The very first event of the month for the Rotary Club of Retford was a tea party on Sunday 5th September, kindly hosted by Rotarian Sally and Councillor John Ogle at their farm. Thankfully, the weather was appropriate for an outside event.
Monday 6th September saw the first post-pandemic face-to-face contact for several of the committees, and, in the following weeks, the normal progress of Council Meeting then Business Meeting resumed. Some semblance of normality at last.
There were two speaker meetings. On 13th September, Phil Neal told members about his involvement with prosthetics. He began his career making artificial replacement body parts for people who had been disfigured. As computer technology took over the work he transferred to media work, which included one of the Bond films. Phil now teaches at Welbeck College. On 27th September, Rachel Copley spoke of her life in music – a career that has involved a selection of choirs.
On 14th September, President Andrew together with past presidents Roger Stenson and Adrian Sumner (both ex-RAF pilots) attended the 100th anniversary of the War Memorial in the town square. Roger is now also the Assistant District Governor for the local Rotary clubs.
The Rotarian golfers escaped to Staverton Park near Daventry for a three-night break on 21st September. Again, the weather was kind with temperatures in the low 20s every day. The non-golfing ladies sampled the delights of Leamington Spa. A very relaxing break was enjoyed by everyone.
On 22nd September, at the Retford in Bloom presentation, Rotarian Linda Crossland received a special award for her work with RotaKids. There are now 12 local primary schools with such groups.
On 29th September, members met at the Goosemoor Bowling Green for the annual 4-bowl trophy competition. This was not as relaxing with a bitterly cold wind and worm casts making for constant ball cleaning. Hopefully, it will be possible to return to a summer fixture in 2022. Adrian beat President Andrew by one point in the final.
