News

Presidents Evening - The President welcomed distinguished guests and members to the Dante Suite at the race course on 5th March. The opportunity was taken to present Rotarian Bobby Hughes and his wife Catherine with a token of the club's appreciation for providing the accommodation used by the Club Council for their monthly meetings for over twenty five years. The after dinner entertainment was provided by Graham Kay and John Warburton.

Pictured on the right are the Presidents guests, Trevor Woodward, President of York Ainsty Rotary Club, President Ian, Councillor John Galvin, the Lord Mayor, Mrs Jill Burnett, the Sheriff, Helen Porter, President of the Inner Wheel Club of York and their partners.

York Coronary Support Group - The club presented a cheque for £500 to the York Coronary Support Group on 1st March 2010 to assist with their work.

Valentines Day - Seven chefs from the club cooked lunch for nearly 70 appreciative diners on Valentines Day. This was both a culinary and a financial success. The event raised over £900 for club charities.

International - On Friday 13th February, one of our own, Bobby Hughes spoke of the pleasure and fellowship to be gained from visits to and from our partner clubs, Aubusson, Erlangen, and Gorinchem. He also mentioned the forthcoming meeting of the clubs in Sarlat in France over the weekend of May 13-16th, to which a party of 17 Rotarians and their wives from York have already signed up.

President Ian and speakers host Dennis Adamson are pictured above with Bobby Hughes.

Teams4U - On Friday 5th February Dave Cooke, the Director of Teams4U enthralled the club with an account of the work being undertaken in Europe and Africa and his life experiences.

President Ian and speakers host, Michael Wilson, are pictured with Dave Cooke above.

Rotaract - The three Rotary Clubs in York, York, York Ainsty, and York Vikings, have been working together to re-launch the York Rotaract Club. A welcome evening was held at the University on Wednesday 3rd February, followed by a social evening on the 16th February. Their Inaugural Club Meeting is being held on Tuesday 23rd February at the Kings Manor at 19.30. For further information about Rotaract and their activities, go to their web site at www.yorkrotaract.org.uk

Community Service - The club is delighted to provide support to students from York University with their community projects. In the first project a group of students are involved in "Kids Out" and are here helping at their Xmas party in the Bell Farm Community Centre. President Ian is presenting a cheque for £150 to students, Nick Scarlett and Charlie Ward. In the second project, "Minds in Motion", medical students from the York & Hull medical school provide a monthly event for patients with dementia and their carers at their Harmony Cafe. President Ian is presenting a cheque for £300 to students Elizabeth Pickles and Sharik. President Ian was accompanied by Rotarians Denis Adamson and Mike Miller, Chairman of the Community Service Committee.

Ladies Day - On Friday 27th November our ladies joined us for lunch at York Race Course, where David Jesper was invested as Vice President and where our speaker Rev. Andrew Foster gave an entertaining address on his experiences as a hospital chaplain.

Dragon Boat Challenge 2010 - The nominated charity for 2010 was announced on Monday 23rd November. President Ian Stockley said:- " This year it was the unanimous decision of the club to select St Leonards in their jubilee year and support their new Hospice@Home initiative."

St Leonard’s Hospice, ‘Hospice@Home’ Manager Julie Pickernell, is in the Hospice car, and Hospice nurses, with The York Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge ‘Dragon’ and President Ian.

"Treasure Chest South" - The Rotary Club of York have donated £250 to ‘Treasure Chest South’. This is a local charity which has been set up to support the expansion of a breastfeeding support network in the centre and south of the city. There is a rapidly increasing emphasis being placed on promoting breastfeeding in the UK, with the WHO recommending that babies be exclusively breast fed for the first six months of life, providing major health benefits. Local training courses are being provided, and this money will go towards the costs of a ten-week breastfeeding peer support training programme.

The photograph shows Rotarians Mike Miller and Mo Hayward presenting the cheque to Nicola Bray and Nicola Clements of Treasure Chest

Scottish Invasion - York Rotarians welcomed District 1020 for their conference being held in York over the weekend of October 23rd- 24th

District Governor Alastair Davies from Edinburgh and the Borders greets York Rotarians Jim Murison Ainsty, President Ian Stockley, York, President Trevor Woodward, Vikings above.

Ian Stockley, President of the York Club welcomed the visitors: “The three York Clubs are delighted that Rotary District 1020 has chosen our city for their annual conference. As far as we can ascertain this is the first time we have welcomed a ‘foreign’ conference and there has of course been a great deal of friendly banter with our visitors. The caravan will highlight the Rotary Polio project which, since it started 20 years ago, has eradicated this crippling disease from 97% of the world. I hope we’ll have a lot of York people call in to see the incredible displays."

Shouksmith Trophy - At the club meeting on 16th October, the golf organiser, Tony Coward presented David Impey with the Shouksmith Trophy for winning the singles knockout competition and at the same meeting Tom Riordan, Chief Executive of "Yorkshire Forward" addressed the club

Leader of the Council - The leader of the Council, Andrew Waller was the speaker at the club meeting on the 9th October 2009 on his Vision for York.

Mansion House Reception - The Lord Mayor, Cllr John Galvin, hosted a reception at the Mansion House on 13th October 2009 for the teams participating in the York Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge, when team captains were presented with cheques for their nominated charities. The Lord Mayor, Cllr John Galvin said:

" This Rotary event has become in the last seven years something that thousands of York people enjoy as participants or spectators and the Rotary Club have to be congratulated on their initiative, their organisation and their efficiency. The civic party found it a stimulating experience and there was a real buzz on both banks of the river. Everybody put so much effort into making it a successful day and it's wonderful to think that so many local charities have benefited by so much over the years. Well done to you all and I hope the event will continue and grow"

From left to right, President Ian, Sandra Harper - York Samaritans, Alex Hunt - Night Stop, and the Lord Mayor. York Samaritans and York Night Stop were the main Charities supported.

Paul Harris Fellowship - At the club meeting on 21st August 2009, President Ian presented a Paul Harris Fellowship to Eddie Benson to recognise his service to the community of Haxby and Wigginton for over 50 years. In receiving the award Eddie paid tribute to the support of many assistants and volunteers who had worked with him over that period.

Club Walk - The club walk on 20th August was well attended and took place in and around Marton cum Grafton and appears to have included a tour of the local graveyard - no accounting for taste?

Alpine Rotarians - The things some boys get up to! At over 7000 feet on the Susten Pass, David Thompson (pillion), John Molyneux and Patrick Shepherd admire the view. They did manage to find two doctors to accompany them, just in case! Their recent trip to the Alps took in Metz, Mulhouse, Andermatt, the Black Forest, and Luxembourg.

Bric-a-Brac at St Crux - This regular fundraising event raised over £1073 on 11th August 2009. Another excellent result where the club receives support from individual members and from members of Inner Wheel. On this occasion President Ian was in trouble for forgetting his wedding anniversary. The Chairman of Fund Raising Committee, John Russell rescued the situation by providing a "bouquet" from stock.

National President - The club was delighted to receive a visit from David Fowler, the National President, who spoke on the theme - "The future of Rotary is in your hands" at its club meeting on 7th August, 2009. Present also, seen from left to right, Emyr Lloyd-Davies, District Governor; Anne Godfrey, President York Ainsty; with National President David and Club President Ian; along with Daphne Fowler, the National Presidents wife, and Trevor Woodward, President York Vikings.

Music Therapy - The club donated £375 for the purchase of some musical instruments to the North Yorkshire Therapy Centre and on Friday 31st July Angela Harrison, the head therapist came along to demonstrate some of the multi-cultural instruments. Mike Miller, the Chairman of Community Service and our President are shown with Angela, along with members of the club "having a go"

Vocational Visit - The club visited "Village Green Preserves" at Wheldrake on 23rd July and found a thriving industry producing over 3 million jars of preserves a year to a range of outlets. It now has its own brand of "York Preserves" Suitably garbed the party ventured forth but some let the club down later, at least they weren't smoking!

Club Walk - The club walk on 16th July was well attended, however Steve was soon in difficulty getting his leg over to the amusement of the bystanders, but rest and recovery was available later at the Sawley Arms.

Mock Interviews - the club conducts mock interviews each year at Joseph Rowntrees School to help prepare students for the real thing when it comes to applying for jobs or University. Here the Chairman of the Vocational Committee, Frank Paterson, leads the interview panel.

Handover - At the club meeting on 3rd July President David Porter handed over to Ian Stockley, the President for 2009-10. A triumvirate, comprising past President, 07-08, David Rayner, immediate past President, 08-09, David Porter, and new President Ian Stockley (seen from left to right) all received their badge of office.

Club Walk - The May walk was a very select affair from Sinnington to Cropton and ?lost again

Paul Harris Fellowship - At the club meeting on 22nd May 2009, President David presented a Paul Harris Fellowship to Steve Burton in recognition of his sterling work leading the Dragon Boat Committee as its Chairman over several years and through that work helping many local and national charities.

Club Walk - the walking group met in eager anticipation in April and wandered in an 8 mile circuit from Askham Bryan across fields and ditches via Angrum -Bilborough -Askham Richard and back to Askham Bryan . They were weary on their return but the waiting John Smiths, Cottage pie and beans quickly restored them to life. The steamed fruit pudding also worked it's wonders!

Vocational Visit - members of the club visited the new premises in Holgate Villa for the York Blind and Partially Sighted Society on 1st May 2009. They were introduced to a tremendous variety of ingenious alterations to everyday domestic appliances all designed to make life easier for people in York who have vision difficulties. The Club has supported the Society for many years and they were one of the chosen charities for the 2006 Dragon Boat event. President David handed over a further cheque on the visit and Diane Rowarth, Chief Executive of the Society, thanked the club and informed us that they have entered their own team for this years Dragon Boat Challenge on 12th July and the cheque and any money raised on 12th July will go to support their heavily used Help Line.

New Members - At the club meeting on 24th April 2009, Brian Joscelyne and Peter King were welcomed into the club by President David Porter. Brian is now retired but previously was the Managing Director of a graphic design business in Cardiff. Peter is a consultant for Fujitsu, which takes him to far distant places but he is now settled in York as a base. He was previously in Rotary in Australia being the first elected President of the Onkaparinka Club. Brian is on the left.

Bric-a-Brac at St Crux - This regular fundraising event raised over £1000 on 14th April 2009. Another excellent result where the club receives support from individual members and from members of Inner Wheel.

Rotary Technology Tournament - On 10th March 2009, 53 teams from 17 schools took part in the fifth annual tournament organised by the three Rotary clubs in York at the National Railway Museum.

The task set was to build and launch a space capsule (plastic golf ball) three metres in the air using the supplied materials. No advance warning of the task was given prior to the start. The teams were divided into three groups, Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced and prizes awarded to the winners of each group.

Bells at the Minster - On 23rd February 2009 a party of Rotarians enjoyed a visit to the belfry at the Minster where David Potter, President of the Society of Change Ringers assisted by his members gave a fascinating introduction to bell ringing and a tour of the bell tower. A demonstration of the range and versatility of the relatively recently installed carillon was included and was most impressive. A most memorable vocational visit.

Club Walk - On February 19th, 2009 the walking group met in eager anticipation and wandered in an 8 mile circuit from Askham Bryan across fields and ditches via Angrum -Bilborough -Askham Richard and back to Askham Bryan . They didn't look as fresh as this on their return but the waiting John Smiths, Cottage pie and beans quickly restored them to life. The steamed fruit pudding also worked it's wonders!

Valentines Dinner Dance 2009 - Male members of the club demonstrated their culinary skills undeterred by their late switch of venue to Haxby Memorial Hall provided an excellent repast along with entertainment for their guests as well as raising £800 for charity. Service as usual with a smile. Four of our chefs, Steve Burton, David Rayner, Brian Houghton, and Frank Paterson take a bow and members and their guests take to the floor.

Rotary Concert - A concert on 29th January, 2009 by the York Light Orchestra in Stockton on Forest village hall raised over £1100 for a Rotary sponsored international charity which aims to improve water and sanitation in Kerala in Southern India . In partnership with the Rotary Club in that area the York Club has undertaken to supply equipment which will significantly improve the health prospects for many people.

Southlands Youth Club - President David Porter presented a cheque for £400 to the Southlands YC on 22nd January 2009. It will be used to complete work on the kitchen which is used by a number of children's groups attending the centre.

Rotary District Governor's Literacy Project 2008 - As part of this scheme, the Rotary Club of York delivered over 160 books worth nearly £600 to the Salvation Army in York. These were added to many other donated books and toys which the Salvation Army will be giving away to needy families this Christmas. Pictured are Rotary President David Porter, Community Service Chairman Rotarian Mike Miller, Captain Glen Furlong, and Captain Sharon Furlong.

Centre for Separated Families - President David and Community Service Chairman Mike Miller present a cheque for £200 to The Centre for Separated Families towards their Christmas Party and gifts for children under 5 yrs old on 8th December 2009.

York Rotary Young Chef of the Year - The final was held at York College on 1st December 2008. The event was organised by the three York Rotary Clubs. In all 31 pupils took part from the York area and six reached the final. The task was to prepare a meal for two, main course and dessert, for under £8.00.The results were assessed by a team of professional judges and the winner was Emily Green from Tadcaster Grammar School, who goes on to the District Finals on 19th January. Pictured the meal, the finalists and the winner Emily Green.

Club Walk - A group of twelve intrepid walkers undertook the final walk of 2008 on 27^th November starting from their favourite hostelry - the Black Swan at Oldstead. Leaving Oldstead they followed the old drovers trail to the top of Sutton Bank near the Gliding Club. The party then took the road to the edge of the hill where most turned right to follow the hill top path to the top of the White Horse itself. However some had other things on their mind to notice that the rest of the pack had changed direction for they proceeded down the hill to arrive at the pub first! The remainder of the group pressed on round the top of the bank then down through the forest and on to the Black Swan, where the lunch was totally up to everyone’s expectations. The 2009 campaign is due to start on January 15^th from a venue to be decided. The group hopes to meet on the 3^rd Thursday in each month during 2009.

Young Chef of the Year - The first round of the Rotary Young Chef of the Year took place on 19th November 2008 at Joseph Rowntree School. The winners were Lois Shaw and Callum Shaw who go forward to the York finals at York College on 1st December.

Stop the Drop - members of the club joined a party of volunteers to clear litter from the verges and along the Sustrans cycle track on 15th November when 47 sacks of litter were collected!

Golf Awards - On 14th November 2008, the President presented the golf prizes for the knockout competitions conducted between the golfing members of the club through the summer. The winner of the Shouksmith Trophy was Denis Adamson (seen on the left) and the winner of the Plate Competition for those knocked out of the first round of the Shouksmith was David Jesper (seen on the right) Many thanks to the golf organiser Tony Coward for making sure the timetable was completed in time to present the prizes in the right year!

Bric-a-Brac at St Crux - This regular fundraising event raised a total of over £900 on 11th November 2008. Another excellent result.

Survive - On 21st October 2008, the Chairman of the Community Service Committee, Mike Miller, presented a cheque for £200 towards the administration costs of the York based charity "Survive"( Survivors of child sexual abuse in North Yorkshire) to Gill Main, the Service Co-ordinator.

Snappy - President of the Rotary Club of York, David Porter, attended a Pantomine Rehearsal Night at SNAPPY (Special Needs Provision for York) on 23rd October 2008 to present a cheque for £500 to the Organiser, Anne Stamp. The picture shows Snappy the crocodile and one of the delighted students.

More Golf - The club entered two teams in the Rotary Club Golf Championships. This year, 2008, one of our teams emerged as the District Winners and Dennis Adamson, Barry Campbell, and Michael Wilson proceeded to represent the club at the National Final held on 1st September at the Notts Golf Club, Hollinwell. Unfortunately further success proved evasive as adverse conditions, rain, deep rough, bad luck and any other excuse you can think of, prevented further progression in the National Final. However the club did receive a plaque and a cheque for £100 to the club's charity account for winning at District and making it through to the Final.

The Bill Mann Trophy - This was scheduled for Sunday 17th August at Forest Park Golf Club, when the weather took over and the golf had to be cancelled, but the evening meal and the prize giving went ahead as planned! The trophy this year was presented to the golf organiser, Tony Coward, for his fortitude in the face of adversity.

Bric-a-Brac at St Crux - This regular fundraising event raised a total of over £580 for charity on 12th August 2008. A remarkable result on a very wet day.

The July Walk - A very good turnout for the walk on 31st July. The group gathered above Fadmoor for a splendid walk up Rudland Rigg on a gently rising gradient to West Gill Head. Blue Skies and great views . Steep descent in to Farndale for lunch at the Feversham Arms at Church Houses. The daffodil walk after lunch along the river Dove to Low Mill was marred by rain followed by a steep ascent in drenching rain through chest high bracken to get back to the Rudland Rigg track was an unfortunate end to what had been an excellent day. Thanks to organiser David Heasman.

The York Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge - this was held on Sunday 13th July, 2008 and 36 teams participated. The day was blessed with good weather and once again there was a close final, which was won by Corus Cruisers (below), along with a cheque for £100 to their chosen charity, "St Leonard's Hospice"

It is hoped that a total sum of over £65,000 will be raised for charity. The main charity to benefit this year is the Yorkshire Air Ambulance For full details of the 2008 Challenge - click on the dragon.

Handover - At the club meeting on 4th July President David Rayner handed over to David Porter, the President for 2008-9.

New Member - At the club meeting on 4th July 2008, Jane Sachedina was welcomed into the club by President David Rayner. Jane is a solicitor running her own commercial legal practice. She is married to Karim and has a daughter Sophia. She is involved with community and charity work through Caroline's Rainbow Foundation and Contract The Elderly.

June Walk - On June 19th a start was made from Hutton le Hole prior to a delightful stroll to the top of Rosedale Bank. Fantastic views across the valley before turning south for an extended lunch break in the Blacksmiths Arms at Lastingham. The steep gradient up to Spaunton taxed the stamina of some of the group who used the collection of old enamel adverts beside the bench as an excuse for closer examination.!!

Paul Harris Fellowships - At the club meeting on 23rd May 2008, President David presented three Paul Harris Fellowships to club members seen from left to right. The first went to Major Paul Westlake for his International humanitarian work with the Salvation Army, latterly in Uganda. The club also presented Paul with a cheque for £1,000 to assist with the work he is undertaking in a refugee camp there. The second went to Keith Hayton for his contribution to charitable work in the City of York in his role as the Honorary Administrator of York Against Cancer for the last sixteen years. The third went to David Thompson for his service to the club over many years, much of it unseen, collating the work of the Dragon Boat Race Committee, drafting, approving and publishing documents, producing photographs, liaising with others, the title of Mr Fixer comes to mind.

Charity Walk - The regular club walkers joined the the walk organised by the Ryedale branch of Action Medical Research on the 15th May. There were 52 on the walk including 8 Rotarians, the walk was followed by an excellent lunch. The committee raised just over £700.00. However some appeared to find it more relaxing than others.

Back to College - A party of Rotarians and their partners enjoyed a tour of the new York College building on 14th May 2008, followed by dinner in the College restaurant, staffed by students.

Rotary at the Yorkshire Air Ambulance - York Rotarians had the operation and control of the Air Ambulance service outlined to them during a visit to their base on the perimeter of the Leeds/Bradford airport on the 30th April 2008. The service costs over two million pounds a year to cover the whole of Yorkshire .The funds are all provided by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance charity which will be the principal beneficiary from this years York Rotary Dragon Boat event on 13th July.

Stroke Awareness Day - On 19th April 2008, the club organised a free blood pressure testing day in the Coppergate Centre in York. This is a national project organised annually by Rotary and the Stroke Association to make people aware of how they can avoid a stroke and improve their health. In all over 250 people had their blood pressures checked and almost 25% were advised to seek follow up advice from their doctor.

St Georges Day - The day was celebrated in style at the Bedern Hall in York on 23rd April 2008 with a semi-formal dinner. President Elect, David Porter, and President, David Rayner are seen here enjoying the occasion!

Bric-a-Brac at St Crux - This regular fundraising event raised a total of over £960 for charity on 15th April 2008.

Lifestraws - The club donated a cheque for £300 to support the Lifestraws project, a project co-ordinated by the Rotary Club of Menorca Past President, Robin Rich, presented the cheque to the President of the Menorca Club, Dr Antonio Olives at one of their meetings.

Water Aid - A collection was held at the National Railway Museum on Easter Saturday, 23rd March, 2008 to support World Water Day aimed at providing water, sanitation and hygiene education to some of the world's poorest people. "Buckets of pennies for buckets of water" from the generosity of the Museums visitors produced £1030 towards this very worthwhile cause WaterAid.

Technology Tournament - This took place at the National Railway Museum on 11th March 2008. Nearly 200 pupils in 46 teams of four from York & District Schools, competed in the three York Rotary Club's Technology Tournament. The tournament is sponsored by Shepherd Building Group, North Yorks Business & Education Partnership and Northern Rail. This is the 4th year the tournament has been held and again it was a great success as teams strived to find the solution to building a bridge with only limited materials in a set time. The winners were: Foundation - Woldgate School, Intermediate – Canon Lee School, Advanced - Joseph Rowntree's School. The trophies were presented by the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor, Irene Waudby.

RYLA Students - In 2007 the club sponsored two students on a RYLA course and at the club meeting on the 15th February 2008, Aiden Richardson and Abbi Mathews described their experiences. Aiden and Abbi are flanked by Tony Jordan, District Chairman of the Youth Opportunities Committee on the left and Brian Houghton, the Club Community Service Chairman on the right.

Valentines Day Lunch 2008 - Seven male members of the club put their culinary skills to good use in providing lunch in Stockton Village Hall for seventy members and their guests and managed to raise funds for charity at the same time. Service as usual with a smile.

Rotary Concert - A concert by the York Light Orchestra was held at the Stockton Village Hall on the 31st January 2008 to support the provision of equipment for the Yorkshire School in Sri Lanka. This school has been built and equipped through donations from the Rotary Clubs in District 1040 in response to the devastating Tsunami of December 2004. It opened in November 2007 and the concert raised over £1,200 towards much needed equipment

New Member - At the club meeting on 25th January 2008, David Macaulay was welcomed into the club by President David Rayner. David is a security consultant having worked in RAF Police for 18 years, followed by periods as Special Investigator and a Security Operations Manager. His wife, Susan is a qualified midwife. David on the left is introduced to the club by Kevin Grogan on the right.

Dragon Boat Challenge 2008 - During a visit to the depot at Leeds Bradford Airport, the President, David Rayner announced that the chosen charity for the 2008 York Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge is the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. It is always difficult to choose which charity to support but everyone in the community is a potential beneficiary of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Service and it is hoped this will attract the public's support.

December Walk - The last walk of the year on 5th December, took our regular walkers to Kilburn, Wass, and Oldstead. Photographer, David Thompson, is missing from the photo!

Bric-a-Brac at St Crux - This regular fundraising event raised a total of over £640 for charity on 13th November 2007.

Mansion House Reception - The Lord Mayor, Cllr Irene Waudby, hosted a reception at the Mansion House on 3rd October 2007 for the teams participating in the York Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge, when team captains were presented with cheques for their nominated charities. The team raising the most sponsorship was HGB Construction and the winners were the Growlers (The Ged Bell team)

Weardale Railway - Forty two Rotarians and their partners were led by Donald Heath on a trip to the Weardale Railway on 25th September 2007. Donald not only organised the trip but drove the train as well!

Dales Visit - Active fellowship, as the walking group managed one dry day out of three (September 18-20th), which they felt was "par for the course".

The York Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge - this was held on Sunday 15th July, 2007 and 36 teams participated. The day was not blessed with the normal good weather but it was a very successful day and once again there was a close final, which was won by the Growlers in an exciting race. It is hoped that a total sum of over £60,000 will be raised for charity. The main charities to benefit this year are Woodlands MS Respite Care Home, York Wheels, and the Salvation Army York Homeless Project. The club stage this event with the help of the whole club and here are some of those on duty (pictures courtesy of Chris Shepherd and David Thompson) - click on picture to enlarge.


Setting up	Breakfast on the job	Open for business	Racing starts	Elli - commentator

Know all ?	Explaining the rules	Taking shelter	The snapper snapped	The advisers

Where's my brolly?	No luck	The Final	Prize Presentations	The best job?

Please go to the Dragon Boat pages for more race photos and the detailed results.

Presidents Handover - President Mike Miller handed over to new President David Rayner on 6th July 2007