Enjoying being beside the seaside!

Local Rotarians recently spent an enjoyable weekend at a sunny (if windy!) Hunstanton. Our annual District Conference gives us a chance to catch up with Rotarians from across the district.

After Covid restrictions it was most welcome to gather together again. It was also an opportunity to listen to inspirational speakers and get new ideas. Of course, there was time to sample the fish and chips and to blow away the cobwebs, while walking along the coast.

On Friday, some tried their skills in a golf tournament, others visited the Rotary Showcase and enjoyed an evening show staged for us.

The Saturday morning conference started in earnest, leaving the afternoon free for a beach clean or leisure activities. For us, the highlight was an hilarious presentation by Rotarian Ray Burman, always guaranteed to make you smile whilst conveying a serious message. Being invited to attend a Rotary Group Study Exchange had influenced his progression in both a police career and rise to the higher echelons of Rotary. The morning concluded with Matt Hyde, chief executive of the Scouts, outlining the impact of Scouting today. Members of each age group joined him on stage: Leaders, Explorers, Scouts, Cubs and Beavers. A tiny girl, a member of the newly formed Squirrels, for the really young, stole the show. The evening offered the choice of a gala dinner and ball, or an informal hog roast.

Sunday morning featured our Rotary Choir, based near us in Huntingdon. The audience enthusiastically joined in their opening number of “We do like to be beside the seaside”. A selection of songs, suitable for all tastes, followed. Richard Wilson, a non-Rotarian choir member, was presented with a Paul Harris award (Rotary’s highest recognition) for his ongoing dedication and work in support of Rotary Voices. A collection for Ukraine raised £1,000 whilst the choir sang their final signature piece, “Let there be Peace on Earth”. Under present circumstances this was especially emotional. I hear Rotarians and clubs around the world have already donated over $2million to the Disaster Response Fund.

Delegates went home on a high after listening to exDerbyshire and England cricketer Geoff Miller. His dry humour and endless anecdotes in “To the Boundary & Beyond”, brought a smile to everyone’s face.

Rotary Voices are holding a concert this Saturday (26th) from 7.30pm at St Thomas a Becket Church in Ramsey. Tickets are £10. Call 01487 813562 or pay on the door.

Rotary Voices will be joined by other acts, including some young friends performing for the first time in public. Enjoy a mixture of ‘Music for Spring’... it’s sure to lift your spirits.