100th Convention Takes Rotary World by Storm
The Editor reports from the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.
Left:
A floral welcome
at the House of
Friendship
Below:
A vintage fire
engine forms part
of the opening
procession
outside the NEC
W
OW. What a Convention. Yes, the 100th parade outside that, thankfully, took place in glorious
Rotary International Convention has sunshine. The ‘House’ itself was surely one of the best
come and gone but, because of the high seen in any of the previous Conventions. The layout,
acclaim it received, this superb event with plenty of seating areas, wonderful entertainment
will last long in the memory of all those Rotarians and a great display of stands, made this the perfect
who went to the NEC in Birmingham. With a number setting for this outstanding Convention.
of world–class speakers in the programme, it meant If the day had gone well, then the best was yet
the media coverage was extremely good and, for to come. In the evening, thousands made their way
this, we must thank the small band of reporters who to the National Indoor Arena for the ‘Concert of
worked tirelessly in the Press Office. Rotary also wish Concerts’ – and it was just that. Katherine Jenkins and
to put on record their thanks to the local press, radio
and TV. This really was public relations par excellence.
The scene for this year’s Convention was set even
before it started. This came in the form of a two day
event, namely, The Rotary World Peace Symposium,
which attracted many of the media because of the
appearance of Bishop Desmond Tutu. What a man.
Sitting at his Press Conference, one could only marvel
at his qualities of life and his outstanding thinking for
the future.
The International Institute, RYLA and Youth
Exchange also held meetings before the Convention
got under way properly.
The opening of the House of Friendship on the
Saturday morning was a splendid occasion with a
ROTARY TODAY AUGUST 2009 ROTARY TODAY AUGUST 2009 19
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