From Sausages to T Bone Steak to Vicar and Rotarian

Our Club is so fortunate to have so many talented and well respected members of our local community. After all, that is a big part of Rotary. However, one of our members is to me like Superman. He is a man of many disguises and does them all fantastically well. I am talking about none other than Gary Dundas.

Gary's job by day is running two butcher shops with his name on them G W Dundas Butcher

s in Draycott and Breaston. Also by day, night and weekends Gary is the vicar to Draycott, Breaston and Church Wilne. On a Monday night Gary turns into a Rotarian and even though he is very busy with all his other obligations he still manages to find time to make most meetings and enjoy all our Club activities and social occasions. 

Earlier in the Rotary year I asked Gary if he would take the time to give us a talk about his business and butchering in general. This past Monday Gary was able to do so, brought along a side of pork and showed us how butchery works and what all the cuts were. His 40 years of cast experience showed and we all not only learned the difference between ham, gammon and top and silver side cuts but we also learned the value of a sharp knife and how to sharpen one correctly by hand.

Gary introducing us to the tools of his trade.

After he introduced us to all the tools of his trade Gary showed us how he cuts and butchers a side of meat into what we take home to eat. The first cut needing to be exactly right.

Very first cut

Then before you knew it after quite in depth explanation all the meat was laid out on trays and job done!

All the main pieces

Then Gary showed us the importance of a good knife. We all found out from Gary that a blunt knife is more dangerous than a sharp one. 

Now that's a knife!

Me with Gary

Thank you so much Gary for a great evening where we all learned about the butcher trade and about the meat we eat.

PRESIDENTIAL MOMENT

The 20th President of the USA (Garfield) was an interesting character. He only served 200 days in office due to assassination but he managed to start universal education for all Americans regardless of race or religion. Garfield wanted to become a seaman in the US Navy at the time but never made it and instead became a canal driver in Cleveland. Oh well, we all have dreams. Lol.

Because of Garfield's love of sailing our Presidential award went to Rotarian Brian Stokes as he is the sailor in the Club. Congratulations Brian. Oh, Brian had the Garfield beard to match.

Till the next entry keep well. Bye!

REAL MEN TEN-PIN BOWL & Derby South Charter

Last night our 10 pin bowling team continued their quest for the District Cup coming off a great victory against Derby Dawnbreakers. Sadly, Burton Rotary Club were just that bit stronger than us and we lost 1007 to 964. Pretty close in bowling terms. We congratulate Burton RC on their well earned victory and wish them all the best for their quest to the finals. Thank you all Rotarians who turned out on the evening from both clubs. Great fellowship and fun.

President Jenny Gray (Burton President) will be receiving a free drink from me on our Charter Evening for her clubs victory. Congratulations Jenny and to all at your Club.

Both Club's Participants

Here are some other photos that captured the action and fellowship.

Ray Terry looking confident after strike.

Brian Stokes and Mike Key enjoying a laugh after Brian bowled a strike.

Robert Chapman looking satisfied after he bowled a strike.

We must give thanks to our team captain and person who organised the whole evening Club Secretary and JVP Tony Beenham. Tony is also a superb league bowler.

Tony bowled 10 strikes on the evening.

Finally, how many balls do these guys need? LOL

DERBY SOUTH RC CHARTER
This past Tuesday some of us went out to Ipro Stadium for Derby South's Charter Night. It was a superb evening and great to see old friends from Derby South RC and from Burton RC. The entertainment was fantastic - great story telling and song. We had the privilege of being on the same table as President Ray Webb from Donington Castle RC. He has got to be the funniest man in District 1220.

Thanks to all who came out with me.

New Year and Learn To Iron?

This past Monday we had a very unusual Club meeting. We were honoured to have as our guests Helen McLoughlin and Tracy Slater from The Ironing Board, Spondon. They shared with us how they started their business and the success they have had over the past 18 months. It was heartening to hear of two business women in our patch making it and pushing forward with their business plan. When they told us they ironed 1,800 garments a week I almost fell off my chair!!! 

Anyhow, if you get a chance go call in at The Ironing Board, Spondon. They are located right next to our friends Van and Sally of Spondon Bakery. 

Helen and Tracy with me at the end of a most successful evening.

We also had a little ironing competition where whoever won would receive a bottle of President Greg's finest Victorian beer. Well, it ended up being just Michael Key and myself in this competition. Michael was the clear winner as I only received 2 votes from Club members for best pressed shirt. I must admit Michael did do a better job than I and it was a pleasure to give him a bottle of goodness.

I really don't look like the ironing type!

Rtn Michael Key looking the part and pressing his way to a win!

PRESIDENTIAL MOMENT

19th President Rutherford B Hayes

US President Rutherford B Hayes, who was a City Solicitor in Cincinnati and was a generally all round nice guy. He was a General in the North in the Civil War. When seeking election as President there was, would you believe it, a dispute with the results in Florida. His victory was negotiated by the Republicans when they promised to withdraw all Federal troops from the South in exchange for Hayes being President. “Nothing Changes”

This President was awarded to Rtn Chris Tew as his passion for shooting matches that of Rutherford. Congratulations Chris on your Presidential moment.