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