Why should a child go hungry? - Rotary in Great Britain and ...
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Love Food Hate Waste 12
Volunteer Expo 20
Thames Valley Air Ambulance 26
Rotary Shoebox Scheme 30
rotarygbi.org
The Official Magazine of Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland October/November 2019
4
FOOD POVERTY IN THE UK
Why should a child
go hungry?
2 // Rotary rotarygbi.org
CONTENTS
20 FEATURES
FareShare
Dundee FareShare project
4
6
Ellesmere Port Food Club 8
Maidenhead Foodshare scheme 10
Love Food Hate Waste 12
Trussell Trust 16
30 Volunteer Expo
Marie Curie partnership
Thames Valley Air Ambulance
20
22
26
4
Get it right with copyright 28
Rotary Shoebox Scheme 30
Swansea centenary 32
Rotary Radio UK 36
REGULARS
Rotary Great Britain
& Ireland President 14
Talk from the Top 18
People of Action 39
And Finally… 50
26 Thames Valley Air Ambulance
Editor
Dave King EVEN MORE ONLINE
editor@rotarygbi.org
PR Officer
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rotarygbi.org Rotary // 3
ROTARY IN ACTION
FareShare
Waste not,
want not
Andrew Argo from Dundee Rotary explains how they are working with the
charity FareShare to tackle hunger and food waste in the Scottish city
A
N estimated 250,000 tonnes surplus supermarket food to charities and and incurring disposal charges, the
of perfectly edible food is community groups who turn it into meals supermarkets donate their surplus food to
wasted in the supply chain for vulnerable people. FareShare.
each year in the UK. Supermarkets can find themselves Across the UK the organisation,
That massive amount with surplus stock for a number of reasons. whose motto is 'fighting hunger, tackling
could be saved from disposal and make a As well as over-estimated customer food waste', receives tens of thousands of
significant difference to efforts to tackle demand, there can be packaging or tonnes from the food industry.
food poverty. labelling errors and food that is past Although FareShare receives only a
FareShare, the UK’s largest charity its ‘best before’ date, but is covered by small portion of the UK’s wasted meals'
tackling hunger and food waste, can access manufacturers’ extension letters. mountain, the scale of its operations is
only 7% of the wasted meals mountain. Meat, fish, eggs and dairy products are staggering.
There is plenty of scope for it to accepted from supermarkets, as are fruit Last year, across 1,900 towns and
do more, and Rotary clubs have been and vegetables and chilled ready meals. cities in the UK, it helped to feed almost
encouraged to follow the example of the Ambient food, including pasta, cans one million people each week. Almost
Dundee club to tackle the serious issue. and cereals are also received along with 11,000 charities and community groups
Some of our members have become bakery products. received deliveries, saving an estimated
volunteer drivers for FareShare, delivering Rather than sending it to landfill 20,000 tonnes of surplus food from waste.
FareShare worked with 500 food
partners within the supply chain, from
growers and manufacturers through to
supermarkets.
The meal-providing charities pay a
membership fee to FareShare to cover the
cost of the service.
Without the surplus supermarket
food, many people using the centres would
struggle to receive regular meals.
FareShare say that a fifth of their
charity members would have to close if
they didn’t receive the service.
The Rotarians in Dundee are among
1,500 volunteers across the UK network,
but FareShare say they always need more
people to help organise stock and drive
delivery vans.
FareShare has been operating for 25
years. It presently runs 21 regional centres
4 // Rotary rotarygbi.org
©Leigh Farmer Photography
across the UK, with four warehouses in initiatives to support people in a dignified
Scotland. Dundee was the first to open way and try to address the underlying
north of the border in the charity’s causes of food poverty.
first year. "It’s encouraging to see FareShare
FareShare in Dundee, with the bringing people and organisations together
support of local Rotarians, has received to deliver programmes that reflect this.”
influential backing. Joe FitzPatrick considered FareShare’s FACT FILE
Joe FitzPatrick, Scotland’s public model as a great example of a sustainable
health minister and SNP MSP for the solution to food poverty. FOOD POVERTY
Dundee City West constituency, which “It empowers communities to take an
IN THE UK
includes the FareShare warehouse, paid a active role in creating projects that deliver • 8.4 million people in the UK, the
recent visit. for local people in a dignified way, and equivalent of the entire population of
He said: “Everyone in Scotland should this also builds greater resilience within London, don’t get enough food to eat.
have access to fresh and healthy food. communities as we try to find the answers • 1.9 million tonnes of food is wasted
"Projects like FareShare are helping to tackling inequality for long term every year in the supply chain in
people across the country who are benefit,” he stated. the UK.
struggling to feed themselves and their Mr FitzPatrick said FareShare and
• FareShare currently handles
families, while reducing the reliance on the retailers, who contribute surplus food, approximately 7% of the surplus food
emergency food provision. also help towards Scotland's target to available in the UK.
"The Scottish Government has been reduce the one million tonnes per year of
clear that UK Government welfare cuts food waste by 33% by 2025 as part of the • Last year, FareShare redistributed
enough food to make 46.5 million
and benefit sanctions have continually Food Waste Reduction Action Plan.
meals. The majority of this food is
pushed more and more people into food “This target focuses on prevention,
fresh, such as fruit, vegetables, meat
poverty, and increased the demand and and the diversion of surplus food that and dairy products.
number of food banks in Scotland. might otherwise be wasted to projects like
“This shocking trend has to stop, and FareShare. • ‘Surplus’ applies to any food that does
we will continue to fight those changes. "It's a perfect example of the kind of not have a commercial outlet but is
within date and can still be consumed.
"Relying on food banks is actions required to achieve that target,” he
It has become surplus for various
unacceptable and it’s something we want added. l
reasons including overproduction,
to eradicate. No-one should need face errors in forecasting, incorrect
those conditions in a modern country. For more information visit: labelling and damaged packaging.
“Our ambition is to help community fareshare.org.uk
rotarygbi.org Rotary // 5
ROTARY IN ACTION
Dundee FareShare Project
White van men at work!
D
UNDEE Rotarians are Chris called on Rotarians and others to work we can offer the community and
volunteering as 'white van step forward to support FareShare. embraces the objective of ‘service above
men' to distribute surplus He added: “Just £1 enables FareShare self ’."
in-date supermarket food to to provide a meal for a family of four, and Alistair McNair, District Governor of
charities. a few hours of your time volunteering can Scotland North, which includes Dundee,
Past President Gavin Strachan make a real difference.” praised the partnership working.
and Secretary Andrew Argo spend Dundee Past President Gavin Strachan He said: “FareShare does an excellent
Monday mornings delivering food which pointed out how the project abides closely job in distributing ex-supermarket food.
supermarkets can’t sell to meal-providing with Rotary’s core values. I congratulate Dundee Rotary Club for
charities under the FareShare scheme. He said: “The work done by FareShare helping with this initiative, showing they
In Dundee, the surplus food is stored is invaluable and is very much appreciated are “people of action.”
in FareShare’s depot where a new chiller by the recipients. It is unfortunate that in “I would encourage other Rotary clubs
and freezer have been added. this day there is such a need. to support similar projects to tackle food
With increased capacity, the project "The involvement of the Rotary Club poverty.” l
in Dundee can accept more food to benefit of Dundee is another example of vocational
more people.
The project in the city supplies more
than 120 charities, including holiday
hunger schemes, homeless hostels, refuges,
family centres and hospices.
In the year to March 2019, FareShare
in Dundee shipped 311 tonnes of food, an
increase of almost 60% on the previous 12
months.
Without the surplus supermarket food
from FareShare, many people using these
centres would struggle to receive regular
meals.
Dundee Rotary Club’s involvement in
FareShare came about through Community
Service convener Jim Pickett, a former
board member of Transform Community
Development in Dundee, which operates
FareShare in the city.
He reported FareShare’s need for
volunteers to drive its delivery vans, and
raised it as a scheme for Dundee Rotary
Club to support.
The Dundee club agreed, seeing it as a
project to fulfil the Rotary aim of providing
a service to the community.
Chris Doig, manager of FareShare
in Dundee, said: “We have been working
closely with Dundee Rotary Club for a
number of years and they are a really valued
advocate for our cause. “Each week we help to feed thousands at risk of hunger in
“Each week we help to feed thousands
at risk of hunger in our communities, but our communities, but we know demand for our service
we know demand for our service is rising. is rising. That is why we are grateful for the support of
“That is why we are grateful for
the support of Dundee Rotary Club and
Dundee Rotary Club and dedicated volunteers like Gavin
dedicated volunteers like Gavin and and Andrew giving their time each week.”
Andrew giving their time each week.”
6 // Rotary rotarygbi.org
rotarygbi.org Rotary // 7
Entrepreneur Gordon Vickers with Rita Lewis, founder of The Port Grocery
Entrepreneur supports
community food club
C
OMMUNITY food club The Gordon is joining our team. It’ll be like I visited The Port Grocery because it deals
Port Grocery has appointed having a consultant working with us with local issues 100%. I decided I wanted
serial entrepreneur Gordon because of Gordon’s extensive business to get more involved because what they are
Vickers as its patron – after a knowledge and acumen. doing is so worthwhile. I will be helping
year of rapid growth. “As a serial entrepreneur he has a with fund-raising, bringing fresh ideas and
The ground-breaking project collects proven track record and we want him to raising awareness of the great work they do.”
and diverts four tonnes of food – from the point things out to us as if it was his own The Port Grocery has grown from
likes of Asda, Sainsbury’s and Nandos - business. We’re also hoping to be able to a five-week pilot to a seven-day a week
from landfill every week. use some of his contacts to grow The Port operation run by 15 staff and 55 volunteers
The food is then passed on in the Grocery in the coming months.” with the ‘Wednesday Welcome’ becoming a
community shop to members, as well as Gordon, a long-standing member of lifeline for hundreds of locals.
turned into a free weekly meal for 300 Ellesmere Port Rotary, earned the nickname The ‘Wednesday Welcome’ also
people at a weekly ‘Wednesday Welcome’ ‘Mr Chester’ while running the Monday provides non-food items such as clothing
meet up at Trinity Methodist Church in Wall City Jazz Club night in the city from and footwear donated by Aldi and free
Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. 1957 to 1974. haircuts from Cheshire College hairdressing
This pioneering project tackles social At the same time, he was at the helm students.
and economic isolation, food and fuel of a group and artiste agency, but refused Staff use two refrigerated vans to collect
poverty, loneliness and debt through the to sign The Beatles because they were ‘too unwanted food from KFC, Pret A Manger
media of food. scruffy’. and Tesco three times daily, totalling more
Founder Rita Lewis will now be Gordon founded the Chester Hotels' than 150 collections a week.
working closely with former Chester Association in 1978 and, in 1987, he The 600 food club members pay £5
hotelier and Rotarian, Gordon, on a long- transformed a 150-year-old derelict corn a week and get £16 to £20 worth of fresh
term strategy for The Port Grocery as it goes mill in the centre of Chester into The Mill fruit and vegetables, frozen, dried, fresh and
from strength to strength. Hotel and Spa, which he sold in 2018. canned food from the community shop. l
She said: “We’re over the moon that He said: “I was very impressed when
8 // Rotary rotarygbi.org
rotarygbi.org Rotary // 9
ROTARY IN ACTION
Maidenhead Foodshare scheme
Not too posh
for nosh
Maidenhead, sitting on the River Thames in Berkshire, is a prosperous commuter
town and yet it still has its share of food poverty. Lisa Hunter from
Maidenhead Bridge Rotary explains the success of the Foodshare scheme.
S
OME time around the middle of week in, week out, without fail. This is a Maidenhead constituency was close
2018, Foodshare, Maidenhead’s very important facet of this project since so to 3,000.
food bank charity, provided its one many people in difficult situations depend Factor in the rest of their family
millionth meal! on what they do. members, plus other households without
This landmark number is This kind of reliability is down to the children, and the total number of people
a testament to the help the charity has wonderful volunteers who give up their must be several thousand.
provided since it started over seven years time to help, many of them members of Maidenhead Bridge Rotary has worked
ago, and to the continued goodwill of Maidenhead Bridge Rotary, who have with Foodshare for over six years in
individuals and organisations who so kindly supported the charity since the Rotary club various ways.
give food, money or their time. was formed in 2012. Members of the club volunteer every
Foodshare provides meals for people Wednesday and Saturday to collect donated
who are struggling to eat properly. It food from various points around the town,
provides food, including fresh food, fruit take it to the storage unit and get it on the
and vegetables, to individuals and families “People are often surprised shelves ready to hand out.
who are unable to afford a proper meal These ‘Rotarians at Work’ are often
every day for themselves or their children.
when they learn of the seen in local supermarkets running
Their primary focus is on providing support on this scale in a promotion days to encourage members of
nutritious food and they aim to provide a town like Maidenhead”. the public to donate an item of food whilst
doing their shop, and regularly use money
minimum of three days’ food for a family in
need, more if they have stocks. from their charity account to buy much-
During term time, they also provide Through the food bank, community needed stock when the shelves are
breakfasts for pupils at schools whose meals, school breakfast club supplies and running empty.
families are unable to afford to feed them other projects, Foodshare helps between However, the club has also been
properly. 350 to 400 people each week. supporting them with practical issues such
Twelve months ago another issue was People are often surprised when they as helping to devise the food stacking/
identified; what happens during school learn of the support on this scale in a town storage process to ensure all donated food is
holidays when children don’t have access to like Maidenhead. distributed to families in need.
cooked school dinners? The truth is that However, the truth is that we help just It was identified that a proper system
they often go without. a small fraction of those in need. of simply loading food onto the distribution
With this in mind, Foodshare started Last year, the Child Poverty Action shelves meant that donated items were
a new project providing a meal two times a Group published by parliamentary having to be thrown away as they were
week during the school holidays for those constituency the number of children living going out of date, so Maidenhead Bridge
in need. in poverty (according to the government’s Rotary stepped into action.
The charity’s services are provided definition). The number for the Spending a whole day clearing all the
10 // Rotary rotarygbi.orgROTARY IN ACTION
shelves, labelling food packages, putting We have also worked with them to an area that Rotary should be doing more
up better shelf signage etc. and creating strengthen their marketing message to to tackle.
an easy food processing system meant the help them reach out to a wider audience to How can we expect the future leaders
charity was more streamlined and, more enable them to support more local families of the world to achieve their full potential
importantly, all donated food was being who cannot afford to feed themselves. if they are going to school hungry? With
given out and not going to waste. Over the years, club members have Rotary’s connections, not only should
This is a fabulous example of Rotarians donated over 2,290 volunteer hours to we doing more work with grassroots
using their knowledge and business the project, using the minimum wage that organisations such as Foodshare, we
experience to really have an impact on equates to more than £18,800. should also be lobbying the government
a charity. This is just one of the ways our club to do more.
Continuing from that project, tries to make a difference to our community We wish the numbers who need to seek
members’ skills and expertise have and I am very proud of the contribution the help of Foodshare would fall, but that
revitalised and modernised the brand of our club members have made to help local doesn’t look like happening any time soon.
Foodshare, making it fresh and clear. people who have hit a difficult period in So sadly, it’s clear we need to keep on doing
The reason for this was to allow for their lives. what we are doing. l
the message of the charity to be seen more Surely, having access to food is a
prominently whether it’s on a t-shirt, flyer basic right, particularly when living in a For more information visit:
or donation box. westernised society; in my opinion this is foodshare.today
rotarygbi.org Rotary // 11ROTARY IN ACTION
Special feature
ROSIE ANDERSON
Declaring war on food waste
A
CCORDING to the in Banbury, Oxfordshire. buying’ of items, such as milk, and ask
campaign group Love Food Jennifer Carr, WRAP’s Citizen shoppers to check fridges and freezers
Hate Waste (LFHW), seven Campaigns Project Manager, said: “We before going on a food shop.
million tonnes of food are enjoy an abundance of food everywhere According to LFHW, 30% of citizens
wasted in households across we go, from farmers’ markets and in the UK do not check their fridge before
the United Kingdom every single year. supermarkets, to restaurants and cafés. a food shop, and nearly half forget to check
This figure is scarily high and requires “It’s never been easier to enjoy food. the freezer. This results in duplications
urgent action. The problem is, that means it’s also never of products – with the dated item getting
LFHW is a movement promoting a been easier to waste it. binned first.
greener lifestyle across Great Britain and “UK households produce 70% of the Together, we can be committed to
Ireland, and it is spreading the message to country’s overall food waste – 7.1 million reducing food waste, and take inspiration
other countries across the world. tonnes – which is equal to 3.5 meals per from WRAP and Love Food Hate Waste.
It demonstrates easy changes we person every week!” Superstores such as Tesco are paving
can make to waste less food, which will The average annual cost of food waste the way for other major supermarket
lower household spending and overall and per person living in the UK is £230, chains by promoting the campaign by
benefit the environment. which highlights the urgency of the issue. offering a recyclable bag as an alternative
Waste & Resources Action Rotary clubs can take the matter carrier for loose fruit and vegetables.
Programme (WRAP), initiated the to the community they operate in by In a recent statement, Tesco pledged
campaign 12 years ago at its headquarters promoting a lighter food shop, less ‘over- that it is planning to make packaging
fully recyclable by 2025 and cut out as
much plastic as possible in the preparation
process.
Tesco’s Director of Quality, Sarah
Bradbury, said: “We want to remove as
much plastic as we can from our products,
only using what is necessary to protect and
preserve our food.
“We hope this trial proves popular
with customers. We’ll be keeping a close
eye on the results, including any impact on
food waste.” l
Love Food Hate Waste advert campaign
12 // Rotary rotarygbi.orgrotarygbi.org Rotary // 13
ROTARY IN ACTION
Rotary GBI President
Rotary GBI President
Donna Wallbank
Filling the hearts, minds and tummies
O
CTOBER is the month Spencer and Sainsbury’s. Gardeners also There are so many examples where
when we focus on donate their extra produce to those in need food poverty is being addressed in our
economic and community of this lifeline. communities. Not just for those who we
development. But that So what about school holiday poverty immediately think of, such as the homeless,
is an all-year Rotary - is it really there? Yes, it is. but also for those who would otherwise be
commitment, and throughout the summer Rotary groups are working lonely and hungry, who may not see anyone
I saw the tremendous work across the collaboratively with the community for days.
country by Rotarians and community groups, police and supermarkets, who give This is Rotary doing good and
groups. produce so children don’t go hungry. building our communities. In turn, we are
One example which springs to mind Young people are being engaged developing new volunteers and giving hope
is Peter Bradley from Rotary Edgware & to develop positive behaviours through to the parent who would otherwise not eat
Stanmore in Middlesex, who work with programmes which develop social skills, today since their children come first.
FoodCycle. while growing awareness of the part they Rotary is engaging and enabling the
This is a national charity, based on the can play in their communities. right choices to be made. It is connecting
basic idea that food waste and food poverty My Rotary friends in Brynmawr are those we know, to those we didn’t.
should not co-exist. Instead, something recipients of a Police Crime Commissioner Rotary Connects the World, but this
powerful can be achieved through eating grant to create engaging opportunities, but summer I saw first-hand a need being met
together. Loneliness can be averted. also forged a partnership with Morrisons by people who I am proud to call Rotarians
Sharing a meal not only fills the tummy, who donate large crates of food which keep in their communities.
but it also fills the heart and mind. young people fed and engaged during the I truly believe this connection will
Then there is CATCH (Community school holidays. change perceptions of who we are and what
Action To Create Hope) in Leeds, pictured What about Greggs who, through we do. It will bring new people to help us
below, where I saw how Roundhay Rotary Rotary clubs and community groups, which, in turn, will develop the economic
collaborated throughout the summer donate their end of day produce to give and social needs of other communities by
holidays to deliver a ‘Healthy Holiday’ sustenance all-year round? These food the examples we set.
programme. suppliers and supermarkets are no longer It is sad that these needs are there, but
There, children, young people and automatically sending their food to landfill if Rotary and our partners were not, then
families come together in their community, sites – so surely, it is a win-win situation? who would do what I saw being done? l
they have fun, whilst helping out at the
ARK Community Café, and receive a meal
in a safe environment. I was impressed
with how companies donated equipment
and materials to make the centre a better
place.
Ask that community how it is
supported by people who care.
Ask them about the free food shop
where you pay if you have some money,
take produce if you have none, and when
you have something spare, you give back
a little to help others who were in your
position just a few days earlier.
Then look at the volunteers who cook
meals from those donations – developing
a community by using their skills, and
learning new ones too. It is fantastic.
This amazing group receives food
daily from supermarkets like Marks &
14 // Rotary rotarygbi.orgrotarygbi.org Rotary // 15
ROTARY IN ACTION
Special feature
DAVE KING
It takes more than
food to end hunger
Fourteen million people live below the poverty line in the UK. The Trussell Trust is battling
against a tide of people seeking its services, who are spiralling into despair.
G
UY was a lad in his early 20s, where, if you failed to turn up for an Garry Lemon, the Trussell Trust’s Director
who had probably one of the appointment, you were sanctioned and a of Policy, External Affairs & Research, tells
worst jobs imaginable – he portion of your benefit taken away. this terrible story with emotion fixed in his
cleaned ambulances of bodily Guy had three dark days, didn’t engage voice.
fluids and also dispensed with the system and very quickly spiralled “I met Guy at a food bank when he
medical equipment left behind after a day’s downwards. told me this story,” recalled Garry. “Here
shift. But he loved it. When he snapped out of it, Guy was a decent and intelligent, young lad who
The Londoner had an incredible work travelled to Brighton, went to the pier would be an asset to this country, who was
ethic. Guy loved the fact that he could where he came close to jumping off and let down by a system which has become
help the paramedics, and felt he was doing ending his life. Fortunately, he didn’t. Guy punitive, cruel and inhuman.”
something worthwhile. came back to London, went to a food bank The Trussell Trust was founded in 1997
But Guy was also battling with where he got the help he needed. by Carol and Paddy Henderson, based on a
depression. Sometimes, for two or three He spoke to people who treated him legacy left by Carol’s mother Betty Trussell.
days, he would not engage with the world. as a human being, and Guy credited the Initially, their work was focussed on
Soon Guy found himself trapped in volunteers at the food bank with saving helping children sleeping rough in Bulgaria,
the benefits system, relying on Universal his life. but then in 2000, Paddy received a call
Credits and the strict nature of the system Sitting in his office in central London, from a mother in Salisbury, Wiltshire,
16 // Rotary rotarygbi.orgsaying: “My children are going to bed
hungry tonight – what are you going to do
about it?”
That prompted Paddy to start the
Salisbury food bank from his garden shed
and garage, providing three days’ emergency
food to local people in crisis.
Today, the Trussell Trust supports a
network of 1,200 food bank centres, as well
as helping those locked in poverty. They
also challenge the structural economic
issues which have allowed this to happen.
“The Trussell Trust was
founded in 1997 by Carol
and Paddy Henderson, based
on a legacy left by Carol’s
mother Betty Trussell.”
Last year, the charity delivered 1.6
million food parcels in the sixth richest
economy in the world – an increase of 19%.
“Our volunteers are amazing,” reflected
Garry. “They treat other people with great
dignity, respect and non-judgementally
when they come through the doors.
“At the end of the day, the dignity you
get in a food bank can never be enough for
the dignity of not having enough money
in your pocket to put food on the table for
your own children.”
One of the key messages of the Trussell One of the key campaigning grounds
Trust is that it takes more than food to end for the Trussell Trust is seeking an end to FACT FILE
hunger. the five-week wait for Universal Credit
The food banks do more than supply which is pushing tens of thousands of TRUSSELL TRUST
those who have been referred to them by people towards food banks. • 1.6 million food bank parcels
various agencies with emergency food. Emma Revie, the Trussell Trust’s Chief handed out.
They signpost people to debt advice Executive, agrees. “If we are to end hunger • More than half a million food
which can transform a person’s life which is in the UK, we need to make sure everyone parcels went to children.
out of control. They also run cookery classes is anchored from being swept into poverty. • Main reasons for emergency food are
to help someone’s money go further by “The Government needs to ensure benefits not covering the cost of living,
cooking healthy, balanced meals. benefit payments reflect the true cost of and delays or changes to benefits
Bizarrely, the Trussell Trust wants to do living and work is secure, paying the real being paid.
itself out of business. As part of a five-year Living Wage. • Almost 49% of food bank referrals
plan, the charity wants to see a day when “Every family should have enough were due to a delay in benefits being
food banks are no longer needed. money coming in for a decent standard of paid linked to Universal Credit.
A lofty dream maybe, but Garry, who living. No child should face going hungry in • There are 1,200 food bank centres in
has previously worked with homelessness the UK.” l the Trussell Trust network in the UK.
on the streets of London, has seen this
• There are also 805 independent
happen for a while with rough sleepers food banks, so the Trussell Trust
on the streets of the capital, thanks to network accounts for two-thirds of all
resources, joined-up thinking and political For more information visit: emergency food banks.
will from Government. trusselltrust.org
rotarygbi.org Rotary // 17Latest news
Talk from the top… from the top of the Rotary tree
receive international acclaim.
Mark Maloney But what matters most is the children Tony Black
Rotary President 2019/20 who will never again have to face this RI Director 2019/21
terrible, disabling virus. Rotary must
R OTARY’S long-term, sustained
battle against polio has defined our
organisation for decades. We have a right to
continue to connect the world in the effort
toward polio eradication. It is up to us. Let
us finish the job. l
T HIS Rotary year we have been asked
by President Mark Maloney to ‘Grow
Rotary’. Many of you are now thinking: not
be proud of all that we have accomplished another call on membership. We have heard
through the years. or read it all before.
Of the three types of poliovirus, type 2 I have also heard the same thoughts
has been eradicated and type 3 could soon Gary C.K. Huang for many years, but let me ask you some
be certified as eradicated. Nigeria has not Trustee Chair 2019/20 questions:
reported a case of wild poliovirus in nearly Question 1: What is the biggest issue
F
three years. If this trend holds, we will be facing Rotary in the next decade?
RIENDS, World Polio Day is this
down to just one type of wild poliovirus in That is a question asked over many
month and we are facing a major
only one section of the world, Afghanistan years, and the answer is membership.
challenge. The news out of Afghanistan and
and Pakistan. Membership is not just about numbers.
Pakistan tells us that we have more work
There are major challenges in that Growth is the momentum of our
to do. It tells us that polio will not die out
region. But it is crucial that we remain organisation. It increases our human
quickly or easily.
optimistic. Look at all that we have resources and develops leaders.
Most of all, it tells us that we are
accomplished so far. Growth in membership is not just for
needed now more than ever. Success will
This is no time to get discouraged or show but what the increase in numbers can
require us to remain steady and show that
to think that the task is impossible. We will do in our communities and in the wider
there is no time limit to our commitment.
end polio forever, but only if we remain world.
We are in this to the end, and we will
steadfast and vigilant. Question 2: Why is it that only 23% of
conquer this terrible disease. We will give
World Polio Day is a time for Rotarians our membership is female?
life back to children and families, and
from all over the globe to come together, The secret to membership growth is
restore hope to communities.
recognise the progress we have made in ask. Don’t be disheartened by a ‘no’. Do
our fight against polio, and plan the action We are fortunate to have great friends
not wait for someone else to do the asking.
we must take to end polio forever. The in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative
Begin now, and with yourself. Today is the
key word is action, because we still have — including the Bill & Melinda Gates
best time to introduce a friend to Rotary.
important work to do. Foundation, which continues to match
Retention is of prime importance
This year, we want to see as many every donation 2-to-1. We have already
and the best way to retain members is by
Rotary clubs as possible holding World eradicated wild poliovirus type 2, and type 3
engaging and involving them by focusing
Polio Day events around the world. could soon be wiped out. India is polio-free.
on their talents, not just their time.
Need some ideas? How about All of Africa may soon be polio-free.
Your Rotary Coordinators and District
organising a viewing party for friends and The most important factor in
Membership teams are there to help and
club members to watch Rotary’s Online ending polio forever is you. The people of
advise you.
Global Update? Afghanistan and Pakistan have faced so
Question 3: Where do you want
You could also dedicate a club meeting much hardship in recent years. Polio is just
Rotary to be in 10 years?
to World Polio Day or create a fundraising one more challenge. To them, it could all
The answer is going to be very variable
event. Remember, every dollar raised is feel overwhelming. But not to Rotarians.
but also so similar. We all want to be doing
matched 2-to-1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates We do not feel overwhelmed. We feel
more good in the world, whatever that
Foundation. challenged, and, as people of action, we rise
might be.
Once you have created an event, to challenges.
I have never been worried about what
register it at endpolio.org/register-your- In the words of Confucius: “If one is
Rotarians do for their communities, as long
event Then promote it using the World virtuous, one will not be left to stand alone.
as they do something.
Polio Day toolkit, available at endpolio.org/ It is certain that associates of like mind will
There are many and varied enterprises/
world-polio-day come and join with one.”
projects that Rotarians get involved with,
Mark your calendar to tune in to In Rotary, we understand these words
and this will vary from club to club. We all
Rotary’s World Polio Day Online Global very well. When we say “Service Above Self,”
need to keep doing our bit but be willing
Update on October 24. This year we will we take a stand for this virtue. We know
and able to do that little bit more.
stream our programme on Facebook in that our like-minded brothers and sisters
Most of us know what 1.2 million
multiple time zones around the world. around the world will join us. We have been
Rotarians do in the world. Think of what 2
Visit the Rotary International drawn together by our need to do good in
million Rotarians or more could do.
Facebook page to RSVP to your region’s the world.
Rotarians are the future of Rotary -
programme. And do not forget to follow the We can rid the world of a disease
and that is in your hands.
event on social media and share it with your forever. And you will be the ones to do it,
Let us begin the change today. l
network. through your continued commitment and
When we reach our goal, polio will generosity.
become only the second human disease Be a part of history! Help us overcome
eradicated on the planet, and Rotary will the final hardship, the final challenge. l
18 // Rotary rotarygbi.orgAdvertorial
JAMES BOLTON
Frank Bruno
leads first wave of speakers
for Volunteer Expo
The former world champion boxer is pulling no punches
to knockout the stigma associated with mental health
I
T'S harder than being in the ring.” Now, Bruno has another fight on inspire generations of young people to
That’s how Frank Bruno described his hands: to break the stigma associated speak out about mental health.
his experience of being sectioned for with mental health. Hailed for his He will also discuss how his self-
a second time after struggles with his bravery and honesty in talking about his named Foundation, is helping young
mental health. own experiences, including enduring people to increase their self-confidence and
Strong words for someone who has controversial and insensitive media develop self-worth through weekly sessions
gone head to head with the likes of Mike coverage when he was first hospitalised, of wellbeing and non-contact boxing.
Tyson and Lennox Lewis. Bruno uses his public profile to raise Bruno is just one name in an exciting
After living with depression, which awareness. first wave of speakers who will be joining
Bruno said was exacerbated by the use of At Volunteer Expo Bruno will share Volunteer Expo, Rotary’s new, national
cocaine, and being diagnosed with bipolar his personal insight into how staying fit event to harness the power of volunteering
disorder, the 57-year-old has had challenges and active helped him not only overcome taking place at the NEC, Birmingham
in and out of the ring. difficult times himself, but empower and from 1st-3rd May 2020. l
Other speakers will include...
Chizzy Akudolu Simeon Moore
Actress and writer Chizzy has been a vocal A former member of a notorious Birmingham
advocate of mental health by sharing her story gang, Simeon now tackles the glamorisation
after being diagnosed with depression in 2014. of gang culture to young people.
Steve Brown Amy and Ella Meek
An infectious and inspirational character, Steve 16-year-old Amy and 14-year-old Ella
captained Great Britain’s wheelchair rugby team are Founders of Kids Against Plastic,
at the London 2012 Paralympics and is now a a charity which is empowering
popular broadcaster and mentor of young young people to protect the
athletes nationwide. environment and tackle
single-use plastic.
Tufail Hussain
Tufail is Director of Islamic Relief UK, a charity
alleviating suffering from some of the world’s
largest issues including hunger, illiteracy
and disease.
Book your FREE tickets for Volunteer Expo
20 // Rotary rotarygbi.org
by heading to: volunteerexpo.co.uk/visitBOO
FREE K YOUR
TIC
N O KETS
W!
CHANGE LIVES
TAKE ACTION
Volunteer Expo is brought to you by Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland.
This national event will connect volunteers, organisations and the charity
sector to harness the power of volunteering.
1-3 MAY 2O2O - NEC BIRMINGHAM
volunteerexpo.co.uk
rotarygbi.org Rotary // 21Advertorial
Four Seasons Fairways
A
S the nights draw in and contemporary cuisine with a Portuguese on the tennis court or go for a run on the
temperatures drop, there influence. beach and there’s a lovely feel to the place
really is no better time The resort is just a stone’s throw from that make none of these things, whatever
to escape for a week of the stunning Ria Formosa nature reserve, age you are, particularly intimidating.” She
warmth, sun and sumptuous with the scenic swirl of seawater lagoons, continues, “sometimes sport and fitness can
Mediterranean food, but we all know that sandy islands, salt marshlands and diverse be daunting but coming to a place like this,
trying to keep active during an indulgent bird life make it the perfect setting for where everything is set up for you makes it
break can be hard. Thanks to Four Seasons walking, running and cycling. Activities very achievable.”
Fairways however, we think that we’ve that Four Seasons Fairways offer can be During the special ‘Active Living Week’
found the perfect compromise in their hosted on site or in the local vicinity and that Helen will be hosting, guests can take
‘Active Living’ programme, which also can be tailored to suit all ages, levels and part in stretch classes, kayaking and stand
comes with a little bit of Olympic star fitness abilities. If you need just a little more up paddle boarding sessions with her on
dust. Whether you’re a gym bunny, fitness motivation however, then why not visit in the Ria Formosa and much more.
fanatic or reluctant exerciser, Four Seasons Spring 2020 when you can spend some What’s also brilliant about the resort
Fairways is the perfect place to escape to. time getting active with double Olympic is that they recently launched a brand new
With a host of facilities on site, beautifully champion, Helen Glover, who will be creche facility for their youngest clientele,
warm winters and just under a 3hr flight returning to host her second ‘Active Living perfectly complimenting their ‘Upside
from the UK, there really is no better time Week’ for guests. Down World Kids Club’ for slightly older
to get active in the Algarve. On supporting the Active Living children so if you’re travelling with children
Four Seasons Fairways is one of the programme, Helen comments, “at Four (or grandchildren!) aged six months to two
Algarve’s most prestigious villa resorts and Seasons Fairways, there really is something years, they will be able to enjoy an exciting
is nestled within the privacy and security for everyone. You can go from enjoying a new play area and keep just as active as
of the Ria Formosa nature reserve. This leisurely day by the pool to having a knock their adult counterparts! l
discreet and elegant private resort features
132 villas and apartments set in beautifully
landscaped gardens with each featuring its
own pool or jacuzzi, terrace or garden area
and outdoor BBQ/cooking station. And,
during the winter months, guests will find
in their villas a set of ‘Winter Grill’ recipe
cards with unique dishes created by British
TV Chefs Tom and Henry Herbert offering
culinary inspiration and a selection of
delicious dishes to whip up! Four Seasons
Fairways is also home to a stunning
Clubhouse with glass walled wine cellar,
indoor-outdoor bar, two heated swimming
pools, VIVO Bistro & Cocktail Lounge and Double Olympic champion, Helen Glover,
AMARA, an intimate restaurant serving who will be returning to host her second ‘Active Living Week’ at Fairways
22 // Rotary rotarygbi.orgrotarygbi.org Rotary // 23
ROTARY IN ACTION
Marie Curie partnership
Marie Curie’s
campaign
Marie Curie, in partnership with the Motor Neurone Disease Association,
is campaigning to make it easier for people to access benefits when they are
dying. Scott Sinclair, the charity's Head of Policy & Public Affairs, England,
explains how the campaign is working.
appealed, I asked them to contact my GP,
which they said they wouldn’t do," said
Mark.
"I was told that they did not contact
doctors or hospitals for medical details.”
After appealing the decision, Mark
won and received his benefits with a letter
saying that the DWP would not contact
M
him again until 2025.
ARK HUGHES has But, in November 2018, he received
terminal bone cancer. the same assessment form and his
In fact, he has been Employment and Support Allowance was
living with cancer for stopped.
19 years, but in 2011 “I contacted Jobcentre Plus, who
he was given the numbing news that couldn’t give me a reason why the
“Many people at the the cancer was terminal and he could no payments were stopped. Then, a few
end of their life rely longer work. days later, I received a letter saying I was
Ever since then, Mark has faced entitled to benefits,” he added.
on financial support a frustrating struggle trying to claim “Since 2014, only one person at the
as they can no longer benefits from the Department for Work DWP has ever tried to help me. Every time
work, or because of & Pensions (DWP) – and has sought help I get a letter from them, I’m worried.”
from the charity, Marie Curie. Many people at the end of their life
the increased costs Over several months, Mark received rely on financial support as they can no
associated with living numerous letters from the DWP about longer work, or because of the increased
his entitlement to claim benefit. “I was costs associated with living with a terminal
with a terminal illness.” having to deal with all of this while illness.
still dealing with the news that I was A recent inquiry into benefits access
terminally ill,” explained Mark. by the All Party Parliamentary Group for
Following a visit to his home, the Terminal Illness found that the additional
DWP made a decision to stop his benefits. cost of living with a terminal illness was
“The people who came to the house between £12,000 to £16,000 a year.
weren’t medically trained and when I However, accessing benefit support is
24 // Rotary rotarygbi.orgdifficult for those with a terminal illness.
There is a system allowing people
who are dying fast-track access to financial
support at the highest available rate, but
only if they can prove they have six months
or less to live.
For most terminal illnesses, but
particularly less well understood
conditions such as motor neurone disease,
estimating how long an individual might
live is difficult.
Many GPs and nurses don’t feel
confident saying someone has six
months left to live. So many terminally
ill people end up going through the same
bureaucratic process as everyone else,
which can take the DWP on average 16
weeks to complete.
As part of this process, many will have
to undergo an assessment of their fitness
to work or even prove that they are looking
for work.
And that’s the issue. No-one when
they are dying should be forced to be
looking for work to get the financial
support they need. No-one should face a
16-week wait for financial support when
their remaining time to spend with their
loved ones is so short. No-one should be
negotiating Government red tape at the
end of their lives.
The current system doesn’t work.
About 17,000 people in the last five
years have died while waiting for the
DWP to make a decision about Personal
Independence Payment – just one of the Marie Curie and MND Association supporters, along with Downton Abbey actor Jim Carter, handed
available benefits. That’s 10 people a day. in the petition to the Prime Minister at Downing Street asking him to remove the six months rule
That’s why Marie Curie and the Motor
Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) are
campaigning for the six-month rule to be
scrapped and for clinicians across the UK to benefits at the highest level when their
to use their own informed judgement to clinician concludes that they are dying,
decide when someone is terminally ill. without any arbitrary time limit.
The six-month definition of terminal After sustained pressure from
charities, the media and supporters, the FACT FILE
was introduced in 1990 by politicians.
UK Government has announced a review
Many clinicians, medical
of how well the benefits system works for
MARIE CURIE
representative bodies and charities agree
that the arbitrary time limit should be people with a terminal illness. • Marie Curie is the UK’s leading
removed, since it is particularly difficult Rotary clubs have had an charity for people affected by terminal
instrumental role in securing this review, illness.
for healthcare professionals to predict
accurately how long someone has left with many members signing the petition • It provides direct care to people
to live. to the Prime Minister, which was handed in nine UK hospices, and in their
into 10 Downing Street in August with own homes, offering a dedicated
The campaign is modelled on one
more than 55,000 signatures. l information and support service.
run by Marie Curie and MND Scotland,
• Marie Curie runs the UK’s largest
which has led to the Scottish Government
research programme into improving
removing the six-month rule for newly For more information visit: care for people with a terminal illness
devolved benefits. Terminally ill people mariecurie.org.uk/policy/ and their families.
in Scotland will receive fast-track access campaigns/scrapsixmonths
rotarygbi.org Rotary // 25ROTARY IN ACTION
Thames Valley Air Ambulance
ISOBEL SHEA
A chain reaction
Thames Valley Air Ambulance is a charity which depends entirely on the generosity of the
public for funding. The emergency medical provider has received more than £250,000
from the Thames Valley Rotary District, since it started in 1999. This keeps Thames
Valley Air Ambulance at the frontline of saving lives, giving patients like Paul Dilley the
best chance of survival and recovery.
F
OR 48-year-old Paul Dilley, urgent advanced medical care. him an emergency anaesthetic. They
it was an ordinary August When someone suffers a cardiac arrest then placed a ‘LUCAS’ mechanical chest
summer’s day in 2018. The out of hospital, certain things happening compression system on Paul to keep his
father-of-three from Cookham in the correct order can dramatically heart pumping blood around his body.
in Berkshire was just about increase their chances of survival. This technology freed Jo and Chloe
to begin a round of golf on a course near This order of events is known as the up to deliver regular defibrillation and
Milton Keynes when he became short of ‘chain of survival’. When Paul realised advanced post-resuscitation drugs to try to
breath. Being fit and healthy, he assumed he wasn’t well and turned back to the get his heart back to a stable rhythm.
it was just hay fever. clubhouse for help, he had unknowingly During the journey to hospital the
Whilst walking towards the first tee, placed himself on this chain by making an crew administered 13 defibrillator shocks
he felt a pain in his back. As he continued early intervention which allowed him to to Paul, as they fought to save his life.
towards the green the pain suddenly access treatment quickly. Doctor Chloe said: “When Jo and I
intensified and spread to his chest. first reached Paul he was alive and talking,
Feeling helplessly weak, he knew before he suddenly went into cardiac
something was seriously wrong. arrest. We felt really invested in him as a
Thankfully, he decided to go back “Chloe, the doctor who person. He fought to stay alive.
to the clubhouse were they immediately "We regularly attend patients in
dialled 999. Within moments, a key artery
helped save my life, not cardiac arrest, but we both said that Paul’s
to Paul’s heart suddenly became blocked, only did that but she also was the toughest cardiac incident we’ve
causing a catastrophic heart attack. ever attended.”
To survive, Paul desperately needed checked up on me while Despite being shocked 28 times and
having emergency surgery to remove a
I was in hospital, that’s blood clot on his heart, Paul defied all
just incredible.” odds of survival. He remarkably made a
full recovery and was even able to go on a
skiing trip at Christmas.
Within 16 minutes of being called-out, Reflecting on his traumatic
Thames Valley Air Ambulance’s paramedic experience, Paul said: “I am so grateful to
Jo Meadham and Doctor Chloe Spence Thames Valley Air Ambulance for reaching
arrived at Paul’s side. me quickly and acting so calmly in a
With his life already on the line, his chaotic situation.
condition worsened as he suddenly went “They battled to save my life. It was a
into cardiac arrest. To give Paul the very terrifying ordeal and I feel incredibly lucky
best chance of survival, Jo and Chloe to be alive. I am under no illusion that
immediately started cardiopulmonary without the incredible skill and emergency
resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation. treatment I received, I would not be alive
En route to hospital Paul’s condition today.
deteriorated further as his heart went in “Chloe, the doctor who helped save
and out of life-threatening rhythms. Chloe my life, not only did that but she also
Survivor Paul Dilley and Jo took over his breathing by giving checked up on me while I was in hospital,
26 // Rotary rotarygbi.orgThames Valley Air Ambulance’s Doctor Chloe Spence and Critical Care Paramedic Jo Meadham
that’s just incredible. I am looking forward The elements that make up the Chain of Survival
to helping Thames Valley Air Ambulance,
in any way I can, so others can be as
fortunate as me.”
Like Paul, anybody could be in
urgent need of advanced medical
care. Within minutes, Thames Valley
Air Ambulance brings the expertise,
equipment and treatment of the hospital
to them across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and
Buckinghamshire. FACT FILE
This means that a patient is treated
and given hospital-level care quicker, WHAT’S A CARDIAC ARREST?
increasing their chance of survival. Last • A cardiac arrest happens when the heart • Would you know how to help somebody
year, they attended 988 incidents and 16% suddenly stops pumping blood around the in cardiac arrest?
of these were for cardiac arrests. body. It is most commonly caused by a life-
• To help save the life of somebody in cardiac
Across the UK there are 21 air threatening abnormal heart rhythm. When
arrest you need to rapidly work through the
ambulance services which operate a total this happens, the brain and other organs are
‘chain of survival’. Firstly, you need to identify
of 37 helicopters and 50 rapid response starved of oxygen.
the signs that somebody is in cardiac arrest.
vehicles. • Do you know where your nearest They won’t be conscious or responsive and
Collectively, they are called out to defibrillator is? they won’t be breathing normally, if at all.
35,000 missions annually. To find out Secondly, immediately phone 999 and instruct
• For each minute there’s a delay in using a
more about Thames Valley Air Ambulance somebody to get a defibrillator. Start giving
defibrillator on a person in cardiac arrest
visit www.tvairambulance.org.uk. CPR to keep oxygen circulating around the
their chances of survival reduce by 10-12%.
Or to learn about your local air body until a defibrillator can be used or until
It is vital that you know where your nearest
ambulance, visit: the emergency services arrive.
defibrillator is to your home and work.
associationofairambulances.co.uk. l
rotarygbi.org Rotary // 27© iStock - royalty free image
DAVE KING
Get it right with Copyright!
I
MAGINE someone breaking specific areas: living from these images. The internet is a
into your home, stealing personal Original literary, dramatic, musical or
l treasure trove of information and imagery,
photographs from your dressing artistic works. so those who flaunt the law online are being
table and then posting them on l Sounds recordings, films or broadcasts. tracked down by modern day technology.
social media. That’s theft – well, it’s l The
typographical arrangement of According to respected media lawyer,
burglary, actually - but that is copyright in published editions. David Banks, some picture archives are
a nutshell. So, if you want to publish a photograph using bots, such as PicScout, to trawl
Copyright is stealing work, which of yourself attending a Rotary event which the web looking for unauthorised use of
someone else has taken the time, effort and has been printed in your local newspaper, imagery and when they find such use, they
skill to produce, and then publishing it or on its website, then you need permission generate an invoice.
without the owner’s permission. from the news organisation who own the Even those who have used the Creative
So why is this such a hot potato, and copyright to the image. Commons photo share website have come
what is its relevance to Rotary? It doesn’t matter that you’re in the unstuck, said David, because they haven’t
Alarm bells rang earlier this summer photo, you don’t own the copyright. properly adhered to the conditions, and
when Rotary in Great Britain & Ireland Ask, don’t just take! The same have been faced with invoices of up to
found itself facing legal action for two principle applies if you want to republish an £400.
breaches of copyright on club websites. article. Ask the owner. The test is that any original work
Images had been uploaded without consent Since publishing an advisory sent to which is published in the public domain is
from the owner, who sued, and both Rotarians in June, I have had follow-up subject to copyright.
matters were settled. queries about publishing hymn words for a The moral of the story, said David, is
That was a nasty warning shot for Rotary carol concert, and even a route map that if you want an image, get the owner’s
Rotary that clubs across these isles have to for a Santa run. permission.
be careful about copyright - whether it is Along with football fixtures, railway Also, read the terms and conditions on
your website, newsletter or leaflet. timetables, even tide times - they are all any supposedly free image website to avoid
The law is the Copyright Designs & copyright and you need permission. getting stung. l
Patents Act, 1988, and relates to three Freelance photographers make their
28 // Rotary rotarygbi.orgYou can also read
