National Stroke Awareness Day
Once again our Club was pleased to take part in this National Initiative, which this year was held on a cold and dreary Saturday 19th of April.
Organised and co-ordinated by The Stroke Association, the aim of the initiative is to increase public awareness of the dangers of high blood pressure that can lead to strokes. To achieve this aim, Rotary Clubs across the U.K. offer free blood pressure tests to the public, administered by health professionals.
As with last years, our Club used Frodsham's Parish Hall, which provides superb facilities for such an event. Members of the public agreeing to the check-up were offered refreshments and the chance to speak privately with the health professionals. Each participant was given a result card together with a leaflet explaining the relationship between high blood pressure and stroke.
During the day, 175 people volunteered for a blood pressure test, with 67 of these being advised that they should consider passing the details of their results to their G.P. for a further assessment.
Rotarians from the Club worked in shifts on both sides of Church Street using their charm, wit and powers of persuasion to encourage the public to take part. This is the sixth year the Club has participated in this initiative, which was very well supported by the good folk of Frodsham, Helsby and surrounding areas.
Once again our Club is indebted to Richard Brook and several health professionals from his practice who, freely gave of their time to administer the tests.
In support, several other Club members and their wives devoted much time and professional expertise in ensuring that the day was the success it was.
Ladies Night.
This year our Club's Ladies Night was held on Saturday, the 26th of April at the Portal Premier Golf & Country Club, Tarporley which is set in the heart of the beautiful Cheshire countryside.
There, President Barry and his wife Carol greeted 100 Club members, their Ladies and of course Guests of the Club to a wonderful evenings entertainment that had been principally organized by Fred Bishop and members of the Fellowship and Social Committee.
The evening began with our VPII , Brian Henshaw, saying a simple Grace that was delivered with such ecclesiastical reverence and empathy that it left many convinced that he really ought to consider Holy Orders and taking up a Missionary position.
President Barry then said a few words of welcome, wishing everyone a pleasant evening and assured all that a fantastic evenings entertainment awaited them. He ended by complementing the Ladies on their stunning appearance (he is such a smooth so and so, isn't he?), which was roundly applauded by all the Gentlemen present thereby assuring lots of Brownie Points!
Following the delicious 3 Course meal, which was enjoyed by all and a short intermission for re-fuelling purposes, the evening's formal presentations got away to a flying start.
As is our tradition, VPI Adrian Baxter was invited to propose a toast to "Our Ladies", however this year his opening remarks were accompanied by a fly-past of dozens of screaming balloons especially prepared by enthusiastic guests who were co-ordinated by Flying Officers Dowse, Laird, Hudson and Ball, to name but a few!
Firstly he confirmed his pleasure at being asked to speak inside a Wigwam with an Auto-Queue over the disco!
Unfortunately, no sooner had Adrian got into his stride, so to speak, than Carol reminded him that the Official Speeches were to be a joint affair!
Suitably reprimanded for his misdemeanour, it wasn't long before the then, 'Dynamic Duo', got their teeth into various notorious or infamous Club members, homing in on Surname axioms and definitions such as Alan Revell 'being such a sweetie'. Groan!
Rod (Jekyll &) Hyde came in for some erudite stick with, 'Nice to see you, but not so nice to see you' along with Mr. (Ian) Tickle having long arms, legs and things, much envied by some Members. When it came to Jeff Mycock and Vince Akers however, Carol and Adrian advised that discretion was the better part of valour, as the watershed hour had not yet been reached.
There was much more which was possibly slanderous hence, for litigation avoidance reasons, will not be described here.
Wicked You Two!
Following this fantastic presentation, the applause for which went on for
some considerable time, the 'DD' returned to their seats through a further barrage of low flying guided
missiles.
Bouquets were then presented to the President's wife, Carol and the President of The Inner Wheel Club of Frodsham & Helsby, Jean Davies. However, not wishing to leave the other Top Table Lady guests without a floral gift, President Barry personally presented bouquets to Kathy Haeck and Jean Farrington, the wives of the Presidents of Widnes and Runcorn Rotary Clubs and also to Jane, the VP1's lady.
It then only remained for our M.C. Fred Bishop to close the formal part of the evening by firstly thanking the Golf Club's Management and Staff for their hard work and politeness throughout the evening. He then ended by thanking everyone for attending the Dinner, wishing them a safe and uneventful journey home and requested that the Ladies who arrived on the Executive Coach ensure that their Escorts go back on the Coach with them as there was every chance that they would be tired and emotional by that time!
Dancing to Dink International took many down Memory Lane for a variety of reasons and it was pleasing to note that the dance floor remained busy from the very start, right until the 'Lady in Red' finally drew the evening to a gentle close.
A 'Mention in Dispatches' must however be given to Harry and Chris Smallman along with Roy and Margaret Wallwork for their gallant attempts at a Quickstep whilst Rock and Roll and Jives were being played. Outstanding Stuff you Guys.
See You All Next Year for Adrian's Bash.
Dr. Pauline Hutchinson's Work in Uganda For “Just Care”.
If you were told of a country where life expectancy was only 42
years, there were 2 million orphans,50% of the population was under 14,some 84,000 children estimated to
have AIDS / HIV,1.75 million children suffered from Malaria, half the population didn't have clean drinking
water, and there was only 1 doctor for every 100,000 people, then most of us would say that "something
should be done". However we are likely to expect that the “something should be done” would be done by
“someone else”!
Well, at our meeting on Thursday the 24th of April, were fortunate to be addressed once again by a retired local GP, Dr. Pauline Hutchinson, who is that "someone else".
In 2004 Pauline was invited to visit Uganda for the first time and was so taken by the plight of the people at the village of Kamutuuza that she began drawing up plans for a medical centre to be built there.The entire first phase of the project was to cost £60,000, so a great deal of fund raising was involved plus a great deal of negotiation with local influential people!
It was therefore with great pleasure that Pauline was now able to advise the Club that Phase1 was now open for any local child patients and was employing local people in order to help the local economy and to give sustainability for the future. Amongst other types of general treatments for children, the centre will provide Malaria Treatment, Accident Cover, Health Education, HIV Care and will be involved in outreach centres and the training of local care workers.
Pauline gave a most impressive talk to Club members and a lively question and answer session followed.
For more information on this Project, go to their website www.justcare.org or contact Pauline directly on07720848888 or e-mailpaulinehutchinson[at]mac.com (replacing the [at] with the usual symbol).
Our photograph shows VPII, Brian Henshaw, presenting Pauline with a cheque for £800 which is enough to pay the salary of a local nurse at the Hospital for a whole year!
Keep up the good work Pauline.
Annual bowls tournament.
Our annual bowls tournament took place at Sutton Fields Golf centre on 15 May 2008.
This year we also did battle for the Alan Fozard Golf trophy, by running a short crazy golf competition alongside the bowls event. As usual the night produced unexpected results, with Fred Bushop winning the golf competition, and Peter Conway the bowls tournament.
Interviewed afterwards Peter (pictured) was quoted as saying, that 'he had never played before'.
Seemed a little suspicious that both the winners came from the organising committee!!!!
