Great Speaker Meeting This Past Monday - AUTISM AWARENESS

NORSACA Speaker
We had the most wonderful speaker meeting this past Monday evening as we welcomed Melanie Howard from NORSACA, which is an Autism Charity serving both Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

The group was set up in 1968 by parents and in 1970 they opened at the Sutherland House School in Nottingham and have been serving local autism people now for 45 years.

Autism is a life long condition and effects 1% of the population and with 4 times as many men. It affects social communication, integration and imagination with around 50% having learning difficulties.

There are 22 sites in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and they employ 450 . The sites in Derbyshire includ e an adult centre at Heanor and also a residential one along with 3 supportive living centres

The members heard first hand the stories of two people who attend 5 days a week at the Heanor centre which gives their parents much needed rest bite. At this centre they are currently working on the development of a sensory garden which again will help the many needs of the people.

The Group helps families by reducing strain, give advice and also held training workshops last year for 220 parents and carers. They produced a training programme last year which was given to 1,700 professions.

There will be a 2 week summer play scheme which last year attracted 56 people and they also have regular play and leisure activities on a weekly basis. They are looking to develop a Sports Club.

Melanie in summing up said the aim of NORSACA is to bring “Quality of life for people with Autism”

This is a charity near and dear to my heart that I hope our Club can support in my Presidential year. 

HINNERUP RC, DENMARK

This Bank Holiday weekend will feature a journey to Denmark with several other Rotarians from our Club to visit our twin club in Hinnerup. The schedule of fellowship activities is very full and I look forward to reporting back to you about all aspects of this journey. 

Here is a taster of what we have in store:

Saturday :

Sailing to “Sky Mountain” ( Himmelbjerget – 147 m) and lunch, before sailing back to Ry

Banquet / formal dinner with speaks and music

Sunday :

The afternoon to Fyrkat ( www.fyrkat.dk )which is a Viking fortress, and we are booket to the Viking Games (show)

Farewell reception

Until then hope you all have a great weekend!

Greg

OAP Party, International Mexican Food Evening & Castle Donington Charter

It has been yet again another busy month. The Club is certainly vibrant and all members participating in a variety of activities and fellowship events. It is hard to imagine that with 5 weeks left there is even more BIG events on the horizon.

ANNUAL OAP PARTY
Yesterday afternoon we held our annual OAP party and once again it was a major success. All hands were to the pump and a delightful afternoon was had by all. These pictures tell a thousand words. We certainly were amazed at the energy level of some of the OAP's in attendance. They do know how to dance and the video is quite good to watch. It seemed that our own Rotarian's lead some of the dancing and special thanks needs to go to Adrian and Ray for dancing with the ladies. Watch the video below. You can't miss it.

Special thanks must go to the Service Projects Committee for sorting the whole evening out and Inner Wheel who helped prepare the whole meal. They worked their socks off. Also, thanks to all Rotarians who helped out with food prep, driving and any other aspect of the event.

Inner Wheel Kitchen Team

All set up before our guests arrive

Some of our guests enjoying the meal and conversation

OPA's of all ages attend and some of
them are real sparks!

John Gregory as our bus ticket master and
Clive our musician entertainer

Flowers that each OAP
receives when leaving.
Thanks for organising it once again John.

The hall was full to max once again.

My girlfriend I see year on year.
She is so much
fun to talk to.

Clive in his element

Enjoying the dancing

Adrian showing his moves in Lets Twist Again

Showoff.

Adrian's partner certainly enjoyed her dance with him. 

Ray waltzing with his new found partner.

INTERNATIONAL FOOD EVENING - MEXICAN
What a superb evening of food and entertainment put on by our International team last weekend. It was great to see so many in attendance. The food was fantastic and the quiz challenging. major thanks to all the International team for your efforts as we all enjoyed the whole affair. The costumes were great too!

Everyone got into the spirit

Great to see Bob who phoned everyone in the club
to make sure attendance was 100%

Head Amigo

Nachos starter. My favourite!

Packed hall. Great fellowship event.

CASTLE DONNINGTON CHARTER EVENING
Secretary Tony and I attended the Castle Donnington 40th Charter evening. We had a great time of celebration for President Ray Webb and all of CDRC. I was given the honour of replying to a toast on behalf of all guests. Thank you Ray and all members of CDRC for a superb evening.

So, as you can see I was right. Busy as ever and the Club is superb as always!

See you next time!

Greg