April 2016 Edition of Clarion (1)

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The Clarion
Newsletter of the Rotary Club of Kettering
Meeting at the Telford Lodge
April 2016
President's Notes
How quickly the days, weeks and months fly by. April has been no exception.
The Fellowship committee arranged an excellent visit to a Rotary proms night
at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham on the 9th when 4 or 5 Rotarians together
with wives and friends attended. Although small in numbers, this event may not
be everybody's cup of tea, it is important to support the work undertaken by
Geoff Collier's committee. Next month a party of 12 will be visiting the RNLI
headquarters in Poole and later in July/August a visit to a cricket match at
Northampton. If you read the monthly committee report you will see other
activities planned for the coming months.
I hope you enjoy the scatter week that the club inserts into the calendar as it
gives you the member an opportunity to visit other clubs and witness the way
they conduct meetings. During my time in the club a few members have
ventured to Barcelona, Cork, Aberdeen, York and last year a visit to our
country member Ian Pulley. This year 9 intrepid members visited the Rotary
Club of Govan and were warmly welcomed by President Barry who was job
sharing with 2 other Presidents. Oh the luxury!! The Govan club had not heard of a scatter but were very
interested in trying it out.Their meeting venue was an attraction, as we looked out at the Crematorium, they
look out at Ibrox football stadium. To finish the day Jonathan Kemp, son of Past President John Kemp, who is
Commercial Director of Barrs soft drinks, kindly gave us a tour of the factory. The day in Glasgow did not
include battered Mars bars but did include a few Big Scottish Breakfasts.
Finally our last meeting in April was in the form of a presentation by our Membership committee. John Keeble
and Pete Whitehead gave a very informative and professional overview of our current membership situation
and ideas of how we can address the problem of falling numbers. At the end of the day it is each member's
responsibility to ensure that we remain a strong and active club, so give some thought to asking any friends or
acquaintances about joining Rotary. Most of us have been members for a long time so the Club and Rotary
must have some attraction.
It was nice to see Chris Davies our AG and soon to
become DG Elect at this meeting. Chris has been a good
friend to the Club and I know she really appreciates the
abuse and banter she receives whenever attending our
meetings. We wish her well in her new appointment.
Next up our AGM when we will also be electing officers for
2016/17 and receiving an overview of our committees
activities during this current Rotary year.
That's it again for another month.
Malcolm

Four Seasons Day Centre
On 4th April, John Miles spoke about what our club has
been doing at the Four Seasons Day Centre in Kettering.
John was accompanied by Lee Price, the Day Centre
Manager
Lee told us that the Centre opens Monday to Friday for use by clients over the age of 55 with varying degrees
of disabilities. It operates much like a club for older people and is very family oriented, being almost like a
second home for many of the 100 clients. One of the crucial factors is the contribution made by voluntary staff,
of which there are 20 and upon which the Centre's continued success largely depends.
The project in which our club was involved was to refurbish the main dayroom, which is quite a large room,
being approximately 20metres by 8 metres. The room was badly in need of a facelift because there was
plaster falling off the walls and it was generally in a poor state of decoration.
The work was initiated by Lee contacting Tresham college to try and organise some labour which would be
needed. She managed to get the project added to the College's apprentice scheme, giving the college a
practical project for its students and providing Lee with the labour needed to undertake the project. We then
organised and supplied the materials thanks to a grant obtained through Rotary District.
John told the story of the refurbishment and
the various problems and delays
experienced along the way.
In the end, as a result of dogged patience,
the various materials were sourced from
local suppliers and the grant was eventually
obtained. There followed a sequence of
carefully planned stages of the project,
involving the application of special plaster
to the walls and two days of painting by the team of apprentices, described by John as "a wonderful bunch".
Philip Hollobone kindly came along to formally open the refurbished room (seen
here presenting a certificate to Lee).
A few other rooms are now in need of refurbishment as part of the project. Lee's
office is still to be done and we may need to be involved in the repainting of the
reception area as well as refurbishment of the bathroom.
One expensive item will be replacement of the reception area carpet, which has
been down for 30 years and is showing serious signs of wear.
We do have enough in the remaining budget to replace the damaged tiling. and
enough paint to complete the remaining painting - assuming our Tresham student
friends will be able to help with the work. However, we are currently looking to put
in a grant application for money towards a replacement carpet.
Last Night of the Rotary Proms
A small group of music enthusiasts travelled to Birmingham on Saturday 9th
April to enjoy a great evening of classical favourites from the City of
Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Anthony Inglis, and the
Morriston Orpheus Male Choir, conducted by Joy
Amman Davies in the fantastic acoustics of the
Symphony Hall.
The night culminated in a spectacular finale –
Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture with cannon and
indoor fireworks.

Scatter Week (Glasgow)
"Anybody fancy a trip to Glasgow for scatter week?" was the question posed by President Malcolm Bithray,
greeted by a stunned silence from an almost incredulous club. However, it emerged that the cost of flights
from Stansted airport were an astonishing £9.99. each way, so a total of nine members signed up for the trip.
And what a trip it turned out to be.
It all began with an early start (very....early) to be at Stansted by 6:30am. This got us to Glasgow in time for a
great Scottish breakfast at Morrisons in Partick (of the Thistle fame). We sure know how to live well!
After our thoroughly enjoyable lunch we then went to the Glasgow
Transport Museum, only a stone's throw from the stadium, but at
the other side of the river. This was a newly built museum housing
a variety of exhibits including cars, boats, trains, buses and trams.
We then had a wander around Glasgow (unintentionally) before arriving at
the iconic Glasgow Rangers stadium, Ibrox, which is the meeting venue
for Glasgow Govern Rotary Club. We were very warmly greeted by the
club where we had a super meal and were entertained by their speaker
who had spent some time as a dental surgeon aboard a Mercy Ship.
The view of the stadium and much of Glasgow from the fourth floor of the
main building was very impressive - a marvellous location for a Rotary
club to meet!
Our final call was to the Irn-Bru plant just outside Glasgow to meet
Jonathan Kemp for a tour of the facility. I think I can safely say that
the entire party was absolutely staggered and mesmerised by the
size of the operation and particularly the 'high bay' warehouse
where pallets were stored 14 high and handled solely by robotic systems.
We were treated to a
sampling session of some of
the company's products, and
found ourselves pleasantly
surprised at how palatable
they were and the efforts
being made to produce sugar
free offerings.
Jonathan
Kemp
Jonathan was a very genial host who guided us on our tour and
gave us a brief history of the company.
Our scatter week experience ended with an almost incident free return to Stansted and home to Kettering,
arriving back at around midnight. A long day but a great experience. The grateful thanks of all the group go to
President Malcolm for organising the whole thing and to Chris Diaper who kindly drove the minibus which we
hired at Glasgow for the duration of our visit there.
Business Meeting (Membership)
The business meeting on 25th was
given over to the Membership
Committee who gave a presentation
on our current membership status.
In summary, we have a declining
membership and we must address
the situation as a matter of some
urgency.
A proposal to create a working party
is to be put to the next Council meeting with a view to tackling and arresting the decline as soon as possible.

Committee Reports
Treasurers Report : Future payments from the Charity Account amount to £3,900 for; Kids Out 2016 £800
est. Calvert 2016 £1,400 est, Rotary Stars 2016 £600 est., Skylark Ward £1,000 (Now paid), 2 Latimer
Students £50 each. All monies due from the Hunger Lunch & Foundation have been collected.
ComVoc : Four seasons day care centre Major part of the project completed. Two smaller decorating jobs to
be done in the coming months and we have plenty of paint left so will be looking for help to do this.
Now awaiting the outcome of alterations to the office to see if it will still need to be painted. Carpet.
Bruce is getting a sample of carpet tiles to show the Centre Manager. The committee recommends that
we apply for a District Grant to assist with the cost. We will submit a preliminary grant application in
June and follow with a detailed submission in September. By this time we should know if we are going
for the new or second hand tiles. Bathroom. The Centre offers the opportunity for the clients to have a
bath but the room decoration is poor. We have approx £150 left from the redecoration so agreed to go
ahead and Chris Diaper will negotiate a deal with the suppliers. We are waiting for a response from
Tresham college before committing. Kids Out The Club will be participating in this event with Huxloe
Rotary as usual on Wednesday 8 th June. Huxloe have confirmed that they will be the lead club. The
cheque for registration is due and will be sent this month. Chris Diaper will take on this project and
liaise with Edward Lamb. Calvert 23-29 th April Both our applications for Calvert have been accepted
and have been interviewed by Bruce Lamford and John Miles. A kit list has been issued. Phil and John
will take the applicants to Leicester Forest East and collect them from the same on Friday 29 th April.
The President thanked Bruce Lamford for representing the Club at Calvert over the past ten years.
Stroke Awareness 23 rd April As far as we have been able to establish, Huxloe will not be proceeding
with this. We will take no further action. Requests for Financial Assistance We have received a letter
from the Play Team Skylark Ward and KGH. This year they are celebrating their 25 th Anniversary and
are trying to raise £7000 for an interactive floor projector and would appreciate any help we can give.
The committee recommended £250 but Council increased this to £1000 We will wait until the
equipment has been installed for publicity. The cheque has since been delivered to the play team by
the President and John Miles. Financial Assistance We have received two requests from students at
Latimer Arts College for financial assistance for an expedition to India. It includes some time carrying
out voluntary work tree planting, teaching in primary school, etc. Council has agreed to £50 each. They
have been invited to the club after their return. (26 Sept slot?). No reply has been received.
International : Brighter Future Mrs Manya Norris and Chris Mosley will give the presentation on 6 th June
2016. International Refugee/Migrant Situation The committee is of the view that whilst it should
remain aware of any local situation where assistance is needed to provide support to a refugee family
which cannot be provided by governmental bodies or other charities, an overall policy on response to
the international situation can only come from RIBI. District Assembly The Committee will be
represented at the breakout sessions by Geoff Collier (International) and Dennis Bowden (Foundation,
including Grant Application training). Shelter Box In light of the current disasters in the world, Council
suggested that the Club finance a Shelter Box. The suggestion will be taken to the Club for approval.
Fund Raising Committee : No report
Fellowship Committee : Marquee hire It is confirmed that the marquee will be used: (i) on 9 th April at Poplars
Farm Road, Kettering, (ii) by Wellingborough Rotary on Saturday 4 th June 2016, (iii) by Kids Out at
Wicksteed Park on Wednesday 8 th June 2016, and (iv) by the Dragon Boat Race on Sunday 4 th
September 2016. Grafham Water Sailability Project Since the last meeting we have completed the
decoration and floor finishes. The boat house electrical work is completely finished and the club cabin
electrical lighting is complete, kitchen units have just arrived and will be fitted in early May. This year’s
dates for Sailability: Thursday 19 th May; Saturday and Sunday 18 th and 19 th June (regatta); Thursday
23 rd June; Thursday 28 th July; Thursday 6 th October; and Thursday 27 th October. Also, we have an
extra date because one club is no longer doing it. This will be Thursday 8 th September. Speakers We
will need to arrange speakers for the following dates: 20 th June 2016 (speaker: Bruce Lamford, to give
us an overall view of the Sailability project); 1 st August 2016 (speaker: to be confirmed); 3 rd October
2016 (speaker: Dave Norman, Coroner’s Officer for Kettering); 30 th January 2017 (speaker: Alan Grey,
tennis umpire); and 3 rd April 2017 (speaker: to be confirmed). Dragon Boat Race Awaiting final figures
from the boat crews on their sponsorship monies. We have now received the entrants forms for this
year’s race. Rutland Water Lee Turner suggested a walk around the Hambleton leg of Rutland Water
which is approximately 5 miles ending in the village of Hambleton with a meal at the local pub. GC will
try to arrange for spring/early summer. RNLI HQ The trip to Poole will take place on 4 th -5 th May 2016
with a trip around the college and lifeboat training facility followed by a tour of the new lifeboat
manufacturing facility. Accommodation at the college has been booked for the evening of 4 th May 2016
for 12 people. We are proposing to visit the Rotary club of Didcot on the way home from Poole. We
have now booked a mini-bus, so we will all travel together. Hog roast : We are planning a hog roast
together with the Inner Wheel, Huxloe and Tresham on 25 th June 2016 at West Lodge Rural Centre,

Desborough. Tickets are now available from Geoff Collier. Venice trip Dennis Smart is looking at other
options for a trip with SAGA and Riviera Travel. Elton Hall We have spoken to them and we are
waiting for the Hall to suggest some suitable dates for us. Warkton Church – restoration works
Bruce Lamford also had a private viewing of the newly restored statues in Warkton Church and has
suggested this would make a good evening trip. Rotary Club of Ocquier We have now had a positive
response for a visit by them to Kettering this year during August or September. We have suggested
several dates and are awaiting a response. Trip to the County cricket ground We are considering
arranging to see a T20 match either on 17 th June 2016 or 19 th July 2016, whichever has the largest
response. This will include a one-course meal and a drink and our own table.
Membership Committee : We focused our discussions on the forthcoming business meeting on 18th April,
including the manner in which it will be conducted and its content. Another meeting of our committee
will take place beforehand to finalise the details.
Youth Services : Rotary Stars Rtn Chris Harrison continues to move on this with the six schools that are
participating this year. He has been reminding them that they need to nominate their respective pupils
as the end of the school year approaches. Apart from this, our scheme is well in hand for the
presentations. Great credit is due to Chris for building up the response over several years and
successfully managing the significant amount of administration involved in dealing with six schools.
Young Designer Rtn Mike Clarke has been liaising with Bishop Stopford, for some years the only
School in Kettering to have entered this event. Unfortunately, Mike has been unable to organise an
entry this year and, sadly, time has effectively run out for the current year. The John Idell Trophy
remains in the care of Rtn. Keith Osborne. (Chris Diaper advised that in the past Buccleuch Academy
and the Science Academy had been involved with the competition). Kettering Phoenix Rotaract Club.
Rtn. Chris Harrison continues to liaise with Rotaract which continues to be active despite a very small
membership – only around half a dozen. It was suggested at the previous Club Council meeting that an
approach might be made to Tresham College to seek potential recruits after first consulting District
Governor Geoffrey. Speakers As previously, the committee will consider inviting Rotaract to provide a
speaker.
Any Other Business :. Possible dates for Holdsworth Trophy 10 th or 17 th August.
Some important dates coming up...
May 13th to 15th
May 19th
June 8th
June 18th/19th
June 23rd
June 30th
June 25th
July 28th
September 4th
6th October
27th October
Wellingborough International Walking Festival
(See www.wellingborough.gov.uk – under the Leisure and
Culture section)
Sailability
Kids Out, Wicksteed Park
Sailability Regatta
Sailability
Club Golf Competition (NB Moved from 23rd June)
Hog Roast, Desborough (Inner Wheel, Huxloe and Tresham)
Sailability
Dragon Boats, Wicksteed Park
Sailability
Sailability

Did You Know?...May Day...
At last, the summer is on its way!
We have just celebrated May Day, which originates from the Pagan
festival of Beltane. The earliest May Day celebrations are thought to
have occurred during the Roman era when youths would celebrate the
coming of spring with a day of dancing dedicated to the goddess Flora.
During medieval times May Day became dedicated to Robin Hood and
saw songs and plays performed up and down the country to celebrate
the coming of spring.
Many May Day celebrations were banned by the Church during more puritanical times, due to the pagan
origins of the festival. Some Roman Catholic organisations celebrate the Virgin Mary on May 1, with a ‘May
crowning’ of the Blessed Virgin. May Day began early in the morning. People would go out before sunrise in
order to gather flowers and greenery to decorate their houses and villages with in the belief that the vegetation
spirits would bring good fortune.
Girls would make a special point of washing their faces in the dew of
the early morning. They believed this made them very beautiful for
the following year. The rest of the day was given over to various
festivities. There was dancing on the village green, archery contest
and exhibitions of strength. The highlight of the day was the
crowning of the May Queen, the human replica of Flora. By tradition
she took no part in the games or dancing, but sat like a queen in a
flower-decked chair to watch her 'subjects'.
Young girls would make May Garlands. They covered two hoops,
one at right angles inside the other, with leaves and flowers, and
sometimes they put a doll inside to represent the goddess of Spring.
There was once a tradition in England of 'lifting' where a gang of young men would lift a pretty girl in a flower
bedecked chair on May day. Then the girl would choose a boy on May 2nd. In the North of England, the first of
May was a kind of late 'April Fooling' when all sorts of pranks would take place.
Nowadays, in some places, May Day celebrations still begin at sunset on 30 April. They include lots of floral
decorations and processions through towns and villages.
The maypole itself, traditionally
made from birch, is deeply rooted
in the Germanic Pagan tradition.
In the 16th century, maypoles
were erected by a group of
villagers in a symbol of
community bonding, though were
a fierce source of inter-village
rivalry.
Rumour has it that Mayfair in London is named after a particularly debauched and raucous festival held during
the 18th century. It wasn’t until 1978 that the Labour Government introduced the May Day Bank Holiday to the
national calendar.
In 2000 serious rioting broke out during the ‘May Day riots’, where
masked ‘anti-capitalist’ demonstrators ransacked a McDonald’s and
destroyed a number of buildings in the City of London.
In 2001 a repeat protest occurred, with 54 people arrested by police
after rioting broke out.
And then there's the image of May Day that is more familiar...!

Rotary Club of Kettering - Diary Dates