Halton Haven Hospice.
For many years now, our Club has been a keen supporter of the work done by Halton Haven Hospice, its Staff and, of course, its volunteer workers.
It was in February 2005 that our Club, along with the Widnes and Runcorn Clubs, jointly funded a purpose made Mini Bus, at a cost of just over £22,500, which has helped provide transport provisions to and from the Hospice for those in need of such a service.
It was therefore with great pleasure that at our meeting held on Thursday the 23rd of August, we were pleased to welcome Shaun Pollard, the Director of Corporate Services at Halton Haven, who agreed to come along to our meeting and give a presentation to Club members.
He opened by advising of the success of their 'Easter Bunny' appeal, with which several of our Club members were pleased to be involved in. Following this, he gave an update of the present work done by the Staff of Halton Haven Hospice and in particular he outlined the financial situation that is faced, year on year, by the Managers of the Hospice.
Following his talk, President Barry was pleased to pass to Shaun, a cheque for £100 which will be put towards covering some of the valuable work done at the Hospice.
Barry's
Presidential Lunch.
In keeping with a long established tradition, President Barry and his wife Carol greeted some 60+ guests to his Presidential Lunch, which was held on Sunday the 26th of August at their home, overlooking the wonderfully sunny Cheshire countryside.
Following a few welcoming drinks, President Barry invited his guests to partake in an extensive Buffet Lunch that included a 'Hog Roast' which was appreciated by all present, as can be seen from our photo, featuring the two Chef's from Welsh Wales.
This roast, was superbly complemented by fresh Salmon, Prawns and a huge variety of appetizing Salads and complementary dishes which were served with a selection of Red, White and Rose wines along with a cask of Weetwood real ale and of course appropriate non-alcoholic drinks for those who were designated drivers for the day.
As you would expect, deserts did not disappoint either, with a variety of tempting and weight adding 'a moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips', delectations, carefully selected by Carol, which were consumed with appropriate oohs and ahhs and gentile licking of lips!
Thanks Carol.
Following the leisurely completion of the meal and before things got too out of hand, VP1 Adrian addressed the assembled throng, thanking Carol and Barry for their generous hospitality and kindness and most importantly, their thoughtful provision of glorious sunshine.
Not wishing to keep his guests from their continued enjoyment of the remaining part of the afternoon and of course the wonderful company present, Barry responded by firstly thanking his wife Carol for all her hard work in making the day so successful. He went on to thank all those who helped with preparing, providing and setting out the food and of course, clearing away and washing up, which was so appreciated.
He concluded by thanking everyone for attending and making his President's Lunch a truly memorable occasion, one that he will never forget. As you can see from our second photograph, both Carol and Barry were by then, appropriately relaxed and pleased with the fact that the afternoon had been plain sailing with not a hitch, or half hitch in sight and what's more the sun had passed the yardarm, so no excuses for not enjoying a tot of rum or similar!
Unfortunately however, the excitement of the day was just a little too much for one guest who, feeling the need for a moment of peace and quiet, along with some inward contemplation, took in some sunshine and checked the inside of her eyelids all at the same time! (Ladies are good at multi-tasking don't you know).
By the way Bev, we hate to mention it but ............. Dribble!.
What a Great President's Lunch!
DISTRICT GOVERNOR'S VISIT.
On Thursday the 6th of September, President Barry welcomed our District Governor, Keith Unsworth, to our Club's Dinner meeting along with President Terry Farrington, the President of our Mother Club, Runcorn, and several of their Club members.
Following a delicious dinner served to all present, it was then the turn of DG Keith to 'Sing for his Supper' by advise on his thoughts and aspirations as far as his forthcoming year in office was concerned.
His presentation did include a brief mention of several important aspects such as Recruitment & Retention, the Role of District in Club Management, District Preferred Projects, etc. etc. etc. However, he also made time to recount some of his wonderful experiences whilst receiving Governor Training in San Diego, which included a resume of the role and importance of his Union Jacket, which when modeled by DG Keith, was greeted with uncontrolled patriotic applause, a bit like Last Night at the Proms!
Our DG concluded by wishing our Club's every success in the future and thanking us for our support. He finished by confirming that he aims to continue to improve communications between District and Clubs and praising his various teams for their support and hard work to date and no doubt for the remainder of his year in office.
President Barry closed by thanking DG Keith for his most interesting presentation and commended him for his clear and uncompromising enthusiasm for the Rotary movement and all it stands for, wishing him much success in his year of office.
Keith - Look Forward To Seeing You In Scarborough.
Our DG is seen here presenting President Terry and President Barry with the RI Bannerettes featuring the RI Theme 2007/8 'Rotary Shares'.
