The fight against plastic pollution - 4 INSIDE THIS ISSUE - Rotary International in Great Britain ...
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Our environment 10
Rotary's Volunteer Expo 12
Polio update 20
Champions Awards 28
rotarygbi.org
The Official Magazine of Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland June/July 2019
FROM SOURCE TO SEA 4
The fight against
plastic pollution
2 // Rotary rotarygbi.org
CONTENTS
10
24
4 28
REGULARS COVER STORY FEATURES
Rotary Great Britain From source to sea Tackling plastic pollution 4
& Ireland President 8 Rotary's fight against plastic pollution War against plastic 6
Talk from the Top 14
Caring about our environment 10
And Finally… 50
Volunteer Expo 12
Meet the new Rotary President 16
Life saving technology 18
Polio update 20
Rotary Young Citizen Awards 24
4
Champions Awards 28
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Dave King EVEN MORE ONLINE
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rotarygbi.org Rotary // 3
ROSIE ANDERSON
Rotary tackles
plastic pollution
Volunteers in Wales, and along the route of the River Severn, are taking
a stand against plastic pollution which has brought together communities.
4 // Rotary rotarygbi.org
ROTARY IN ACTION
Welsh beach clean
I
T’S a blustery Sunday morning in Philip said: “The success so far is
early March, and Philip Stallard is incredible. I’ve been told off by parents who
braced against the elements as he say, ‘We can’t even get on the beach now
surveys a lonely, rocky beach in without the kids doing a litter pick first,
West Wales. what’s going on? You’ve changed everything
This remote location has become one about how they see litter’.
of the battlegrounds for Philip’s campaign “Now, no kids in the schools I have
against plastic pollution. spoken to will go on the beach without
This morning, a group of volunteers bringing litter off the beach.”
are preparing to wage war with their trusted The top enemy is plastics. However, to
litter-pickers and plastic sacks. most, plastic is a useful material.
The town was quiet, but the ocean Researchers have discovered that over
roared in agony as it washed up assorted 40% of plastic produced is packaging, so it
debris; used fishing equipment, plastic is used once and then discarded.
bottles, empty sun cream containers and And eight million tonnes of plastic
flip-flops, as well as many other items. enters the oceans every year - equivalent to
Beaches across these isles are becoming five shopping bags sitting on every foot of
a living horror story that many are failing collected a stunning 580 kg of litter from coastline around the world.
to address. streets, parks, estates and the river in the Plastic is at the fingertips of many all
Philip, who works as the Countryside town. All of this could potentially end up day long; water bottles, your computer
Access Volunteer Coordinator for Powys in the sea but has now been put safe from mouse and keyboard. The amount is
County Council, says he is seriously causing harm. A complete motorbike was unimaginable.
concerned about the pollution plaguing also pulled from the Severn. Recent research has shown that the
our waterways. The source of the River Severn is in toxins inside plastic are affecting both
He aims to change this hand-in-hand a deep, blanket-peat bog on the slopes of animal and human health conditions.
with Rotary. Plynlimon, 800 metres outside Hafren Philip explained: “There is a very good
Philip said: “We find hypodermic Forest’s boundary, and close to the Powys chance that we are breathing it (toxins)
needles, an awful lot of dog mess, in bags town of Llanidloes. in, it is falling on us within the rain,
and out, none of that is pleasant, and From there, Britain's longest river runs affecting our crops, let alone fish stocks and
broken glass. However, the most dangerous for 220 miles from the Welsh mountains, everything else.”
thing is the plastic.” through the beautiful Shropshire and This is one of many reasons he is
To combat this, Philip and Llanidloes Worcestershire countryside, and down to pushing for a change in the use of plastic
Rotary established the environmental the flatlands of the Severn estuary. within planet Earth.
campaign ‘Sending a Message in a Bottle’. During the clean-up in Aberystwyth,
The project includes beach cleans, litter different Rotary clubs arrived promptly,
picks and raising the problem of plastic along with Rotaractors and other
pollution. Running for just over a year now, community warriors.
the initiative is starting to accelerate.
“Beaches across these isles Volunteer Cat explained why she enjoys
Philip is taking this project from are becoming a living attending events like this.
‘source-to-sea’ and hopes to get more She said: “As I was picking up rubbish
clubs involved, especially in counties horror story that many that humans have put into the sea, I also
along the route of the River Severn; are failing to address.” collect natural things like pieces of wood,
Powys, Shropshire, Worcestershire and and shells and any interesting drift that’s
Gloucestershire. come out of the sea.
Philip realised clearing communities Recently, Llanidloes Co-op boosted the “You can make something beautiful
along the source of the ocean plastic will project by donating three thousand bags from something natural.”
decrease plastic pollution in the sea. which are to be given to youngsters in the Each beach clean is always a success,
He said: “We can pick up litter on towns along the Severn during the ‘Sending bags are filled to the brim of random items
beaches forever, but if we go back to the a Message in a Bottle’ launch phase. – such as gloves and old paint cans.
source and stop it, then I believe everything With a few fabric pens, the creative Philip hopes to roll the campaign
will change.” minds of the young people decorated the across more clubs, after already reaching
Clubs such as Newtown and Welshpool bags depicting the animals they wanted out to Rotary members in Powys. l
Rotary also clambered on board for a to protect.
campaign inspired by David Attenborough’s By striking at the hearts and minds
television documentary, ‘Blue Planet II’. of environmentally-aware youngsters,
Shocked by the reality Philip, along Philip knew that this is the best way of the To join Philip Stallard and his team of
with Newtown Rotary and many other campaign getting traction. volunteers, visit the website:
volunteers, were stung into action and And it is working. sendingamessageinabottle.co.uk
rotarygbi.org Rotary // 5
ROTARY IN ACTION
Special feature
JAMES BOLTON
We are all responsible
With the problem of plastic pollution high on the environmental
agenda, Rotary is taking action to clean up our communities.
A
CCORDING to Plastic sharing useful time together.
Oceans UK, we manufacture “My thoughts, and the thoughts of my FACT FILE
over 300 million tonnes fellow District Governors, is why don’t we
of plastic every single year. do something together? PLASTIC POLLUTION
That is the equivalent to the “If we can mobilise clubs on one day
weight of the entire adult population of and get them all to arrange a beach or river • We manufacture over 300 million
the planet. clean or a litter pick in their communities it tonnes of plastic a year. Around half of
On Saturday, June 8th, Rotary clubs what is produced is single-use plastic
will show people Rotary’s commitment to
and groups across Great Britain and Ireland the environment. • Around 8-12 million tonnes of plastic
are being encouraged to take action and “It is also a great opportunity to get ends up in our oceans every year
host local events as part of a Rotary GBI our RotaKids, Interact and Rotaract clubs • It is estimated that 75% of seabirds
mass beach and river clean day. involved as we know that young people are in the world have ingested plastic at
Steve Martin, District Governor for incredibly passionate about this cause. some time and that figure is only likely
North and Mid Wales, South Lancashire, “Clubs are already contacting me and to increase.
Merseyside and Cheshire, explained telling me of other environmental groups
why Rotary is perfectly placed to make a • Every day approximately 8 million
they are teaming up with and they are pieces of plastic pollution find their
difference. recruiting members of their community way into our oceans.
He said: “Many clubs are becoming to help.” l
more and more aware of the plastic that is • There may now be around 5.25
ending up in our seas and rivers, causing trillion macro and microplastic pieces
so much damage to our environment and floating in the open ocean.
wildlife. • 100,000 marine mammals and turtles
“We know that lots of clubs do For more details, and 1 million sea birds are killed by
community litter picks and beach clean contact Steve Martin: marine plastic pollution annually.
exercises and they are a really good way of steve.martin30@btopenworld.com
6 // Rotary rotarygbi.org
rotarygbi.org Rotary // 7
ROTARY IN ACTION
Rotary GBI President
Rotary GBI President
Debbie Hodge
Helping to make the world
a better place
T
HE crocuses have bloomed, fetes, from plant sales to cake bakes, from All this I have witnessed, and it
we have filled our plates and at clothing banks to reading programmes. reminds us why we are involved with
the Showcase in Nottingham Clubs have been bringing people Rotary – we are in it because it gives us
we have been reminded that, together, bridging the gaps in local an opportunity to be a philanthropist, to
while we are nearly there, community provision, building support an entrepreneur, to shape the way
polio has not yet gone. partnerships that enable others to join in our society will work through supporting
If we are to keep our promise to the with meeting needs locally, nationally and the development of young people today.
children of the world, then we need to be internationally, giving those who are often It gives us an opportunity to connect
asking hard questions of those who are neglected in society both a voice, and a across boundaries, be that of race, gender,
spending our money as to how they are purpose. ethnicity, religion or age.
changing the plans to meet the problems In the Rotary world every individual
that are preventing us from reaching the has something to offer and every individual
finish line. “As this Rotary year ends I is a person of worth, deserving of care and
But on my travels this year I have been compassion.
encouraged by the innovative ways clubs ask you one question – what With these ideals, we have been the
are raising awareness and funds – and the have you done to make you inspiration that has changed lives, changed
People of Action Polio Awards have been communities and changed our world – let
a great way of doing just that – giving
feel proud to be part of this us continue to be that inspiration as we
recognition to the awardees for their amazing organisation?” connect across the globe to make the world
contribution to a polio-free world, and a better place. l
reminding us all that there is still work
to do.
In my job with health care chaplains,
I am fortunate to work with those of many
faiths and beliefs.
When we come together, we celebrate
our uniqueness, but we also share and
champion that which we hold together –
the valuing of human life, the compassion
for those in need and the shared agenda of
building communities of hope and love.
This is one example of the ‘peace-filled’
picture of faith and belief – a picture that
the world needs to see and experience, as
we have been reminded by the attacks in
Sri Lanka: a picture that is exemplified in
Rotary’s work for peace and goodwill across
the globe.
As this Rotary year ends I ask you one
question – what have you done to make
you feel proud to be part of this amazing
organisation?’
From memory cafés, to inter-
generational events, from cream teas to
sports days, from bridge evenings to village
8 // Rotary rotarygbi.org
rotarygbi.org Rotary // 9
ROTARY IN ACTION
Environmental Sustainability
Why caring about
the environment matters
In this country and abroad, Rotary clubs are engaged in a series of
environmental projects. John Sayer, the Environmental Sustainability
Group Secretary explains how we can all become involved.
T
HANKS to David an enhanced environment for insect life.
Attenborough with his 'Blue On average, a reduction of 28 days
Planet' television series
“Measurements are per year collecting firewood means that
and, more recently, Greta under way to establish the predominantly young women who
Thunberg, the 16-year-old perform this duty now have more time to
Swedish climate activist, the public has the carbon footprint of a go to school, work in their market gardens
once again become very concerned with selection of our conferences or undertake more productive tasks.
An added benefit is that having
environmental matters.
Rotary in Great Britain & and meetings.” a chimney in the kitchen reduces the
Ireland established its Environmental amount of smoke in that environment
Sustainability Group over 20 years ago, with consequent benefits to health.
with the express purpose of raising the Although this year’s winning project
profile of environmental issues within the The Rodney Huggins has an international theme, previous years
organisation and to encourage Rotarians Environment Award have seen domestic projects recognised,
to take action to address environmental Every year, the group manages the Rodney such as the Tiverton Hospital Wildlife
sustainability. Huggins Environment Award which is Garden in 2018, a project organised by Exe
But what is environmental open to Rotary clubs, or associated school Valley (Tiverton) Rotary.
sustainability? A brief definition is that it and youth groups, through Rotary GBI to They started their project in April
requires that the demands placed on the demonstrate their environmental projects 2005 when they designed and created a
environment today can be met without and be recognised for those achievements. wildlife garden in the newly-built Tiverton
reducing the environment’s capacity to The winner this year was Abingdon Hospital.
allow all people to live well, both now and Vesper Rotary with its project protecting The garden measures approximately
in the future. the environment in rural Mubende in 40 metres x 10 metres and is separated
The Rotary GBI Group has recently Uganda by using fuel saving stoves. from the adjacent sports field by a stretch
introduced a suggested environmental In Uganda, 85% of the population of Devon bank. It is next to medical wards
policy for Rotary clubs and districts to cook using wood or charcoal and this whose windows overlook the area.
adopt, if they wish, to demonstrate their rises to 100% in rural areas, usually on The area has been planted with trees
environmental objectives. open stone fires. The project has reduced and flower beds, containing a mixture
There have been several successful households’ consumption of wood by 66%, of native plants, wild flowers and herbs
initiatives over the past 20 years and here which has cut the rate of loss of trees in the known to be attractive to wildlife.
are just a few: local environment, protected soil erosion, There are nest boxes and other
retained rainwater in the soil and provided suitable habitats to attract wildlife in
10 // Rotary rotarygbi.orgROTARY IN ACTION
Special feature
general. A well-illustrated and informative
signboard welcomes visitors and explains
the importance of maintaining wildlife
areas in our increasingly pressurised
environment.
REDUCING OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT
It is generally recognised that we need to reduce our carbon emissions significantly
if we are to pass on a world to future generations which is sustainable, and the group
Encouraging young people’s interest has a number of initiatives under way to meet this requirement:
in the environment
The group has developed a relationship Understanding the carbon footprint to live a life which is carbon neutral.
with the National Association for of Rotary activities: Measurements Each person normally generates
Environmental Education which has are under way to establish the about 12 to 14 tonnes a year and, with
started a pilot project in ‘The Heart of carbon footprint of a selection of our careful planning and changes in lifestyle,
England’ Rotary District with a focus on conferences and meetings. Once we this can, in many cases, be reduced to
plastic pollution, its causes and effects on have this data, we can identify just how about eight tonnes. One way to become
wildlife. we can reduce the size of our carbon carbon neutral is to plant trees.
The entries will all be displayed at footprint. Interestingly a Rotary District Depending on their variety it
an exhibition in Coventry for the final six in Africa is also involved in this activity. requires between five and 12 trees to
months of 2019 with the aim of raising offset one tonne of carbon dioxide,
awareness of plastic pollution. Zero carbon initiative: There is a though it is estimated that the planting
The group has also developed a new responsibility on every one of us to of British native hardwood trees would
youth competition for the next academic become carbon neutral. There are many require about 10 trees per tonne of
year, encouraging schoolchildren of all ways to reduce our carbon emissions, carbon dioxide. l
ages to focus on the theme of ‘waste however, it is virtually impossible for us
minimisation’. l
rotarygbi.org Rotary // 11ROTARY IN ACTION
Special feature
JAMES BOLTON
Volunteer Expo has landed
Rotary is launching a brand new, national event to
connect volunteers, organisations and the charity sector.
A
LMOST 20 million UK inviting the public and the charity sector significant pieces of research from each
adults got involved in some to engage with our organisation in a way organisation this year.
form of volunteering in the they’ve never done before. Rotary’s annual State of the Nation
last 12 months. “For charities and community-interest report recently found that almost half
The impact that groups, this event provides a fabulous of Britons admitted feeling lonely, with
volunteers have on our society is truly opportunity to recruit volunteers, share television, social media and even smart
incredible. their story and promote the vital work speakers providing ‘superficial’ alternatives
And in 2020, Rotary is bringing to life they’re doing. We would encourage them to face-to-face interaction.
an event that will inspire a whole set of new to visit our website and take a look at our NCVO’s 'Time Well Spent' report
volunteers to get involved and invigorate exhibition packages. found that nine in 10 volunteers said they
existing volunteers with a programme full “Rotary members are some of the most had met new people through volunteering
of things to learn, see and do. passionate volunteers around, and of course and nearly eight in 10 said it had improved
The event will be taking place May 1st- we’re excited to welcome them along too.” their mental health and well-being.
3rd, 2020 at the NEC in Birmingham. The event will include over 100 Sir Stuart Etherington, Chief Executive
Amanda Watkin, General Secretary fascinating exhibitors, leading speakers of NCVO, said: “It’s a real honour to be
of Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland, sessions, intimate seminar workshops and partnering with Rotary Great Britain and
explained the decision to launch the new opportunities take part in interactive on- Ireland and to be a part of Volunteer Expo.
event. site volunteering activities. “Rotary is a tremendous force for
“We’re thrilled to be bringing Volunteer As part of the event, Rotary has good in helping people connect with their
Expo to life in 2020. partnered with the National Council for communities and empowering them to
“We know that volunteering plays a Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), who will make a difference.
huge part in our society and transforms join Volunteer Expo as the event’s official We look forward to supporting the
the lives of millions of people around the charity partner. event to further increase the impact
country every single year. Both Rotary and NCVO have each volunteering has in our communities.” l
“For Rotary, this is an exciting been at the heart of promoting voluntary
progression away from our previous annual social action for over 100 years and this To find out more visit:
conference format into a large-scale Expo, partnership comes on the back of two voluteerexpo.co.uk
12 // Rotary rotarygbi.orgrotarygbi.org Rotary // 13
Latest news
Talk from the top… from the top of the Rotary tree
Barry Rassin Brenda Cressey Brian Stoyel
Rotary President 2018/19 The Rotary RI Director 2017-19
Foundation Trustees
A S I look back on all the things I have
seen and the people I have met since
becoming president of Rotary International
A S thousands of Rotarians around the
world board flights to Hamburg for
the Rotary International Convention in just
H OW time flies! Two years ago, I was
excited and apprehensive of taking on
the role of Director.
last July, I am certain of this: Rotary’s a few days, someone in line might see one of Two years later I tell you it is an
capacity to transform lives for the better our pins or a Rotary tag on our luggage and unbelievable experience, especially having had
is unparalleled. Our impact is far beyond ask, “are you a Rotarian?” the opportunity of serving two outstanding
anything I could have imagined when I first After we answer with an enthusiastic Rotary International Presidents: Ian Riseley;
became a Rotarian. “yes,” there’s much more to say about and Barry Rassin. Level-headed, personable
I think about the Rotarians I met how we, as people of action, are making everyday Rotarians eager for change with an
in Pakistan, who partnered with Coca- the world a better place — through our admiration for our Rotary membership and
Cola to improve sanitation in Karachi’s connections within clubs and through engagement throughout the world in our
neighbourhoods while supporting polio the transformative power of The Rotary Areas of Focus. Two individuals who speak
eradication efforts. Foundation. their mind and listen to you the members, if
I think about the Puerto Rican We can talk about how Rotary only we had more like them in our clubs.
Rotarians who are helping entire implements projects that will help I have been extremely fortunate: my
communities rebuild their lives after communities long after we’re all gone. term of office has coincided with a Council
Hurricane Maria. I think about the German We can describe how clubs in one on Legislation. Serving on the advisory
Rotaractors who are working to save bees — country pool funds with those from another committee for the last 12 months realising
whose role as pollinators is so important to to make communities healthier, more the amount of work started just under three
our planet — from extinction. prosperous, and better educated. years ago, receiving enactments, resolutions,
I think about the six Rotarians and We can share how our clubs partnered advising, editing, combining, realising and
Rotaractors who were honoured as People with global health leaders to bring the explaining cultural differences culminating in
of Action: Young Innovators at Rotary Day scourge of polio to its knees. the actual meeting.
at the United Nations in Nairobi, Kenya, And we can proudly note that much of To hear 538 delegates discussing, cajoling
in November for their work to create novel the good that Rotary does now and will do support, admitting defeat and then dining
solutions to tough challenges. in the future is because of the Foundation together in the evening.
It seems like only yesterday that I stood and its promise to transform gifts into As always enactment results can be –
on a stage in San Diego and asked you to projects that change lives. as expected, disillusioning, disappointing,
Be the Inspiration in your clubs, in your As we gather in Hamburg to mark narrow-minded - most of the 47 passed out of
communities, and in the world. another successful Rotary year, we have the 117 published were exciting and promising
Your response was an inspiration to me. much to celebrate. for the furtherance of our great organisation.
You are paving the way for Rotaractors At publication time, we had approved The most enlightening must be the
to become our future leaders, helping start 1,078 global grant applications, with total admittance of Rotaract clubs to Rotary
new Rotaract clubs and working to include funding of $76.5 million. International membership.
Rotaractors in Rotary events and projects in Last July, we launched the community Finally, recognition of Rotaract being
your communities. assessment component as a requirement for an important member of the Rotary family,
You are working hard to eradicate polio, all global grant or vocational training team still with its own constitution but embracing
participating in 4,200 events in more than applications as part of our commitment to members of Rotaract as our partners in
100 countries for World Polio Day. sustainability. service, not as Rotarians but partners.
And you are carrying out transformative That approach also informs why we I hope you will be one of the first to
projects that will create lasting change in established the Rotary Disaster Response welcome their opinions and invite them onto
your communities and in the world. Fund and Grant this year, which allows all your district committees.
This year, I also saw how Rotary’s work distribution of grants up to $25,000 for These young people are the lifeblood,
to build peace is bearing fruit. The 98 Rotary worldwide Rotarian disaster response. make sure their transfusion into your Rotary
Peace Fellows studying at our peace centres We also saw the Rotary Peace Centres is truly memorable and life changing.
will soon graduate, joining more than 1,200 significantly grow and increase their impact. I have been asked what now? Less
others in applying their conflict resolution From among record numbers of emails! More gardening, finishing the pond,
skills to problems that need solutions. applicants in 2019, around 100 Peace dog walking, getting the model railway set up
Soon it will be time for Esther and me Fellows will be chosen, and once they for the grandchildren! Helping with Rotary
to return home to Nassau. graduate, they will join more than 1,200 Jaipur Limb, Donations Trust, Expo, REMIT,
When we get there, I will look out others in applying their conflict resolution Rotary and Music philately, local Abbeyfield
on the vast sea that surrounds our island, skills to global problems. Trust, seeing the grandchildren and late at
and it will remind me of Rotary’s limitless We are committed to strengthening night playing my piano and other instruments
possibilities, and of the amazing future that and growing the Foundation for the future. solely to send the family to sleep!
awaits us beyond the horizon. I look forward We thank you for your generosity and At the end of the day thank you for the
to sailing there with you. l for all you do in Rotary. l wonderful Opportunity to Serve. l
14 // Rotary rotarygbi.orgGLOBAL IMPACT
Special feature
rotarygbi.org Rotary // 15ROTARY IN ACTION
Donna Wallbank
DAVE KING
Hairdresser Donna
refuses to be on the fringe
Meet Donna Wallbank, who in July becomes the new President of Great Britain
& Ireland. The hairdresser from South Wales is looking forward to her new role.
W
ALK into the Gwent friends.”
market town of So why does that perception exist?
Brynmawr in South Donna believes it is because Rotary
Wales, and you’re “Unless we change in remains one of life’s best kept secrets, and
greeted by a mustard-
coloured pub, The Talisman, facing the
clubs, districts and at this we don’t publicise ourselves within our
communities enough.
war memorial in Market Square. level by making what we She explained. “We have to be more
Just four doors down is the hair and outward-facing. One of Rotary’s big things
beauty salon, Kutz N Kurlz – two places do more bite-size, then we is that we keep secret what we are, or what
inextricably linked to the life of Donna are not going to encourage we have done.
“I’m not suggesting that if we gave
Wallbank, the next President of Rotary in
Great Britain & Ireland (RIBI). working people to come Mrs Jones £200 because she was on her
For rugby-mad Donna, Kutz N Kurlz heels that we should advertise that.
is her business, which was established in
forward to take up roles.” “But I am saying if we have just
1990, and the 19th century The Talisman, presented a disabled boy with a new trike
which was once a grand hotel serving a She had also been invited to join the and the parents are happy with that, then
town steeped in coal mining, is where her Lions Club which she felt was a more we should celebrate the event.
Rotary journey began in 1997. natural fit for her. "People can see we are people of
“I had gone to lunch at The Talisman But once she found what Rotary was action, we are in the community and
on a Tuesday where Rotary met, and a lady all about – the four-way test, what the understand what we are doing and why we
came down from the restaurant,” explained organisation stood for, and the adage of are doing it.
Donna. ‘service above self ’ – she was hooked. “I think the things we do, which are
“Enquiringly, I asked: ‘What are you Donna explained: “When I first went outward-facing, bring a massive change
doing upstairs with all of those men?’ She to Rotary I was scared, because to me they to the perception of who we are, what we
explained that Rotary wasn’t just men, it were posh people and I wasn’t. are and how we are welcoming to people
was duel gender - and she was a member. "In my head, the Lions were working from diverse parts of our communities,
"I was a community-minded person class people. Brynmawr Rotary wasn’t including the hairdresser.
and she suggested: ‘Why don’t you come what I thought it was going to be. “Who would have really believed
along next week?’ So I did.” "They are lovely people, and all that a hairdresser was going to lead the
Donna was 34-years-old at the time. of them have gone on to become great association?”
16 // Rotary rotarygbi.orgROTARY IN ACTION
Special feature
One key thread of Donna’s presidency And perhaps this is a door being left forward to take up roles.
will be continuity from the work of her open towards establishing more e-clubs. “If what we show, and I mean this
presidential predecessors, including “Fellowship is a bit of an old word, with the greatest respect, retired people
developing the mental health agenda. but Rotary is about friendships, enjoyment as RIBI President all the time, that is not
And with the inevitable elephant and fun, networking and that hand of going to encourage a younger demographic
in the room of lowering the average age help, which is vitally important. to come forward.”
of Rotary clubs, she has a keen eye on "We all want to be part of something,” As for being a woman – the third
the power of networking as a means of she added. female RIBI President in four years – it
membership growth. Donna, who has been married to makes no difference. Donna refuses to
After all, wasn’t that what drew Steve for 36 years, has three children wear a ‘Women in Rotary’ pin because she
Chicago solicitor, Paul Harris, the founder (one of whom Shane, 33, was President believes it is irrelevant.
of Rotary 114 years ago, into creating the of Brynmawr Rotary last year), six “I believe I have this role because
organisation? grandchildren, a tank of marine fish and a people voted for me because they knew I
Rotary should be looking to young parrot - still intends to carry on working could do the role through my track record
professionals who are new to business, during her year-long tenure as president, to deliver.
sole traders and even home-workers who though it is going to require juggling. “They didn’t vote for me, I hope,
can use the organisation as a means of She firmly believes that Rotary as an because I wore high heels and a dress.
networking, explained Donna. organisation has to become more flexible “When I am doing Rotary, I am a
It’s also a means to meet the social to enable those who are working to come Rotarian, not a woman in Rotary.
responsibility which each of us strives to forward to take up roles. "You don’t have a badge which says ‘I
do. “Unless we change in clubs, districts am a man in Rotary’. We shouldn’t push it
There are many business clubs out and at this level, by making what we do on gender. We say we want diversity, but
there, but Rotary is an affordable and more bite-size, then we are not going then we are pushing separation.” l
focused option, she argued. to encourage working people to come
rotarygbi.org Rotary // 17ROTARY IN ACTION
Life-saving technology
Life-saving technology
funded by Rotary
T
HE Lister Hospital in
Stevenage is now the owner of
a brand new fibroscan device
which will be crucial in the
battle to combat liver disease.
The fibroscan is a type of ultrasound
which can measure the degree of
inflammation in the liver.
It is a simple, painless test which
uses high-frequency sound waves, and for
doctors, it is a vital piece of equipment to
detect liver disease early.
Now, thanks to funding from Rotary
clubs in Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire
and Bedfordshire, together with a generous
donation from The Rotary Foundation, this
technology is now available to the East and
North Hertfordshire NHS Trust.
The hepatology service at the Trust
provides inpatient and outpatient liver
services to a population of 600,000 people.
Because of the prevalence of liver Money was needed from abroad to “We were truly amazed at the speed
disease and the need to act swiftly, the meet the Global Grant requirement of 30% with which this purchase went through and
Lister Hospital developed a five-year of the money coming from outside the host overwhelmed with the generosity of all the
strategy to provide an improved hepatology country. local Rotary clubs that contributed to the
service. And this was built around the need Debbie also mentioned how Global purchase.
to have a fibroscan device. Grants in your own country are very “The kit we now have will make a big
Lack of trained staff was another issue. worthwhile, showing how Foundation difference to patient care and Rotary can
All it took to meet the problem was money is well spent, and which is doing be proud of how their support will help the
a single phone call to Ron Gibson from good in the world. local population. You do wonderful work.”
Potters Bar Rotary and, four months Dr Simon Greenfield, Clinical Director Nick Carver, Chief Executive of the
later, thanks to the work of the Rotary for gastroenterology and hepatology with East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust,
District team, £50,000 was found to pay the East and North Hertfordshire NHS said that the provision of the fibroscan
for the fibroscan, the XL Probe, training, Trust, said he was delighted with the would not have been possible without
installation, and part of the maintenance. purchase of the liver fibroscan. Rotary’s help.
The money came from a Rotary He said: “The equipment means He said: “Thanks to this new
Foundation Global Grant, set up by the that many patients will no longer need to service, our patients will be able to have
Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and undergo a painful liver biopsy in order to examinations locally to check for early liver
Hertfordshire District 1260 Foundation diagnose liver scarring. scarring.
Committee. “When looking to purchase this kit “The test is quick, efficient and pain-
Rotary in Great Britain & Ireland we made a departmental decision to seek free, so it will make a great impact to our
President, Debbie Hodge, attended the charitable support just last summer. patients’ overall care and experience.
presentation of the device. “It took me only one phone call to Ron “We can’t thank the Rotary clubs
There, she described the work of The Gibson to get the ball rolling. enough for their ongoing support and for all
Rotary Foundation and mentioned what “Ron was immediately very the incredible work they put back into our
Rotary can achieve when working together. enthusiastic about the potential purchase community.
Forty clubs had provided funds, with and there rapidly followed a meeting with “It is a pleasure to work in partnership
other money coming from District 1230 him and Paul Denton, District 1260 Global with them.” l
in Scotland, District 3036 in India, and Grants Chair and Dave Ford District
District 9675 from Sydney, Australia. Governor to discuss our proposals.
18 // Rotary rotarygbi.orgrotarygbi.org Rotary // 19
Be the inspiration for a
polio-free world
Judith Diment is a member of the International PolioPlus Committee and a key
campaigner in the bid to eradicate polio. She writes how, although the world is close
to wiping out the disease, it still requires one major, final push.
T
HERE are many challenges by an independent team in
on the last mile to eradicating Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria,
polio and the Global Polio with recommendations made by the
Eradication Initiative (GPEI) Independent Monitoring Board.
is ramping up activities to These recommendations have
meet those challenges. been incorporated into ‘The Polio
Nigeria has had no cases of the wild Endgame Strategy 2019-2023
polio virus since August 2016, and India Eradication, Integration, Containment
has just celebrated five years of being and Certification’ which highlights the
certified polio-free. activities that need to continue, changes
Disappointingly, in Afghanistan and that need implementing, and innovations
Pakistan, there were more polio cases in which will be introduced to get to
2018 than 2017, with 33 cases in total; and zero cases.
the GPEI programme has been extended The strategy was presented at the
through to 2023. World Health Assembly in May 2018. The
Last year, major reviews of programme is funded through to 2019 and
the programme were undertaken $3.2 billion must be raised to fund
20 // Rotary rotarygbi.orgGLOBAL IMPACT
Polio update
the programme to 2023. “Eradication is an all-or-nothing If we are to join Barry Rassin’s desire
In an extraordinary joint statement approach. We either eradicate, or we do to Be the Inspiration for a polio-free world
made by the chairs of the independent, not. And the truth is, everything is in place then we must continue to support our
advisory and oversight committees of the for success to be achieved. GPEI partners and Rotary colleagues in
GPEI, they urged everyone to ensure polio “The Endgame Plan through 2013- Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan who are
will finally be assigned to the history books 2018 has brought us to the brink of being doing outstanding work with dedication
by 2023. polio-free. And the Strategic Plan 2019- and persistence, often in difficult
They made an impassioned plea to 2023 aims to build on the lessons learned circumstances.
everyone to dedicate themselves to one since 2013. The money we raise through Rotary
clear objective: to reach that very last child “Its aim is to increase performance provides essential grants to WHO and
with polio vaccine. everywhere, including using the proven Unicef to fund technical assistance
Bill Gates echoed this in an interview tools of eradication and building blocks staff, vaccinators, social mobilisation;
with Reuters when he said: “Eradicating that have been established, while using transportation – trucks, cars, bikes, boats
the disease - something that has only opportunities to innovate using local and donkeys, and communication tools –
ever been achieved with one other human knowledge and insights to overcome radio and bill board advertising, leaflets,
disease, smallpox - is proving a long and obstacles that in the past have seemed caps, tabards, purple pens.
challenging task. insurmountable. We distribute $150 million a year in
“We've got to get Afghanistan and grants, including $50 million raised by
Pakistan to zero, we need government Rotary and the $100 million match from
donors to stay committed. the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
"The success of the fight against polio “Eradicating the disease We can’t lose sight of the goal, we
and its near-eradication has been a global, must remain focused and honour Rotary’s
collective effort between governments, civil - something that has promise to the children of the world. l
society organisations, health workers, and
activists. We must stay committed.”
only ever been achieved
For Rotarians, this means going the with one other human
extra mile with fund-raising, volunteering
and advocacy. disease, smallpox - is
Children are missing out on
vaccination for various reasons including proving a long and
lack of infrastructure, remote locations,
population movement, conflict and
challenging task.”
insecurity, resistance to vaccination,
misinformation and vaccination fatigue. “The key is to optimise all these
In Afghanistan, Taliban leaders are approaches, and if the plan is fully
hindering global efforts to end polio by financed and implemented at all levels, a
preventing house to house vaccinations. lasting polio-free world will be secured for
Political instability and elections also all future generations to come.
play their part. Fortunately, in Pakistan “We commit to making it our
the new Prime Minister, Imran Khan, overriding objective to find and reach Tayyaba Gul, from Islamabad
is committed to eradicating polio and that last unvaccinated child before the (Metropolitan) Rotary in Pakistan,
chaired a meeting of the National Polio poliovirus does. We will give the poliovirus runs a Rotary-funded health centre
Committee. nowhere to hide.” in Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
In January, Dr Tedros Adhanom Rotary International President, Barry province, where her team of female
Ghebreyesus, Director-General of Rassin, agrees, pointing out how every vaccinators aim to close the cultural gap
the World Health Organization, Thursday morning he receives an email that pushes up refusal rates.
visited Pakistan and Afghanistan and from the WHO with an update on polio The group works in
commented: “We witnessed first-hand eradication. neighbourhoods within tribal border
the tremendous efforts being undertaken He explained: “Every week, when that regions among ethnic Afghan refugees.
to interrupt the remaining chains of wild email appears in my inbox, my heart seems Its aim is to convince mothers that
polio transmission there. to stop for just a moment until I read the polio immunisations are a normal part
“I have rarely been so impressed by first few lines – and learn whether a child of postnatal care.
public health efforts being undertaken was paralysed by wild poliovirus that week. “I just contribute my part as
as in these two areas, as both countries “When I open that Thursday email, I a Rotarian. I’m happy to work in
work hand-in-hand to tackle this joint don't wonder what number I'll see. remote areas, especially with women,
epidemiological block, as both countries "I wonder, was a child paralysed this motivating them to play their role in
engage and mobilise all levels of public and week or not? We are so close to eradication society,” Gul says.
civil society to support this effort. – but there is work left to do.”
rotarygbi.org Rotary // 21Jersey…
Advertorial
Jersey the largest of the Channel Islands, is a unique meetings and events destination,
delivering outstanding and innovative events in a beautiful setting and offering
extraordinary opportunities for hosting your corporate meeting or conference.
J
ERSEY is an inspirational beaches, superb gastronomy, chic CITG responded to the brief with
island, where lush country lanes shopping, any number of historical and the offer of producing a brochure with a
meet magnificent cliff top views heritage sites, the world renowned Jersey package price to cover, transport to the
and the sea is never more than Zoo, La Mare Wine Estate, the War island, accommodation and on island
a short distance away. An island Tunnels to name just a few. transfers. CITG negotiated seat rates by
that’s alive with adventure and energy, You won’t find a more inspiring, air and sea, accommodation tariffs and
packed with exciting things to discover welcoming and rewarding location, allocations and on island transfer prices.
and activities to enjoy. whether it be for a small meeting, The brochure was distributed at the
The island has a wide range of styles incentive programme or larger event. 2017 conference held in Southampton
and sizes of venue to host outstanding C. I. Travel Group (CITG) is a long- where CITG was also represented.
and sometimes even unique events. established destination management and As a result, just short of 600
Historic fortifications, charming seaside travel company, licensed and bonded with delegates attended the Jersey conference
or countryside sites to modern conference ABTA and holding an ATOL issued by in October, with many electing to stay for
venues. Facilities are excellent and they all the CAA, meaning that all monies paid to longer and enjoy Jersey’s facilities.
come with the warmest of welcomes. them are fully protected at all times. CITG managed all individual
Getting to the island is really very CITG has a dedicated team providing bookings for the event including travel,
easy since it enjoys excellent connectivity unrivalled knowledge, experience accommodation and transfers.
by both air and sea. There are daily and expertise in event facilitation, In addition they provided on-
flights from more than 20 airports across and being based on the island have the-ground support throughout the
the UK and Europe, including up to 12 excellent commercial relationships with entire conference, assisting the Rotary
daily flights from the London region; all the accommodation providers, on conference committee in delivering a
the majority of flights take less than 60 island logistics suppliers and transport hugely successful event.
minutes. Regular car carrying fast ferry operators. District Governor, Allan Smith, was
sailings also operate from Poole, plus a In the early part of 2016, Rotary delighted with the conference.
traditional ferry from Portsmouth. District 1110 (Hampshire, Isle of Wight He said:“CI Travel’s performance in
There is a diverse range of & Channel Islands) decided that they bringing the majority of delegates to our
accommodation on the island offering a wished to hold their annual conference conference was exemplary.
choice of two to five star-graded hotels, in Jersey in October 2018 and CITG “Their team showed great
international brands such as Radisson was asked to meet with the organising professionalism in this considerable task,
Blu and Premier Inn and a number of committee. from the most attractive brochure, right
smaller guest house-style properties. The initial brief was for 600 plus through the booking process.
Each one in its own right provides a delegates flying from Southampton, or "The delegates were very
unique, welcoming experience. travelling by sea from Poole and bringing complimentary on the greeting they
The larger four and five-star grades their own car. received and the transfers to the hotels.
often have their own in-house meeting Conference meetings would take “One of our major concerns was the
and conference facilities. place at Jersey’s largest conference and coaching of delegates to Fort Regent and
Jersey has so much to offer even event centre, Fort Regent, over a three- the various functions. We need not have
the most discerning visitor, wonderful day period. been worried, it went without a hitch.” l
22 // Rotary rotarygbi.orgthe perfect place for your Rotary conference.
ROTARY IN ACTION
Young Citizen Awards
EVE CONWAY
Truly remarkable
youngsters
Incredible young people from across Great Britain and Ireland were recognised with Rotary Young
Citizen Awards, the first-ever Rotary Young Citizen Peacemaker Award and the Rotary Young Citizen
WheelPower Sports Award at the Rotary Conference and Showcase in Nottingham.
Rotary Young Citizen Peacemaker Award
A
GROUP of Irish pupils, aged
15 and 16, who are peace
advocates at Coláiste Mhuire
Buttevant School in County
Cork, have scooped the
first-ever Rotary Young Citizen Peacemaker
Award for their inspirational work tackling
difficulties affecting fellow students.
The Peace Advocates surveyed all
pupils in their school to find out what they
were concerned about and discovered issues
where they needed support. The issues
included online safety, phone and gaming
overuse leading to sleep deprivation,
anxiety, low self-esteem and depression.
The Peace Advocacy Group raised the
survey’s results with the school principal
who organised workshops with a forensic Coláiste Mhuire Buttevant School in County Cork won the Rotary Young Citizen Peacemaker Award
psychologist carrying out sessions with
students and also parents. “It is an honour for all 157 Peace Advocates President Debbie Hodge said: “The Peace
The group is now in the process of in Coláiste Mhuire to be nominated by Advocates are a real inspiration to us all
training all second year students and their Rotary as the first recipients of the new with the important work they are carrying
teachers with the aim to have all students in Rotary Young Citizen Peacemaker out, which they have initiated themselves,
the school trained to be fully qualified Peace Award 2019. to help other students at their school deal
Advocates by 2020. “Our Peace Programme, founded by with their concerns.”
They are also organising a Pride Day at Jean Best, focuses on one’s quality of life, in Five Peace Advocates travelled to
the school where pupils can celebrate their our communities, our homes, our schools the Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland
diversity, taking pride in their uniqueness, and in ourselves. Showcase in Nottingham last month to
diverse cultures, sporting communities, etc. “We use the skills of purposeful receive a trophy and £500 to go towards
Mallow Rotary Club was so impressed listening and collaborative conversation to their chosen project or good cause from
with the work of the Peace Advocacy Group recognise, enable and empower our fellow BBC TV Presenter Ellie Crisell. They were
that it put them forward for the Rotary students and ourselves to believe in the David Higgins, Paul O’Keeffe, Eoin O’Brien,
Young Citizen Peacemaker Award. The expertise of the young to help each other Zoe Crowley and Aoibhe Jones.
new award reflects Rotary’s area of focus on and resolve conflict. The Peace Advocates were trained by
Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution. “Winning this award has been a Rotarians Keith and Jean Best, who run
The Peace Advocates say they are lovely acknowledgement of our efforts and The Peace Project, supported by Rotary in
delighted to be the first recipients of this commitment to the Peace Programme.” Great Britain and Ireland, and launched in
new award. In a statement, the group said: Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland schools in Scotland.
24 // Rotary rotarygbi.org©Andrew Fairclough Photography
Anastasia Blease in action in a wheelchair basketball game
Rotary Young Citizen WheelPower Sports Award
Anastasia Blease - 14 15s team every year since she was nine,
Nominated by Flint winning silver as Vice-Captain for the last
two years in the Lord’s Taverners Junior
& Holywell Rotary Championships. The schoolgirl, who “I want to be an
WHEELCHAIR basketball player plays for North Wales Knights, is hoping
Anastasia from Carmel, near Holywell in to one day represent Great Britain in the inspiration to younger
Wales, was born with spina bifida. She
is fast becoming a sporting hero after
Paralympics. people and I like to show
She says: "I want to be an inspiration
returning home with a gold medal from the to younger people and I like to show them them that they can achieve
European Championships in France with
Team GB's Junior Women under-24s.
that they can achieve anything they want."
The Rotary Young Citizen WheelPower
anything they want.”
She is the youngest player currently Sports Award is jointly sponsored by Rotary
selected for the squad and only began International in Great Britain & Ireland
playing six years ago aged eight. and the UK wheelchair sports charity,
Anastasia has played for Wales’ under- WheelPower.
Rotary Young Citizen Award
Kira Noble - 15 and training of medical professionals as well as raising awareness of her condition
Nominated by Leith Rotary to save lives. She launched a Childhood through social media.
Cancer campaign and joined forces with Scans in January 2019 revealed that
NICKNAMED ‘Kira the Machine’, the
an Edinburgh mum whose son died of Kira's cancer has continued to grow and
Edinburgh schoolgirl has courageously
leukaemia. progress further despite PBT in the US.
faced the rare and aggressive cancer
Despite 20 rounds of chemotherapy, Kira herself has taken the decision to try
neuroblastoma since she was 11-years-old.
conventional radiotherapy and additional an experimental drug which is an ALK
She has now been told that her cancer
Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) to her inhibitor.
is incurable.
abdominal area and four major abdominal Reacting to the news, she said: "I don't
After doctors failed to initially
surgeries, Kira's cancer has returned three like being negative because it isn't going to
recognise she had the condition, Kira
times. Whilst in hospital, she offers support get me anywhere."
has campaigned for more awareness
to other cancer sufferers and their families,
rotarygbi.org Rotary // 25ROTARY IN ACTION
Special feature
Plastic Warrior, Emily Stevenson - Nominated by Rotary in the SW Peninsula (Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly)
passion for what is fair and a desire to help
people who she believes aren’t as fortunate
“I am so proud of the work I have done so far, but it is as her.
absolutely only just the beginning. With this recognition This is against a backdrop of personal
struggle since she is on the pathway for an
from Rotary, it only empowers me to work harder for longer Autism Spectrum Disorder assessment.
to protect the environment against the plight of plastic.” When Alana was six, she decided she
wanted to do something for charity, so she
set up her first charity cake stall, which has
pledged that by 2025 they will make all now become an annual event.
Emily Stevenson - 21 packaging 100% recyclable, compostable or She raises money for a girl at her
Nominated by Rotary in the SW biodegradable. school with cerebral palsy, helping to fund
After spending time with Emily and her therapy and specialist equipment, plus
Peninsula (Devon, Cornwall the Beach Guardian project in 2018, Nissan supporting the Sheffield Hospitals Charity,
and Isles of Scilly) now give all their employees worldwide as well as other charities.
‘PLASTICS WARRIOR’ Emily Stevenson two days of volunteering time each year, as In 2017, Alana’s Caring Cakes were
is being recognised for her mission to end well as offering support to beach cleaning born. Alana’s Caring Cakes are free of
single-use plastic. groups worldwide and increasing the charge and anybody can nominate someone
Emily, who grew up and lives on the recycled plastic content in their vehicles. to receive one of Alana’s special cakes.
north coast of Cornwall, has been picking They also developed a two-minute film Key is surprising the individual who
up plastic from beaches for over half her life about Beach Guardian’s work. has been nominated.
She set up the Beach Guardian project in Emily said: “I am so proud of the work Alana has delivered to people in care
Cornwall and has also worked with Nissan I have done so far, but it is absolutely only homes, those undergoing chemotherapy,
as part of her beach cleaning campaign. just the beginning. With this recognition hospice staff who had cared for somebody
The former marine biology student from Rotary, it only empowers me to who had recently died, people caring for
from Trevone Bay wants to stop plastic work harder for longer to protect the family members with a terminal illness
from ending up on beaches worldwide. environment against the plight of plastic.” and those who go the extra mile for special
She has received a letter of thanks from friends.
Sir David Attenborough. Alana views what she does as being
Emily attracted international media Alana Habergham-Rice - 11 nothing special as she feels everybody
attention when she wore a dress made Nominated by Rotherham Rotary should do nice things for people.
from discarded Walkers crisp packets to ALANA Habergham-Rice, aged 11, She said: “It just makes me really
her graduation ceremony at Plymouth nominated by Rotherham Rotary happy that I can do something to make
University. Since then, Walkers has Alana from Rotherham is driven by a their time when it’s tough, better!”
26 // Rotary rotarygbi.orgYou can also read
