Rotary Club of Dunmow

Again this year a presentation is awarded to Essex Air Ambulance. This local organisation supports the people of Essex and to show appreciation for their endeavours president Richard 'Dick' Amott presented one thousand pounds to Peter Bracken who was accompanied by Lynn Bradbury. The Essex Air Ambulance is dependent upon local support and charitable donations, as there is no Government funding for this extremely dedicated force. The system is organised and run by volunteers who provide an amazing service. Of course, it is hoped that nobody needs to use the service, but for many that ideal cannot be sustained.

The green and yellow helicopter is so regularly in the skies of Essex and this contribution, which was raised at the annual 'Rose Bowl Quiz' held at Foakes Hall, provided over £800. To ensure the thousand pounds was attained organiser Peter Fox managed to get the support of the Rotary Club of Dunmow to add the extra from the club's General Charity Fund.

Present at the handover of the cheque was Peter Fox, Peter Bracken, president of Dunmow Rotary Club, Dick Amott and Lynn Bradbury. The presentation took place at The Saracen's Head Hotel, Great Dunmow on Thursday May 31.

Inner Wheel:

Wednesday June 6 was a special day for the Inner Wheel Club of Dunmow in many ways. It was the last meeting with their popular president, Brenda Smith, in the chair, and an unique occasion in that she was able to induct a record three new members together, Sally Amott, Wendy Chalkien and Jackie Rogers, all wives of Rotarians. At the same time Brenda renewed her welcome to Celia Rhodes who had transferred to Dunmow from another club and also extended a warm welcome to Carol Humphrey who we all hope will be joining us in the future. The club was delighted that supermarket giant Tesco had allocated them Friday 3 and Saturday August 4 as collection days at the store for their charities. Eight members from the club had attended a most interesting Interclub at Bishop's Stortford during June. Fran Woodrow reported on this and gave a full account of this successful evening in aid of Sight Savers, recounting some of Sir John Coles' most amusing anecdotes. Then it was Joyce Ruhl's turn to report on the Friendship evening at the Bardfield Vinery, when more than 90 members of Inner Wheel throughout District 24 attended at the lovely estate of Alan Jordan at Great Lodge, Great Bardfield. He showed members round his vinery, gave out wines to taste in a Grade 1 listed barn built for Anne of Cleves and plied his visitors with delicious food and wine in his beautiful home - a perfect evening. Following a short break, it was time for the club's A.G.M. to begin. Secretary, Pam Fox was not well enough to attend, but had kindly written her report, and this was read by Olga Burrell telling how much she had enjoyed her busy year with Brenda as president. She thanked June Milne for all her support, also the committee and the members. She mentioned how successful all the supper meetings with their excellent speakers had been. June Thomas then gave her first report as treasurer for the club, listing the many charity events throughout the year, from the Tesco Collection, the Overseas Evening, the Charity Lunch through to Michael and Brenda Smith's Quiz Night.

Then it was Sheila Lipson's turn to give her final report as club correspondent. She said how much support she had been given by the local press, particularly the Broadcast, in addition to the many photographs used in the Inner Wheel's 'in house' magazines. June Milne's year as overseas organiser had been particularly successful and she was able to report on the South Africa Overseas Evening which had raised £900 and the amount of knitted garments for Felsted Aid and also the help she receives in preparing the cotton clothes for Malawi.

Finally, president Brenda presented her report, saying how, after some initial apprehension, she had enjoyed the experience of being President very much. Undoubtedly the highlight of her year had been the induction of five new members and one transferee. She gave special thanks to Pam Fox who has guided her throughout the year, also to Olga Burrell, the incoming president, and to all officers who had fulfilled their jobs so well, and indeed all the club members. Brenda concluded by passing the president's jewel on to Olga and wishing her a very successful and enjoyable year in office. Olga replied that Brenda was a hard act to follow, and she was aware of the privilege all had given her by asking her to be president and she wished to continue in Brenda's spirit of warmth, fun and friendship throughout the forthcoming year. Her two charities for the year would be Epilepsy Action and Breast Cancer, and she will tell us the full details of her programme at the next meeting. Olga closed the meeting with a prayer.

Dunmow Rotary:

An 'Auction of Promises' hosted by Rotary Club of Dunmow is to be held at 7.30pm in Foakes Hall, Dunmow on Friday night.

The event will raise funds for Uttlesford Community Travel, the Buffy Bus, PlayPumps for Africa and other Dunmow & area charities. Entrance will be by catalogue which will have a prize number for entry into the draw for a flat screen TV. The catalogue which costs £5 will include a list of all items up for auction and the company donating the item.

The evening will include a bar and easy listening back ground music, which will provide a good ambience for networking and socialising with friends. So make a note in your diary to attend this fun evening.

The club has already received support from many individuals and organisations and welcomes any additional pledges. If you have one to give or need further information contact Peter Fox on 01371 874200.