Working together to make a difference

Our TV screens featured events at the political party conferences. Not to be outdone, in sunny September, local Rotary Clubs met for our annual conference in Llandudno. At our conference the emphasis was on working together to make a difference in our world. There were no arguments, disagreements or people trying to undermine the leadership.

At a Rotary conference we aim to get inspired, discovering new opportunities to get involved and being entertained by interesting speakers. Of course we enjoy ourselves, making new friends and meeting up with other Rotarians. There was time to sample all that Llandudno had to offer. Choices had to be made - reaching the summit of the Great Orme travelling on the famous tramway, in a modern aerial cabin car or, for the more energetic, on foot.

At the Friday evening concert music was provided by the Foxgloves and there was plenty of laughter with the wonderful Judith Hibbert and Liverpool comedian Jamie Sutherland.

Saturday morning we settled to more serious business, every Rotarian asked to plant a tree this year and learning about the successful local osprey project.

Who could fail to be inspired by Angela Cairns (Shannon Trust) describing her wonderful work.

Encouraging offenders and vulnerable people to offer peer support to those who cannot read - a wonderful experience opening up the world of books and the ability to write to family for one and the satisfaction of unlocking the power of reading and writing for the other.

Everyone was moved to tears by the bravery and determination of Megan Giglia who, having suffered an acute brain haemorrhage, rebuilt her life through cycling.

From the early days of having to tie her hand and foot to the bike to stay upright she is now part of the Great Britain Cycling Team and has competed in UCI Para-cycling Track Championships. She not only took home two gold medals but smashed both world records.

At Rio 2016 Megan broke her own records and won the first gold medal of the games. Our District Governor was delighted to briefly swap her chain for that gold medal! The session ended with fascinating stories told by Colin Anderson, chef to the queen.

You could have heard a pin drop, everyone wanting more when his time was up.

Of course, there was the dinner and dancing on Saturday evening (the party element of a Rotary conference) and the Sunday sessions.

Want to hear more? - join a Rotary club and come with us to Torquay next year!

A weekly round-up of news and views from Rotary clubs in the Peterborough area: www.rotary1070.org