e-SUMMIT
updated 15th May 2007
Extracts from minutes
Tuesday 8th May Visitors Bryan Hughes from Caerleon RC and Don Rossiter from Abergavenny RC. Speaker Mr Richard Lewis from Shelter Cymru. The speaker gave us a very good talk on what Shelter Cymru, giving free, direct, independent advice in 100 location, with 50 case workers, trying to help avert homelessness and campaigning for more affordable housing stock and help with the situation. Education and coordinating, training to partnership groups in the law and legislation and a debt advice and tenancy support. Unfortunately due lack of funding only 10 – 15,000 cases out of the 50,000 per year are able to be looked at. The highest demand for their services in Rhondda, Cynnon Taf and Merthyr. Funding comes from a mixed source, so they are not dependant on one body. Included voluntary donations. PE Richard gave the vote of thanks. Mentioned that Richard had been able to deliver the talk with out notes.
Tuesday 1st MayClub Announcements Stroke Awareness Day will be rearranged for June.40th Anniversary suggestions will be discussed during the next committee meetings.8th May we will have a speaker from Shelter Cymru. Rotarian Norman to confirm. 12th May is Young Musician District Final. 15th May will be silly socks day. 20th May is District Assembly at Swansea. Rotarian Christine is compiling list of those attending. A letter was received offering to supply Rotary Umbrellas at a special price with a 20% donation going to Rotary International. Houses of Parliament The Secretary confirmed that written invitations had been sent to the Abergavenny, Crickhowell, Ebbw Vale and Abertillery & Blaina Clubs to join us. These clubs have been requested to reply directly to Rotarian Christine. Members were requested to make individual invitations to friends and/or colleagues to help fill the bus. Rotarian Rev Richard Gray advised of an impending meeting with the Head Teacher of Brynmawr School. He would take the opportunity of asking if any Sixth Form Pupils would like to take advantage of the trip to further their studies. Brynmawr St Johns Rotarian Alan Edwards reported that Mrs Pam Hancock of Brynmawr St Johns would attend our meeting on 22nd May when we would make a formal presentation of the cheque for the Full Body Mannequin we were presenting. Rotarian Haydn advised that he had spoken to Honorary Rotarian Eunice Sims who had agreed to the presentation being made in memory of Rotarian Walter Sims.Pen-y-Cwm School Whiteboard Rotarian Alan further reported that he was in the process of arranging a handover of the Whiteboard to the School.
Tuesday 24th April 2007
President Denise Ringdahl welcomed everyone to the meeting in the evening. President Denise extended the club's welcome to John Bragg and Glenda Fish. John is the IT specialist who has set up the Filtastraw Website and is now our Webmaster. The Opportunities to Serve 2007-2008 project library publication was passed on to President Elect Richard. For the first time individual project sheets were not included as they are now available to view and/or download from the RIBI Website. Official confirmation of the change of name from Emergency Box to “LifeBox” was received. A.O.B. Houses of Parliament - Numbers for the Houses of Parliament visit were disappointing and it was agreed to issue written invitations to the Abergavenny, Crickhowell, Ebbw Vale and Abertillery & Blaina Clubs to join us. Members were requested to make individual invitations to friends and/or colleagues to help fill the bus. Filtastraw Rotarian Paul circulated a beautifully moving letter which he had received, together with a cheque for straws, from an American Lady. An e-mail communication had also been received from a Canadian Minister of the Church outlining a huge fund raising effort for the purpose of providing straws where needed was also circulated. Youth Opportunities Rotarian Donna reported that the Howells School Youth Speaks Team had been successful in winning the intermediate section in the RIBI Final of Youth Speaks at Loughborough. Ffynone House School from Swansea won the Regional Senior Final at Coventry and acquitted themselves well, although unplaced, at Loughborough.
Tuesday 17th April 2007
President Denise Ringdahl welcomed everyone to the meeting. Rotarians Denise, Paul and Donna, who had attended the RIBI Conference in Bournmouth, brought the combined greetings of all clubs represented at the conference. Secretary An e-mail had been received from the District Secretary advising of only one nomination for District Governor 2009/2010. In accordance with District Standing Orders there was no requirement for a ballot and consequently Rotarian Bob Higgins of the Rotary Club of Newport will be District Governor for 2009/2010. Members were reminded that the meeting on 24th April would be an evening meeting. Names of members and guests to be given to Rotarian Christine. Stroke Awareness Day is scheduled for 28th April and it is hoped, because we have not yet received ordered materials, that we can arrange our own event as close as possible to the day. Our 40th Anniversary celebrations were touched upon with suggestions for something similar to the Ebbw Vale Club’s recent event being suggested. An invitation was received from St David’s Foundation to support a fund raising effort organised, on their behalf, by The Rotary Club of Monmouth. The event is the Monmouth Raft Race, the 43rd event of its kind, to be held on Sunday 2nd September. It was felt it unlikely that we would enter. Copies of the advertising pamphlet were circulated. A letter was received from Cancer Research Wales inviting clubs to once again participate in their Silly Socks Day of fundraising. This year Cancer Research celebrates their 40th Anniversary. It was agreed that we would hold a silly socks day to support them and May 15th was agreed for this venture. In addition Cancer Research are organising a Championship Cup Fly Fishing Competition at Llandegfedd Reservoir on Sunday 20th May. Entry forms were circulated for those members who may be interested. St Johns Brynmawr Grant Rotarian Donna reported that the club had again been successful in its application for a matching grant for the resuscitation full body doll and a cheque is on its way from District. Rotarian Alan will convey this information to Mrs Pam Hancock and also organise a presentation event. White Board Rotarian Alan will find out the latest position re supply of the board so that a separate presentation event can be organised. Adopt a Minefield Rotarian Donna reported on the success of the Cwmbran Clubs Christmas Pudding Sales, which had been highlighted at RIBI Conference. It was agreed that we would support the event this year and Rotarian Donna was given leave to place an order for two dozen puddings this year. Conference Resolutions Rotarians Denise, Donna & Paul reported on the RIBI Conference which had been good with lively entertainment. They had however voted in favour of resolutions 5 and 6 having listened intently to the considerable debate the resolutions had engendered. The club confirmed their agreement with these decisions.
Tuesday 10th April 2007
President Denise Ringdahl welcomed everyone to the meeting. Rotarian Roger Steer brought greetings from the Rotary Club of Monmouth.
Secretary Members were reminded that the Grand National Draw would take place at Alan’s Furnishers on Thursday 12th April at 10.30 am. Our representatives at the RIBI Conference at Bournemouth from 13th to 15th April were reminded that they must register upon arrival to ensure their voting credentials. Stroke/Health Awareness day will be 28th April. Rotarians Alan and Donna are actively engaged in locating a suitable venue and making appropriate arrangements for qualified assistance. It was agreed to keep our 40th Anniversary arrangements as an on-going agenda item. Club Banners Rotarian Paul suggested that it would be advantageous to combine with and purchase banners through our Life Straw Project. ASDA Collection Dates Rotarian Haydn reported that upon the request of President Elect Rev Richard Gray he had arranged for collection facilities at ASDA as follows:- Friday & Saturday 27th and 28th July 2007 and Friday and Saturday 14th and 15th December 2007.
Tuesday 3rd April 2007
President Denise Ringdahl welcomed everyone to the meeting. Rotarian Donna brought greetings from all clubs of region six who had attended the Youth Speaks Final in Coventry. Donna was pleased to report that teams representing our district had been placed first and third at Coventry. In addition the winner of the Young Chef Competition represented a club from our District. Secretary Members were reminded that an SGM will take place at 12.30 on Tuesday 10th April. The SGM will be immediately followed by the normal club meeting. The Grand National Draw will take place at Alan’s Furnishers at 11.00 am Thursday 12th April. All counterfoils to be returned ready folded please. 13th to 15th April is RIBI Conference at Bournemouth. Stroke/Health Awareness day 28th April. Ideas for our 40th Anniversary will be an on-going agenda item Committee Chairs Community/Vocational - Rotarian Alan Edwards wished to express his thanks to Rotarian David Worrell for forwarding the money for the Whiteboard for Pen y Cwm School. There was still about £2000 available as grants from this source which, if not used within the District, would have to be returned to America. Rotarian Alan had been speaking to Mrs Pam Hancock of the Brynmawr Branch of St Johns Ambulance. The service is looking for assistance towards the purchase of a Full Body Resuscitation teaching Dummy. Rotarian Alan then referred to the ticket sales for our Grand National Draw. He urged everyone to make every effort to ensure the start given by the two-day sales opportunity at Morrisons should not be wasted. Rotarian Alan was in discussion with the nurses at the LHB regarding a stroke awareness day activity again this year. He felt however that we would obtain better publicity for a Health Awareness Day as opposed to just a Stroke Awareness Day. Rotarian Alan would continue to investigate suitable venues and other sources of nursing assistance. Youth - Rotarians Richard and Donna reported on the Zone Finals of Young Musician. The winner was an excellent Cellist representing the Rotary Club of Brecon. Our own entrant had acquitted himself very well and was a good advertisement for the club. Richard and Donna were drawing up a short list of RYLA candidates. They anticipated having the list ready by 5th June and would undertake interviews, at the Church Hall, on 12th June.A.O.B - Houses of Parliament Rotarian Norman advised that the date for the Houses of Parliament visit had been confirmed with the local constituency office and with the coach company. Written confirmation was needed by the coach company. We also needed to give official numbers to the constituency office no later than two weeks before the visit date.
Tuesday 27th March
Members were reminded of forthcoming events and in particular the Zone Final of Young Musician at the Borough Theatre, Abergavenny on 28th March at 7.00 pm. We were represented by Jack Taylor and as many members as possible were urged to attend. It was unanimously agreed that Jack should receive a cheques as our representative and that his mother should be given for travelling costs. Delegate authorisation forms were handed to our two delegates to the RIBI Conference. Copies of the following were circulated for the perusal of those present:-
· District Council Minutes
· District Governors April Newsletter
· District Secretary’s April Newsletter
A.O.B. Rotarian Norman Griffiths reported that speakers had been arranged for 17th April and 8th May. On 17th April the speakers, Mandy Moore and Sonny will be from GAVO. On 8th May the speaker will be Mr Richard Lewis from Shelter Cymru. Rotarian Norman was also trying to arrange a speaker from the Community Finance Project. For the Houses of Parliament visit we had been offered May 29th or May 30th. It was decided that we would accept 29th May and Rotarian Norman will confirm this. It was also decided that we would accept the transport quote from European Heritage which Rotarian Norman will also confirm. All other details will be returned to at future meetings. Rotarian Richard Grey reported on his attendance at PETS 2. Rotarian Roy Blacker has requested that during his year as DG that clubs modify the Final Rotary Toast to reflect his “Caring Sharing” theme. He has asked that clubs change the toast to “Rotary International and Peace throughout the World”. Rotarian Richard further reported that places were still available for this years RYLA and asked whether the club wished to participate this year. Rotarian Donna advised that we had sufficient funds available. A proposal was put to the club that we should apply for a place on the end of June course. The proposal was carried on a majority vote of 6 in favour and three against. Rotarians Donna and Richard would draw up suitable advertisements so that a properly conducted interview of prospective candidates could be arranged. Rotarian Richard indicated that one possible source of candidates could be the local Cadet Forces in our district. Rotarian Alan Edwards reported on the current situation concerning the Whiteboard for Pen-y-Cwm School. It was proposed that in view of the late Rotarian Bob Walter’s association with Pen-y Cwm that we should in some way include on the proposed plaque a reference to his memory. This suggestion was agreed and Rotarian George Ball will obtain the names and addresses of Bob’s Children so that we can contact them for their permission. Rotarian Alan referred to the over-running of meetings and asked that this situation be addressed. Rotarian George advised that one of our aquaboxes had already been returned and that a cheque had been received from Nantyglo Wesley Chapel. Our second box was almost complete but we still required lightweight waterproofs and plastic plates to complete the “essentials” requirements. Rotarian Richard indicated that he had a possible source that he would pursue to facilitate completion. The 3rd April would now be a committee’s day commencing at 12.30 pm. Please be on time! The Special General Meeting to discuss membership and dues will now take place on 10th April at 12.30 pm. Everyone was urged to be on time for this meeting. Rotarian Christine Bayliss reminded everyone that the meetings on 24th April and 22nd May are scheduled as evening meetings with partners. S@A Three members were fined 50p each for having forgotten to supply raffle prizes when required to do so.
Tuesday 20th March 2007
President Denise Ringdahl welcomed everyone to the meeting. An invitation to the club to enter a team in the Llandrindod Charity Golf Tournament On 6th May was received. There were no immediate takers. An invitation to the club to enter a team in the St. Johns Charity Golf Tournament at Nantyglo West Mon Golf Club in July was also received. Again there were no immediate takers. Members were reminded of the following:-
· 26th March Regional Young Chef at UWIC - Marshals required
· 28th March Zone Young Musician at Abergavenny - Support for our entry.
· 31st March Regional Youth Speaks at Coventry
· 10th April Club Meeting will take place.
· 12th April Grand National Draw at Alan’s Shop 11.00 am (Bring stubs folded)
· How should we mark our 40th Anniversary? Ideas please
· 13th to 15th April RIBI Conference at Bournemouth.
At this stage the proposed resolutions for the conference were discussed and the decisions agreed were made known to our conference delegates so that they could vote at conference in accordance with the wishes of the club. Rotarian Alan Edwards thanked everyone for their efforts at Morrisons and also urged members to continue selling as many tickets as possible. A letter of thanks is necessary to Morrisons and Rotarian Richard’s offer to undertake this was accepted by the club. He confirmed that we had received the matching grant for the White Board for Pen-y-cwm School . Rotarian Alan had spoken to Mr Dickenson, the school Headmaster, who was delighted with the news. Mr Dickenson will order the equipment and advise us when it is received so that an official presentation can be made in keeping with the grant conditions. An appropriately worded presentation plate will be ordered by the club. A.O.B. Rotarian Norman Griffiths required confirmation that we intended to go ahead with the proposed visit to The Houses of Parliament so that he could continue with appropriate arrangements. The meeting voted unanimously in favour and it was decided to include the trip as an item in next week’s agenda. Rotarian David Dutson reported on his, and Rotarian Norman’s, attendance at the Merthyr Comprehensive Rock Concert to raise money for Filtastraw. Rotarian Donna pointed out that we were now aware of the District and RIBI Dues for next year. It was therefore necessary to hold a further special general meeting to decide on what should be done about the overall shortfall in luncheon costs. A gentle reminder was given at this stage because the last two meetings had been called to commence at 12.30 but the majority of members had not arrived until 1.00pm. This obviously caused serious administration disruptions.
Tuesday 13th March
President Denise Ringdahl welcomed everyone to the meeting. President Denise extended a further welcome to our visiting Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Yate. She introduced the visitors, all past presidents of their club, Rotarian Ted (Elvet) Davies, Rotarian Richard Warner and Rotarian Peter Kirby. Greetings from other clubs.Rotarian Richard Warner brought the greetings of President Roger and the members of the Rotary Club of Yate. He also presented President Denise with a Yate club banner. President Denise reciprocated with greeting to the Yate Club and a Brynmawr Club Banner. The visitors left an open invitation to members to visit their South Cotswold Beer Festival which takes place on 13th and 14th July at Chipping Sodbury Rugby Ground. Rotarian Christine Bayliss brought greetings from President Fred Prosser and the members of the Rotary Club of Ebbw Vale. Members were reminded that a club meeting will take place on Tuesday 10th April. Because this would normally have been a committee’s day it was decided that they should be held over until April 17th. On 12th April our Grand National Draw will take place at Rotarian Alan Edwards Shop at 11.00 am. Members were reminded of the need to bring in their counterfoils ready folded. Conference resolutions for 13th to 15th April RIBI Conference at Bournmouth will be voted upon next Tuesday 20th March. To facilitate this the meeting will once again commence at 12.30. The members present were requested to decide on whether the at Peterstone Court on 2nd December should comprise two or three courses. It was unanimously agreed that it should be three courses. The members were advised that the new rotary year will see our 40th anniversary falling in March 2008. All members were requested to think of what we should do to mark the occasion. At the District Council meeting at Neath it was confirmed that the District Levy for the year ahead will be £18 per Rotarian. Committee Reports Community and Vocational Rotarian David Sims reported that it has now been agreed with the Brynmawr Council of Churches that the “Songs of Praise” will take place at 7.00 pm on Friday 8th June. Full programme arrangements are still being compiled. Rotarian Richard Gray thanked everyone for their efforts in selling raffle tickets at Morrisons. The number of books sold over the two day period was 360. Members were encouraged to make every effort to sell all their personal allocations. We would be represented at the Young Musician Final at the Abergavenny Borough Theatre on 28th March by Jack Taylor who plays alto saxophone. Members were encouraged to support our entry. Arrangements for Kid’s Out on 13th June were progressing well. Richard would liaise with Rotarian Donna about obtaining the necessary supply of hats.A.O.B. Rotarian Norman Griffiths reported on the proposed visit to the House of Commons.
Tuesday 6th March
PE Rev. Richard Grey welcomed everyone to the meeting. There were no visitors. At this stage the meeting was handed back to President Denise who, together with Paul, had attended the eye specialists at The Heath in Cardiff. Rotarian Donna brought the greetings of all other clubs in RIBI who had attended the RIBI Assembly. There were 28 Districts represented in total. The secretary distributed revised rotas for the ticket sales at Morrisons. The revised rotas had to be immediately revised again due to changes of circumstances affecting some of the Rotarians present. Members were reminded about the District Council Meeting at Neath when Rotarian Paul would be giving an update to the district on the progress of our Filtastraw project. District Young Chef final would be held in Carmarthen on 19th March and the Regional Final would take place at UWIC Cardiff on 26th March. As this was our region hosting the final, Rotarian Donna requested assistance from members to act as marshals on the day. . Members were reminded that the decision had been taken (with a 75% majority) to hold a club meeting on 10th April. Our Grand National Draw will take place at Alan’s Furnishers at 11.00 am on 12th April. A reminder that all counterfoils should be ready folded was given. Copies of the resolutions for the RIBI Conference at Bournemouth were handed out. Copies will be made available to those not present today during next weeks meeting. Voting will then be carried out at the meeting of 20th March. There will be a Filtastraw presentation at Bournemouth. Members were reminded that next weeks meeting will commence at 12.30pm with committees. AOB The meeting was advised that our application for a grant from the DDF had been successful for theb White Board for Pen-y-Cwm Special School. Rotarians Donna and Christine were thanked for their efforts in ensuring this successful application. It was suggested that our March 27th meeting should be an evening meeting. The final decision on this was held over until next week.
Tuesday 27th February
President Denise Ringdahl welcomed everyone to the meeting. There were no visitors. Rotarian Donna Wallbank brought greetings from all clubs represented at the District Youth Speaks Final in Carmarthen viz: Narberth & Whitland, Carmarthen, Abergavenny, Cardiff Bay and Llantrisant The rotas for the Morrisons Ticket Sales were handed out. Necessary changes being made as required. Members were referred to the diary date lists already given out by Rotarian Christine Bayliss. A request from the DG for clubs who had indicated support for the DI Projects Aids in South Africa to send in immediate donations was passed to the International Committee.A proposal form for nominations for DG 2009/2010 was received. There were no nominations from within the club. The Club felt that the General council decision to sanction purchase of a Marketing Roadshow Vehicle was ill advised and had not been properly debated within the districts Under the heading of Re-Action all clubs were being requested by District to take an active role in any Local Authority emergency programmes.All clubs attentions were being drawn to the existence of the Rotary International Policy Document on Global Warming. Clubs were being asked to take the lead in promoting the policy in their areas. Rotarian Paul Ringdahl advised the club that we had now received the Charity Registration for our Filtastraw project. He wished to thank Rotarian Donna for her hard work in achieving this. Conference resolutions for the 2007 conference were received and will be circulated to allow our conference delegates to vote in accordance with club decisions. Rotarian Donna advised that our Filtastraw Project has been entered for the RIBI PR Committee Awards competition. It was proposed and unanimously agreed that a letter of appreciation be sent to Rotarian Gwyn Bevan following his transfer to the Rotary Club of Monmouth. Rotarian Richard Grey advised that the local council has appointed a Community Officer to liaise with the Communities First projects group. It was felt that an invitation be sent to the Officer to speak to the club. Following on from the visit of Dai Davies MP it was felt that we could take up his invitation to visit the House of Commons. It was agreed that Rotarian Norman Griffiths would further investigate a suitable date etc. President Denise advised that she had received a letter from the Adopt A Minefield project thanking us for our support. Enclosed had been a certificate of appreciation showing that an area of 12,000 square meters, around Sarajevo had been made safe.