June is the final month of the Rotary year and sees a new President installed and the old one put out to grass. Thank you and goodbye John, you did an excellent job. In the midst of the usual back patting and complementary speeches, we had an interesting talk from Mr. Alistair McDonald, a presenter for BBC television and now running a Media firm. He told many amusing anecdotes about his life becoming a journalist, going at his own expense to the USA and the various jobs he took to cover his expenses. He claims - and we have no reason to doubt him - that he discovered Fred Dibner, due to the fact nobody else would climb the tall chimney he was working on at the time. When he asked if he ever had an accident Fred replied no - you only ever have one at this game!

John enjoyed his time as President and particularly the social events and the visit of the RIBI president. The highlight was his trip to India, which both interested and appalled him. It was an experience he would not have missed - to give Polio vaccine - but he has no desire to return to the Country.

So we welcome Paul and wish him well for his year. We start with the Golf Am-Am which involves 10 teams competing for the Rotary Rose Bowl. The weather last year was terrible so let’s keep our fingers crossed for this Tuesday. Many thanks to New Mills Golf Club for agreeing to host us once again.

If you cannot attend the Thursday Meeting please give your apologies before 10a.m. to George Cope