On Sunday 18 July Les and I had the pleasure of attending Rotoproj, the fantastic District Project run by the two Rotary Clubs in Kingsbridge. In the morning at about 10.30, the coaches arrived carrying the five hundred plus disadvantaged young people and adults who had been invited for a day out. Many of them had been looking forward to it for months, having attended the event for several years. They spent the morning enjoying the thrills of the fun fair rides, generously donated for the occasion by David Rowlands and his family. In the background a jazz group was playing, and clowns on stilts were walking about.

Soon it was lunch time and everyone made their way to the sports hall were they feasted on Cornish pasties, crisps, chocolate bars and fruit, all washed down with a fizzy drink. After lunch it was time to rearrange the hall for the entertainment and disco. I think it’s safe to say, judging by the smiles and laughter, that a great day was had by all, including the Rotarians who turned out in force from several local and not so local clubs to help and give their support.

Monday 18 July saw us back on the road with a lovely picturesque journey up to lunch with RC Holsworthy. President, Pam was a great host and we much enjoyed our visit. We were very graciously hosted to tea and biscuits in the afternoon by Governor Nominee Graham Smith and his wife Pauline, and it gave Graham and me a great opportunity to discuss topics of interest to Governors and Governor Nominees before making our way to Hatherleigh for their evening meeting. They were most welcoming and I was very impressed by the amount of money that they manage to raise for good causes working together with Crediton Boniface to run a two day Beer Festival.

As we left Hatherleigh, just as it was getting dark, the heavens opened and we experienced a dark and very wet drive in torrential rain up to Ilfracombe, where their club President Ian had kindly offered a night’s B&B before our visit to his club
The following morning there was little improvement in the weather but we braved the elements to make our way down into the town to visit St Nicholas Chapel and lighthouse on Lantern Hill, renovated and looked after by the Rotary Club of Ilfracombe and open to visitors. It is a tiny Chapel dating from 1321 and is a great project giving the club a very high profile in the community.

At lunchtime we attended a meeting of the club, who were very welcoming and gave us an insight into some of the things that they do, following which, after tea and biscuits with Ian and Cynthia, we made our way in pouring rain back southward, to visit RC Crediton Boniface for supper.

Boniface is a small club in numbers but certainly punches above its weight in terms of many of its efforts. One of their community projects is to plant and maintain planters at the entrance to the town. What a great PR exercise! I was very flattered that I was even treated to a special Grace written for the occasion! Thank you Slim.

'When I was young, of tender years with spots upon my face
I'd take a tranny into bed for Journey into Space.
Then TV came and sci-fi grew, our heads still turned to Heaven,
And on our screens came into view that awful show Blake's Seven.
But colour sets and new effects and techniques of the highest tech
Gave rise to Scotty, Kirk and Spock and all that makes that great Star Trek.
And now our new DG will go where others fear to go,
Where Klingons wait to ambush her, that's right it's on the road to Bow.
But Carole fear not you're safe with us, please dine and have some fun,
And when you've drunk the final toast it's Totnes Warp Factor 1.'

Rtn Slim Savage 10 July 2010

Tuesday evening saw me attending a meeting of the District Training Committee. We are so lucky to have such a strong and talented committee carrying out this essential job under the very able leadership of PDG George Kempton. Last year the whole of the District training and development programme was revised and modernised, and the committee are now consolidating their approach for this year, and incorporating the lessons that have been learned from last year's programme.

On Thursday it was back again to North Devon for lunch with Rotary Club of Bideford. Another happy occasion where I was delighted to receive greeting from the ladies of Inner Wheel. Bideford were busy finalising their arrangements for their Water Festival, and I am sure it will make a large splash and be a wonderful success.

On Friday I hosted a meeting of the District Continuity Committee in my home (we take it in turns). This is the committee where past governors and those in the succession chain, discuss items that will ensure the smooth running of this District from year to year, so that we can avoid the dreaded 'stop/start Rotary'.

Sunday saw Totnes Rotarians out in force to man the car parking for the Totnes Show. This was the first time that it hadn't been held on a weekday, and it was a real success with the weather being kind and the sun shining.

After attending my own club meeting on Monday 26 August, I headed up to South Molton for lunch on Tuesday. I arrived a little early so that President, Kathy could take me along to see their Charity shop and meet some of its staff. It is an amazing effort as it runs the whole year round, under the leadership and guidance of club member Helen Macintosh. It has also gained a reputation for its sale of school uniforms which has raised its profile in the town.

On Wednesday we were back up to North Devon again. This is now a well worn track, and I am getting more familiar with the journey. It's amazing how you spot something different every time you go. Bideford Bridge meet at the oldest Golf Links in England where they are very spoiled by the culinary expertise. It was a lively meeting where we were made very welcome by President, Steven and all the members. Bideford Bridge run the very impressive 'Breath of Life' project supplying simple anesthetic machines to third world countries where they save the lives of many young babies and their mothers.

Following another night of B&B with George and Margaret Kempton we left for lunch at Okehampton. We had managed to choose a time when most of the roads in Okehampton seem to be closed, but with fantastic instructions from President Andy, we found our way to their temporary home at Okehampton Golf Club with ease. This is another lively club, and I have to say, that it is a real joy to sit back and listen to the buzz of conversation and friendly banter as I make my visits.

Friday morning saw me back in Okehampton for the RYLA awards. This is such a terrific programme for our young people, and I would urge all our clubs to seriously consider sponsoring at least one candidate. They learn so much from it.

Wow! A weekend off! Just some preparation for next week.