‘We will lead Rotary campaign against plastic’ - DG Clive


The Inner Wheel Handover Lunch was held at the Aberavon Beach Hotel while I was District Governor-Elect. I extended our District’s warmest greetings to District Chairman 15 Cynthia Whiting from Aberystwyth and wished her and members of Inner Wheel every success for the year ahead.


By a coincidence, our Handover Lunch was held at the same venue a week later which was very well attended. Some Rotarians and partners arrived at an opportune moment and witnessed arrival of the Red Arrows who were to display their slick formations over Swansea Bay. Pre- lunch entertainment was provided by a very talented and multi-instrumentalist young man – Chris Hastings.


I and no doubt my predecessors are well advised that one of their first functions would be the District Bowls Competition at Llandrindod Wells. A splendid lunch was provided at The Metropole Hotel before heading to the lush greens of the local Bowls Club. I had never played the game before so I was a liability to the “scratch” team who performed on a scorching day. The Volvo Round the World Yacht Race this year had a stop-over in Cardiff Bay. Four of us attended a thinly advertised seminar sponsored by Sky News with the main subject revolving around the debris in the oceans the teams had so far experienced on their journey.


“bar” for the residents to sit and enjoy the surroundings with additional outdoor facilities in an adjoining court yard.


Maggie, myself and our respective partners together with other club members spent a couple of hours with residents and carers with a buffet provided.


Gil and I have attended several enjoyable club social events and in addition to one mentioned above, Bridgend held an afternoon Tea Party which will be remembered for a gusty wind that almost uprooted the gazebos. Excellent friendly company, entertainment and well-prepared food. Morriston also had an Afternoon Tea fund-raising event at the Mansion House, Swansea hosted by the Lord Mayor. From about 60 attendees almost a four-figure sum was achieved. The sandwich and cakes were delicious. This year’s National Eisteddfod in a new format, was held in Cardiff Bay and what a “buzz” was created for the whole week. Our District had possession of a cabin from which a small army of Rotarians operated a rota system to hand-out pamphlets and speak with interested persons who could be classed as potential members.


Certain clubs are preparing events in the very near future intended for the Closer to Home Appeal (Tenovus) and I am looking forward to advising you of progress in the next edition. RYLA has again been a resounding success story held over three weeks but with a slightly declining number of students. I thank those clubs who regularly support and would encourage others to consider doing so that will be so beneficial for future students. Also, my thanks to Jeff Hobden for his dedication and commitment over this and past years; Centre Leader Andy and his Team and not forgetting the in-house team for catering and other duties.


DGE Peter Hamilton paying close attention


The main culprit was plastic – and those of you who watched Sir David Attenborough’s Blue Planet 2 series will understand the situ- ation. The amount of damage to the marine population and potentially for humans is bewildering and remedies need to be actioned sooner than later. With such inspiring speakers discussing and presenting filmed documentation left the four of us determined to undertake an objective. A discussion has been held with Keep Wales Tidy and a number of Zoom meetings will have been held with Rotarians in north Wales. RIBI President Debbie is wholly supportive and will promote the cause across other Districts during the next nine months.


The Dementia Programme initiated by IPDG Maggie is certainly making an impact with certain clubs in our District. Morriston is to be congratulated for a fine project at a local centre whereby Rotarians - mainly Rtn Russell Thomas - and his neighbour built a


Forthcoming events – when you receive this magazine we will have been to our Annual District Conference in Plymouth. And in June next year, RI’s Convention will be in Hamburg. Several reservations have already been made by Rotarians from our District. Hospitality has been excellent with good information on what individual clubs are doing or planning.


Thank you, Rotarians,


for what you have done in the past and in advance, every success for future endeavours so, Be the Inspiration.


Clive and Gil at the Eisteddfod


Taylor Richardson from Porthcawl who was 10 in September received a special award for collecting more bottle tops than anyone else at his school. “I just wanted to help Rotary,” he said. Taylor’s grampy, John has been a member of Porthcawl Rotary for 40 years.


Meet the Assistant Governors 3


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