Chatterbox 1010 - Rotary Club of Belper

India who told us about themselves and performed the dances which we saw when
they visited our club recently.
The particular highlight for Alan and me was listening to Gervase Phinn
who described his experiences from his association with schools in the Dales; we
laughed until we hurt. His material was so entertaining and we both said we hadn't
laughed so much in a long while! We looked forward to another pleasant treat with
the spectacular firework display which took place in spite of the rain.
Again we made our way to the Centre to enjoy a marvellous evening of
dancing to a jazz band and "The Revival Group" who played music from the 50's,
60's and 70's. We had a fabulous time and it was good to see everyone dancing,
chatting and enjoying each other’s company. On Sunday morning there were
several more presentations including those from our own GSE team and from the
Ambassadorial scholars, as well as an amusing talk from Jake and Matt who had
been on a RYLA weekend three years before.
The guest speaker for Sunday morning was Richard McCann, a young man whose
earlier years had been deeply troubled. Shockingly, his mother had been the first
victim of Philip Sutcliff, the Yorkshire Ripper; his story of how this traumatic and
violent event and other unhappy experiences affected his life was harrowing. To
hear how he overcame them was truly moving and inspirational but humorous as
well. I will always remember it.
These were the highlights of my first District Conference with the Rotary
Club and I hope it provides a flavour of the occasion for those who were unable to
take part. After seeing the presentation for next year’s event, I can only say
"Scarborough, here we come!"
Hilary Surga
Educational Software etc ... (continued from page 5)
His trust now receives funding from UNESCO which helps with the books
and stationery and a charity “Crossroads” in Hong Kong is supporting with laptops
free of charge. The trust is also trying to raise money world-wide and £1000 a
month will provide teaching for a month for a community. They are also trying to
provide a mobile classroom, fully maintained including the cost of the learning
materials and Nick considered that the software his firm provides raises the reading
age of the students by twelve months in twelve weeks.
There were many questions, and the vote of thanks was excellently given
in a summing up by David Henson, which received the usual applause from our
members.
Vernon Barnes
There is a photograph of Nick and Mercy on page 2.
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