Swaffham Newsletter

Swaffham Rotary Club
President’s Corner
This is the first column I have written
since our Christmas celebrations, so I
propose to mention them briefly.
Our members, with family and friends,
held their Christmas party at The George a week
before Christmas. After an excellent meal, we
enjoyed a fun quiz, and were entertained by
readings and recitations from members, before
finishing off with carol singing. There was also
a “Secret Santa” which supplied everyone with
a small present, delivered by Santa in person,
who also gave each lady a red rose. I hope that
everyone left full of good cheer, and ready for the
forthcoming celebrations.
Green Britain Centre
‘Over the last few months, we have become
aware of even more problems associated with
the sustainability of the earth.
Our use and disposal of plastics was
highlighted by David Attenborough in his TV
programme: Small particles of plastic have
been distributed through the oceans and are
now ‘feeding’ fish and birds. Also highlighted
has been air pollution; currently Breckland
Council is asking us, the public, for our views
and ideas on how Swaffham is affected and
what we can do about it.
At GBC we are concerned about these
problems NOW, but also for the future health
of our children and grandchildren.
Meanwhile, we are encouraged by the signs of
new life in the grounds and the organic part of
the garden.
We have grown sweet potatoes and ginger
experimentally. Putting compost on vegetable
beds which have not been dug, encourages
better drainage, and worms to do the digging!’
January has been a quiet month, as is often the
case, but Swaffham Rotary have arranged for 3
meetings during the month. At the time of writing,
we have heard a talk from Susie Emmett, a radio
journalist who has worked for the BBC World
Service and now runs a production company. She
has travelled widely, taking a particular interest in
farming, and gave a fascinating account of her life
and work. Next will be a visit from Lorne Green,
Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk, who
we hope will give us an insight into his work and
its responsibilities.
To round off the month, we shall have a visit from
Agrieneth Masule. Agrieneth is a teacher from a
rural area of Botswana who is undertaking a year’s
study at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge for
an MSc in International Social Welfare and Social
Policy. I am proud to be able to say that Swaffham
Rotary is one of several Rotary Clubs in East Anglia
who are jointly sponsoring Agrieneth. I have met
her a couple of times, and am confident that she
will apply her knowledge for the benefit of the
people of Botswana.
Agrieneth is one example of the students from
around the world who are supported by Rotary in
travelling to other countries to undertake studies
that can be applied for the benefit of others. Every
year there are a number of such students in East
Anglia, studying at Cambridge, Anglia Ruskin, or
UEA in Norwich. It is another aspect of Rotary’s
work. If you would like to know more about Rotary
both in Swaffham and District and throughout the
world, please contact Claire at Ceres Bookshop or
any Rotarian, or have a look at our Club website at
www.swaffhamrotary.org.uk.
11
Experience wind
power from the
top of a modern
windmill
The first windmill in the world open
for the public to climb. Follow the
eco trail around our heritage
orchard and organic gardens, enjoy
Fairtrade coffee and homemade
cake in our vegetarian café.
For opening times and to
book your turbine tour call us
on 01760 726 100.
www.greenbritaincentre.co.uk
The Green Britain Centre, Turbine Way,
Swaffham, Norfolk, PE37 7HT