Crazy Horse, Dynamite & Dreams

What an explosive title to a presentation by PDG Tony Stimpson and  quite close to  November 5 too!

He told us, with the aid of a DVD Video, the first stage of the Crazy Horse Memorial, the largest mountain sculpture in the world in the Black Hills of  South Dakota USA.  Crazy Horse, an American Indian died in 1827.

The sculptor was Konczak Ziolkowski,  who promoted the project to
provide an everlasting memorial and educational unit to the American
Indian tribes of the region.

The rock blasting began in 1948 and to date the head and upper torso are completed, the rest of the sculpture is still just a rocky outcrop yet to be
shaped as a horse shoulders and head,  The sculptor has since died, but his children are determined to continue the arduous work  to completion. The work is financed by voluntary contributions and has been supported by thousands of visitors to the site.

Thank you Tony for telling us this remarkable story.
Go to crazy horse.com   for further information.

Its Childsplay talk 13th September

Childsplay 13th September 2011

It was with some trepidation that I went to the meeting to hear about Childsplay since we were away last year when the event was held, so I had little idea what it was all about and it was my turn to give the vote of thanks.

The speaker, Richard Goring, had travelled up from Taunton and the meeting was attended by partners with  visitors from Mother and Vale of Belvoir Clubs in attendance so there was a good turnout. The talk itself commanded rapt attention from all, as the speaker was one of the founders of the charity. It all started as a result of one of their members granddaughter’s illness and the help received from the local children’s hospice during the time before her ultimate demise. I know from personal experience what it is like to lose a child and to lose one at so young an age would be doubly hard. We received a lot of help and comfort from Beaumond House and although I have never visited Rainbows, I know they give great support not only for the child but the parents as well, and the work they do is worth all the support we can muster.

The message he brought was later presented at conference and it has resulted in other clubs within the District considering running the event next year and they turn to us for advice. I now look forward to taking part  and hope that we can double the amount which was raised last year  

Graham H

Timico – A Local Success Story

On Tuesday 25th October our guest speaker was Trefor Davies, the Chief Technology Officer from Timico, the communication firm based on Beacon Hill Office Park in Newark. Trefor is the co-founder of Timico, along side Tim Radford of Project Telecom fame, when the business was formed in 2004.

Timico is a mobile phone and internet service provider with around 19000 customers including Murco, Honda and BP and over the first 7 years the company has grown to a turnover of £32m and has ambitious expansion plans too. They are currently building a £7m state of the art data centre on land adjacent to their existing premises, which should be completed by the end of this year.

Trefor was clearly excited about this new venture, dubbed an Internet factory, which will be able store a vast amount of virtual data, including websites, and will be monitored around the clock. It will include a network operations centre and a backup service for business systems hit by unexpected failures. Over the next five years Trefor expects Timico to more than double to the current workforce to 350 employees.

Timico, a really big player in the Internet industry, has been named by the Sunday Times as one of the fastest growing technical companies in the UK.

Trefor, although a technology wiz, managed to assess his audience very well, and engaged us with relatively simple explanations of their business, for which most of us were extremely grateful.

It was great to hear of a real local success story and Trefor offered an invite to our club members to attend the official opening of their new facility on the 18th January 2012. -  Over to you Mr JVP!!

John Barker

It's Magic 10.01.2012

Clive & Jean Moore provided a great night of entertainment to club members, partners and guests when they performed lots of magic tricks and illusions. The audience was spell bound by Clive’s many tricks and never ending humour. Some of the tricks involved members of the audience who while hesitant enjoyed every minute of the fun.  In the second half of the act Jean took over from Clive and delighted everyone with her own tricks and illusions. You may recall Clive and Jean performed at Roger and Shena’s garden party and at Its Childsplay last year with all proceeds going to Rainbows.  Although Clive has a day job he and Jean devote much of their available time to raising funds for local Charites. To demonstrate their dedication to the cause in one three week period they performed 34 times and that’s going some. Clive and Jean would not accept any fee or expenses but did accept a cheque from the Club made payable to Rainbows.
Dave Nicholson

Its Childsplay photo's 2011

The New LEC Caravan is Decorated

A huge “Harold” was spotted painted on the wall of a building as Diane, myself and our family were on a train entering Wellington in New Zealand. This has to be LIFE education in NZ I thought, so when we were in Wellington next time, Diane and myself knocked on their door, and sure enough it was the National HQ for LE in NZ. They made us very welcome and spent nearly two hours meeting the CEO, Operations Manager, and the original founder of LE in NZ. They were keen to answer all my questions and share with us how LE operates over there, and gave us financial reports, lesson modules and other goodies to bring back to the UK. Obviously they were also keen to know about operation too.

I had not realised before that Life Education is actually operated worldwide.

They have 38 individual trusts with 44 mobile classrooms across NZ and some Rotary clubs are supporting their programmes. I did actually attend one Rotary Club whose name appears on the side of their classrooms as a sponsor. The HQ did set up an opportunity for Fiona, my daughter in law, and myself to attend one of the sessions in the classroom at a school near where the family live. Paula, the educator was brilliant, who had 23 kids, (and their teacher), all well- behaved and interacting in a fun way throughout to help understand and retain the healthy messages.

It would seem all their classrooms are well utilised through the support of long standing major sponsors, so although schools do pay a fee, the cost to the schools is much lower than we need to charge at the moment, hence the high utilisation. Interestingly they never seek any Government funding, which they say protects them from cuts, and is an approach preferred by the sponsors.

Their classrooms are a little larger than ours, with an office in the front for the educator, and therefore a little heavier, so are towed by Lorry units at no cost by some of the sponsors.

Although an unscheduled visit in our holiday itinerary, it turned out to be a real uplifting experience, to learn that LE is a worldwide movement and so well respected, and naturally I brought back a few ideas that hopefully can benefit our trust back here in Nottinghamshire.

Good old “Harold” - he is obviously a worldwide Icon

The Digital Changeover

Mother sent an accountant to talk to us about what, why and when - which was appropriate as the government is subjecting us to this annoyance so that they can sell off the vacated electromagnetic tranches to mobile phone companies.

David Pattinson did, however, gave us a really erudite and clear presentation which must have been based on a great deal of research and preparation - and you should now know the difference between

T /skA:t/ n.4 Also Scart, scart.

l20 . [Fr. acronym, f. Syndicat des Constructeurs des Appareils Radiorécepteurs et Téléviseurs, the committee which designed the connector.]

Alzheimer's Society

In the East Midlands there are over 54,000 people with dementia and it is predicted that this figure will rise to 71,000 by 2017. There are 13 branches and support groups whose services include day care and home care for people with dementia, as well as support and befriending services to help partners and families cope with the demands of caring. Services offered to our local area include:

Advocacy Service
The advocacy service is a free and independent service working with people with dementia, their families and carers troughout Nottinghamshire.

Alzheimers Cafe Newark
Information provision and advice for people with dementia and their carers in Newark and the surrounding areas.

Befriending Scheme
The Befriending scheme provides 40 person centred volunteer befrienders to clients with dementia living in their own homes.

Carer Support Service
Advice & information given for up to 130 carers per annum.

Carers Support Group
Carers support group carers only. Serves 10 carers per session.

Dementia, Advice and Support Service
Support and information for people with dementia and their families and allied professionals.

Information provision

Newark DASS
Information, advice, support and groups.

Newark Memories Social Club
Memories is a social club for people with dementia and their carers providing a range of activities and an opportunity to meet other people in similar situations.

Newsletter
Local information support and events sent out to around 800 carers and members of the public three to four times a year.

The term 'dementia' is used to describe the symptoms that occur when the brain is affected by specific diseases and conditions. Dementia is not a natural part of ageing; it is caused by diseases of the brain and gradually robs people of their lives. There are over 100 different types of dementia. Some of the more common causes are outlined below.

Alzheimer's disease  − The most common cause of dementia. During the course of the disease the chemistry and structure of the brain changes, leading to the death of brain

Vascular disease  − The brain relies on a network of vessels to bring it oxygen-bearing blood. If the oxygen supply to the brain fails, brain cells are likely to die and this can cause the symptoms of vascular dementia.

Dementia with Lewy bodies  − This form of dementia gets its name from tiny spherical structures that develop inside nerve cells. Their presence in the brain leads to the degeneration of brain tissue.      

Fronto-temporal dementia (including Pick's disease)  − In fronto-temporal dementia, damage is usually focused in the front part of the brain.

Facts & Stats

• 700,000 people have some form of dementia - enough people to fill every premiership league football stand in the UK.
• By 2018 there will be over 800,000 people living with dementia.
• 100,000 people develop dementia every year.

• Over the next ten years, 1 million people will develop dementia.
• By 2018 dementia will cost the UK £27 billion per annum.
• 86p out of every pound given to us is spent on charitable services - supporting people, research and campaigning.
• By 2025 there will be over one million people with dementia, soaring to 1.7 million people by 2050.
• Dementia is one of the main causes of disability later in life, ahead of cancer, cardiovascular disease and stroke. As a country we spend much less on dementia than on these other conditions.
• For every five years lived past 30, the chance of developing dementia doubles.
• Delaying the onset of dementia by five years would halve the number of deaths from dementia, saving 30,000 lives annually.
• Dementia is now the fourth most common cause of death among women in the UK (5.2% of deaths - ONS 2006).
• Dementia is now the ninth most common cause of death among men (2.1% of deaths - ONS 2006).
• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia.

At the end of the talk President Richard Bourne presented Liz with a cheque for £100.

Help for Heroes Duck Race 2010

Its Childsplay School team

Our charming presenters

Spanky in under garments before & after

Dan & Daisy ready for Chuter Ede School

It's About You

“It’s All About You”

Steve Watson, the Managing Director of the new glossy magazine, “It’s All About You”, came to talk to our club on 8^th June, 2010.

Prior to setting off for Rotary that evening, I said to Joan, what do you think about the magazine. She loves it, because it is informative, well presented and full of good articles all about local people with interesting stories.

At the Town Hall I once spoke to the Mayor of Sleaford. She is envious of our local magazine and wished that a similar magazine were produced in their area.

So when I was invited to be the speaker steward for the evening, I was delighted.

For a long time Steve has dreamt of publishing a local magazine. The first thing was to conduct a survey to establish if one would be successful in the Newark area. The survey suggested that a magazine would be successful and should be published quarterly, but Steve thought that this would be far too infrequent and decided to produce every two months.

Originally, it was thought that 7000 copies would be sufficient, but after 8 issues, the print is 12000 copies. They do not door drop. Instead free copies are placed in all the local supermarkets, surgeries, transport centers and other places where several people are likely to meet. Steve believes that each copy is read by an average of 4 people and this increases to 10 people in waiting rooms.

Since all the costs of printing and paying wages are covered by revenue from advertisers, it was costly to Steve to start. However, now that it is becoming well known and awaited by its readers, it is hoped that any profits will cover the initial outlay and that Steve will continue its publication. It costs £8000 to produce each issue of the magazine and a team of 4 are required produce it.

The successful format has resulted in some of his staff leaving the company to start their own magazines. Steve is now considering expanding into Sleaford, Lincoln and Grantham, but with content only local to these areas. So the wish of the Mayor of Sleaford may be granted.

The magazine thrives on local human interest stories. Steve and his team even visit pupils in local schools for stories. Since the magazine is all about promotion we were asked if we knew of any stories. Articles on Sue’s Place has resulted in them finding sponsors. Steve suggested that Rainbow’s could be offered a regular spot in the magazine.

This talk by Steve, arranged by Charmaine our Publicity Officer, has demonstrated that if we are to continue with our regular spot in the magazine, Charmaine needs our help to provide stories about the projects our club is involved with. We could not wish for better publicity for recruiting new members to Rotary.  

20.04.10 The Violin Equarian Project

When I saw that we were to receive a talk by Njaal Bendixen about violins I little realised what a treat was in store for all of us.   As you know I love music and have great respect and admiration for musicians and their talent, however I have never come across someone who shows such craftsmanship and dedication to his profession.

In July Njaal is hoping to go to Equador to teach people how to restore some of the musical instruments there that at the moment are lying unused because of their state of disrepair.

It was fascinating to see him work on an instrument that is over a hundred years old in order to return it to its former glory. This is especially important because according to Njaal most musicians enjoy playing the older instruments because as the wood seasons over time the tone of the instrument improves.

Njaal them went on to show us how he works on the different components of the violin and how such minor adjustments can change the sound the violin makes.   Such a skilled job.   I was seated next to Larry who thought his dexterity would not go amiss in an operating theatre!

By supporting such people as Njaaal, I feel as a Rotarian, how wonderful it is, even in a small way to be able to improve and enrich other peoples’ lives.   People we haven’t met and have little understanding of their how they live. But people the other side of the world will be able to learn a new skill as violin restorers; will have the chance to play otherwise unusable musical instruments and finally give pleasure to so many more people as they listen to the wonderful music as a result of Njaals’ work.

Congratulations Njaal on your skill as a craftsman and dedication in enriching the lives of others.

13.07.10 Newark Development since 1800

Tony Colton gave the club a most fascinating   presentation on how our town had changed   in the Victorian period until the twentieth   century. He illustrated his talk with old pictures and   street maps.

The early buildings were on the east side of the River Trent because the west side was marshy and often flooded: In later years to overcome this a causeway was built by a Mr Smeaton.

In this early period many hundreds of coaches a day would pass through Newark so accommodation and stabling were in demand, most of   those buildings can be seen today.

Businesses began to be sited along the eastern side of the river and as the population grew more buildings were constructed to the east and north,,later, firms started   along the Fosse and so the

town grew to the south but still along the riverside.

During this period young children were obliged to work from 6am to 8pm with a short break for lunch , any other food was eaten at the workplace.

Education was started   by the churches of C of E &,Methodist and other benefactors. There was a fee to pay and exams to pass or the student would not progress to a full five year course.The school buildings can be seen today in the town, eg Magnus.

Then the railways arrived and generated more   businesses and  a technical training   need ,which was supported by the new larger firms   .Retail services also grew to meet the need of the increased population.

Thank you Tony for such an absorbing history of our town.

Godfrey.    13/7./10

27.7.10Nottinghamshire Royal Society for the Blind

On Tuesday 27 July 2010 the Club was given a presentation by Cally Martin and Chris White from the Nottinghamshire Royal Society for the Blind.

The emotional issues faced by those experiencing sight loss can be very difficult to cope with. The Society is often the first point of call for the newly blind and is likely to be a life-line and a place of support for the rest of a blind person’s life. The Society will counsel a person who comes along for the first time, explaining in great detail the particular reasons behind the sight loss. Often that individual has a much better understanding after that first meeting than when he or she left hospital. 

From that starting point, the Society can advise on the best ways to cope with the disability and the services available to assist that person to overcome their particular problems in the best possible way.

There are many different types of sight loss and, therefore, treatment and services will vary according to the specific cause. Apart from counselling and emotional support, the Society provides sports, hobby and lifestyle services so that blind persons can still enjoy a good quality of life. Such activities include: 

• Climbing at a climbing centre
• Gym and swimming sessions 
• Rambling 
• Gardening 
• A range of sports like boccia, curling and goalball 
• Healthy living and healthy eating. 
• Blood pressure checks and advice 

• Massage 
• Manicures 
• Football audio commentaries at Nottingham Forest 
• Cricket audio commentaries at Trent Bridge 

• Gardening Basket-making 
• Drama Pottery, Collage and jewellery making. 

The Club members were very impressed by the work of the Society and went away with a far better understanding of the problems which could affect any one of us, sometimes at short notice. It was very reassuring to know that there is a superb organisation in existence, able to give a lot of help if the unthinkable were to happen. 

That organisation deserves our strong support. 

John Lewington 3 August 2010

Feed the Children (UK)

Tuesday 10th August saw Brian Main visit the Club to give a Talk on the Charity FEED THE CHILDREN (UK).Brian is a Director of both the UK and Uganda arm of Feed The Children and was at great pains to distance the Charity from the operation in Oklahoma USA.

FEED THE CHILDREN UK is a totally independent UK charity supported entirely by voluntary donations and fundraising activities in the UK.

They work worldwide to enable orphans and vulnerable children and their Communities to alleviate poverty through humanitarian relief,promoting health and education and developing sustainable solutions.

Brian was keen to point out that they only work with Trusted Partners and are not prepared just to throw monies and effort into the blackhole that is often the case particularly in African Countries.

The Charity is also working to set up Breakfast Clubs in designated Deprived areas in Birmingham and Bristol here in the UK,clearly these are targeted areas and have been specificly identified for the benefit of vulnerable children.

Examples were given of the work in SriLanka following the sunarmi and I took particular note that the Charity will target village communities after such disasters.They then continue to work until the community is back on its feet and able to sustain their own livelihood.

FTC continue to work in Parkistan and have been there since the Earthquake of 2005.

It is worthy of note that the flooding of today is going to have a long term effect before the Country is able to make any form of recovery.Rotary will need to be supporting here for a long time to come.

The programme of Bore Hole installation which provides water to many thousands of people is yet another example of  a similar approach to Rotary.Again FTC looks to establish the facility,educate the community to stand on their own and bring sustainability to the area.

SVP Ken concluded the evening by presenting a cheque to Brian and I hope that we are able to help more in the future.

Visit to Floral Media 29.06.10

On Tuesday 29th June 2010 the club and partners enjoyed a fantastic night at Floral Media, Caunton and even the non gardeners amongst us could not have been failed to be impressed by our hosts, husband and wife team, enthusiasm, passion and knowledge for the flowers and shrubs that they produce.

We had the opportunity of trolling amongst their amazing range of plants, pots and Japanese garden and some of us eyed up one or two items to purchase at the end of the night.

We enjoyed a demonstration on making hanging baskets and the ultimate 'salad bowl ' for us to grow on our patios at home.  It was made to look very simple and I hope that some of us will rise to the challenge and have a go for ourselves. !!!!  May be the Newark castle's Open gardens tour could be a new event in our calendar.

The evening concluded with a delightful light supper and included some delicious home made scones with cream which was the perfect ending for a lovely Summers evening.

A great night

Afternoon Tea with a Difference

              

 

24.08.10 Birmingham International Airport

On Tuedsay 24th August 2010 we all enjoyed an informative and intersting talk by Mr Andy Holding from Birmingham International Airport.

Andy outlined the plans for the proposed runway extension at the airport which if all goes well should be completed by 2014 .The lengthened runway would allow larger planes to operate from the airport which inturn would widen their list of availiable holiday and business destinatioins .

The airport has tried to study their catchment area and whether those living close to the airport actually use the facility and are working to increase their market share.

Working closely with those that live near to the airport they try to measure noise levels and any impact future alterations may have on their neighbours and on enviromental issues. Improving double glazing is an ongoing committment they uphold but are always prepared to listen to complaints and to try to resolve any issues.

The evening was concluded in the normal way with a 'round of applause'

Newark Patriotic Fund

Our guest speaker for the evening was Keith Girling, whom most Castler’s know.  He is a valuable member of Nottinghamshire County Council along with our own Stuart Wallace.

He proceeded to outline the work of the Newark Patriotic Fund.  This was set up by him and Patrick Mercer a few years ago.   With both being from Military backgrounds they identified a need for help to be given to injured servicemen’s families in Newark and the surrounding villages.   With wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan raging at the time, many servicemen were flown back to Selly Oak Hospital for treatment only for their nearest and dearest to find it a problem to be near them, mainly due to financial constraints.  

The team of local volunteers are able to identify people who may need help in various ways, be it travelling to Selly Oak, staying with the injured servicemen, adapting the home to accommodate wheelchairs etc.    Each person is carefully chosen as to whether they may need financial help of any kind.    The fund is not a charity so this enables money to be given immediately and not have to wait for agreement from a committee.   Being a local fund as opposed to a National Charity for service persons does cut out a lot of the red tape involved in securing funding for needy families.

They have helped 5 families to date including Ken Bellringer who is the most injured servicemen to survive from Afghanistan.

14.09.10 Pubs of Newark

Rodney Cousins came to the club and gave an illustrated talk on something of interest to many members.  

Not a lot to say – started to make notes but when he got going – gave in.

His list of dates and pubs was mind-boggling, but he had 7 years of research to impart.

Having failed to get this published in 1977 he got hold of a linotype and did it himself.

It was all Henry VIII’s fault as he removed the Monastery roofs from the itinerants who had to look elsewhere for a cheap doss.

Anyway, all is not lost.

As I said in my thanks, it’s all there in the latest edition of “Newark Inns and Public Houses” by Rodney Cousins, published by Notts Council and on sale at the library. A very worthwhile read.

Flintham Show

The Rotary Club of Bingham normally has a stand at the Flintham Ploughing Match and Show but due to a change of venue this year it was held in the Newark and Sherwood area instead of Rushcliffe and Mother Club were invited to take a stand which they asked us to share.

Mother provided a caravan (very useful for brewing tea and coffee) and 2 gazebos.    To enable us to promote Rotary we took along an aqua box and a shelter box,   Due to the weather looking none too promising we decided against erecting the tent from the shelter box, but opened it up to display the contents along with the aqua box.    This generated a fair amount of interest from the several school parties who were given an insight into the purpose of these emergency boxes.   (Rotarians of the future maybe?).

We also ran a tombola as we had been donated a prize from Laurens Patisseries which was only valid for a short while.    Thanks to the generosity of members from both clubs we had about 40 good quality prizes (including several bottles of wine).   I’m not suggesting we are a boozy lot!

Members were very busy cajoling friends and strangers who had gone for a   pleasant day out   to open their wallets and try their luck at   becoming the   recipient of one of the bottles of wine or numerous other prizes.   I believe it helps when they realise that ALL the money goes to good causes, and it also helps to get Rotary recognised.   I am pleased to say that along with the collection boxes displayed a total of £415.16 was collected which was divided equally between to 2 clubs.  

North Muskham Panto Players

12.10.10 A46 Newark to Widmerpool

A46 Newark to Widmerpool Improvement

Pam Hobson and Tim Betts of Balfour Beatty Ltd gave the Club an illustrated presentation on the civil engineering work being undertaken on 17Km of the A46 road in our county.

It all began in 2002 when a plan was devised to reduce the number of accidents and deaths occurring on this busy trunk road, so in 2003 legal and planning procedures were progressed (and shelved), until the recession caused the government to offset the slow down by resurrecting this plan of £300M in 2009 and to be completed in 3 years instead of 4.

700 people are now working on the project. 200 land owners and 40 land agents , have been involved in negotiations. 8000 design drawings have been made and a few of these were on show to us, some to take away too.

We were told that great attention has been given to the ecological environment (birds, bats, badgers, etc), environmental controls (dust,noise,etc) and archaeology (artefacts,graves, etc). Overall there would be a loss of farm land but a gain of trees, ponds,etc. and lives not lost.

In construction there are 22 bridges and many of these are assembled on the ground to

save accidents from falls and to hasten the work This part of the talk was illustrated

by aerial views showing the before and present junction sites on the route;the Highways Agency requires these every few months to monitor progress.

There was an explanation of the management of traffic required to keep the average speed at about 40 mph during the construction period. The project is on time and due to complete in April 2012.

We have been treated to an excellent presentation and are grateful to the presenters .

The Mayor' Years

Mrs Rita Crowe the mayor of Newark for 2010/11 talked to the Club about her enjoyable and successful year of office, of which she is very proud.
She began by telling the history of the Office and origins of the gold staff and chain, explaining the town crest and motto which translates to ‘Trust in God and Sally Forth’ No one has told her who Sally Forth is!
She said that she was called on to make too many speeches which was a new experience for her, however on the other side, so many doors opened and she met so many wonderful people. There were many many meetings and events. Her own charity events for Beaumond House raised £7500.
Her two most memorable events were a visit to RAF Cranwell where HM Queen was also present so she and her consort Bob were introduced.  Later they were honoured to have lunch with royalty. 
Then there was the reception of the Mercian regiment on their return from Afghanistan and taking the salute in the market square.
The mayoral robes have a magical effect on both her and those that see it—it is a bit long for her short height though!
She recommended a visit to the annual children’s service in the Parish Church prior to Remembrance Day it is very moving experience. She quoted many anecdotes of amusing and touching incidents with children.
She had made lots of new friends in the ‘chain gang’ from surrounding counties and especially enjoyed the Boston May Fair where all the dignitaries let their hair down by riding on the carousels and dodgems.
We thank you Rita for guiding us through some of your experiences of the Mayor’s year. We all enjoyed it too.

Godfrey 1.2.2011

Murder at the Showground July 2010

Newark Castle Members together with Members of Newark Club, family and friends gathered at the Cedric Ford Pavillion for an evening of mystery organized by Charmaine Fenton.

Players from the Averham Theatre Company gave us a brilliant one-act play depicting life in a village doomed by the new squire and his plans for a railway line which would decimate village life.   Into this scenario a terrible murder was committed.

Intrigue followed intrigue and we were left very puzzled as to whom the murderer could be.

After a delicious supper members of the cast moved amongst us to enable us to question them and try to ascertain whether or not they could have murdered the new squire.   Needless to say not many of us found the guilty person.  Indeed one amongst the audience, whose maiden name was Holmes, gave such a detailed reason why the Vicar was the murderer when he wasn’t so she was awarded a magnifying glass.   What she will use it for is anyone’s guess.

An evening to remember and maybe one to be repeat in years to come.

05.10.10 Bess of Hardwick

On October 5th Newark Castle Rotary Club was treated to an evening of information, laughter and the wit and expertise of a lady we will remember for a long time.
 
I wasn't sure what to expect from an evening about Bess of Hardwick.  I have vague recollections of learning about her in past history lessons that I obviously paid little attention to. I have even dragged my poor children around Hardwick Hall attempting to fill them in on the life of our dear Bess.  As it turns out,  what I told them was not only incorrect but a complete fabrication.  So I was so pleased to hear that at last I was going to hear the true story about Bess of Hardwick.
 
Margaret Harrison is a Blue Badge guide and as such I knew that she would know her onions, so to speak.  What I didn't know was that she was not only extremely knowledgeable about Bess of Hardwick but was such a comedienne as well.  Margaret went on to tell us about the great wealth that was amassed by Bess who was a business woman in the same magnitude as Simon Cowell  today.  Our Bess sought out rich husbands to earn her lots of money in the same way that Simon searches for young singers to earn his fortune for him. Bess however managed to benefit from the short lifespan of her many husbands and used the proceeds to buy land and properties in many locations.
 
There was definitly no falling asleep during this history lesson as we were kept amused for the entire time.  Perhaps if my history teacher had been Margaret Harrison then I would have remembered more historical facts

12th Charity Golf Day

 

Cheque presentation

Rotarian David Nicholson presents a cheque for £100 to the 6th Newark Sea Scouts.

Choristers Celia and Gina

Two Rotary singers joined a choir of more than 1,000 people for a concert at the Royal Albert Hall and a recording session at the Abbey Road studios in London. Celia Smallwood and Gina Cresswell both members of Newark Castle Rotary Club took part in the events through the Really Big Chorus. The chorus draws from a pool of 30,000 singers including individuals and choirs from around the country, who meet to perform concerts.

01.11.10 Southwell Care Project (Newark Pod)

Steve Shatwell, who has been their Project Manager for 3 years and their only full time employee and Trevor Gatie trustee and treasurer of the Southwell Care Project talked to us about this project on 2nd November.

Basically, the object of the project is to serve adults with learning difficulties in Nottinghamshire. Southwell Care Project has been established for 15 years and although Southwell is in its name, the charity caters for four times more people in Newark than it does in Southwell.

Less than 1 in 5 has a job and these jobs pay low wages. The adults, over 18 years old, rarely have a relationship. 1.1/2 million people in the UK have learning difficulties of which 58,000 receive day care assistance from the Government otherwise they get nothing.

Part of the role of Southwell Care is to give the adults with learning difficulties independence. Generally, parents look after their children with learning difficulties at home until they are not able to either by death of one or both of the parents or due to old age. When this happens they go into accommodation in either Ollerton or Newark. In the past they could walk to the shops with their parents and talk to shop keepers and neighbors and feel part of the community. They probably know no one in they new environment. They are completely lost.

Currently, Southwell Care rents a building in Westgate Southwell. There they run both academic and recreational courses. They run gym sessions at the local leisure centre and computer sessions at the Minster. Some of the adults will leave the comfort of their parents for the first time when they are taken on short break holidays in either June or December. They have recently been to EuroDisney.

1.1/2 year ago they took over the POD in Barnbygate. There they participate in singing, dancing, wall art and communication activities.

Nottinghamshire County Council grant them £30,000 per annum and they apply to various trusts ie Boots for funding. Steve organizes Charity bike rides for members of the public to raise sponsorship. Every pound raised goes to the charity. In the past well-wishers have run marathons to raise sponsorship money for them.

In future they hope to create an accommodation project in Newark and to start their own social enterprise scheme. It is hoped that the adults will design and make products for sale locally. These plans will necessitate the Southwell Care Project raising £120,000.

The talk on this ambitious project created a lot of discussion within the club and many members offered to help in some way or another.

MARATHON, MARATHON & MARATHON

In 2003 the first was in Morocco (Marathon des Sables) with a friend, who was unable to finish the course due to infected feet and leg. He said that a grain of sand works like sand paper raising blisters, which are then treated with iodine! The surface was sand or small rocks and hilly at times, all this at 40 C.

 

07.09.10 NEWARK PARISH CHURCH

R oger Alton visited club Tuesday September 7^th to give a presentation on the Parish Church. Roger has voluntarily taken on the task of fundraising in respect of the weathercock.

Roger had sourced intensively the history of the Church, we were recipients of many interesting factors relating to the Church which also indentified the history of Newark.

The magnificent spire of the Church is a landmark and a particularly fine perspective of the magnificent spire is offered from the London trains.

Rogers tour of the interior of the Church identified many of the features often not observed by visitors. The beautiful stained glass windows, the memorial to Hercules Clay and many other features were identified during the presentation.

We were privileged to have the opportunity of not only viewing but touching the cockerel on display for the evening. Inscriptions included details of previous Rectors and Church wardens.

Members as always took advantage of the “items on sale”.  Proceeds towards the fund.

Rogers presentation very relaxed, very informal, at the same time giving members the opportunity to enjoy more intimate details.

Our president David Carrott presented a cheque to Roger with our best wishes for the continued growth of the fund – at present £35,000. The target £90,000.

22.08.10 President David's Garden Party

Great weather, great fellowship and
thanks to David and Julie's hospitality
an excellent day was had by all.
Follow this link for more photo's.

Young Carers day out

The main objectives of providing activities for young carers are to give them time from their domestic situation and reduce their feelings of isolation. Obviously fun is the key element but fun with an objective.

Young and Team Enterprise

The North Notts Area Final of the Young & Team Enterprise Competition for 2009/2010 was held at the Clumber Park Hotel.

Newark Castle was represented by Glen Forman, Charmaine Fenton and Graham Sinclair.    6 teams entered from North Notts. but only 3 teams reached the Area final

            Chimes – Newark College

            Elite Enterprise – The Dukeries Community College

            OneOff – Worksop Post 16 Centre

Chimes comprises a group of students who in the past have underachieved and it is due to the immense imput from their Teacher, Dave Ditchfield and their Classroom Assistant, Jane Harrild that they have progressed so far.   The products they produced and sold related to bird feeders all from recycled items and these they sold at the Christmas Market in Newark and at the Trade Fair in Retford.    They had to produce a company report, indicating their strengths and weaknesses in additional to the financial status of the company.  

At the Area Final all three teams had to give a presentation as to their effectiveness and their ability to work as a team and to promote both themselves and their products.

The Dukeries Community Team were working towards a diploma in Business and proved to be very capable students producing seasonal products both for Christmas and Valentines Day.

OneOff from Worksop geared their efforts on promoting no only themselves but paper products and used resources from both local companies and from the Community.

Tegan Loveday, Managing Director, from Chimes won the award for the best overall achiever and received a shield for the college and a replica for herself.

The Best Product award was judged to be Chimes

The Best Trade Stand was again judged to be Chimes

Elite won the Best Company Report

OneOff carried off the award for Best Presentation

BUT the overall winner was Chimes who will represent North Notts at the Nottinghamshire Final at Nottingham University on the 5^th May 2010.

I was very pleased to be the Adviser to Chimes and am proud of what they have achieved.

Well done to Chimes

Santa's Copter Drop

At 12.00 midday  on Monday 30 November the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance arrived in the Main Ring in front of the Cedric Ford at The Showground.  Santa jumped out, waved to those present and then dropped his sack on a point of his own choice.  The Ring had been divided into 2600 invisible squares.  Newark Castlers had already sold a large number of these squares over a Friday and Saturday to shoppers at Newark’s Waitrose.  The shoppers were trying to guess in which square Santa would drop his sack, because the correct guess would win £250!  We raised a gross sum in excess of £2000. 

The winning square was S8.  The winner was 3 year old Lillie Abel, from Sutton-on-Trent.  Lillie chose the square whilst her mother looked on in Waitrose.  Lillie has her own bank account and these funds will be reserved for a special occasion (more news later!).  Lillie, her sister and her parents were absolutely thrilled.  Her mother said “You never ever believe that you will be the lucky winner and we had totally forgotten about it”.  A Newark Castle Rotary cheque was sent to Lillie by “Lapland Santa Post”.  The envelope contained not only the cheque, but a special Santa letter.

The Newark Advertiser covered the helicopter landing and promised some good coverage in the paper. The BBC did not have a camera crew available (unlike the earlier planned landing which was cancelled because of a technical fault with the helicopter).  Andy Foreman, accompanied by Glen, took a video and delivered it to the BBC in Nottingham, but they did not use it.

My thanks go to the organising team from Glen’s committee, to David Stocks for printing the squares, to David Strange for arranging the posters, to Spanky for arranging Waitrose, to all Club Members who attended Waitrose over 2 days, to the helicopter landing stewards who manned the perimeter of the landing area and to Graham Sinclair and Andy Foreman who took photos.  Thanks are also extended to Charmaine who kept all the local media informed and to Andy Haycox who collected publicity boards and then measured the Main Ring to determine the winner.

On behalf of Castle,  I have sent a letter to the Manager of Waitrose expressing our gratitude and stating that we would like him to attend the Club in the near future as our dinner guest.

This event was based on 2 principles in relation to the Club:

1.        To avoid most of the Club Members funding the project solely out of their own pockets.

2.        To avoid using too much Club manpower in the light of all the other projects demanding time throughout the year.

09.11.10 IM-PACT

Turnpike Roads in Nottingham

On Tuesday 23rd August the club enjoyed an informative talk from Adrian Henstock on Turnpike Roads in Nottingham.
We discovered that the turnpikes and turnpike gates were the 1st Toll system to be used and that the beneficiaries of the toll collected were then duty bound to maintain and improve their stretch of road.
Turnpikes stopped the rapid deterioration of the main roads and helped to build a network of well serviced highways allowing transport to move more efficiently and reliably.
 
The talk concluded with the 'chocolate box image ' of coaches and horses on the highways but in reality it was a dangerous and uncomfortable way to travel but helped to pave the way for life and travel as we now enjoy.
 
Caroline Rossin

In The Danger Zone

29.09.09 The Newark Advertiser's deputy head of news, Dan Churcher, spoke about his experiences with the county infantry battalion in Helman Province, South Afghanistan. Dan spent 10 days with the 2nd Battalion (Worcester & Foresters) the Mercian Regiment in June at a time when the battalion was involved in heavy and sustained ground battles with the Taliban. He spoke about a 45 minute firefight with the Taliban and the the convoy in which he was travelling narrowly avoided being blown up. He was thanked by Roger Pykett and presented with a £100 cheque for the Newark Patriotic Fund which aids the families of wounded Services personnel. 

Fun Weekend Henley in Arden

 

Kids Out 2009

Each year Newark Castle Rotary raised funds for local good causes. One of the annual events which is funded by them is to take a group of children from a local school on a fun day out.  

This year it was the turn of the children from Lovers Lane School who were treated last week to a Boat trip on the Trent aboard the MV Sonning.   80 excited children arrived at the riverbank, accompanied by 10 staff members together with members from both Newark Castle and Newark Rotary who provided additional support.   Although heavy rain had been forecast the sun shone and the children enjoyed seeing the countryside and spotting the wildlife along the riverbanks. After the two hour trip a picnic was provided in Riverside Park where the children then had time to run around and play.

Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance

Newark Castle Rotary Club is delighted to announce the presentation of a cheque for £2,500 to the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance.   This was presented to the Area Representative, Rotarian Tony Stimpson, at a recent Tuesday night Club Meeting at the Newark Showground.

The monies were raised from two established annual fundraising events.   The first is the ‘Cow Pat’ competition held at the annual Newark and Notts Show, Newark Showground.   A Cow is paraded into a paddock on the Friday evening of the show.   The paddock is notionally divided into numbered grid squares.   The squares are sold to members of the public and there is a cash prize.   The winner of the prize is where the cow ‘performs’.   Special thanks go to Focus DIY of Newark , who has kindly permitted Members to sell tickets outside their premises at weekends for a number of years now.

YOUNG ENTERPRISE

After 2 postponements due to bad weather, the Young Enterprise companies in North Nottinghamshire could compete against each other at the Area Final held on 25^th March at the Clumber Park Hotel.

Even though only 3 companies competed our club had a vested interest. Mike Hirons was the Business Advisor to Merc’d from the Grove school and I was there to judge the Best Product competition, sponsored by our club.

Best Product                             Teese of Retford Post 16 Centre

Best Trade Stand                      Worksop XIII of Worksop Post 16 Centre

Best Company Report               Teese

Best Presentation                       Worksop XIII

Best Company                           Merc’d of the Grove School

As winners of the best company in North Nottinghamshire , Merc’d will take part in the County Final at Nottingham University on 6^th May.

Well done Mike for giving Merc’d .all your Business Advice. Now Merc’d need to improve their Presentation, Company report and Trade Stand, if they are to progress further.

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Cerebral Palsy (CP) Sport - BOCCIA COMPETITION

We were divided into 6 teams, all with wonderful sounding names:   Woodies Warriors,   The Bodgers,   Presidents Marauders,   One to Four,   Remnants and Doomsday, and battle commenced.    Each team played 2 games and the 2 highest scoring teams then played each other in the grand final.    There were various levels of skill shown by the Castlers and guests including someone who obviously plays Petanque – no names mentioned but he spends a lot of time in France – and after some hard fought competition the Remnants team of Richard Bourne, Karen Marris, Barbara and David Stocks and Andy Foreman emerged victorious.    I do not think our level of play matched the people who normally participate in the sport as they succeeded in winning a gold and silver medal at the Paralympics in Beijing .

However we all had a very enjoyable evening and thanks must go to Caroline, Sue and Bob for all the good work carried out by CP Sport to help people less able than ourselves to enjoy sport.

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