District 1100 England The Weekly Bulletin (aptly named) The Birdy

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "District 1100 England The Weekly Bulletin (aptly named) The Birdy"

Cori Cannon
5 years ago
Views:

The Rotary Club of Swindon Phoenix District 1100

Birdy Issue no. 164 - Volume no.5 - Bulletin no.

issues) Club Meeting Host, 12 August is; President

on 12 th August President Geoff testing the Water

1 The Rotary Club of Swindon Phoenix District 1100 England The Weekly Bulletin (aptly named) The Birdy Issue no Volume no.5 - Bulletin no. 5 Rotary Year 2015/16 (Excluding any special issues) Club Meeting Host, 12 August is; President Nominee Rotarian Nigel Causton Editor Goldsworthy is on Holiday for a 2 nd Week.so yet again this week s Birdy comes from Sub Ed (Scoop) Parfrey PHF.the man himself will be back for the club meeting on 12 th August President Geoff testing the Water jumps!! INSIDE this edition The Barbury Horseless Steeple Chase & Cross Country Challenge Event Sunday 2 nd August 1 of 17

Club Meeting - Wednesday 5 th August 2015 Host - Rotarian Tim Swinyard Guest Speaker Sarah Tombs, Manager, Dressability Charity Clothing comes in all shapes and sizes, but sometimes that is simply

To make life easier Dressability provides a low cost clothing adaptation and alteration service to people who need their clothes to fit well, feel comfortable and remain stylish.

Dressability is one of only two independent clothing services in the UK which caters specifically for the needs of disabled people.

Because of their experience of clothing and disability, their advice has also been sought by the legal profession.

2 Club Meeting - Wednesday 5 th August 2015 Host - Rotarian Tim Swinyard Guest Speaker Sarah Tombs, Manager, Dressability Charity Clothing comes in all shapes and sizes, but sometimes that is simply not enough! For people with physical disabilities, learning difficulties and the over 65's, finding clothes that reflect a personal style, fit well and are easy to take on or off, can be hard. To make life easier Dressability provides a low cost clothing adaptation and alteration service to people who need their clothes to fit well, feel comfortable and remain stylish. Whatever physical challenges you face, Dressability can help tailor your clothing so that getting dressed or being dressed becomes an everyday routine rather than a daily problem! Dressability is one of only two independent clothing services in the UK which caters specifically for the needs of disabled people. The charity works with other voluntary organisations, disability support groups, social workers and healthcare professionals. Because of their experience of clothing and disability, their advice has also been sought by the legal profession. Dressability is a registered charity which has a board of trustees who are legally responsible for all the charity s activities. Host Report from Rotarian Tim: I said grace at the start of the meeting: "For well-filled plate and brimming cup and freedom from the washing up, we thank you O Lord, Amen" The starter for the meal was tomato soup (so, of course, extra bread was requested!) and the main course was sausages and mash potatoes. Following the meal and the break, I read the Object of Rotary (doing my very best to make it seem like I was reading it out rather than doing it from memory) and then we asked Sharon to make her speech. Sharon began working in accounts and then started working for the Council, but when made redundant, she managed to get the job working for Dressability as the Manager, a role she truly enjoys. She's "made about sewing" and really enjoys helping people out, so it's the ideal role. 2 of 17

Dressability alter and adapt clothing for disabled and the elderly because many find it difficult to find normal clothes which fit their special requirements.

It was interesting to hear that Uplands School, who's head recently spoke to us, are also involved with Dressability and they help adapt clothing for them so that they can wear the clothes they want

3 Dressability alter and adapt clothing for disabled and the elderly because many find it difficult to find normal clothes which fit their special requirements. Dressability even visit homes to make the adjustments and measurements and the adaptations are subsidised by them by 85%. It was interesting to hear that Uplands School, who's head recently spoke to us, are also involved with Dressability and they help adapt clothing for them so that they can wear the clothes they want and also school uniform which can be difficult to wear with some disabilities. Their particular focus is to adapt clothing that people with various disabilities would like to wear and to make the adaptations completely hidden so that the changes aren't even noticeable. We saw a number of examples, including a Swindon Wildcats shirt which had an enlarged neck and trousers with magnets concealed to make them easy to open and close with dignity. The charity has appeared on a number of programmes, including both BBC Points West and Blue Peter and when you hear case studies and see examples of their work, it's easy to see why. They are even helping advise for the Olympic/Paralympic Games (though they don't yet know if they'll get a donation for this help). The charity is unique in the country and no other is even doing remotely the same thing as them. 95% of their funding is from UK grants and trusts. The thing that struck us all was that it was problems which they were solving which we more able bodied people would not even think about and each bit of work is tailored especially for the person and their condition. They go even beyond clothing though and even have adapted oxygen masks for children (an idea which many in the room were saying should be patented!) Following Sharon's excellent speech she took questions and we thanked her in the normal way. To see some of the case studies which we were shown, have a look at their website on Very kindly indeed, Nicki Horn donated the winnings from Geoff's famous raffle to Dressability. The weekly raffle, this week being 20 to foundation and the other 20 was won by Nicky Horn who donated her winnings (seen here) to Sarah of Dressability.well done Nicky. Our host Tim, had been away on a Festival weekend and brought back a SUPER Boomerang that President Geoff was keen to get his hands on.. 3 of 17

Peter Newson s (aka Grumpy) van at the weekend for the Barbury

The sign can also be used on other events such as the Dragon Boat and

4 So e other ews this week.. Swindon Phoenix now has a magnetic logo that was used on the side of Peter Newson s (aka Grumpy) van at the weekend for the Barbury Horseless Steeple Chase, providing some great advertising for the club. The sign can also be used on other events such as the Dragon Boat and even the Barge week as its removable!! Thanks to PG Events in Wootton Bassett (near Swindon) for producing the signs. 4 of 17

5 EVENT OF THE WEEK Barbury Horseless-Steeple Chase and Cross Country Challenge After many months of planning, you can never plan for the weather but what dry, hot and sunny day it was for the 4 th annual Swindon Phoenix & Marlborough Horseless Steeple Chase event, held at the Barbury International Arena on the Barbury Castle Estate. Thanks yet again to Nigel Bunter for allowing the event to go ahead on his estate. Proceeds from the event are split between the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Rotary Charities. President Geoff is the lead organiser for this event from the Swindon Phoenix Club and yet again his effort he put into the planning and setting up, made it the successful day it was. Thanks also goes to all the club members who supported the event and to our fellow Rotarians from the Marlborough Club. On the day the total number of entries was 87. The event consisted of 3 races, none of them for the light hearted, a 2.5 mile, 5 mile and the tough one of all the 10 mile cross country race. The.5 ile ra e o sisted of lap of the horse ju p are a that or ally see s horses goi g o er the jumps and through the water, not humans on 2 legs!!!, the 5 mile race was two laps of the arena and the 10 mile race was one lap of the arena and jumps, then 5 miles cross country taking in sections of the fa ous idge ay a d the a k i to the are a for a other lap of the are a a d ju ps. In total only three runners dropped out around the course due to different reasons. Winners of the 2.5 mile race were : Men 1 st : Paul Hardiman Women 1 st : Fiona Gibbs 2 nd : Colin Woodward 2 nd : Louise Ratcliffe 3 rd : Timmy Westcott 3 rd : Tanya Lane Winners of the 5 mile race were : Men 1 st : Tim Purvey Women 1 st : Diana Dee 2 nd : Ian Leicester 2 nd : Cheryl Sloan 3 rd : Steven Brown 3 rd : Sophie Wadsworth Winners of the 10 mile Cross Country Challenge : Men 1 st : Matt Pembroke Women 1 st : Ruth Barnes 2 nd : Justin Peters 2 nd : Diane Hier 3 rd : Mark Anderson 3 rd : Hannah Brown/Stephanie Woodman (crossed line together) Special note the overall winner of the 10 mile race was Ruth Barnes, who beat the first man home by 3 minutes. Her time was an astonishing 1 hr 4 minutes 36 seconds. She runs for Avon Valley Runners who have vowed to return next year with even more numbers they brought around 20 runners to take part in this year s runs, and they enjoyed them all so much they reckon the whole club will come back with them to take part next year!! 5 of 17

Each of the winners for 1 st, 2 nd and 3 rd received a prize which was red or white wine, presented by our very own Swindon Phoenix Rotarian and District 1100 Governor, Tony Horn.

Preside t Geoff s response to these comments was: I have just looked at Facebook following today s BHSC races, and was delighted to see the following entry from a chap called Warren Wade of Avon

He came back this year with around 20 fellow Avon Valley Runners This is great feedback, and others will see this on FB - so it is superb PR for the event, and the image of the Phoenix Rotary Club.

I don t think we could have done any better today, and it is really satisfying to read such positive feedback like this.

6 Each of the winners for 1 st, 2 nd and 3 rd received a prize which was red or white wine, presented by our very own Swindon Phoenix Rotarian and District 1100 Governor, Tony Horn. Social Media Feedback Following the event a number of posts were put up on Facebook which were all very positive and commending comments from which hopefully we will see more entries in Preside t Geoff s response to these comments was: I have just looked at Facebook following today s BHSC races, and was delighted to see the following entry from a chap called Warren Wade of Avon Valley Runners, who ran the course for the first time last year. He came back this year with around 20 fellow Avon Valley Runners This is great feedback, and others will see this on FB - so it is superb PR for the event, and the image of the Phoenix Rotary Club. Apart from the challenge of the runs, and the scenic location, the most feedback I had on the day was about how friendly, supportive and encouraging the marshals were on the day. I don t think we could have done any better today, and it is really satisfying to read such positive feedback like this. Well done to everyone who came to site and helped out today I know I said how good the Barbury Horseless Steeplechase was last year and that we should try and get more people there this year. Well, we did and what a great day out it was too! We had all abilities of the club represented, from those who regularly win gender and age prizes right down to some of our latest beginners, some of who had never even run 10 miles before! If anyone is ever in any doubt as to how good this event is just ask anyone who was there today. A massive thanks to Rotary Club of Swindon Phoenix president Geoff Beale and his team for putting on such a fantastic event in such a wonderful location. 6 of 17 What an amazing race the horseless steeplechase was today. Beautiful scenery and well organised. The rotary club did an amazing job and numbers hopefully will improve for next year as this race has so much to offer and so much fun. Great charity event! Thank you everyone, it was AMAZING. Great fun and the marshals were fabulous. Thoroughly recommended and can't wait to do it again next year!

7 Pictures of the Event What a great day!!!! 7 of 17

8 More Pictures of the Event 8 of 17

9 And Even More Pictures 9 of 17

10 The Tough Trek 10 Mile Pictures It took a long time to carefully load all the fence posts into Gerry s car, well he has a new skill! He can unload all that in the blink of an eye Car emptied in less than one second!!!! It's a shame he hadn't reached his destination 10 of 17

11 Media Coverage of the Horseless Steeple Chase Thanks to the Swindon Advertiser & the Gazette and Herald Swindon Advertiser 3 rd August 11 of 17

Gazette & Herald 3 rd August Competitors hoof it round course for horseless steeplechase 3rd August 2015 Rotary clubs of Marlbourough and District and Swindon Phoenix organised the horseless

12 Gazette & Herald 3 rd August Competitors hoof it round course for horseless steeplechase 3rd August 2015 Rotary clubs of Marlbourough and District and Swindon Phoenix organised the horseless steeplechase and cross-country challenge at Barbury Horse Trials Course YESTERDAY was the perfect day for a horse race at Barbury despite the absence of steeds or jockeys. Once again, dozens of plucky participants braved the world famous Barbury International Horse Trials Course and clambered through its array of obstacles on foot in the fourth instalment of the annual Horseless Steeplechase. Organised by The Rotary Club of Swindon Phoenix and the Rotary Club of Marlborough competitors left the gates at 11am to take part in the race in aide of Wiltshire Air Ambulance and other charities. Runners could take part in one of three races, from the five mile Chasers Gallop race to the Thoroughbred Classic, 10-mile cross country challenge or Novice Hurdle, a 2.5 mile course. A Rotary Club spokesman said: The Barbury International Cross Country Horse Trial course is used by the cream of the world s equestrians and we have been allowed to run it including through the water jumps, Stonehenge, and many others. This event has attracted Top Sponsors including Hiscox, Hills Group, Wiltshire Concrete, Arkell s Brewery, Manningford Croft and Earthline. The event is organised by the Rotary Clubs of Marlborough & District and Swindon Phoenix. All proceeds go to Wiltshire Air Ambulance and charities supported by Rotary. Last year, we raised 2,817 and we want to beat this figure this year. 12 of 17

Jokes from around the World.. You have to do this, it s amazing, I did it Thanks Nicole.

It will also produce photos of several of your fellow classmates. I don't know where they got them from but they appear to have photographs from almost every school in the World.

com Answers at the bottom of this page; Q1. What 2 words have the most Letter? Q2. How do you get a fat girl into bed? Q3.

13 Jokes from around the World.. You have to do this, it s amazing, I did it Thanks Nicole.Scoop Check out past acquaintances, you should have a look at this amazing clip which will turn up incredible photos of you, back when you were much better looking than now. It will also produce photos of several of your fellow classmates. I don't know where they got them from but they appear to have photographs from almost every school in the World. Click on the link below or type it into your search line. You have to enter the name of your school and year that you were there. Give it a go...and enjoy! Answers at the bottom of this page; Q1. What 2 words have the most Letter? Q2. How do you get a fat girl into bed? Q3. Last week s Picture Competition (reminder below) FACEBOOK FOR THE SENIOR GENERATION For those of my generation who do not and cannot comprehend why Facebook exists: I am trying to make friends outside of Facebook while applying the same principles. Therefore, every day I walk down the street and tell passersby what I have eaten, how I feel at the moment, what I have done the night before, what I will do later, and with whom. I give them pictures of my family, my dog, and of me gardening, taking things apart in the garage, watering the lawn, standing in front of landmarks, driving around town, having lunch, and doing what anybody and everybody does every day. I also listen to their conversations, give them the "thumbs up" and tell them I like them. 2 Indian junkies accidentally snorted curry powder instead of cocaine. Both were rushed to hospital.one in a korma and the other with a dodgy tikka. Thanks to Lillian in Oz.via Ed Goldsworthy And it works just like Facebook. I already have four people following me: two police officers, a private investigator, and a psychiatrist Thanks to Nicole Price for this..temp Ed Scoop 1. POST OFFICE 2. PIECE OF CAKE 3. Preside t No i ee Ni ole Pri e s e hairdo is t it amazing? 13 of 17

2015 SANTA RUN Website Shop now open for Business A huge thanks again to Steve Coleman for setting up the website and on-line shop for the Santa Run which is now open for Business www.swindonsanta.

14 2015 SANTA RUN Website Shop now open for Business A huge thanks again to Steve Coleman for setting up the website and on-line shop for the Santa Run which is now open for Business Also thanks this week to Immediate Past President David Coe for securing a sponsor for the Medals, being the MELA Indian Restaurant in Old Town, Swindon. We are still seeking sponsors for the Event Race Numbers and Santa Suits. If anyone would be interested in sponsoring these so that more money can be raised and handed donated to the charities who will benefit from the 2015 Event then please contact me (aka Scoop) rtn.paul.parfrey@gmail.com (Paul Parfrey) 14 of 17

15 An Opportunity to see Phil Tufnell here in Swindon 15 of 17

16 This is one for the Ladies and also a cause that President Geoff is supporting 16 of 17

17 17 of 17

The Rotary Club of. Swindon Phoenix. District 1100 England Bulletin (aptly named) The Birdy. President Nominee Rtn Geoff Beale

The Rotary Club of. Swindon Phoenix. District 1100 England Bulletin (aptly named) The Birdy. President Nominee Rtn Geoff Beale The Rotary Club of Swindon Phoenix District 1100 England Bulletin (aptly named) The Birdy Issue number 67, Volume number 3, and Bulletin number 2 of this Rotary Year President Peter Collis P.H.F Sapphire