This year District Governor Richard Burnett welcomed participants to the conference.
Friday 10th October saw the evening opening of the conference. This offered an opportunity for old friends to meet and new friendships to be made. Everyone enjoyed drinks in the bar followed by a buffet dinner and an entertainment.
Saturday 11th October began with District Governor Richard Burnett presenting Immediate Past District Governor Debbie Dunford with a Paul Harris Sapphire Award, (three sapphires), This prestigious award is given to individuals who have already received a Paul Harris Fellowship, (PHF), who continue to give exceptional service to their community, Rotary, or the club itself.
The conference, entitled ‘Passion With Purpose’ began with a morning of excellent lectures ranging from, ‘Ethical Gem Mining’, ‘Police and Assistance Dog Training’, ‘My Rotary Life’, ‘Modern Day Slavery’, and ‘Ukraine Relief’.
The afternoon offered an opportunity to explore Swindon and/or enjoy a little ‘retail therapy’.
The evening brought a drinks reception and dinner, followed by a lively, fun entertainment, called ‘a Million Dreams’ given by a very talented singing and acting trio. Songs from a large variety of musicals were followed by dancing – yes, many Rotarians took enthusiastically to the dance floor for over an hour. No one collapsed!
On Sunday morning we enjoyed another group of memorable lectures eloquently demonstrating the conference theme ‘Passion With Purpose’ – delivered with conviction, and commitment.
Conscious of time and space, I would like to mention two speakers: James Christian, a young doctor, researcher and PhD student at the Centre for Cancer Immunology, Southampton University. In lay terms with defining graphics he explained his work and research to develop a vaccine that will boost the immune system to track down and destroy cancer. James gave us real hope for early diagnosis and less invasive treatment for our future generations – our children, grandchildren and beyond. A truly remarkable young man with purpose, compassion and commitment.
Anthony Evans – Head Teacher St Michael’s CofE Primary School Bournemouth. As soon as Anthony Evans stood up to speak his charisma, enthusiasm, love for the children in his school shone before us.
He started as Head Teacher during Covid. A Rotarian himself, he obtained computers for his school so education could be continued. The school of 607 pupils is multi cultural where 57 languages are spoken. It is a Church school where Christian values are part of school life – peace, courage, and respect are the norm. The children enjoy a high standard of education – especially maths and reading – reading is considered the key to all learning.
‘Let your light shine’ – from a verse in Matthew, is the school motto. This is the gift that Anthony Evans and his staff give to these fortunate children – if only all children in the world could benefit from such values.
The conference closed at lunchtime with warm farewells and promises of meeting again next year. Next year’s conference will be in Torquay, situated in a beautiful area with much to see and do outside the conference hall.
A thirteen-strong Winchester Rotary group of members and partners went to this year’s conference. We enjoyed each others company, had lots of laughter and fun. I think we all felt uplifted and inspired as we drove home. Here’s to next year!
A selection of photos can be seen here.
Diana Brooks
