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Our Christmas “Silver” Band Concert.

It was with the greatest of pleasure that on Sunday the 6th of December, we held our 6th successive Annual Band Concert, and once again it was held in the Main Hall of Frodsham Community Centre and what a fantastic event it was.

This year, we were pleased to have visit us once again the wonderful Marsden Silver Prize Band which hails from Yorkshire and is one of the UK’s top bands having National and International award winning status.

The event was opened by our M.C for the evening, Sam Williams, who welcomed all to Frodsham on such a cold night. He then introduced the Conductor and Band members present on stage, and they took no time at all to strike up and begin the entertainment.

The programme was extremely varied, with their Conductor, Glyn Williams, treating everyone to classic band pieces, arrangements from James Bond Theme music and of course, Christmas music which included carols and audience participation.

The interval provided everyone with a further opportunity to try their luck on our Ways & Means Committee’s fantastic “BBC” Tombola Stall, with prizes exclusively limited to Biscuits, Booze and Chocolates!

Great Idea Vince!

Linked with this was the opportunity to supply further seasonal goodwill and cheer with warm drinks, mince pies and biscuits provided by members of the Inner Wheel Club of Frodsham & Helsby. Thank you so much Ladies.

Prior to the commencement of the second half of the programme, President Brian briefly spoke about the work done by the Rotary movement in general and our Club in particular and ended by thanking everyone for coming along to make the evening the success it was and wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

As we might have expected, the second part of the evening was equally entertaining and memorable in many ways and enjoyed by all present.

It must be said that our Club is grateful and fortunate to have the Band’s co-operation and willingness to forego more prestigious calls on their services, which allows this popular Community event to continue to be held.

So, thanks once again to Glyn Williams, the Marsdan Silver Prize Band and, of course, the good folk of Frodsham, Helsby and surrounding areas for their support in this most enjoyable seasonal event.

A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to Everyone.

Our Czech Visitors.

Just before midnight on Thursday the 3^rd of December, four of our Club members went along to Manchester airport to meet and greet President Vladimír Kasal and Past President Zdenĕk Jirousek from our “Twin” Club in Hradec Králové, along with Štěpán Hanke, a member of their local Rotoract Club.

The main purpose of their visit was to attend our Club’s Charter Anniversary Dinner, however the duration of their stay allowed for us to organize visits to local places of interest as well as attending, and participating in, official Rotary duties.

Friday morning saw our visitors in Chester, where they walked the wall as well as visiting “The Albion”, a wonderful hostelry that captured their imagination with it’s fantastic display of WW1 memorabilia. Later on, afternoon tea was taken in Katie’s Café, a building dating from the 13th century. So impressed were they with it that a mini guided tour was arranged.

No sooner were our guests back in Frodsham than they were whisked away to Catton Hall Shooting Lodge, where our Club’s Charter Anniversary Dinner was held. As President Vladimír was an official guest of President Brian and our Club, he sat at top table and of course had to “Sing for his Supper” by jointly reading the Objects of Rotary in the Czech language, with Gareth Williams reading his part in English, as opposed to Welsh!

It is true to say that all three of our guests had a wonderful evening, made special by Club members taking time out to speak to them.

What a great do that was.

A trip to Liverpool on Saturday morning was next, with visits to the Albert Dock, the newly opened Liverpool One shopping complex and of course a visit to the Cavern  Club area in Mathew Street. As part of the introduction to local art and history, they thoroughly enjoyed seeing many colourful Penguin’s that are sited around the City along with a visit to Flanagan’s, reputed to be one of the first Irish pubs outside of Ireland.

Following their return to Frodsham, they quickly changed and went along to help other Club members escort Santa and his Sleigh around the streets of the village. Much to their amazement, five real Reindeers were used as well as artificial snow that billowed from Mike Edward’s double-decker bus.

Great, as they have snow in the Czech Republic too.

By the way, hello to Vĕra and Jenda over there in Hořice. You would have loved seeing the reindeer pull Santa’s sleigh, Vladimír, Zdenĕk and Štěpán did!

However, as you might expect, such a hectic day and evening required a little R&R, and so a visit to the Helter Skelter was arrange, and it was pleasing to see so many Club members, some with their wives, take the time to join our Czech friends and blow the froth off the top of a few pints.

What a Fantastic Turnout You Guys.

Prior to return home on Sunday evening, there was plenty of time for a few visits. Firstly to the Monument on Frodsham Hill, where the weather was kind, and good views of the area were available. Then it was off to the Anderton Boat Lift, where they toured the Exhibition Centre and were given a detailed explanation of the history of the lift by one of the Staff.

Sunday Lunch then followed, and so it was off to The Carriers Inn at Delamere where Barry & Carol Linaker, Ian & Sylvia Tickle, Don & Paz Paterson, Maggie & Malcolm Davies joined Daniela Cervenka, Vladimír, Zdenĕk and Štěpán for a traditional Sunday Roast that was absolutely delicious, and much appreciated by our guests.

Unfortunately, Richard & Jean Brook along with President Brian & Jillian were not able to join the group and therefore were missed, bearing in mind that they too had been significantly involved with helping during the visit.

Sadly however, 4.30 pm quickly came around and regretfully it was time to take our visitors back to Manchester Airport for their return journey home to the Czech Republic, and we are sure that they took with them many happy memories of their visit with us.

In conclusion, thanks must be passed on to our three visitors, along with all those Club members, and their wives, who helped with, or involved themselves in, the visit. You all did a cracking job. However, we must give an extra special thank you to Daniela, as she not only helped with setting up the visit, but also had an input into the arrangements whilst our three guests were here, as well as hosting President Vladimír and acting as our English / Czech interpreter.

Fantastic Job Daniela.

Remembrance Dinner and Armistice Day Ceremony

On the 5th November, being the nearest meeting night to Remembrance Sunday, the club held a Remembrance Dinner. 

After the loyal toast 11 members spoke in a light hearted but respectful way about friends, relatives or just their own experiences of international conflict, mostly World Wars 1 & 2. Many of the speakers brought articles from the time such as medals, letters, books, the emergency dinghy sail for airmen, a Turkish POW made snake and trench art bullets. 

The mood of the mini-talks ranged from very moving to extremely amusing such as the accidental friendly fire bombing of Bristol, the Battle for Hill 112 in Normandy, the Local Defence Forces,  Runcorn in wartime, Normandy revisited by a veteran father and how the President came to possess a genuine Gurkha Kukri.

Our picture shows John Pollet and the emergency dinghy sail complete with instructions. 

At a more formal occasion on Sunday 11^th November, representatives of the club joined other organisations at the wreath laying ceremony at the Frodsham War Memorial. 

Alan Gardner performed similar duties in Helsby.

Fireworks and Bonfire Duties.

As with last year, our Club was asked to help with Bonfire Night festivities in both Frodsham and Helsby, and of course we were pleased to respond positively to those requests for assistance.

Firstly, following a request for help from our Club from Sam William and Graham Reeves on behalf of Frodsham Community Association and 6 other Club members, along with Rod’s wife Mary, joined other volunteers on Saturday the 31^st of October to collect entrance fees and provide help with the management of safety aspects associated with the firework display.

Despite the ever-present threat of wet weather, the bonfire and firework’s display went ahead as planned, and was enjoyed by all who attended!

Not satisfied with the above, following a request for similar help from Club members, George Randles and Alan Gardner, 7 Club members went along on a wet, but enjoyable Saturday the 7^th of November and joined other volunteers at Helsby’s Firework Display.

Our tasks were to join others in the management of the collection of entrance fees as well as car parking duties as those who had started these duties became absolutely snowed under with the brilliant response received from the good folk of Helsby and surrounding areas, and we can say that we had never seen queues like it! Well done to all those involved, especially Michelle Pickstock and her gang of warrior.

We understand that both events were certainly not “Damp Squibs”, but more like “Crackers” of a do, clearly veritable successes.

In conclusion, our Club members look forward to next year’s Bonfire celebrations at both Frodsham and Helsby, where we will be only too pleased to provide our help and assistance, if requested.

Well done to all those who were involved.

Our Recent Visit to the Czech Republic.

On Monday the 28^th of September, Maggie and Malcolm Davies accompanied Daniela Cervenka on a visit to the Czech Republic.

At Praha airport, Daniela’s lovely cousin, Vladĕna Jirkalová, picked everyone up in her car and it wasn’t long before everyone was at a hotel in the Malá Strana district of Praha where Maggie and Malcolm stayed.

Daniela however went on to where Vladĕna lives and following a very late night, they eventually went to Hořice the following day, where Daniela will stay for several weeks.

Hi, Vĕra and Jenda Vítec. Please take good care of Daniela whilst she is in Hořice.

Following sight seeing all day Tuesday and Wednesday morning, Maggie and Malcolm went by train to Hradec Králové where that evening they were invited to dinner at the Hotel Pod Vĕží with President Vladimír Kasal, his wife Jana and four other members of the Rotary Club of Hradec Králové and wives. Malcolm is seen presenting President Vladimír with our club’s Year Book and Augustin Čermák with a bright red Sergeant-at-Arms Tabard, acquired by Malcolm at the recent RI Convention in Birmingham.

The following morning, Daniela joined Maggie and Malcolm to go to the Střední, Základní a Mateřská škola that caters for children and students with hearing, speech, sight and language defects as well as development disorders. It was there that the official handover ceremony of electronic, photographic and IT equipment took place. This equipment was funded via a joint venture between our two clubs, and is specifically linked to the memory of the late Tony Cervenka, a past President of our Rotary Club.

The ceremony involved the signing and witnessing of appropriate legal documents by representatives of our two Rotary Clubs and Eva Stolínová, the Deputy Headmistress of the school.

It is sad to report that once again Malcolm had to borrow a pair of glasses in order for him to see properly, and therefore correctly sign the documents.

No change there then Malcolm.

Following this short ceremony, all present were then given a demonstration of the equipment and systems that are now used by Senior Lecturers Jiří Procházka (in the red shirt), Radek Červinka (in the beige sweater), with instantaneous signing translation by the delightful Soňa Procházková. This took place in the studio used by the school for their International Signing Development Project and some of the equipment donated can be seen.

Thursday afternoon involved a typical Czech lunch taken at Staročeská Hospoda, a quaint restaurant that was full of character, which was followed by a visit to the nearby Kunĕtická Hora, a medieval castle providing wonderful vistas of the surrounding countryside. On our way back to their cars, they ate freshly gathered walnuts that were the size of plums, which were soooo soooo nice.

After a very short rest and some liquid refreshments taken in their hotel, Daniela, Maggie and Malcolm were honoured to attend, and be the guests of our twin Rotary Club at their fundraising Gala Evening, “Tmavomodrý večer”.

Our good friend David Kafka acted as MC for the evening, and he introduced the Filharmonie Hradec Králové, with soloists Zuzana Pullmannová (flute), Petra Musilová (soprano), Miroslav Orság (Bass baritone), Jan Adamek (Tuba) and Zuzana Ambrošová (piano).

Joining the orchestra for the second part of the evening was the Český chlapecký sbor Boni pueri, (a boy’s choir) with our good friend Pavel Horák, their Musical Director, who is also a member of our Twin Club.

The performances themselves were conducted by Andreas Sebastian Weiser, a member of the Rotary Club of Praha Starė Mĕsto, who directed the orchestra, soloists and choir with consummate and effortless ease…… Well done that man.

It must be said that only two words are really needed to sum up this “Ripper” of an evening, these being :-

What A Corker you Guys, it was Bob-On!

It was pleasing to note that some 185,000CzK were raised by this Gala Evening, which was immediately donated to a local School for the Blind, who’s representatives were pleased to join the musical performers on stage for the presentations. 

As you might expect, after the concert about 25 of us adjourned to the nearby Gist Restaurant where, once again typical Czech food, wine and beer was enjoyed by all until quite late into the night.

All too quickly however, Friday arrived and it was time for Daniela, Maggie and Malcolm to return to their respective homes and it was lovely that President Vladimír along with Augustin and Jára Kovařik came to see us off.

Once again the level of hospitality and friendship shown to us by the members and wives of our twin Club was extraordinary, demonstrating yet again the affection they feel towards us, and the true value of friendship born out of Rotarian links.

In honour of these links Daniela, Maggie and Malcolm, on several occasions, raised a glass to our “Mate” Tony Cervenka without whom there would be no link with the Rotary Club of Hradec Králové and such wonderful friends, acquaintances, events and memories.

Thank you President Vladimír and all the members of our Twin Club, and, of course, thank you Daniela.

Frodsham Community Association’s Downhill Run.

On a very hot and sunny Saturday the 12^th of September, 15 of our Club members were pleased to respond to the request for the provision of helpers from the organizers of the Frodsham Community Association’s Downhill Run.

The first part of our Club’s duties were to set up several Gazebo’s along with providing the cordoned off run-in to the finish of the Downhill Run, and as can be seen, a fine bunch of good looking helpers made short work of the task, with an abundance of humorous banter accompanying the work!

We also set up and got working a PA System so Sam Williams could keep all present fully informed with all manner of un-important “Public Information Announcements” prior to the race itself, with of course the highlight being a running commentary (pun intended) involving the names, and other spurious information, of those completing the course.

As far as the run itself was concerned, we were also pleased to join the ranks of the many volunteers who agreed to help with the actual marshalling of the Downhill Race itself with a select team at the finishing line, ensuring the run-in was kept clear and no accidents occurred.

However, for the first time at this event, we also provided our world famous “Bacon & Burger Butty Bar”, with Vince Akers insisting that only the best Chefs from within the ranks of our Club be allowed to join the “Blue Glove Brigade” and wield a spatula, knife or other associated culinary equipment, although he was perfectly happy for anyone to help clear away at the end of the day!

As expected, the event was a huge success, with not only keen runners being involved, but also Fun Runners along with Mums, Dads and Children running as a family.

We must also mention that Frank Ball, one of our most energetic Club members, successfully completed the run slightly in front of his wife Val, who for the best part of the race had given him a piggy-back down the hill as his knees and bunions were giving him some stick!

In conclusion, our Club members look forward to helping with next year's Downhill Run, as such Community Events are seen as a most important part of the work done by our Club.

Cancer Research -  10k Race.

The weather on Sunday the 6^th of September turned out to be quite a good for both male and female runners in the first ever 10k run in Delamere Forest organized by Cancer Research.

Bearing in mind that our Club has, for two years on the trot now (pun intended), helped Cancer Research with their “Race For Life” in Delamere Forest, we were only too pleased to join in and help them with this new event.

It was mid August when Fred Bishop received a request from their Regional Fundraising Manager, Elizabeth Oakes, asking for volunteers to help with the marshalling of the event. As you might well expect, no sooner had we been asked than it was sorted, with 10 Club members along with two Golden Retrievers, Barney and his sister Amy, all straining at the leash (yes, another pun) wanting to be involved with marshalling the event, ensuring that all the competitors navigate the course safely and successfully as well as having lot’s of fun prior to, and following the race.

We believe that some 2000 runners took part in this events and Cancer Research advised that they expect to raise some £63,000 as a result of the generous sponsorship given to the runners.

Congratulations to all who were involved in this event including our very own Frank Ball, pictured still looking fresh at the half way stage.

Although we do not have details, other 10k races have been organized to take place at various locations throughout the UK, and we hope that they too will be as successful as the one we helped with. Click here for news of runs in 2010.

As with all the previous occasions we can assure the organisers that if Delamere Forest is chosen by Cancer Research for future events, our Club will be there to lend our help and support to this wonderful Charity and the work I does.

Kingsley Cricket Club

The annual cricket match against Northwich Vale Royal took place on Monday 3^rd August at Kingsley Cricket Club.

Surprisingly we were only one player short. We were just about to lend them three fielders when their stragglers turned up.

The toss was expertly won by Frank Ball who chose to bat. Sam Williams and Malcolm Davies opened and didn't last very long. Half way through the innings the match was changed to 12 overs from 15 because of bad light.

Sportingly Frodsham never invoked Duckworth Lewis. A brilliant cameo innings by Frank Ball, hitting the only four of the innings, took Frodsham's total to 50 for 3. Northwich struggled in reply and were soon 3 for 0 due to some fine bowling by Sam Williams who at one point was on a hat-trick but blew it!

Wickets fell regularly and eventually Northwich ran out of overs five runs short of the victory total.

Frodsham captain Frank Ball received the trophy, a jar of special Mar-mite, from the Northwich captain, and is to have it mounted. It was agreed that the game will be played on the third Monday in June every year at Kingsley.

Thanks to Kingsley Cricket Club for hosting us, a lovely setting. Thanks also to Malcolm for arranging the kit.

The Rotary Club of Frodsham and Helsby Celebrate a Yorkshire Day Dinner

The Rotary Club enjoyed a sumptuous Celebration of Yorkshire day with a dinner of Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pud at Forest Hills Hotel.

Yorkshire Day is 1^st August and commemorates the Battle of Minden 1759 During the Seven Years War. (See Picture right)

At this battle the tide turned in favour of Britain in world politics. It was the first war which involved the whole world, and at the end of it Canada and India were British colonies, and Great Britain was the dominating power in Europe.

Due to a misunderstanding in the transmission of orders, the British infantry brigades, under their Commanders, Waldegrave and Kingsley, began to march towards the French. To the surprise of everyone, including the French Commanders, the British Infantry marched forwards into a hail of fire and attacked the French cavalry - the first recorded incident of this kind in military history. 

This is against all military sense and should not have worked. Despite very heavy losses, the Infantry, supported by two batteries of Artillery, continued their attack and forced the French to retreat. After the decisive attack by the British infantry, the Allied Force advanced and drove the French off the battlefield. 

Of the 4,434 men who went into battle with 6 British infantry regiments. 78 officers and 1,252 soldiers were killed or wounded. All the regiments still celebrate the 1st August and have the word "Minden" embroidered on their Colours and Battle Honour.

Even today the day of "the battle of the roses" (the winners decorated themselves with wild roses after their victory), is celebrated in Great Britain, North America and Canada.

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