From the President-May, 2015
April provided its usual array of strange weather, from sunny spells to hailstones!
The Dry Regatta is progressing well – more than 30 stalls have been booked; publicity material is in process; the fair is booked; very importantly the bar is booked! All we need now is a large attendance, and good weather!
Music In The Garden sales have reached over £65,000 so far – and we all know that maximising ticket sales leads to maximising the cash available for the charities involved. This is the tenth anniversary, with really top class acts – we need to support Andy, attend on our club night and ideally another night, sell some tickets to our friends, and act as builders up/ takers down/ stewards, so the event runs smoothly; don’t forget that being a steward is a very cost effective way of attending!
Early in the month we had a beer evening at the Sheffield Tap – thanks to Andy for organising it. We had a good selection of beers, and information about them from very knowledgeable staff who looked after us. Earlier that day, John Sparrow was presented with Maundy money by Her Majesty the Queen. Rumour has it both of them stayed awake!
On 16th April, the club presented each of our Framework for Giving supported charities with a cheque – and several of the recipients were able to stay on and join us for our meeting. That evening we had Ken Dunn, speaking to us about Africa, and the excellent support provided by the charity Face Africa; we are invited to visit South Africa/ Malalea early next year, in conjunction with the Rotherham Club, and U3A.
The following week was a partner evening at the Wharncliffe Restaurant . We had good food, and we were well looked after – even Peter Keary was impressed!
On 30th April, we had our last official visit by DAG Peter Shaw, so Acting Sergeant At Arms Roger Green took the opportunity to fine him, for confusing his Dronfield with his Dinnington! On the same evening, Tom Knight was fined for an awful attempt at shaving, which had left several cuts and bruises. We hope you are soon fully recovered from being knocked off your bike Tom.
During this month, the District Council meeting had been postponed; the start of an earlier one was delayed so that an additional club could attend and produce a quorum; and the District Assembly has been cancelled. District roles are not being filled. DG Wendy Watson and DG Elect Margaret Taylor have called an information meeting on Tuesday 26th May, at the Holiday Inn Warmsworth, Doncaster, 7.00 pm, to discuss the future of the District. All members are invited to attend.
Andy Bates’ policy of not pushing membership continues to pay dividends! Robert Streets will be inducted as a new member shortly; the Information Meeting with Becky Cooper has now taken place; and hopefully we can have that meeting with John Walton soon. Andy, please note the names of the prospective new members for future reference……
I am now enjoying a very sunny Bank Holiday Monday; if we can have this weather for the Dry Regatta and Music In The Garden, excellent!