The Rotary Club of Belfast
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The Rotary Club of Belfast Club No.67 in RI & No.3 in RIBI 105 th Annual Report For the year ended 31st March 2016 Organised 24th July 1911 First formal meeting 14th August 1911 Founder member of Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland
Transcript of The Rotary Club of Belfast
The Rotary Club of Belfast Club No.67 in RI & No.3 in RIBI
105th Annual Report For the year ended 31st March 2016
Organised 24th July 1911 First formal meeting 14th August 1911
Founder member of Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland
The Club meets normally at the Europa Hotel, Belfast on Mondays (except Public Holidays) at 12.45pm for 1.00pm. It is also possible to attend an evening meeting on some Thursday nights in the RadissonBlu Hotel, Belfast at 6.00pm to 7pm. This meeting format is informal and commences with coffee/tea. A charge of £3.00 covers refreshments and parking. This development in Club attendance provides an opportunity for an in‐house make up and is designed to boost attendance and encourage all members to learn and participate in Club activities. The Thursday evening meeting is used by Service Chairs to hold Committee Meetings and discussion forums, or planning meetings on how best to implement Club activities. The Club Council will also meet at this time and make their deliberations open to Club members to facilitate a more transparent decision making process within the Club. It is a great opportunity for members to sit in on discussion meetings and contribute to the development of the Club. We would encourage all members and particularly new members to attend on a regular basis.
Contact Details: Alvin McKinley, Club Secretary
3 Aberdelghy Park Lisburn BT27 4QF
Email: [email protected] Telephone: +44 (0)28 9258 2485 Mobile: +44 (0)7718 765875 www.belfastrotaryclub.com
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Club Officers The Rotary Club of Belfast 2015/16 CLUB EXECUTIVE President President Elect Vice President Immediate Past President Honorary Secretary Asst. Hon. Secretary Honorary Treasurer Asst. Hon. Treasurer
Ronnie Porter Ivan McMinn Rosemary Simpson Ronnie McLean Alvin McKinley Crawford McIlveen Ivan McMinn John Williamson
CLUB COUNCIL
CLUB SERVICE CHAIRMEN
Membership Community & Vocational International Foundation Youth Service Communications
Maurice Brooks Brian Clements Ken Taylor Derek Baxter Eric Rainey David Boyd
CLUB OFFICERS
Attendance Auditor Archivist Badges Children in Hospital / Montgomery Bowl Classification Directory Website/Weekly Report Editor Fellowship ‐ Grub Club ‐ Rotary Ramblers Health & Safety Information Mentoring Photographer Asst. Photographer Programme Protection Reception Sports TABU Youth Exchange
Fred Sweeney David Boyd Gordon Millington Alvin McKinley Brian Ferguson Alastair Corscadden Alvin McKinley David Boyd Doris Houston John O’Carroll/Eileen Kennedy Denis Wilson Denis Wilson Gordon Millington Alan Rundle Billy McCoubrey Brian Byers Gordon Millington/Karen Blair Brian Gillespie Hilary Gault Brian Ferguson David Boyd Brian Ferguson
CLUB LIAISON OFFICERS Inner Wheel Probus Rotaract
Craig McClelland Teddy Elliott Eric Rainey
Arthur Boyd Bryan Johnston
Brian Ferguson Crawford McIlveen
Brian Gillespie Rosemary Simpson
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Contents
Club Officers 1
Contents 2
Club Presidents and Secretaries 3
President’s Letter 6
Secretary’s Report 8
Membership 11
Foundation 12
International 14
Community and Vocational 15
Youth Service 17
Youth Leadership 18
Communications 19
TABU 20
Montgomery Bowl 22
Awards 23
Glebe House (Harmony Community Trust) 25
Inner Wheel 26
Social Report 30
Ireland Showcased at RIBI Conference 32
Visitors 33
Miscellaneous 35
Speakers 37
Paul Harris Fellowships Awarded 39
Paul Harris Fellowships 41
Attendance Record 43
Attendance Information 44
Inter‐Club Events 28
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One Hundred and Five Years ‐ 1911‐2016 Year 1911‐12 1912‐13 1913‐14 1914‐15 1915‐16 1916‐17 1917‐18 1918‐19 1919‐20 1920‐21 1921‐22 1922‐24 1924‐25 1925‐26 1926‐27 1927‐28 1928‐29 1929‐30 1930‐31 1931‐32 1932‐33 1933‐34 1934‐35 1935‐36 1936‐37 1937‐38 1938‐39 1939‐40 1940‐41 1941‐42 1942‐43 1943‐44 1944‐45 1945‐46 1946‐47 1947‐48 1948‐49 1949‐50 1950‐51 1951‐52 1952‐53 1953‐54 1954‐55 1955‐56
President William Wallace* H H Montgomery* W H Alexander* W C Gabbey* John M Colton* Arthur S Davidson* George W Clarke* Hugh Boyd* James F Newell* Charles E White* James Dalzell* Frederick McKibbin* Robert G Todd* Walter Malcolm* Arthur S Atkinson* William Sweeney* George G Little* James E McCue* Harris Rundle* A Thomas Robinson * John W T Watters* R P C Gotto* David J Thompson* Gordon J Stephenson* W D Geddis* John W Lindsay* Fred R Unwin* Edwin Dempster* Sir James Norritt* Walter K Alexander* Ernest Rea* Walter H Cooper* Fred H Purdy* Walter C Tate* S Robert Bell* Arnold White* Robert Mulholland* Aubrey A Harding* John Petrie* F Malcolm McKibbin* Arthur D Simpson* Fred L Gribbon* John Morrow* W Frank Black*
Honorary Secretary John P Corry Edwin Dempster Hugh Boyd ~ ~ William C Gabbey ~ James Dalzell ~ Walter Malcolm John S Garrett Wilfred W Weston ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Ernest R Ingram ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Arthur D Simpson ~ ~ ~ ~ John Little Robert A Patterson ~ ~ ~ ~
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Year 1956‐57 1957‐58 1958‐59 1959‐60 1960‐61 1961‐62 1962‐63 1963‐64 1964‐65 1965‐66 1966‐67 1967‐68 1968‐69 1969‐70 1970‐71 1971‐72 1972‐73 1973‐74 1974‐75 1975‐76 1976‐77 1977‐78 1978‐79 1979‐80 1980‐81 1981‐82 1982‐83 1983‐84 1984‐85 1985‐86 1986‐87 1987‐88 1988‐89 1989‐90 1990‐91 1991‐92 1992‐93 1993‐94 1994‐95 1995‐96 1996‐97 1997‐98 1998‐99 1999‐00
President John Little* David Andrews* J Allison Corkey* Norman Agnew* Thomas W McConnell* A Stanley Boyd* H Cecil Rundle* John McC Rea* H Chesley Boyd* Frederick C Rogan* Robert J Frizzell* Henry J Porter* Reginald G McCadden* Stanley Rainey * Lister Dawson* Terence S Duncan* Ernest Gleghorn* Harry S Corscadden* William J Doran* James T Kernohan* Harold E Smith* William H Donaldson John H A Swinson* Raymond H A Boyd* Gordon S Millington Trevor C Dickey Jack McGarry Robert J Ayling* Robert W Kimlin K Craig McClelland Kenneth J Dunbar* B R Johnston Douglas M Simpson* Derek E McIlwaine* F Michael Donaghy Roy N MacDougall* T Victor M McKirgan Albert S Baird J Brian Byers Alan E White Ken E Reid* J Campbell Morton David S Boyd John C Lowry
Honorary Secretary Robert A Patterson Horace W Gooding Terence W Duncan ~ ~ Terence W Duncan R G McCadden ~ P H S Newel ~ S O Morton ~ J Campbell Bailie ~ ~ ~ Alan Brown ~ ~ Gordon S Millington ~ ~ K K Fleischer ~ ~ Gordon S Richardson F Michael Donaghy ~ Brian Mooney ~ ~ David S Boyd ~ ~ ~ ~ J Trevor Hinds ~ ~ ~ ~ R H Barrie Houston ~ ~
One Hundred and Five Years ‐ 1911‐2016
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Year 2000‐01 2001‐02 2002‐03 2003‐04 2004‐05 2005‐06 2006‐07 2007‐08 2008‐09 2009‐10 2010‐11 2011‐12 2012‐13 2013‐14 2014‐15 2015‐16
President Brian T Ferguson J Trevor Hinds J Derek Baxter Alastair Corscadden Marnette Lyons Michael F Smyth Maurice Brooks Bryan Johnston JL Courtenay Thompson Arthur J Boyd Brian Clements Adrian Kerr Alan Rundle Ken Morrison Ronnie McLean Ronnie Porter
Honorary Secretary R H Barrie Houston ~ Stephen Smith ~ ~ Robert Hood/Mark Davidson Mark Davidson ~ ~ ~ Rosemary Simpson ~ ~ ~ Alvin McKinley ~
One Hundred and Five Years ‐ 1911‐2016
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Dear Fellow Rotarians As we rapidly approach the end of my year in office as President of this august organisation, I am deeply indebted to you, the members, for honouring me by installing me as President for 2015‐16! When one considers the 105 year history of the Club and previous incumbents of the role of President, I am indeed honoured to have served as President. On the face of it, Rotary International goes from strength to strength with over 1.2 million members worldwide! However, in clubs such as ours, we must address the problem of an ageing membership and an apparent disconnect with the youth (30 & 40 year olds) of today. We are currently trying to involve younger members in Club activities and to develop our Corporate Membership! Northern Ireland Science Park is the latest organisation to commit and we have others in the pipeline. We hope to have a Club Visioning exercise before the start of Ivan’s year as President and I would encourage all members to attend if at all possible!!! This will be an important strategic exercise and is structured to be enjoyable as well as productive. As far as the past year is concerned, it has been the usual mix of fund raising, social and community events. Some of the worthwhile causes supported over the past year have been:‐
To acknowledge our long time association with the Rotary Club of Dublin, members of the 2 clubs met at Drogheda train station and walked the 3.5 miles along the banks of the River Boyne to the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre where we enjoyed lunch followed by a tour of the interpretative centre and a historic presentation.
President’s Letter
ShelterBox Mitchell House School Children in Hospital YouthAction NI
Harmony Community Trust
SOS NI Aquabox The Salvation Army
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President’s Letter cont…
Our main fund raising event for my year will be the Toccata Concert in Bangor Grammar School on Saturday 28 May. This is a joint venture with Rotary Club of Donaghadee and our target is to sell 500 tickets (£15 each) ie 250 by each Club! As the entertainers are giving their services free of charge and we have covered most of our overheads by sponsorship, this event has the potential of raising substantial funds for our
nominated charities, principally Glebe House, Strangford and Rotary Ireland H20 Project Africa. This will be a thoroughly enjoyable event with professional performances by West End artists travelling to NI to support our charities. We are dependent on support from the Club and the general public to make this project a success. Other projects such as TABU, our activities with Youth Action and our social events will be detailed later in this report by the various Service Chairs and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their contribution to Club activities throughout the past year. Without wishing to offend anyone by omission, I would especially thank Hon Secretary Alvin for carrying out his duties with a quiet efficiency and Jenny and David Boyd for the immeasurable amount of work they do on behalf of the Rotary Club of Belfast! I would also thank Karen Blair and Gordon Millington for compiling a most interesting speaker programme for each Monday.
In closing, I would like to wish the incoming team of President Ivan, President Elect Rosemary and Vice President Mark every success for 2016/7 and encourage all Club members to give them their full support.
Kindest regards Ronnie Porter President
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Secretary’s Report
The Officers and Council are pleased to present this Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2016, the Club’s 105th year. As it has done unremittingly over the years, the Club has continued to uphold the ideals of voluntary service that are reflected in Rotary’s 1.2 million members worldwide. During the year the Club has sought to sustain its proud legacy of service to its local, Belfast community and has likewise continued to make significant contributions to Rotary’s long‐term projects supporting communities around the globe. The Club’s membership has continued to reflect diverse business and professional backgrounds but, along with many other clubs, the recruitment and retention of members are issues that remain significant challenges.
Young people have again been our principal focus. Locally, in supporting Youth Action Northern Ireland, we have continued to be enthusiastic contributors to the ‘Get Set to Go’ programme. This is a scheme that helps young people build the skills they will need to make successful transitions into the world of work and paid employment. Similarly, the TABU student exchange project has had another successful year.
The year began with a trip to Dublin for TABU students from the United States. These American students, who were sponsored by the Rotary Club of Highland Park/Highwood Illinois, spent a week with us and were accompanied on the visit by a teacher and two members of the Highland Park Club. The year ended with Highland Park hosting a reciprocal visit by a group of Belfast students sponsored by our Club. The Club also maintained its on‐going support of Mitchell House School, a school for children with physical disabilities. And again, the Club also participated in the Youth Leadership Development Competition organized by Rotary Ireland.
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Secretary’s Report cont…
In reaching out to young people and the freshness they invariably bring to our Club gatherings, several students from the local universities have been encouraged to come along to our meetings. These have been students with family connections to Rotary who, far from home have found a re‐assuringly familiar and warm welcome within the Club circle. In the autumn we bid a fond farewell to Rotary Global Scholar Katie Scrantom, who had been a student at Queen’s University Belfast. Still, we have been pleased to welcome another, Kjelsie Hass, who although not formally attached to our Club, has been quartered in Belfast. Throughout the year the life of the Club has depended on a dedicated core of members often individually generous in their support of Rotary charities and Club activities. But it has also mirrored an ageing membership and falling activity rates. Now a settled trend, membership has continued to decline. While in part reflecting the competing demands of modern business and professional life, attendance has also been in decline. The number of active members has fallen from last year's 69 to 64, but with two new members still to be inducted. The number of active members three years ago ‐ the year ended March 2013 ‐ was 72, and six years ago (March 2010) 76. While bolstered by attendance credits or “make‐ups”, the average member attendance at Monday Club meetings was 33 compared to 36 three years ago and 41 six years ago.
More positively, highlights of the Club year included our President’s Day Dinner and Handover at the Royal Belfast Golf Club at the end of June; a joint visit to the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre outside Drogheda with our friends from the Rotary Club of Dublin; a visit by District Governor Declan Tyner; a car ballot fund‐raising event at
George Best Belfast City Airport; the Club’s annual Christmas Dinner at the Ulster Reform Club; and a lunchtime concert and Christmas lunch at the Ulster Hall and Deanes Deli Bistro. The New Year brought yet more food and more good craic with a ‘Grub Club’ outing to The Linen Lounge restaurant at Belfast Met.
Katie Scrantom
Kjelsie Hass
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Secretary’s Report cont...
In honouring service to the Club and the wider community, the John A Savage Memorial Trophy was awarded to New Lodge Arts. In addition Paul Harris Fellowship awards were made to Club past presidents Brian Clements and Alan Rundle; to Rotarian Fred Sweeney; and to David Boyd, Director of the Beat Initiative. The Club itself was awarded the Rotary Foundation Certificate of Merit for the support it has given to Rotary’s ‘End Polio Now’ campaign.
Anchoring all of this our Monday meetings brought an array of excellent speakers featuring, among several other themes, talks about the city of Belfast, it's history and how it and the wider regional economy is being steered towards a brighter and more confident future.
But here I must record with very deep regret the passing of Past President, Paul Harris Fellow and latterly much esteemed honorary member Bill Donaldson. Bill was a stalwart of the Club for some 56 years and the very epitome of the Rotary ideal of service—one who never failed to contribute in so many ways, and to encourage and support the Club and its members in all they set out to achieve. His enthusiasm, ever‐generous nature, repartee and wise head are indeed sorely missed.
We also said farewell to several members (Jim Casey, Christine Collins, Arlene Gormley, Des Rea) who, for health or business reasons retired from the Club. Edwin Coppel, with some 27 years of active service, has accepted the award of Honorary Membership and as such retains his long link with the Club. We welcomed new member, Philip Ferreira on transfer from the Londonderry club and, as indicated previously the Club’s Council has approved two other applications for members yet to be inducted.
As always the following pages set out in more detail the life and contributions of the Club and its members over the year. In closing this report I want to thank all the members, but particularly honorary member Jenny Boyd for their support throughout the year. In many ways Jenny has helped ensure the Club, and not least its Secretary, have functioned more smoothly than they might otherwise; not least in making the “Weekly Report” such a colourful and informative read. Alvin McKinley Honorary Secretary
Edwin Coppel
Philip Ferreira
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Membership Report The Rotary Club of Belfast continues to be the largest Rotary Club in District 1160. We were very sorry to lose our President‐Elect Claire Savage who moved to a new job with the BBC in England. We were also saddened by news of the death of one of our longest serving members, Honorary Member Bill Donaldson, who joined the Club back in 1960. At the beginning of his term President Ronnie stated that he would continue the work of previous Presidents in striving to meet the greatest challenge and priority for our Club ‐ that of sustaining membership. Without a steady membership the established projects of the Club will eventually be put in jeopardy. Therefore we must ensure the continuation of our work by recruiting new members and developing programmes and events which interest existing and potential members. The target of a net increase of 2 members remains the goal. The Club now has 4 categories, to one of which new interested people can be recruited: Full member (existing); Provisional Member; Corporate Membership and Friend of Rotary. Presentations to further potential Corporate Members have been made using the excellent material developed for this category. We are talking actively to a number of potential Corporate Members and are hopeful that in the year ahead further members in this category will be added. At this stage we need more introductions to enterprises and organisations so that we can continue to roll out this exciting new area of membership and growth for the Club. Our excellent e‐zine continues to play an essential role in sustaining and maintaining existing members by keeping everyone up to date with the latest news and information about projects and events. It has become an essential tool for our members along with our website. There is no doubt that potential members may be found through the Youth Leadership candidates, past TABU participants and their parents, as well as former members of the Club. Work on this area needs revitalisation. Past President Alan Rundle, in his role as Mentoring officer, has contacted those members who have been unable to attend at lunchtime meetings to keep in touch. It has been a year of progress but we must not relax in our efforts to maintain the programmes, which the Club runs so successfully, by ensuring that there is continuity. Surely members would wish to pass on membership to others when they have benefitted so much personally by their own membership. Maurice J Brooks Membership Services Chair
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Rotary Scholarships Rotary World Peace Fellowships and Scholarships for Water and Sanitation Professionals for study at UNESCO‐IHE Institute in the Netherlands have been promoted within the Club. Applications would be welcome. We said goodbye to Rotary Global scholar, Katharine (Katie) Scrantom from The Rotary Club of Chicago Far North who completed her Master of Science degree in Psychology Childhood at Queens University. Congratulations to Katie who achieved first place in her year.
We welcomed Rotary Global Scholar Kjelsie Hass. Kjelsie is from South Dakota and is studying in Belfast at The Irish School of Ecumenics, Trinity College Dublin. She has attended a number of Club meetings and has taken a 1 week intensive module at Corrymeela peace making centre. On the 27 May she will commence a comparative research study project for two weeks in Cape Town, South Africa before returning to Northern Ireland.
An application GG1639555 from Laney Lenox District 6190 (Louisiana) is currently being processed for a Rotary Global Grant to study for a Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution and Social Justice at QUB Belfast. I would like to thank PP Bryan Johnston for acting as Primary Contact for the scholars. Sustaining Membership This is a scheme to enable members to support Foundation by making a bequest to create a Legacy or by regular donations to the equivalent to 100 US Dollars per annum to The Rotary Foundation of the United Kingdom. Thank you to those members who have signed up. We have at present six Sustaining Members and members are encouraged to consider becoming Sustaining Members. I can provide the standing order forms to any member who would like to become a Rotary Sustaining Member. Polio Plus The Club continues to support the Rotary campaign to eradicate polio. Progress continues to be made with only two endemic countries remaining. The work will continue to protect children through vaccination. Our Club donated $US5880.30 in Rotary year 2014‐15.
Rotary Foundation Report
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The Rotary Club of Belfast was honoured to receive a recognition award from The Rotary Foundation and from Rotary International carrying the Citation:
Belfast is presented a certificate of appreciation for its financial support of End Polio Now: Make History Today Campaign. Together, we will fulfil our promise to the children of the world and eradicate polio.
I would like to thank our members for their continued support. Any members who would be interested in getting involved in recruiting applicants for the scholarships would be most welcome to contact me. PP Derek Baxter Foundation Chair
Rotary Foundation Report cont...
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The Club has mainly concentrated on raising funds for ShelterBox this year. However £400 was also distributed to AquaBox. ShelterBox ShelterBox support remains a priority for the Club and this year we have been pleased to provide 5 ShelterBoxes. These have now been deployed and arrived in Fiji on 16 May 2015 to provide shelter for the hundreds of thousands of families affected in February by Cyclone Winston, the worst storm ever recorded in the Southern Hemisphere and which wiped out villages on many islands. Over 2000 boxes have been deployed containing all of the essential items needed to help them return to normal life such as kitchen utensils, solar lights and a water filter so that the family will be able to stay in it until they have rebuilt their home. Diane who is now living in one said “I’m so happy to have a tent – to have a safe place of our own to sleep.”
In addition, the Club forwarded £500 cash, as specifically requested by ShelterBox for relief on the ground after a devastating earthquake in April 2015 in Nepal. The Club also thanks those who added to this figure including Doris Houston who donated the proceeds from her paintings exhibition early June 15.
It is always gratifying when a Club member donates (usually anonymously) money to ShelterBox ... a wonderful way of working out the ideal of "service above self" to support those in the most awful situations. Our Club has two "volunteers" officially approved by ShelterBox ‐ Jenny Boyd and myself. Jenny does an excellent job of keeping Shelterbox, its work and specific needs in front of us through the website and weekly report.... I remain available to respond to requests for ShelterBox talks etc. PP Maurice Brooks maintains a demonstration ShelterBox and tent which is available for use through the district and as required. We will be happy to answer any questions about ShelterBox at any time. All donations either towards a box or its individual components are welcome and can be specifically targeted and "tracked" if required.. Eric Rainey ShelterBox Co‐ordinator
International Report
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Community & Vocational Report
Kid’s Out Day
On June the 3rd 2015 we organised a Kids Out Day for 20 children and 8 helpers from Mitchell House School. Six Club members President Ronnie McLean, IPP Ken Morrison, PPs Brian Ferguson and Brian Clements, John McCleery and Mark Davidson met the Mitchell House party at W5 at the Odyssey Arena, the Club having hired a specially adapted Ulsterbus to transport the party to and from W5.
Inside W5 the first stop was a workshop on "forces" where the children, in a practical way, were shown how forces such as push and pull and gravity can affect movement. They really enjoyed the experience even getting to build their own rocket! Next on the agenda was an exploration of the Discovery Play area where the children could interact with a large number of exhibits including water, lasers, construction, shops and even a
Fiat 500 car with no doors but with all the other bits working ‐ this was a real hit not only with the children but also the adults those who could actually get into the car!! After a very enjoyable visit to W5 the whole party moved on to Pizza Express in the Odyssey Plaza where a buffet Pizza lunch was enjoyed by all. The group bade their farewells and headed back to school. It was a wonderful experience to see this amazing group of young children so interested and really enjoying themselves. We received a lovely card of thanks later from the children. Many thanks to those who attended especially to Mark Davidson who was instrumental in the organisation. Mitchell House Christmas Party Once again the Club were happy to organise the traditional Christmas party at Mitchell House Special School. Although this party takes on a very familiar format every year it does seem to work, judging by the reaction of the children. Any member of the Club who attends is moved by the sheer thrill and delight children show as their faces light up. Some 25 children from the Junior School gathered and for about 40 minutes were entertained once again by Magic George whose show has changed little over the years
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but the kids still really enjoy evidenced by the shrieks of laughter from the children. Following the magic show the children are treated to drinks and snacks as always sourced and delivered by PP Brian Ferguson.
The Children then entertained us all by singing Christmas songs in anticipation of the arrival of Santa Claus (aka PP Courtenay Thompson). Courtenay as usual performed his role as the consummate professional Santa distributing stockings made up of various goodies and treats. Once again a wonderful day thanks to all who attended or contributed to the organisation.
On the Vocational side of things members were very happy to provide support to the Youth Committee especially on the Get Set days being involved helping young people with Goal setting, CV writing and basic Interview Skills. We also took part in Interview skills sessions with young apprentice youth workers in Belfast and Enniskillen over a 6 month period and it was to rewarding to see the improvement in the young people’s performance as a result. The Club also sponsored an apprentice Johnny and disbursed £400. The Committee continue to support the work of the SOS NI ‐ a charity close to the heart of members. £400 was disbursed in January 2016. Salvation Army Family Christmas Appeal During December a collection was made for donations of cash and vouchers especially for teenagers for this Appeal and over £400 worth of cash and vouchers were delivered to the Salvation Army Appeal prior to Christmas and £350 was disbursed in January 2016. FASA The Committee and Club are immensely grateful to PP Courtenay for his continuing involvement with FASA. Sadly during the year FASA have had to close but Extern have taken up the mantle providing support services related to early and crisis intervention, focusing on people who are at risk of suicide or mental ill health; building on their existing addiction contracts, primarily focusing on early family interventions and counselling provision and their CADINS project will develop and deliver an integrated education and prevention plan to raise awareness of the impact of drugs and alcohol locally. PP Brian Clements Community and Vocational Chair
Community & Vocational Report cont...
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I have deliberately not commented on Youth Leadership in this report or mentioned TABU, which remains one of our Club’s most exciting Youth projects, as I know others will do these significant examples of real practical service more justice than I can. However I do want to comment on and commend our ongoing partnership with Youth Action where over 15 members have willingly offered their services in Get Set events, interviews with Apprentices both in Belfast and Fermanagh and mentoring/supporting young people. This fulfilling (often demanding work) is deeply appreciated by Youth Action and it is in no small way, this support and cooperation which has helped Youth Action secure European funding to enable them to continue this very necessary work.
I am particularly pleased that the Club has been able to offer a bursary to Youth Action to enable the appointment of an apprentice. This years apprentice is Amy Garner who looks forward to visiting the Club later this session. It is particularly gratifying that last year’s apprentice Johnny
has secured full time appointment with the BBC.
This Year the John Savage Bursary was presented to New Lodge Arts/FabLab who have issued a warm invitation to visit the Ashton centre to see their work first hand. We look forward to doing so towards the end of April. Particular thanks to Rtn Walter Rader for
identifying and introducing New Lodge Arts to the Club . The bursary this year was made possible by the generosity of PP Alan White and another Rotarian who has requested that his donation be treated anonymously. Unfortunately, in spite of efforts, it has not proved possible to activate Rotaract this year but I continue to travel "in hope". Also disappointing has been our inability to fulfil our return visit with Young people from Youth Action’s Rainbow Factory to the Rotary Club of Corstorphine and the Big Project. Council warmly approved the "return" but our partners were unfortunately unable to accommodate a school holiday option enabling us to get reasonably priced accommodation. Eric Rainey Youth Service Chair
Youth Service Report
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Youth Leadership Competition 2015/6
Five schools were invited to select candidates for this well established competition to join a one week leadership development programme which includes a visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg. It was disappointing that we only received nominations from two schools – Methodist College and RBAI ‐ despite giving good notice of the competition. In this respect it is worth pointing out that there is now a much wider range of similar opportunities for sixth formers to choose from. The standard of candidates from both schools was very high. Following interviews at the schools two candidates were selected to go through to the Club Final at which Thomas Copeland from Methody was selected to represent the Club at the Regional Final in Bangor on 25 November 2015. (Thomas’s brother had been successful in this competition a few years ago). This final was keenly contested and despite a strong performance Thomas was not successful. However he was very thankful to the Club for the opportunity as were the teachers who were involved. I would particularly like to thank all the Rotarians who kindly participated in the various interviews. Chris Warnock
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Following its rebranding the Club website has been gradually building up its visitor statistics, statistics to date are pleasing and it continues to reach worldwide audiences for example Russia, China, Japan, Netherlands, Germany and Canada though most visitors to the site were from the UK & the US. It is also pleasing to note that it has regained its no. 1 Google search place. The website is updated at least weekly with activities and is linked to the Club’s Facebook page, which now has 159 ‘likes’ or followers. We again advise members that if they are looking for information about the Club or a programme the FIRST port of call should be the website as it really is a comprehensive resource for all Club or Rotary related information. The Weekly Report is issued around 9.00am on Wednesday each week and aims to keep all members fully informed of what has happened during the last week and highlight future events and information pertinent to the Club. We encourage all members to read it as soon as possible especially as it often contains information and details not announced at the weekly meeting. To date, on average, 60% of members with email are opening it within the target 24‐48 hrs. A hard copy is available at the Europa for those who don’t have access to email. The Club’s publicity in the media continues to be difficult to achieve. However, notable coverage has been achieved in the new District Rotary News publication. We are continually indebted to Honorary Photographers Billy McCoubrey and PP Brian Byers for their attendance at events and wonderful selection of photographs as well as other members who supply photographs of events. A story is nothing without photographs and we urge members to think “take a photograph” even by mobile phone at any event and send it to us. We particularly thank all members who have supplied information for the weekly updates and website. Following a comment by CT Hogg at last year’s AGM Council asked for Club signage at meetings.
2 Club banners were designed and procured to be used at Club meetings and ‘on the road’ at fund‐raising events. In addition a Brass plate is now able to be positioned on the pole between the flags.
David Boyd Communications Chair
Communications Report
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The 25th annual TABU exchange with The Rotary Club of Highland Park/Highwood, took place in Chicago over the 10 days 23 March –2 April 2016. The party of 6th Form students was led by Brian Gillespie with Chris Warnock and PP Bryan Johnston. As in recent years the Belfast students kept an online ‘Blog of their daily activities’. The students Aimee Reid ‐ St Dominic's; Cameron Hamilton ‐Grosvenor Grammar, James Graham ‐Friends School, Bronagh Hughes ‐ Our Lady & St Patrick's, Sarah Hanley ‐Victoria College and Hannah Al‐Qaryooti ‐ Friends School were wonderful ambassadors for the young people of Northern Ireland, articulated themselves with confidence and let their personalities shine through. This Exchange had, as usual, a profound effect on the students as during the visit they encountered a myriad of new experiences all of which they found fascinating and illuminating. The group are particularly appreciative of the high level of hospitality afforded by the Highland Park Rotarians and offer their thanks and gratitude for “the welcoming embrace of everyone at Highland Park” and to all who helped to make “this wonderful experience possible”. The Club extends a very sincere thanks and congratulations to all those Rotarians who were involved in any way at the Highland Park/Highwood Club and also thank all the families, organisations and individuals who hosted and met with the group. Particular our thanks are due to Hon. Member PP Martha Gray who was mainly responsible for the set up of the whole programme in Chicago, PP Derek Baxter and Doris Houston for doing the selection interviews and to Brian Gillespie, Chris Warnock and PP Brian Johnston who gave their time and Easter Holidays to lead the trip.
David Boyd TABU Convenor
Brian Gillespie, Team Leader This was my second TABU trip, the last being in 2014 which was led by Claire Savage. I was accompanied by Chris Warnock and PP Bryan Johnston.
TABU ‐ Towards a Better Understanding
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It is wonderful to see the amazing transformation in a group of six young people who all collectively said TABU was far better than any of them imagined. The TABU programme has an agenda, it is all about post conflict transformation resolution. The group got to visit 1st district police station and witnessed behind the scene workings of the station including the holding cells. Particular highlight on the trip is always a visit to the Anti‐Defamation League. This allows the students the chance to talk about 'things' they would not feel comfortable talking about at home. As well as a day at the host High School Highland Park the students were also welcomed to Antioch Community High School whose Principal Brad Hubbard (a former teacher at Highland Park) was inspirational. The students started the day in a law class before attending the main conference centre where a live group entertained, participated in an archery class and an q&a with an author and were then accompanied to various classes.
Aside from the whole programme the students benefit greatly from immersing themselves in the whole cultural element of this programme. They have learnt what it is like to live with an American family and see their way of life. Chris and I both believe the students should come back and try and facilitate those conversation taking place here, back at home.
I would finally like to thank President Cynthia Plouche and her husband Joe for their warm hospitality in hosting me in their home. I have no doubt that this trip was life changing for all the students.
TABU cont…
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Montgomery Bowl ‐ Children in Hospital Appeal
This year our Children in Hospital fund made two contributions. The first one in October was to the Acute Child Health Unit in the Ulster Hospital at Dundonald. Many of the children in this unit are confined to bed for long periods because of the nature of their injuries. However the nurses explained that the children will happily play for hours on Apple iPad Minis and so we obliged with three at a cost of £881.94.
Our second contribution was to Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services, Beechcroft, at Forster Green Hospital in Belfast. The Christmas period is a very difficult one for these children and so our gifts at this time were particularly appreciated ‐ and were included on Santa’s sleigh! We bought them two X‐Box games systems with two additional Controllers and four X‐Box games. We also bought them two Sony Hi‐fi units for their two communal areas. The total cost was £934.93.
I quote from the letter we received from manager Jacquie Wilson. “We are immensely overawed by your kind and thoughtful gifts for the young people and are sure these wonderful presents will provide many hours of enjoyment to each and every child both over the festive season and for many months to come”. When we receive letters like this we really do appreciate how much our contributions mean to these children. On their behalf I express sincere thanks for your generous donations. Brian Ferguson Children in Hospital Officer
23
The John A Savage Trophy was awarded to the New Lodge Arts Group. Inaugurated in 2009, the Trophy is awarded by the Club to the individual or group selected as giving great service to the Community. New Lodge Arts Group are a community arts organisation based in the Greater New Lodge area of North Belfast which provides opportunities for people of all ages to actively engage with and participate in a wide range of art forms that they would not otherwise be exposed to. President Ronnie presented the Cup and Bursary Monday 15 February to Geraldine Wilkins, Chair of the Board along with and Katrina Newell, Head of Arts and Youth Development and Anne Delaney, Arts Programme and Operations Manager.
At the District Council Meeting held Saturday 21 February President Ronnie accepted a Rotary Foundation Certificate of Appreciation for the Club's support of the 'End Polio Now' campaign – one of only 8 presented in District.
He handed it over to PP Derek Baxter who explained the background to the Polio Plus Campaign and the hope that by 2018 Polio would be the second disease to be removed from mankind. PP Derek pointed out that the Club have been extremely generous in their support of the campaign over the years and that in 2015 $5,180 had been donated. He also noted that since 1985 $1 Billion has been donated by Rotary International.
Certificate of Appreciation
The John A Savage Trophy
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The Club received 2 District Awards at Conference:
The Foundation Award for continually mentoring and supervising Youth Exchanges
The Gay Berkery Award for best District Communications
At the meeting 28 September President Ronnie presented the Foundation Award Route Salver to PP Bryan Johnston who was formally mentioned in the citation. Accepting the Award PP Bryan also thanked PPs Derek Baxter, Courtenay Thompson and Brian Ferguson for their help and support. He pointed out that this would be the first time for many years that the Club had no scholar studying at Queens University and that he had been advised that no other Club mentored as well as the Belfast Club.
President Ronnie also presented the Gay Berkery shield to Hon. Member Jenny Boyd ‐ the citation particularly highlighting the Club website and Weekly Report. Accepting the shield HM Jenny pointed out that this was the Club's Award and reflected all the activities undertaken by members which gave her something to write about. She particularly thanked Club Photographers Billy McCoubrey and Brian Byers as photographs make the story, PP Courtenay Thompson for having the insight and drive to reactivate the website, David Boyd for keeping her right and Alan Boyd who created and designed the website and Weekly Report.
District Awards
25
Glebe House (Harmony Community Trust)
Harmony has been celebrating 40 years of service during this year. What it has achieved from its simple beginnings in 1975!
Why is Harmony Community Trust still going? Since the 1994 ceasefires NI has seen remarkable progress; the amount of conflict news coverage has dropped but the very scarcity of headline stories can give the impression that the Troubles have been fixed. The features in the foreground may have changed but there is still indignation, anger, distrust, fear, loss, grievance, segregation, the marking‐out of territories and ‘us and them’. We still have a deeply divided society, where politics is organised along the fault‐line, individual’s choices are limited too much by their background and where identity and cultural differences give rise to suspicion rather a society that is peaceful, fair, cohesive, at ease with itself, outward‐looking and optimistic full of respect and celebration. What for its future? There is still a role for Glebe House and work for Harmony Community Trust now and in the future. They need to change to adapt to the current needs of society and include people from a wider variety of backgrounds. Recruitment of volunteers, the reduction in funds particularly from statutory providers and the declining interest in NI from abroad pose challenges. HCT are ready to meet these new challenges, as they have done over the last 40 years, without losing the sense of purpose and the ethos on which the organisation was founded in 1975. Their optimism comes from their experience of building trust, cooperation and respect and belief that children, young people and adults don’t have to be victims of history but can be agents of change. To mark their Anniversary year Council have decided that Glebe House (HCT) would be one of the 2 main beneficiaries of a Charity Concert by Toccata to be held end May 2016. The Club continues to support HCT with 2 Past Presidents being actively involved: David Boyd as Hon. Treasurer and John Lowry serving on the Board. David Boyd www.glebehouseni.com
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The Inner Wheel Club of Belfast continues to thrive with the main emphasis on friendship and has again had a very busy, lively and enjoyable year. From April – June 2016 President Beryl Crawford concluded her year with an outing to the Londonderry Club and a successful Conference with 15 ladies travelling to Bournemouth. The new Rotary year however brought big changes for the Club as the venue for meetings changed to Malone Golf Club, there are 6 new members including Ivy McKinley, Hester O’Carroll and June Rainey bringing total membership to 49 and, for the first time, there are 2 Presidents – Judy Hinds and Rosie Clements. These have revitalized and energized the Club. As usual, they have had a varied programme of events including a highly successful 'Fun & Games Evening' in October which was well supported by our own members as was the Christmas Dinner at which the entertainment was generously provided by Beryl Crawford's husband Alan, who is an extremely talented musician playing his numerous instruments. The Inner Wheel Club are very grateful to Belfast Rotary Club for their wonderful support and also for their donation. Craig McClelland Inner Wheel Liaison Officer
The IW Joint Presidents report: “Our fundraising event was held in October for Cancer Focus N.I. and was a great and enjoyable night (judging by the noise and laughter!) of ‘Fun and Games’ which raised over £2,000. Meetings have been varied and have included an opening night of wine and chat, Kathryn Millar from The Flower Shop in Holywood who made really unusual Christmas decorations look really simple, Mavis Turner from the U.3.A. and we have even had a go at Bingo.
For Inner Wheel Day in January members were encouraged to donate previously loved items. These were displayed at a coffee morning for members to purchase which, to our surprise, raised over £800. We were delighted when District President Pam visited us in February and we were able to celebrate District 16’s 80th Anniversary with the cutting of a cake.
Inner Wheel
27
Inner Wheel cont….. Our knitters also continue to be busy producing teddies, back packs and beautiful blankets for various charities. For the rest of the year we are particularly looking forward to a lively Conference in Glasgow with 15 members travelling and our summer outing when we will enjoy afternoon tea and a tour with Lord and Lady Dunleath of their home, Ballywalter Park. The continued support of Rotary is greatly appreciated. New members are always welcome and Rotarians are reminded that membership is open to all ladies.” Rosie Clements and Judy Hinds Joint Presidents
28
We enjoyed 2 inter‐club visits during the year which cemented old friendships and forged new ones. Visit from the Rotary Club of Kingston We were delighted to host members from the Rotary Club of Kingston over the RIBI Conference weekend 09‐13 April 2015. This was a fantastic fellowship visit with 11 new and renewed friends. These, usually biennial, visits began 22 years ago when the daughter of one of our members John Boyd moved to Kingston. They are always ones to look forward to full of good times and friendship and, as ever, this one certainly was. As well as attending conference events we had group dinners in The Markets and Made in Belfast Restaurants, at which we were also delighted to welcome President of the Dublin Club Tom and Maura O'Neill, whilst hosts entertained separately at other times. The busy schedule ended for some on Sunday afternoon, 6 attended the Club meeting on Monday where they were warmly welcomed and some have even stayed on for a few days to further explore Belfast, the North coast and Dublin.
President Lynda Rowland thanked the Club at the meeting for the boundless hospitality extended to them and heartily congratulated the Club on the fantastic Conference presentation, concluding that she was looking forward to when we go back to them. We too look forward to our fraternal return visit and our thanks are particularly due to those who hosted and to organiser PP Brian Clements.
Joint event with the Rotary Club of Dublin A slightly more unusual inter‐club event was held across the Boyne with the Rotary Club of Dublin Tuesday 01 September at the Boyne Interpretative Centre an idea which had arisen in a chance conversation between the 2 Presidents at a Rotary meeting in Athlone. President Ronnie, 17 members and 6 guests travelled south by bus to Drogheda Railway
Inter‐Club Events
29
Station where participants from the two clubs joined together and, being very fortunate with the clement weather ‐ a perfect day with beautiful sunshine and a cooling, gentle breeze, 23 Rotarians and guests had a delightful walk along the Boyne Valley footway to
the Battle of the Boyne Centre (around 6 kms covered in 1 hr and 20 mins). The other 23 Rotarians and guests were given a bus tour of the Boyne Valley area, which included a visit to Navan and was also enjoyed by all present. The walkers arrived at the Oldbridge Estate first, though it was not a race in any way. When all were reunited a 2 course buffet style lunch with tea or coffee was devoured in the Tea Room ‐ empty plates telling their own story!
An excellent brief and entertaining description of the alliances and power struggle of the 9 Years War ‐ King Louis 14thversus the rest of Europe with his ambitions for increased power – and how this led, in a European History and Politics context, to the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 in the middle of that period was given by Dublin Hon. Sec. Tony Keegan. This was followed by a guided tour of the exhibition and introduction to the centre from Laura ‐ a "local" (from Williamsburg, Virginia, USA) guide ‐ who highlighted from the front lawn aspects of the battle and the ridges where the Williamites and Jacobites formed. This was followed by audio visual displays and a video re‐enactment highlighting key moments of the Battle. It was all very well laid out and appreciated. A fond farewell was given to the Dubliners and the parties returned to their respective capitals. An excellent day, well organised by the
two Presidents, with the uppermost
thought left that we should do it more
often!
Inter‐Club Events cont…..
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The year began with 22 members and partners thoroughly enjoying a 'Grub Club' evening at Graze restaurant, Ballyhackamore on 22 April. An excellent menu foretold a delicious 2 course meal savoured by all. Plenty of fellowship and chat completed this most successful evening. Our thanks to Eileen Kennedy for organising it.
President Ronnie concluded his year at his President's Day held 29 June at the Royal Belfast Golf Club. Always the highlight of the Club's year and this year's proved to continue that tradition being greatly enjoyed by all. A notable date as it was Elma Porters birthday.
72 members and guests chatted on the terrace and the newly refurbished bar areas before having a delicious meal in the, again newly refurbished, dining room.
6 members played golf during the afternoon and the Sweeney Cup was won by Chris Warnock (presented subsequently at the Club ‐ it was noted that as he was a member “local knowledge” obviously had helped! After dinner a Sapphire Paul Harris Fellowship was awarded to PP Brian Clements reflecting his exceptional service and outstanding contributions to the life and work of the Club. Paul Harris Fellowships were awarded to PP Alan Rundle and Fred Sweeney recognising their significant contribution to the work of the Club. The evening concluded with the handover from President Ronnie to President Ronnie! 2 bouquets were presented by Ivy McKinley to Doreen McLean and President Ronnie’s birthday bouquet to Elma..
Social Report
31
Several members attended an Ulster Orchestra “Seasons North & South” Lunchtime Concert in the Ulster Hall Dec 17 which featured The Four Seasons ‐ North, South Baroque and Tango ‐ as have been heard and never been heard before! This was followed by Christmas Lunch at Deane's Deli ‐ a most enjoyable event. Over 50 members and guests enjoyed another wonderful evening at the Club Christmas Dinner Meeting held in the Ulster Reform Club Monday night 14 December. President Ronnie and Elma welcomed all on arrival and before dinner, in particular, Inner Wheel Club of Belfast Joint President Rosie Clements (sadly Judy Hinds was ill and unable to be present), ADG Roland Bailie (personal guest of Janice Knowles) and Rotary Global Peace Scholar Kjelsie Hass.
Grace having been said by Eric Rainey, all enjoyed a delicious 3 course buffet dinner with an excellent hot and cold spread. President Ronnie introduced the evening's musical entertainment and the room was entranced by the beautiful singing of Megan McBride who had come through YouthAction NI having starred in their shows and was now herself teaching there and in Final Year studying Classical Music at Queens University. She sang a range of songs from
musicals new and old ranging from Fame and Wicked to West Side Story and Calamity Jane and concluded with a few Christmas songs and the whole room singing I'm dreaming of a white Christmas.... This splendid evening of fellowship concluded with President Ronnie thanking all who had been involved and the Reform Club for the use of the building and the dinner. 30 members and partners enjoyed an excellent and convivial fine dining evening at the Linen Lounge Restaurant at the Belfast Metropolitan College, Tuesday 09 February. A delicious 3 course meal perfectly cooked and beautifully presented ranged from pigeon, butternut squash risotto and soup of the day to guinea fowl, lamb and cod all finished off with a delightful selection of desserts and complimentary petits fours with tea and coffee. Organised by Manageress Sinead Scott it was prepared and served respectively by teams of 8 Level 3 VRQ Professional Cookery Chefs under Chef Lecturer Jacqui Quinn and 7 BTEC Hospitality Students. President Ronnie thanked the supervisors and the students of the cookery, bakery and hospitality courses and the manageress thanked all for coming adding that it was great experience for the students and hoped members would return at lunchtimes or on Tuesday/Thursday evenings. This excellent value evening was acclaimed by all and even decreed "International Hotel restaurant standard! Plenty of fellowship and chat completed this most successful event ‐ our thanks to Doris Houston for organising it.
Social Report cont…..
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The 90th RIBI Conference was held in Belfast over the weekend 10‐12 April 2015 and the Club was well represented by members. The Conference programme was extensive and guest speakers all had a Rotary connection.
The Conference was attended by World President Gary Huang and his wife Corrina who were met at Belfast City Airport by PP Courtenay who as DL welcomed him and passed on best wishes on behalf of the Queen.
We are particularly pleased that Conference was brilliantly addressed by our own members Dame Mary Peters and Claire Savage.
The Club's projects GET SET with Youth Action, FASA and SOS Bus were excellently showcased by President Ronnie McLean, Eric Rainey and Past Presidents Courtenay Thompson and Maurice Brooks on the Sunday morning. Though it was somewhat daunting following the World President on the podium! Many members and partners also attended the concert on Saturday night at the Waterfront Hall and members also helped man the SOS NI Bus that was parked outside the venue on Saturday morning. Feedback from any visiting delegates spoken to was that they were amazed and delighted by our city especially the friendliness and the varied restaurants and bars.
Ireland Showcased at RIBI Conference
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During the year the Club has had many visitors from across the world ‐ Australia and Capetown to the States, Europe, Scotland, England and Ireland. Our thanks to Hilary Gault who records and introduces any visitors and guests at meetings. Many exchanged banners and some of the visitors and banners are showcased below with thanks to Club photographer, Billy McCoubrey, whose excellent photographs are a wonderful record.
Some visitors came deliberately to hear a speaker such as Ellen Johnston, Burlington Washington Morning Rotary Club who, whilst here visiting their mother with her sister from Stockton, California, visited the Club Monday 1 April 2015 particularly to hear the TABU students report having seen the schedule on the website.
8 members of the Sleaford Rotary Club, Lincolnshire, flew into Belfast, Monday 13 April, for a 1 day 'breakout day' visit. They had noted on the Club website that our speaker that day was to be Rachael McGuickin of Visit Belfast so they decided to do just that!
A large contingent from Lisburn, Antrim, Belfast East, Belfast West, Belfast Fortwilliam, Donaghadee and Lagan Valley clubs attended to hear 18 August Sir Billy Hastings give plans for the new Grand Central Hotel being built in Belfast.
Some came because they happened to be in Belfast, such as Scott Elliott PP Hawick Rotary Club whose cruse ship was on a stop‐over en‐route to Orkney ending in Newcastle and Julie Noolan, Longwood Club, Pennsylvania, who chose the Europa to stay in because the Club met there.
The RIBI Conference brought 10 visitors to the Club that week from the Rotary Clubs of: Pall Mall (London); Newham (East London); Tavistock; Lutterworth; Dundee, Dungannon, and especially Kingston. Some made a deliberate choice to stop in Belfast because the Club met. These included
Visitors
34
Kay Feain, Strathmore Rotary Club, Victoria, Australia, who came to Belfast having been on the Boyne Joint visit with the Dublin Club and PP Gabrielle and Peter Robbins Los Olivos Rotary Club District 5240 California USA who arranged their visit to Belfast specifically to attend a meeting.
Some came on official and ‘make up’ visits and others because they were family or friends of members.
These included visitors from Belfast Fortwilliam (ADG Roy Bailie), Lisburn, Belfast East, Letterkenny, Londonderry and Dungannon Clubs and in January the aunt & uncle of Global Scholar Kjelsey Hass John & Paddy who were guests of PP Bryan Johnston. Susan was President of the Rotary Club of Donaghadee 2012‐13.
A particularly memorable visitor was Alexander Cellier, Lavaux Club near Lausane who was in Belfast for a concert. He enjoys transforming everyday objects into instruments and gave a rendition of "La Vie en Rose" on a red rose serenading Hilary and presenting it to her! Also, after the meeting he also gave an impromptu cabaret which was enjoyed by all.
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Ambassadorial Scholars Remembered
Many Club members who knew former Ambassadorial Scholar Vanessa signed a congratulations Wedding Card for her March 2015. Former member Brian and Barbara Burke gave it to her when they met in Chicago shortly after. She was delighted to receive it especially as she recognised most of the names! Photo shows Tim (her fiancée) and Vanessa opening the card on the 95th floor of the John Hancock building. .
At the meeting held on 19 October PP Bryan Johnston advised that the Club was meeting on the 2nd Wedding Anniversary for Club Ambassadorial Scholar 2010/11 Tom and Haley Eisenhart and that he and Helen had attended the wedding (shown left). President Elect Ivan, who was taking the meeting that day, included them in the final toast.
TABU Effect
Congratulations to Azza Cohen who, having been studying at Princeton University, has been awarded the US George J. Mitchell Scholarship. This is another success in the path she has forged since she was on the TABU Programme when she was chosen by Highland Park Club as part of the 2009 group travelling to Belfast to explore peace and reconciliation with fellow youth abroad. She is very grateful for that first chance and she'll now be spending a year at National University in Galway, Ireland to study culture and colonization and we look forward to welcoming her back on a visit. Picture shows her at her last visit to the Club in 2011. Book of Condolence Signed
Following the tragic terrorist attack in Paris in November a minute’s silence was held at the start of the meeting 16 November. President Ronnie sent the Club’s condolences to the Rotary Club of Paris and signed the Book of Condolence at the City Hall. Forging links with China
PP Courtenay reports he was fortunate to be invited to the 66th birthday of the foundation of the People's Republic of China, at the Hilton Hotel, Belfast Wednesday 23 September. This is a very auspicious year as the number 6 is a particularly lucky number in Chinese myth. China has recently opened a consulate here in Belfast, the third in the UK,
Miscellaneous
36
Miscellaneous cont...
appointing as Consul General Madam Wang Shuying who greeted all her guests very welcomingly. PP Courtenay passed on the Queen’s personal message of welcome to Madam Wang and wishing her new Consulate every success. Madam Wang’s welcoming address emphasised all the ties between our various Universities, the twinning of Belfast City with a city in China with a population in excess of 8m people and the cultural and industrial collaborations between China and Northern Ireland ‐ the Northern Ireland Office has set up an office in Peking. The Assistant First Minister, the Deputy First Minister and the Lord Mayor
were present as were the leaders of all the other parties of the Stormont Assembly. They outlined the ways in which Belfast and Northern Ireland could get advantage from increasing the ties officially, corporately and individually. An unusual Toast
At the meeting held on 14 October PP Derek Baxter reported that he, with some 2,500 travelling fans from NI, had attended a fantastic night in Helsinki last Sunday witnessing the NI Football Team winning their group, the final leg of the historic Euro 2016 qualifying campaign. It is the first time Northern Ireland has qualified for a major football tournament since the 1986 Mexico World Cup. President Ronnie in the final toast to Rotary International also included the Rugby teams of Ireland and Scotland and the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland Football teams. Airman Remembered
PP Bryan Johnston was instrumental earlier this year in the ‘finding’ and refurbishing of the grave of distinguished Australian bomber pilot Flying Officer Harold Eric Hunter, whose plane crashed on Slieve Donard, and hosting the subsequent visit of his daughter to visit the grave. Consequently, at the Eleventh Hour on the Eleventh Day of the Eleventh Month, PP Bryan and Helen stood at his graveside and, like the rest of the Nation, observed a Two Minute Silence, in Remembrance of those who fell in War. They then placed two Remembrance Crosses and flowers at the Headstone. Having advised his daughter Jill Rivers of their action she replied: “how can I express my emotion at your devoted expression of honour to my father’s memory.. all I can say is thank you to you both”.
37
Programme of Speakers 2015
April
Mon 06 No Meeting
Mon 13 Gerry Lennon, CEO Visit Belfast
Mon 20 Business Meeting
Mon 27 PP Gordon Millington Ethics in Business
May
Mon 04 No Meeting
Mon 11 Roisin Foster, CEO Ongoing developments within Cancer Focus
Mon 18 AGM
Mon 25 No Meeting
June
Mon 01 Club Assembly
Mon 08 PHF Award ‐ Maurice Kinkead East Belfast Partnership
Mon 15 PHF Award ‐ David Boyd Beat Initiative
Mon 22 Enda Young Rotary's current work in Peace and Peace Fellows Role
Mon 29 Handover Meeting
July
Mon 06 Clare Conlon GET SET for Work ‐ Youth Employability Project
Mon 13 No Meeting
Mon 20 No Meeting
Mon 27 Nicola Hyde ShelterBox
August
Mon 03 Dr Phil Donald History of Belfast's Water Supply
Mon 10 C.T.Hogg Before Dinner ‐ After Dinner
Mon 17 Sir William Hastings Grand Central Hotel
Mon 24 Phillip Ferreira My Job
Mon 31 No Meeting
September
Mon 07 Brian Ambrose, CEO Belfast City Airport
Mon 14 Declan Tyner District Governor
Mon 21 Alan Watts Halo
Mon 28 Rory Copeland Update from a Youth Leadership Alumnus
Tues 01 Joint meeting with the Rotary Club of Dublin, Boyne Interpretative Centre
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Programme of Speakers cont….
*denotes evening meeting
October
Mon 05 Ken Nixon A Legal Update Mon 12 Jonathan Porter, Project
Manager HMS Caroline ‐ A Project in Progress
Mon 19 Sir Desmond Rea Policing in NI ‐ A New Start?
Mon 26 Business Meeting November
Mon 09 Graham Thompson Belfast Waterfront Hall Development
Mon 16 Roy Adair CBE, CEO Belfast Harbour
Mon 23 Julie Andrews Linenhall Library
Mon 30 Jon Kerr, GM Mountstewart
December Mon 07 Sharon McNicholl, Strategic
Planning Manager Belfast City Council
Mon 14 Club Christmas Dinner Ulster Reform Club
Mon 21 EGM
Amy Hogg Raleigh International
Mon 28 No Meeting
2016
January
Mon 04 No Meeting Mon 11
Mon 18 Helen Harrison, Director Juno Transformation through Education
Mon 25 John McGrillen, CEO Tourism NI
February
Mon 01 Nigel Smyth, Director CBI NI Business in NI Mon 08 Ellen Hillen, Corporate
Fundraising Manager NI Hospice
Mon 15 John Savage Trophy Presentation
Mon 22 Cameron Watt, Chief Executive NI Federation of Housing Associations
Mon 29 Ivan Maginnis Tales of a Tour Guide
March
Mon 07 Mark Parsons, PSNI Human Trafficking Mon 14 Francis Hill, Bank of England
Agent, NI Bank of England's role in NI
Mon 21 Samuel Reid, Supporter Relations Officer
The Dog's Trust
Mon 28 No Meeting
Deputy Lord Mayor Alderman Guy Spence ‘s New Year's Message
39
Paul Harris Fellowships Awarded The Club have awarded 2 Paul Harris Fellowship in recognition of outstanding commitment to the community. President Ronnie McLean presented the Fellowship to Maurice Kinkead, Chief Executive East Belfast Partnership which covers the large area from Dundonald to the inner city and includes several interface areas on Monday 08 June. The citation, presented by Walter Rader who has known him for over 30 years, noted that Maurice has throughout his long career committed himself to working with people and communities, caring for people, doing everything to bring out the best in individuals and supporting others to realise their dreams. His vision and drive for the East of the City has impacted on literally thousands of people. Accepting the Fellowship, Maurice Kinkead thanked the Club for the accolade bestowed on him, stating that he was immensely privileged to have led the EBP for the past 19 years.
President Ronnie also presented a Fellowship to David Boyd Director/Founder Beat Carnival, one of Belfast's flagship arts companies on Monday 15 June The citation, again presented by Walter Rader who has known him for over 25 years, noted that David's passion has been the development of carnival arts and his vision derives from his commitment to, and understanding of, the
worldwide carnival arts movement. In 1993 he set up Belfast Carnival's forerunner ‐ The Beat Initiative ‐ to create and produce innovative, large‐scale, celebratory arts programmes, in collaboration with carnival arts companies around Britain, Ireland and in Europe; organise and direct performances; train and develop artists and encourage community participation and ambition. David has worked tirelessly to encourage communities in Belfast and beyond to find a neutral way (no orange or green!) of celebrating culture in shared public spaces. He has encouraged communities to move away from traditional parades and to embrace the Carnival culture which is prevalent in Europe and Brazil. Walter pointed out that ironically David's unique contribution to Carnival Arts is better understood and respected outside of Northern Ireland than it is at home! Accepting the Fellowship, David Boyd thanked the Club for the accolade bestowed on
him.
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3 Paul Harris Fellowships together with a Sapphire Fellowship have been awarded to Club members. At the Handover Meeting President's Day June 29, President Ronnie McLean on behalf of the Club presented a Sapphire Paul Harris Fellowship to Past President Brian Clements reflecting his exceptional service and outstanding contribution to the life and work of the Club. PP Bryan Johnston in his citation highlighted that PP Brian gave generously of his time, hospitality and allowed us to share in his exceptional skills particularly through his superb annual weekly commitment to the Boys' Camp – which would not have operated as it did without him; his active support for TABU and his enthusiasm and commitment to Mitchell House School and YouthAction programmes. He and Rosie always offer their own home to host; he organises and ensures the future of the Kingston Club visits and as a master chef he has ensured we have enjoyed ourselves at his many BBQs whilst raising funds to enhance other lives. Having been reluctant to become President he carried out his year with consummate aplomb and still remains a very active Community and Vocational Chair. Paul Harris Fellowships were also presented at the Handover Meeting to Past President Alan Rundle and Rotarian Fred Sweeney recognising their significant contribution to the work of the Club.
The citation for PP Alan Rundle was made by PP Adrian Kerr highlighting his heritage as a 3rd Generation member and the excellent support he had been to him during the Centenary year being always calm and on hand. He reflected on his support for MT4Yth, the changes he had made to the Club in particular setting up the Grub Club and Rotary Ramblers and giving of his time fundraising and especially supporting the 100,000 Vision Aid spectacles collection and going to Ghana with a Vision Aid team of optometrists to provide training to local optometry students.
Fred Sweeney's citation, made by PP Albert Baird, reflected
on his exceptional 40 years service noting that he was one
of the longest serving members and one of the most
regular attendees. He particularly pointed out that the long
serving members are the backbone of the weekly meetings
and that he was one of those who meet before the meeting
to socialise and made all visitors feel very much at home.
Paul Harris Fellowships Awarded cont…
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Paul Harris Fellowships
Date Awarded
Additional Hon.
Member Date Joined
1980 Tom McConnell 1982 1943
1990 Gordon Millington ‐ Presented by District for Polio Plus 1968
Sapphire Award presented 2011
Harry Corscadden Sapphire Award presented 2007 1998 1959
1992 Tom Crocker 1956
David Dorman 1993 1935
Willie Macnab 1959
Fred Rogan 1952
Cecil Rundle 2000 1942
1994 Brian Clements 1990
Hugh Fergusson 1989
1997 Bob Johnson 1945
Bryan Johnston Sapphire Award presented 2011 1977
Stanley Rainey 2005 1957
1998 Brian Byers Sapphire presented by Highland Park RC 2009 1979
Roy MacDougall 1974
2002 Dick Thornton 1991
Alan White 1958
2003 David Boyd Sapphire presented by Highland Park RC 2009 1981
Ruby Award presented 2012
Hilary Gault 1992
2005 Bill Donaldson 2006 1960
John McCleery 1966
2006 David Brennan 1969
Barrie Houston
Adrian Kerr 1996
2007 Marnette Lyons Sapphire Award presented 2009 1995
Ruby Award presented 2012
2008 Albert Baird 1975
Trevor Hinds 1988
2009 Brian Ferguson 1989
2010 Derek Baxter 1988
Billy McCoubrey 1993
2011 Maurice Brooks 2002
Edwin Coppel 1988
Eileen Kennedy 1997
John Williamson
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Paul Harris Fellowships cont...
Date Awarded
Additional Hon.
Member Date Joined
2012 Alistair Corscadden 1996
Trevor Dickey 1966
John Lowry 1988
Campbell Morton 1981
Craig McClelland 1974
Victor McKirgan 1983
2013 Arthur Boyd 2005
Courtenay Thompson 1977
2014 Dame Mary Peters DBE Sapphire Award 2011
Mark Davidson 1999
Eric Rainey 2000
2015 Brian Clements 1980
Alan Rundle 1984
Fred Sweeney
1975
Fellowships awarded to Non Members for service to the Club and the Community
1987 Frank Carson Polio Plus
1990 Helen Honeyman Harmony Community Trust
Pat Smyrl Boys Camp
1997 Denise O'Neill Boys Camp
2005 HRH The Princess Royal Sapphire Award (Rotary Centenary) 2014 June Trimble MBE
Councillor Mairtin O'Muilleoir
Baroness May Blood MBE
2015 Maurice Kinkead East Belfast Partnership
David Boyd Beat Carnival
} } Community of Belfast }
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Introduction
Regular attendance at the club’s weekly meetings is fundamental to membership of Rotary. Regular attendance develops into close friendships and forms the backbone to the service Rotary gives to both local and international communities.
In recent years a more flexible application of the attendance rules has been accepted by clubs taking into account the changes in society and a more demanding economic environment. There are many ways in which members can demonstrate their loyalty and develop the acquaintances needed to underpin their activities.
Rules of Attendance
Each member should attend this club’s regular meetings and engage in this club’s service projects, other events and activities.
A member shall be counted as attending a regular meeting if the member is present for at least 60% of the meeting, or is present and is called away unexpectedly and subsequently produces evidence to the satisfaction of the council that such action was reasonable, or makes up for an absence.
Members Excused
If granted Leave of Absence
Honorary members
Active members where the age of the member is 65 and above, and the aggregate of the years of age and years of membership in one or more Clubs is 85 years or more
Leave of Absence
Leave of Absence may be granted for a specified period of time – it is not recommended that it should be given for an extended period. In a written application to the club’s council, the member should give good and sufficient reasons why the leave should be granted. Other than in exceptional circumstances the member should give advance notice to the club council of an inability to meet the attendance requirements. The member will nevertheless be shown as absent in the attendance record unless a make‐up is made. Members on leave of absence should be encouraged to visit their own or other clubs whenever possible.
What is “make‐up?”
Attendance at other Rotary meetings, related organisations, committee meetings and Rotary fellowship events:
Visits to other Rotary club meetings
Rotary Formation club meetings
Interact or Rotaract meetings
Rotary fellowship meetings
Participation in club projects
District meetings
Rotary fund raising
Rotary Conferences
Engaged in Rotary business
Organised Rotary events
Attendance Information ‐ RIBI November 2015
