DG Blog 2nd September 2020
Facing up to things
Having just been to Turkey where people are now accustomed to wearing masks outdoors at all times (and we saw this enforced by the police), and where 80 per cent alcohol-based lemon cologne is used everywehre and anywhere (even pre-Covid-19 times), this was a reminder to me about clubs contemplating face-to-face meetings and what the requirements might be.As we’re all aware, it is important to follow government advice, which changes from time to time. As to assessing risk in the context of face-to-face Rotary meetings, I’m aware of various discussions within the district. RGBI insurers Bartletts are advising that we have a risk assessment for ‘every activity or event’. In respect of meetings in Covid-compliant locations, eg restaurants or meeting venues, they are still needed – it is not enough to rely on the risk assessment carried out by the venue. The risk assessments also need to cover travel to meetings. The requirement for risk assessments is a condition of our insurance. The policy wording says:‘It is imperative that you produce and retain all documentation from the organisation and planning of the event. Ensure that you keep a written copy of risk assessments and/or event plans which can be sent to the insurers in the event of a claim.’Some sample risk assessments will be sent out to the secretaries.
Beirut disaster
Some useful press coverage for Rotary and what we can achieve in the following article in the Somerset County Gazette:
For the slightly differently-worded online article – see the link below. Sadly though, they got it wrong and billed it as being the new president of Taunton Vale. Apologies to Tony Blackshaw – that is obviously not what I told them!
RORY O’Donnell, the new president of the Rotary Club of Taunton Vale, is going to be doing things differently. For starters, you won’t catch him wearing red trousers as he tries to demolish the…http://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk
Youth Update
There is no doubt that the future of Rotary lies in attracting younger people, and what better way and place to start than with Rotary’s specific youth initiatives? We need a new Rotary Youth Exchange coordinator – and also someone to take on the role of Young Writer coordinator. Please do consider taking on one of these roles – there is so much experience within the District which can be put to good use here. KidsOut have circulated information about a new initiative to supply toy boxes to local refuges in club areas. The KidsOut data will identify the number of children in your local refuge(s), in order to provide a Rotary Christmas Toy Box. ‘Every Refuge, Every Child’. We are asking clubs to consider sponsoring toy boxes for £25.00 each child, each refuge.For further information or if you’d like to volunteer to help in respect of any young people initiatives, please contact Martin Carter or me.Certified free!
Important announcement
On Tuesday, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Africa region, has officially been certified free from wild poliovirus [LINK], signifying a major milestone in the battle to eradicate the disease worldwide
This progress is the result of a decades-long effort across the 47 countries which make up the WHO’s African region and now means that five of the six WHO regions, which represent 90% of the world’s population, will be free of wild polio.
Rotary members have played an invaluable role in the effort to rid the African region of wild polio.
By raising funds for polio eradication, advocating with world governments and national and local leaders, and raising awareness, Rotarians have contributed nearly US $890 million to conquer polio in the region.
Opportunities to attend other meetings
RGBI, PP Gordon McInally has advised of two upcoming meetings hosted by the Kelso Club on 17th September and 5th November. On Thursday 17 September, the Rotary Club of Kelso is welcoming RI Past President John Germ who will be giving an update on Rotary’s Polio Eradication Campaign and then on Thursday 5 November the current RI President, Holger Knaack will share his hopes and aspirations for Rotary. Each meeting will commence at 6:00pm and will run for around hour. The registration links for both meetings are below:
17 September – John Germ: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwof-6grTItGtWRquBpcU7u6jiGvn5l_vWv
5 November – Holger Knaack: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0vce2vqDwiG900YPScPCXM08JVi7Qt6sMN
Best Wishes, DG Rory O’Donnell
Yeovil Hospital Breast Cancer Unit Appeal
District has supported the Yeovil Hospital Breast Cancer Unit Appeal for the last couple of years. The appeal in total is for £2 million with Rotary aiming to raise £100K.The Rotary appeal has struggled as you would imagine since March with clubs and fundraising events being adversely affected. As an example, a wing walking day has had to be postponed for at least a year, and the latest blow being the removal of some global grant benefits. This on its own will result in a £20K hit. Therefore, I would like to remind clubs of this district-supported appeal for a cause that will directly benefit members, their relatives and friends.