Sustainability & modernisation


in Centenary Year


Our year of celebrations for the Centenary of Rotary in Wales is coming to an end but what a year it has been, writes DG Maggie Hughes. As I write this article, we are still looking forward to our Centenary reception at the Senedd on May 25th


where we will


be recognising all those Rotarians and non-Rotarians who you nominated as our Champions of Change. Our very special Kids Out day plus we will be “all aboard” for the steam train event being organised by Area 1 on 30th


June.


I am so grateful to RIBI President Denis Spiller who made sure that the Centenary of Rotary in Wales was celebrated by all Rotarians across the UK & Ireland. The National Champion of Change Award ceremony is being brought to the City Hall, Cardiff on 18th


May; Phil


Bennett OBE was the main attraction during the Friday session of the RIBI conference in Torquay and he was wonderful. Plus, Bridgend Male Voice Choir made a major impact on Friday evening when they performed on stage at the Riviera Centre. RIBI President Denis has also attended the Centenary celebrations hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Cardiff and Llanelli, and yet it’s not until June that he will be making his “official” visit to our District. RIBI President Denis, together with Vice President Debbie and


Vice President Nominee Donna, have set us on the path to ensure the sustainability and modernisation of Rotary. Our challenge was to identify areas within our District where we felt we could open new Clubs and/or satellite groups of existing Clubs and with your support we have identified 14 possibilities. We have increased our membership this year and, as a result, we were awarded the trophy for the highest membership increase in the UK. However we must not become complacent and every one of us must continue to work to attract new members of all ages, but especially young business professionals, into our wonderful organisation by ensuring our Clubs show the flexibility that this younger generation require. It has been very interesting to be part of the Governing Council of RIBI to help make decisions for change and ensure we are fit for purpose for the Millennials.


The start of the process for the


modernisation of Rotary was endorsed by our membership at the ABM in Torquay when over 98% of you voted for change. The start of 2018 saw the national “People of Action” public image campaign. Nine short videos featuring new style Clubs, followed by a huge market research campaign which resulted in the RIBI “State of the Nation” report and this shows how the public would like support in their communities. Many Rotary Clubs are already supporting these initiatives, but before making your plans for the next Rotary year, take a look at the report which can be found on the homepage of the RIBI website. Could you be supporting any of these community needs?


Being your District Governor has been a wonderful opportunity


DG Maggie with the certificate for the District which had the highest percentage membership increase during the Rotary year. We were awarded jointly with DG Stewart Cursley of District 1200.


and experience and I would like to thank you all for making Bill and I so welcome. We have enjoyed every one of our “official” Club visits plus every other event and project you have also invited us to attend. Will we leave a legacy from this centenary year? Of course we will, we have planted trees; become Dementia Friends and turned iconic buildings purple to publicise our End Polio Now campaign to the general public. You are the “movers and shakers” in your communities, please continue to Make A Difference.


Thank you to my District team for all your support during the year and my wish is that DGE Clive and Gill enjoy their year of office as much as we have.


Bridgend Male Voice Choir entertaining delegates - RIBI President Denis Spiller was very keen to support the Centenary of Rotary in Wales at the national conference by including Phil Bennett and Bridgend Male Choir in the programme. Left, AG Christina Thorpe explains Brynmawr’s Lifestraw initiative to Princess Anne.


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