Our District Governors Visit.
Every year, Club members to a man eagerly await the visit to our District Governor and this year was no exception.
On Thursday the 11th of August we were pleased to have Graham Southern come along to the Forest Hills Hotel and join us for the evening. As is tradition he brought along greetings from both the R.I. and the R.I.B.I Presidents along with those from the President of his own Club, the Rotary Club of Horwich.
What was most special about his attendance was that he also brought along with him his most wonderful broad Wigan/Bolton accent, which evoked high levels of nostalgia within some of those present. Wishing to show respect to the D.G. and also to recognise the importance of our Roots, several Club members wore their flat caps, which normally they only wear whilst taking the whippet for a walk, when in bed, or when having a bath in front of their coal fires listening to the wireless by gaslight! - We know how to have a good time and yet still remain respectful.
After passing the bannerette for his year over to our President, D.G. Graham gave a short presentation on his thoughts and hopes for the year, in particular National and International work, Club and Community orientated initiatives and Membership considerations.
As you will see from our photos, D.G. Graham took everything in good spirit and really enjoyed his visit to our Club and we look forward to seeing him at any of our Club meetings but in particular at our Charter Anniversary Dinner in December this year.
Life Education Centres Mobile. 
It is the beginning of a new academic year for school children and so, once again our Club is pleased to sponsor a two week visit by Rotarys Life Education Centres Mobile. The unit will host Primary School pupils from The Manor and St Lukes schools in Frodsham, Kingsley C.P and St Johns schools in Kingsley and finally Hillside Primary school in Helsby.
The centre is managed by a full time Educator, Michelle McKenna, who is ably assisted by Harold the Giraffe. They provides a forum where children of various ages are introduced to, consider and discuss the importance of taking good care of their bodies. The various integrated programmes look at many Life Style subjects which, amongst others, include the promotion of healthy eating, the importance of exercise and sleep, the risks associated with smoking and the dangers associated with the use and misuse of drugs and alcohol.
These and other subjects are put over in such a way that the pupils are able to make their own informed judgements, which hopefully will allow them to make healthy choices, hence stand them in good stead in the future.
Pictured here are, from right to left, Roy Wallwork, Michelle McKenna and Harold the Giraffe, President Tony and his wife Daniela along with Mr Bleakley the Deputy Head of St Lukes School in Frodsham.
As with previous years, Harold the Giraffe never ceases to enthuse the children and makes their visit to this most valuable of learning facilities a pleasure.
Sportsman's Dinner
Our President, Tony Cervenka, was host at yet another successful Sportsmens Dinner, which was held at The Park Royal Hotel in Stretton on Thursday the 13th of October. This was the 17th such event which, this year, was attended by some 140 guests representing local Companies and Businesses along with Club members and their personal guests.
The evening included a wonderful 4 course meal, which was complemented with two amusing games of Heads & Tails along with a Raffle, both of which had many top quality prizes to be won.
There then followed our principal speaker, David Duckham MBE, a wonderful Club, England, Barbarian and British Lions Rugby Union player. He royally entertained everyone with tales of his exploits, both on and off the pitch, involving many sporting legends of our time, which was well received by all those present.
Our traditional Auction was masterfully handled by our celebrity auctioneer, Andrew Wallace of Wright Manley, who put under the hammer a total of 12 prizes that had been provided by a variety of generous Sponsors and Club members.
As with all good Sportsmens Dinners, our evening was rounded off with a comedian, Tom Sutton, who, being born in Widnes ensured that local humour featured in his hilarious presentation.
At the end of the evening, our MC, Sam Williams, was pleased to announce that the event had raised just over £2700, which will be used to fund a variety of Club sponsored Local, National and International Charities. As can be seen from the photographs, a good night was had by all.
