Rotary Club of Gloucester

ST Jude is the patron saint of lost causes......an appropriate name for a school started in the Tanzanian bush by a feisty Australian teacher whose only assets were an unquenchable faith and bloody minded determination.

The story of how Gemma Sisia's dream became reality in one of the poorest countries in the world, was explained during two lunchtime meetings by Colin and Linda Waterman who recently visited the school and now hope to raise much needed cash for its future plans.
Interwoven with Gemma's story of founding and funding the school is also a story of how Gemma fell in love and married a Tanzanian safari guide in spite of her parents' wishes.
Gemma's initial career aspiration was to become a nun but later abandoned this to train as a teacher after which she went to work with nuns in a school in Uganda. It was a Serangeti safari thay changed her life. Having met and fallen in love with tour guide Richard she moved to Tanzania where her father-in-law offered her land for a school on an old banana plantation.
Thereafter she returned to Australia and with the practical and financial support of Rotary clubs there, the school opened just five years ago with a handful of pupils. She now has 700 with plans to expand to 2,000. To date much of her financial backing has come from Australian and American Rotary clubs - which is where Colin and Linda come in.

In an excellent presentation accompanying a DVD, Linda explained that the school's guiding principle was 'Fighting Poverty Through Education.' She said that Gemma had concentrated on offering school places only to the poorest of the poor - and that applicants underwent a rigorous assessment to determine whether they had the determination and aptitude to benefit from the school's education which is delivered entirely in English.

The sincerity of Colin and Linda's presentation made a considerable impression - a fact amply expressed by President Tony at the end of their second visit. It also unlocked the club's coffers and Tony was able to tell them that club council had decided to make a donation of £1,200 to the project - the equivalent of sponsoring a pupil for three years. Other Rotarians, similarly moved, have added their own sponsorship.

St JUDE'S FACTFILE

Opened in 2002 with just three students. By 2006 this had increased to 700. This year a boarding school and second campus will open and 850 pupils admitted. There are now plans to expand the school to 2,000 by 2012.

In 2005 the school came third out of 204 in government examinations and it had five pupils out of the top 10 in Tanzania in a test involving 17,000 pupils
Experienced local and western teachers are employed to ensure the comprehensive curriculum is taught using the latest teaching methods. In all there are 150 staff including teachers, cooks and cleaners, bus drivers and no fewer than 50 builders.

The school is funded by donations from around the world. There is also a very successful sponsorship programme which allows individuals or groups to sponsor a student, teacher, bus or classroom.

Only the brightest of the very poor children are chosen after passing tests and a probationary period. The school then finds them a sponsor.

Monthly e-mailed newsletters filled with photos keep everyone informed of what is happening at the school.

SINCE the last edition of In Gear the club has sadly lost two well loved and valued members, who wholeheartedly embraced the precepts of the Rotary ideal, and who will be greatly missed. Jack Limbird has been a stalwart of the club since the 1980s while Mike Cass, has recently rejoined us having been a member for years in the 80s and 90s. We are grateful to President Tony for the following tributes to two smashing members.

"Jack Limbird, was a 'doer' - not too interested with committees and meetings but if anything needed doing he was your man.

For a number of years Jack was responsible for our "Holidays for Children" scheme and there will be many families in Gloucester who will remember with affection those weeks which only came about as a result of Jack's dedicated work. He frequently followed up this work at Christmas when he would deliver goodies to the families after last minute raids on supermarkets

Our Christmas collections were also a must for Jack. He initially helped set up the floats and then was often available to drive Father Christmas around the streets - although there are still a number of gardens which bear witness to Jack's somewhat erratic driving!

The Primary School balloon races to raise money for Cancer Research were keenly supported by Jack and his wife Di and I remember him being so chuffed with the enthusiasm of the children as they released their balloons at the mass launches.

We also remember the moment when Jack's enterprise got out of hand and his attempt to drive a horsebox full of inflated balloons from one school to another led to the balloons escaping as he drove leaving a trail of balloons behind him - a Pied Piper in reverse.

It was also indicative of the man that Jack played a major role in planning, and then gave hours of his time in building, the Old Centralians Social Club at Saintbridge. That too will be a lasting memorial to his selfless determination to 'make a difference.'

Skittles was a great favourite of Jack's and he was the prime organiser behind our skittles teams and right up to the time he died was always keen to hear about the performance of the Club's teams. He was a fine skittler himself and, though he always said we played for fun, he hated losing!!

He was a fine Rotarian and a lovely man who will be remembered with affection and sorely missed by us all. We extend our deepest sympathies to Di and her family

At its April meeting, club council decided to nominate Jack as this year's winner of the Bill Murray trophy for outstanding contributions to the club. It was a popular award and heartily endorsed by all those all at the following day's lunch meeting.

It was typical of both Jack and Di that the collection at his funeral service was donated to Rotary's Aquabox scheme. The very generous amount collected will make a huge difference to those in need - an outcome of which I know Jack would have been delighted.

IT was a shock for all of us to hear of Mike's death on Sunday April 22nd. He had seemed to be well on the road to recovery after his serious illness last year but his resistance to infection was low and it was just such an infection that caused his death.

Although his family were originally from Cumbria, Mike was a Gloucester man through and through. Jo and I never ceased to be amazed at the number of people he and Hilary knew wherever we went - Mike called Gloucester "a big village". He was also an enthusiastic Old Crytian and was a former president of the Old Cryptians Association.

This great knowledge of the City and its people enabled Mike to set up the successful business now carried forward by his two sons, James and Matthew.

Mike and Hilary loved being with people as their wide circle of friends bears witness but the family always came first and Mike enjoyed nothing more than spending time with close friends and family just being together and having the sort of fun that only these relationships make possible.

Mike was on his second term as a Rotarian after resigning some years ago because of the pressure of work. During his first term he and Hilary enthusiastically supported all our events and activities and their house was often used as a venue for social events during this time.

They were also generous in making their apartment in Majorca available in two "Auction of Promises" events. Mike liked nothing better than the Rotary fellowship and was always there with a quip or comment, which added to the fun of the occasion.

After his resignation Mike and Hilary continued to keep in touch with Rotary and often supported various social functions so it was quite natural for Mike to come back into Rotary when he was able to give more commitment and so it was that he rejoined the Club at the end of last year. Sadly he was just re-establishing himself when he died. We shall miss him.

Our thoughts will be with Hilary and the boys.

We apologize for not recording the death of former club stalwart and ex-Rotarian Mike Bartlett. He was an active member for many years before declining health forced him to step down. We are grateful for his service and example and pass on our condolences to his family.

FEW people in the UK are the equal of club member Colin Eynon when it comes to Rotary International matching grants - and it's only when you add up the total amount he has netted for world-wide projects over the past dozen years that you realise the enormity of Colin's contribution.

Since 1994/5, thanks to his efforts, vital projects in Third World countries have had their value enhanced by a total of $277,138 - a significant achievement which has, undoubtedly, made a remarkable difference where it's most needed. This remarkable sum reflects Colin's commitment to projects at club, district and international level.

In a memorandum to members Colin notes that his first matching grant for 10,000 dollars was for equipment for the Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia - a joint project with our friends from Rodez.
Since then Colin has arranged matching grants for projects in Fiji (four grants), Uganda (two grants), Lithuania (two grants), Zambia, South Africa (five grants), Sousse, Ecuador (four grants) and the amounts have varied from 6,580 to 50,000 dollars.

The vast array of projects also make for interesting and rewarding reading.
These range from teacher accommodation and school equipment, Rotahomes, specialist child buggies, water sanitation for schools, encogology equipment, provision of wheelchairs, a sugical microscope, workshop equipment, provision of equipment to a centre for terminally ill children and a lifeboat for South Africa.

In a brief comment at a lunchtime meeting Colin added that confirmation of a further grant had just come to hand in relation to a project in Ecuador being undertaken by Gloucester teenagers visiting Ecuador later this year.

Newent Rotarians held a very successful Indian evening to raise money for several projects in India, Mrs Madhu Gohil from Stroud along with her husband and friends cooked and served the food and arranged the entertainment. On the left we see Madhu and her helpers while on the right are Past President Barry Freeman and his wife Mary who entered into the spirit of the evening. Last September Madhu organised a similar evening for our club which raised money for the Jaipur Limb Project

FOR prospective new member Pat Collins his New Year challenge was that of running his first marathon - the Marathon de Paris on April 15. For most this would have been a considerable feat ......in Pat's case it was even more so since he is now in his seventieth year!
Cometh the day cometh the man - but Pat was doomed to disappointment. At the 15 mile marker he was running comfortably, had a respectable time of 4 hours 15 minutes and was set to finish in under six hours.....a considerable personal achievement. But then in an unfortunate accident he twisted his knee. He had emergency roadside treatment and continued to run but was forced to pull up in immense pain after 19.5 miles.

He ended his day in a French hospital where he was fitted with a full leg splint to get him home. Here Gloucestershire Royal Hospital diagnosed a damaged ligament. Fortunately he is now well on the way to recovery and is aiming to do another marathon as soon as wisdom allows.

A highlight of his run was a live interview (en Francaise) with a mobile French TV team in the first five miles when he was going well and feeling confident. It had an interesting sequel later after Pat had been fitted with a splint and was being driven back to his hotel by a hospital attendant who had seen the interview and was delighted to be transporting a marathon hero!
Incidentally Pat ran for Get Kids Going - a charity for disabled children which aims to turn dreams into reality.....let's hope Pat achieves his personal dream of beginning and ending a marathon as well.

AS usual a great time was had by all at the annual old folks party at King's School which, this year, was attended by 80 guests from all over the city.

Once again the event was co-ordinated by incoming junior vice president Jeremy Keck who also took on the role of an extremely debonair bingo caller to provide one of the highlights of the afternoon.

This year excellent refreshments were supplied by Rotarians and their wives who were helped in serving their guests by a strong and willing contingent from Inner Wheel.
At the end of the afternoon many guests said how much they had enjoyed themselves and how much they were already looking forward to next year's party.

One familiar face was that of centenarian Olive Bailey who will clock up 102 in September.
She is now resident in Horton Road Nursing Home but she told Colin Rogers that she determined to attend the event despite her legs 'giving out.'
She added: "The party is a special occasion in the year and I know how hard you all work to make it a success for all of us."

THE Rodez visit at the end of April started on Friday evening with a reception at the Parliament Rooms where our French guests were welcomed by their English friends and hosts, as well as by Rotarian Nick Bury, the Dean of Gloucester.

Nick explained that it had been a French invasion led by William the Conqueror in 1066 which had indirectly resulted in the building of a new Abbey Church which is now Gloucester Cathedral.

The reception was a time of reunions for many and forming new friendships for a few and for French president Olivier Fleurquin it was an opportunity to try out Gloucester Rotary's President chair for size

At present the 'throne' is being stored at the Parliament Rooms but there are hopes that it might shortly be brought to our new venue at the New Inn where, once again, it will be put to good use.

The weekend was blessed with smashing weather and Saturday brought a visit to SS Great Britain at Bristol where Rotarians and their guests stepped back in time on Brunel's masterpiece and the world's first great ocean liner.

Here they explored the beautifully recreated First Class Dining Saloon, steerage quarters and new Engine Room. Authentic sights and smells from the 19th century helped to bring the experience alive.

The ship appears to be afloat but as our group descended beneath the glass 'sea' they were able to appreciate how innovative technology is conserving Brunel's engineering masterpiece.
Hardly any wonder then that the ship has been the winner of 10 major awards including Enjoy England 'Large Visitor Attraction of the Year 2007', and the Gulbenkian Prize for UK Museum of the Year.

Appropriately - and diplomatically - lunch comprised English Fish and Chips washed down by French wine

This was followed by a return trip to Gloucester via Tintern and the Forest of Dean where the bluebells provided a blue carpet for our distinguished guests from France as well as the ideal backdrop for a portrait of Rotarian Jeremy Keck ,.....never one to miss a photo shoot

AS the saying goes - the best-laid plans... It seemed only fitting that an evening of glorious music in the Cathedral's magnificent Chapter House should include a Champagne reception on the Cloisters Lawn in the balmy May sunshine... but chance would have been a fine thing (writes Howard Johnson).

In the event, Friday 11th May dawned grey and miserable, and the Lawn, already too wet got wetter as the day wore on. However, this detracted not one jot from a wonderful night of fellowship, champagne, and vocal and orchestral music of the highest order.

The reception took place in the Cloisters themselves, with champagne and juice lubricating the chatter of guests to the background accompaniment of a talented young Chamber Quartet from Gloucester Academy of Music. Under the watchful eye of the Academy's Director of Music Glyn Oxley, the quartet played an appropriate selection of classical and show pieces with impressive expertise.

The first part of the concert was performed by another group of young talent, Pitch Perfect, eight singers from The King's School, all teenage young ladies, who entertained an audience of around 100 with a charming selection of melodies.

The remainder of the first half was an enthralling mix of solos, duets and trios from opera by three stars from Bel Canto Opera, entertainingly introduced by baritone Robert Bateman and magnificently sung by himself and sopranos Sue Black and Kate Bennett. Sue and Kate are well known to our Club, having each been guest singers at the Salvation Army's Rotary Christmas Concert in recent years.

After an interval glass of wine, the audience heard a stunning performance from a young violinist, Alice Earll who had been one of the GAM quartet earlier. The concert concluded with the best part of an hour of delightful songs from operetta by Robert, Sue and Kate, wonderfully performed by three accomplished singers and actors.

The event raised substantial funds for Women's Refuge and the Gloucester Samaritans. Club members Ian Stuart and Howard Johnson organised the evening, Ian being responsible for the practical arrangements and as MC, while Howard arranged the musical content and ran the bar, with Ian's wife Wendy providing the canapes.

Earlier this year our club agreed to host an Argentinian Group Study Exchange team and were allocated Friday April 6 - Good Friday.

Since there was no club meeting that day President Tony, John Sargent and his daughter Claire met up with our visitors at 9.30am and proceeded to the Gloucester Tourist Information office to meet Ian, a Civic Trust City guide.

The Argentinian team consisted of Hugo (its leader and a former diplomat), Gustavo (a teacher), Andres (a psychologist), Mauro (a university student) and Ignacio (a supermarket supply chain manager).

Fortunately all five spoke quite good English and with a little help from Claire's Spanish, Ian was able to give a good commentary on the city and the docks.

Despite all the Good Friday services the group then visited the Cathedral cloisters before adjourning to the Fountain Inn for lunch during which the discussion included insights on both Argentina and Great Brtain - and also the Falkland islands.

At the end of the meal President Tony presented each visiting team member with a tea towel printed with pictures of Gloucester and to team leader Hugo he presented a club pennant.
In return Hugo thanked Tony and John for a very interesting morning and presented Tony with a club pennant as well as a lapel badge.

The team was then driven to Thornbury to meet their hosts for the weekend.

IT was in 1982 when the Rotary clubs of Rodez and Gloucester met for the first time and it's a tribute to the friendships formed since then that the link is still thriving.

In fact it was particularly appropriate that four of the six Gloucester pioneers who went to Rodez in May of that year were also present at the highlight of this year's visit - a Soiree Musicale at St Andrew's Church Hall, Churchdown.

Two of the six were Roy and Fran Porter who weren't at the event and two of the others were former Rotarian Leo Soble and his wife Dorothy who were warmly welcomed by old and new friends alike.

The final duo were Trevor and Joy Picken who organised this year's Silver Anniversary bash since Joy is the current Inner Wheel president and the event was part of her campaign to raise £4,000 for a new plasma screen for Milestone School here in Gloucester.

The evening was particularly memorable for the Picken family since their daughter Gail had come from Nottingham with her husband while their son Mark is musical director of Watership Brass which led the evening's entertainment.

Inevitably it was Trevor, now supremo of the Nailsworth Silver Band, who first introduced Mark to brass banding as an eight year-old cornet player. At university and subsequently Mark continued his interest and he has been directing Watership Brass since October 2002, having previously been a member of the 'back row' Bass section.

Watership Brass is now the official Newbury Town Band although Mark lives at Reading where he works in the brewing industry and is married with a young son.

It was a great evening of music, which was interspersed with a smashing meal of cold meats and salads followed by delicious apple pie and cream dessert.

There was a distinctively Gallic flavour particularly in the second half which included several French melodies familiar to an English audience as well as items from Les Miserables, a musical set in 19th Century France. There was also an excursion into communal singing with C'est Si Bon.

It was during the second half too that the Rodez choir made its debut under the leadership of the irrepressible Vladimir Boutrine, a fluent English speaker, who experienced more trouble in controlling the choir behind him than the audience in front.

We were also grateful once again for the singing talents Howard Johnson whose short programme included a song from Les Miserables as well as another from Orpheus and The Underworld.

All in all it was a memorable evening to mark a memorable landmark in cross Channel friendship, a fact echoed by Rodez president Olivier Fleurquin who voiced his club's thanks for our hospitality and then made an unexpected but generous donation to Joy's 'campaign funds.'

Full marks to all who organised the event - particularly Joy, Trevor and family, all the Inner Wheelers and to John Sargent who also played a significant role in ensuring the event's success.

NOW and THEN: Striking the right note.....At the invitation of Trevor Piken, popular Rodez Rotarian Vladimir Boutrine conducts Watership Brass while other members of his club's contingent look on at the Soiree Musicale - the highlight of this year's Silver Anniversary visit. On the right is a photo from the Picken family archives. This was taken in May 1982 when Trevor, then Senior Vice President, visited Rodez and set up the linkl which is still thriving today. Here he is seen being welcomed by Gilbert Beucher, then the Rodez president.

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The annual contest for the Ivan Houston Plate was again keenly contested between 20 Newent and 12 Gloucester Rotarians - the latter enjoying the additional support of Heather Hall, Cheltenham Sunrise member and wife of Gloucester's Senior Vice President Robert.
The competition was held at the Royal Oak at Much Marcle and it was evident the big guns from Newent who skittled first thought they would power their way to another win this year. Defending champion Barry Freeman started slowly but got stronger, however, Gloucester's skittlers soon replied with some excellent scores. In fact it was senior vice Robert who played an excellent spare to start and never looked back who ended up with 38 pins and was the run away winner.

A day earlier on May Day Bank Holiday Newent had arranged their annual golf tournament which proved another successful day for Gloucester members as well as raising valuable money for children's charities including the NSPCC.

Despite early morning rain the skies cleared and the South Herefordshire course was in great condition. This was reflected in the standard of scores which were excellent. The outfit that stood out and eventually proved too strong for the other 23 teams was entered by D.I.S. (Ray Bell).

The competition was the best of three of four Stableford points. The winning team's card read:- Colin Rogers (11 handicap) 38 points; Clive Kingscote (21 handicap) 36 points, David Seed (16 handicap) 35 points and Ray Bell (24 handicap) 32 points - a total of 141 with a nett winning score of 122.

David Seed on behalf of all the teams and contestants thanked Newent Rotary Club for a day well organised and a successful fund raising event.