection of farm buildings with a central courtyard. This
was set in 6.5 acres near Salisbury with the River Avon on one side
and a tributary on the other side. The property was four miles from
Stonehenge and we were inundated with guests from the moment we
opened for business. Over the 10 years that we ran the business we
had guests from over 50 countries and reached the giddy heights of
being awarded 5 Star Gold by Visit Britain. Much as we enjoyed the
life, it was very busy – and we had the grounds to maintain as
well. We were very fortunate in selling the property to a family
with six children who wanted lots of space, which we had in
abundance!
Prior to running the bed & breakfast, I worked as a
volunteer for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and was the only
instructor in Hampshire qualified to lead groups on horseback as
well as on foot. I was also a magistrate, first in Hampshire and
then in Wiltshire.
We moved to Minchinhampton as we have many relatives and friends
in the area, and like the Cotswolds. We have bought a Cotswold barn
conversion which we have spent the last six months altering. In our
spare time we have been exploring the local area. I am a keen
cyclist and have been enjoying the challenging terrain around the
Stroud valleys.
I decided to join Rotary this year as I enjoy undertaking
voluntary service in the community, and see Rotary as a very
worthwhile organisation as well as being very friendly.
Association for International Cancer Research
David Holborow has received a letter from AICR in recognition of
our donation from our Christmas mes-
sages: “I would like to thank you for your very generous
donation of £115 which will enable our Scientific
Advisory Board to say ‘yes’ to more vital research.”
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AND ANOTHER NEW MEMBER President Philip was delighted to
welcome
John Edwards as a Member on the 11th
March.
Peter is sponsored by Tom Sheppard.
JOHN EDWARDS
2 Old Farm Close
Hankerton
Wilts. SN16 9LR
D.o.B: 9th November 1937
Tel: 01666 577559
Email: [email protected]
Classification: Farming
Born in Malvern of farming stock, I went away to school aged 8,
then on to Cannington and the Somer-
set Farm Institute (1956), as it was then called (my uncle was
probably head of the dairy herd at that
time—Ed.). I came out of there with a Diploma in Agriculture
(Hons). After that I managed several
different farms of various sizes and types of farming in the
Wilts/Glos area for about 15 years, finishing
up managing 700 acres just outside Cricklade.
During that time, I met Edna at the Young Farmers Club ( a well
known marriage bureau!!!) and we
married in March 1963. Lucy came along in September 1964 and
Adrian in October 1966. In 1970 we
bought our own 161 acre farm at Charlton, where we milked cows
starting off with 50, finishing up with
160.
When milk quotas were introduced, another 20 acres became
available which we bought and went into
sheep, buying 150 ewes for fat lamb production.
During our time in Charlton, we became involved in village life;
I became Chairman of the Village Hall
Committee during the period of raising of the monies needed to
build the new hall. We raised just over
£135,000 in 3 years.
I was also on the Parish Council for many years, doing a 14 year
stint as Chairman, all of which I
enjoyed very much.
Whilst at the farm my wife was kept busy, in the early 1980s she
started doing Farmhouse B&B and
then, in early 1990 we converted an old cow shed into 2
self-catering cottages, all to help keep the farm
going.
Finally we sold up 2007 and Edna and I moved to Hankerton.
We are enjoying our retirement and I have joined the local
History Club. I have also joined the PCC so
life is still busy.
Visit of
the RIBI
President
(see
Story on
Page 1)
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The final produced some amazing performances which had the
audience enthralled. From the powerful piano playing of Lewis Sayle
who was the piano section winner, to the deliciously sensual
playing of the Alto Sax by Lydia Kenny. Her rendition of Bach’s Air
on a G String arranged for Alto Saxophone was superb.
In earlier years, the competition had been won by siblings. In
Damian DeSouza (2007) was succeeded the following year by his
sister Therese. Then again last year Megan Hughes emulated her
brother Toby who in 2009 won with the Double Bass. This year we not
only had siblings competing against a previous sibling winner but
two brothers Felix Hughes (Cello) and Jed Hughes (Double Bass)
competing against each other and also Joe Rees, last year’s winner
of the Fred Perkin award for most promising newcomer, against his
older brother Sam (Clarinet), the woodwind heat winner. Their
mother Jenny Rees has been a regular accompanist at the competition
over the years for them and other competitors.
The variety of music performed was extensive and there were some
wonderful performances from all the finalists. Ryan Morgan, a
previously placed finalist and the heat winner of the brass
section, showed real sensitivity and a polished performance on his
trombone with a wonderful tone.
When the judges went to deliberate we were treated to a recital
by Megan Hughes, who is now a pupil at the prestigious Purcell
School. She played the third movement of the popular violin
concerto by Max Bruck and then a more modern piece, Ladies in
Lavender, the incidental music by Nigel Hess to a film of the same
name.
When the judges returned to give the verdict, the chairman of
the panel, Rachel Howgego, gave constructive comments to each of
the performers. Then because of the high standard, the judges
awarded an equal third place to Lydia Kenny (Rednock School) and
Sam Rees (Marling School) who gave a polished performance from
Finzi’s Five Bagatelles. Second place was awarded to the 12 year
old Chinese pianist Man Ho Hui (Katherine Lady Berkeley School) who
gave a truly amazing performance ranging from Gershwin to Beethoven
and finally a colourful Chinese piece “Clouds Chasing the Moon” by
Wang Jiazhong. However the worthy winner was Felix Hughes (Home
Tutored) (pictured above with Doug) for his performance of a
movement from Suite 4 of the Bach cello suites, an adagio by
Bargiel and a frantic and exciting Tarantella by Squire.
The prizes were awarded by sponsors’ representatives and
District Governor David Houghton. Joan Norris presented the winner
with the Mervyn Norris Cup and Penny Perkin presented the Fred
Perkin award to Louise Graham (Rednock School ), the first oboist
in the competition and a bright prospect for the future.
The evening was ably introduced and compered by Terry Pascoe of
Dursley Rotary Club in his relaxed and inimitable style and an
enjoyable evening was had by all.
YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR 2013
The tenth final of this annual competition organised by nine
local Rotary Clubs in the Southern Cotswolds area took place at
Wycliffe College Stonehouse on 17th February. It was a truly
wonderful anniversary event. The standard of the competitors was
extremely high. The judges had a difficult time deciding on a
winner and indicated that there could have been five worthy
winners.
The first heat of the competition at Katherine Lady Berkeley
School had produced the heat winners for Woodwind and Brass and the
second heat at Westonbirt School gave the strings and piano
finalists. Two from each section competed in the final.
DISTRICT CONFERENCE 2013
The overriding theme for this year’s Conference, underpinned by
the international theme of ‘Peace through Service’, was ‘Ordinary
Clubs doing Extraordinary Things’ and, over the three days,
delegates were entertained by a number of examples. I was left with
three thoughts – first, how varied Rotary initiatives are across
the country, second, our Club, although small, is a fine example of
that variety and thirdly, why spend money on expensive guest
speakers when you have such talent in house?
CONTINUED OVERLEAF
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In addition we heard from John Minhinick, the RIBI President,
and Nan McCreadle, the RI Representative. Heartfelt thanks were
given by both for all the outstanding work carried out in the name
of Rotary in District 1100. I was both proud and pleased to hear
past National President David Fowler pay tribute to this Club
during his talk for the inception of Rotary Glade, as an example of
what can be achieved.
I took the opportunity on behalf of the Club to congratulate
District Governor David Houghton and his wife Val on a splendid
Conference – having run a few in my time - he can be justifiably
proud of his achievement. Philip
DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETING 12th MARCH With Doug Hughes, I attended
the last of this year’s District 1100 Council meetings. Key points
were: 1. The 2013 /14 budget was approved following an excellent
presentation by the District Treasurer Richard Fox. 2. Presentation
by David Houghton, the DG, who thanked his District team. He also
highlighted the work across the District involving young people,
including young musicians, chefs and entrepreneurs, the successful
visit of the GSE Team from the US and by the RIBI President. Key
Dates Young Musician semi-final 23rd March RIBI conference 12th -
14th April Festival of Rotary 4th May District Handover 30th June
Worcester Cricket Club He ended by thanking all clubs for their
support and imploring everyone to publicise what they are doing, in
the District news letter. A presentation then followed on the
development of Disabled Sports events. Held in November, there are
2 teams in D 1100 - Avon and Gloucester. Interestingly, the latter
is supported by our mother club, Cirencester. More funding is
required to support the events. Doug worked out that a donation of
just £100 from every club in the District would resolve the
financial issues. Following District Council, I attended a seminar
presented by the RIBI Lead for membership recruitment and
retention, Amanda Watkin, who gave a very comprehensive and
professional presentation on the RIBI five year plan. Key points
were: Membership net loss across RIBI - 1190
If every club recruited 1 person then membership would be
growing
75% left for reasons we could control e.g. personality
clashes/not busy enough
Key elements of the plan
Reduce attrition by 25%
Increase membership diversity
Increase social media
Improve club vibrancy
Fred is walking past Joe’s farm one evening when he hears
seductive music coming from the barn. He
looks through the window to see Joe dancing and stripping off.
“Joe, what are you doing?” says Fred.
“it’s not what you think”, says Joe “I want to be more alluring
to my wife and I was advised to do
something sexy to a tractor.”
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PROGRAMME FOR MARCH/APRIL
18th March My job
Tony Hadfield
25th March The Building Team Meeting Steward: Antony St. John
Smith
David Holborow
1st April No Meeting
8th April Business Meeting Meeting Steward: Patrick Green
15th April Hankerton Flood Defences Meeting Steward: Margaret
Sanderson
Brian Dalton
22nd April Fun evening Meeting Steward: Geoff Wallis
29th April St. James’s Place Meeting Steward: David Britten
Francis Dalton
Members’ birthdays: 21st March - Doug Hughes
29th March - Margaret Sanderson
24th April - Peter Sheppard
Closing date for May issue of SCN: 27th April
FURTHER AHEAD
13th May Annual General Meeting
20th May Club Assembly
12th June Kids Out
19th June President’s Night and handover
28th September Festival of Boules at the Red Bull
6th October Horseless Team Event
Results of Sweets and Chocolates Quiz
The quiz made a profit of £389 after prizes and expenses, which
will be used for Rotary Charity work.
1st Prize £50 to Mrs S Jackson of Lower Stanton St Quintin
2nd Prize £25 to Mr Philip Gazely of Garsdon
Answers can be found on the website www.rcsc.co.uk
Many thanks to all those who took part and also those who sold
the question sheets. Andrew Lloyd
actually sold a total of 54 sheets - many thanks. Nigel W
http://www.rcsc
