Pamela Hill and other Rotary highlights 2009/10
The speaker at our meeting on Thursday 24th September 2009 was Pamela Hill. She was born in Rochdale during the Second World War and from an early age showed a keen interest in literature. Following early retirement from a career in Government Service she began to write books.
Pamela has now self published two books. “A Sense of Belonging” in 2008 and “Alison” which has just been published.
Pamela explained to the members that she was an abused child and attributes some of her behaviour and her “short fuse” to this but she was helped when she wrote her autobiography. She now plans to publish that sometime next year.
She gave us a most interesting talk and sold signed copies of her books afterwards
For more information see www.pamelahillpublishing.co.uk
contact by e.mail to enquiries@pamelahillpublishing.co.uk
Music and Laughter Evening Thursday 19th March 2009
The International Committee under the leadership of Rotarian Joan Elbourn organised a Music and Laughter Night on Thursday 19th Match 2009 which was attended by over 60 Rotarians and guests.
The purpose of the evening was to raise funds for our participation in the National Charity "Send a Cow". These animals are given to poor families in several countries around the world, who are trained to look after them. More livestock is bred and given to other families, the milk and manure are also used, and the money raised by selling some livestock pays for the children's education.
The entertainment started after an excellent meal. Comedian Barry York acted as Master of Ceremonies and introduced five members of "That's all Folk" from the Rochdale Music Service who played for about half an house and were very well received.
There followed a very grand raffle with several hampers of goodies on offer as well as a generous supply no Wine. The profit from this will go towards the £750 needed to sent the Cow
Barry York then entertained the gathering. His web site describes his show as "Cheeky" and it was certainly that if not perhaps "Cheeky Blue" but it was taken in good part and none of our members fell asleep.
At the end of the evening President John Kay thanked all who had been involved and in particular Rtn John Whitley and Rtn Derek Heywood who had worked "like Trojans" and Rtn Joan Elbourn and her International Service Committee.
A good idea, a good evening and all for a good cause.
Delivery of Christmas Parcels in December 2008
This year the Community Service Committee, under the command of Mike Tomkinson and David Acton, prepared 50 parcels for members to deliver.
The bags of goodies looked very impressive this year as they were in brightly coloured reuseable bags - so we also did our bit for the environment.
The main purpose of taking these presents to those on our list is to show them that they are not forgotten and that even if they are old, sick or lonley this Christmas, we know that they are there and that Rotary cares for them.
We hope that when they enjoy some of the fine food in our bags, they will remember this and will smile a little.
Emma Buckley's Job Talk
Emma has now been a Rotarian for a few months. She is 39 years old and employed by the multi national firm Laura Ashley as City Manager based at the Trafford Centre Manchester.
Educated in Manchester, the United States and the University of Salford, Emma started working for Laura Ashley as a Saturday job before she had completed her education. She has now worked for them for over 16 years being promoted during this time from Assistant Manager in Stockport, Manager in Warrington, a secondee in the Franchise department working in Holland, Germany, Paris and Zurich in Switzerland and even helping to open a store in Tenerife.
Emma then became Visual Manager in the North West, mobile manager looking after 32 stores across the North of England, responsible for the new store opened in Cheetham Hill Manchester before being promoted to City Manager in the Trafford Centre store with 4 other outlets also her responsibility.
In a very humorous talk she entertained the members of her Rochdale Rotary Club with advice on dealing with angry customers, the changes in fashion trends, competition with less upmarket shops, the rise in the popularity of mirrored furniture and the influence of celebrities and events such as the Olympics in changing demand.
Emma is enjoying her Rotary and the opportunities for service which it provides. She has already led the team in this year’s “Kids Out” which gave a number of special needs children a day at a theme park and has provided home hospitality for a girl from abroad who was attending the Rotary “Summer Camp”. She is also a voluntary helper with Rochdale Children’s Rights and Advocacy Service which gives guidance to children who are subject to care orders within the Rochdale area.