Community Service Activities

Community Service Committee

Bob Grimmer Chairman Community Service

Service defines Rotary's character; whether local or international, it promotes Rotary's appeal and visibility in the community, and is the reason Rotary continues to grow.

Community service responds to the needs of a local community. Rotary clubs should determine top priorities for service projects by first learning about a community's needs and assets, and then developing a response that addresses them.

Community Service Report for Club AGM

Burlington Hotel

North Drive

Gt Yarmouth

26.4.10

The Community Service Committee has meet on a regular basis throughout the Rotary Year prior to the Club Council meetings. The attendances have been very good and whilst there were times when people were unable to make the meeting, in the main, apologies were given and the efficiency of the work was not hampered.

As in the tradition of the Club, the Committee dealt with incoming requests based on merit and £2000 budget allowance. I should make it clear that the Club Council stated at the beginning of the year that the budget was not cast in stone and that we have acted prudently.

Charitable donations were made to

The Belton Scout Movement

Louise Hamilton Trust

EACH

Moyse

SNCPT

The Friendship Group

Centre 81

We also had a hand in getting funding from the Club for the Mayors Charity of £250 and financial assistance towards a day out for those less fortunate via the Presidents Fund.

The committee were also entrusted with the initial investigations of the Norfolk Foundation Project. The result of which enabled further detailed enquiry and a conclusion resolved.

Under the auspices of the Committee and with enormous help from Michael Muskett we organised the Greyhound Night at the the start of the year. This event proved successful again and we have just over £2000 profit from the night ringfenced for the local Parkinson's Disease Support group. We are awaiting further clarication of the need for funding from them and subject to this being satisfactory and acceptable will enable progression of this.

There have been some applications denied and in all cases the claimants have been contacted and they have been most appreciative we responded even though they were not approved. New requests are being dealt with as they arise.

We have provided practical help to DIAL by supplying good pre-owned equipment to their clients in a time of need.

We do need to complete the arrangements for the Sixties Night to be held at the Valley Farm (Terry Hall's home) scheduled for July 17, 2010. A meeting will be called soon to finalise the details.

My thanks to Colin Brooks for his help as Vice-Chairman and John Clarke for standing in for either of us when needed at Council. To the members of the committee who have all contributed to the running and efficiency of the committee. Thanks also to the President, Secretary and Treasurer for their advice and support during the year.

Minutes of Community Service Meeting

Date: 8 March, 2010

Time: 2.30 pm

Venue: Burlington Palm Hotel, Great Yarmouth

1. Members present

R Price (Chairman), P Bondi, J Clark, W Ladmore, B Cooke, M Spandler, J Wiseman, C Brooks, G Ermini, M Spandler, T Hall

2. Apologies

P Gethin, C Brooks, M Spalding, M Erskine

3. Matters arising and updates from meeting 19.10.09

These were noted and.agreed as per circulated to members by email previously. Bob Price updated the committee with the amount of profit from the Greyhound Night which was £2137.54

4. Charitable requests

a. The Mayor's Charity - Bob Price reported that the mayor was coming to speak to the club in May. It is becoming a tradition that the Mayor visits our club as his last official function. It was also becoming traditional to give the Mayor a donation to his Charity (which we understand is registered) and that the causes are all local. The President had requested the Committee discuss this matter.

It was resolved that £250 be donated to the Mayors Charity and that it come from Club funds as it is a Club committment. It was also resoved that this be an on going tradition.

b. DIAL - A request had been received from DIAL in connection with a client who needed a fridge to keep his medications cold. As this was urgent Bob Price circulated the club by email and this resulted in Mike Butcher providing a good second hand unit. Both the client and DIAL have expressed their appreciation.

It was resolved to record our thanks to Mike Butcher for his swift actions and that we should just make sure electrical appliances are PAT tested when getting involved with used appliances.

c. East Coast Hospice - Bob Price reported he had contacted the President following the talk given by the Trusts' Chairman at a recent meeting. The email is on file and the positon left with the President to deal with. The committee were given leaflets and considerable discussion took place.

It was resolved that as the project was in its formative stages we should give serious consideration about the project and re-visit it later. The Chairman to contact Brigette Lowe and keep her informed to date.

d. Simon Webster had contacted the club seeking sponsorship for taking part in a stage of a round the World Yacht race. He needed £10,000 and hoped for £500 from us. In return he would give sponsorship to Sailability, a Rotary sponsored charity sited at Oulton Broad.

It was resolved not to help as we support Sailability as a club. It was felt the money could go straight to the charity from the club if need be.

e.1st Belton Scouts - John Burroughes had asked we consider helping the Belton group and provided a letter from Peter Clarke the Scout leader. He is looking for help to finance 5 scouts (including himself) attend a jamboree in Sweden in July/August 2010. He was looking for financial assistance towards the costs of £10,000 to go.

It was resolved that we offer with providing equipment up to the value of £200.

f. GY Parkinsons Support Group - Bob Price explained that as Chairman he was looking at recommending a local charity to receive the proceeds of the Greyhound Night (£2000).

He had investigated and spoken at length with Terry Hall who had joined the support group and from the information gleened discovered that there were far more people with the complaint than he thought and that there were a number of we knew. Bob was asked to contact the local organisation to check and has since the meeting contacted Colin Murgatroyd of the Gorleston Rotary Club who is the Support Group treasurer to provide information.

It was resolved that subject to getting the information and it being satisfactory £2000 (being most of the proceeds from the Greyhound Night) be donated to the GY Parkinsons Support Group.

Chairmans Note: It was also pointed out to the Chairman that the committee had raised the money there was the opportunity to donate it to a Charity/good cause nominated by them

g. Louise Hamilton Trust - This trust has been supported by us before and our JVP Robert Lovick is connected with it. It has undertaken to support 2 rooms at the new Palliative Care Centre at the JPH when it comes on line. It also helps others with cancer in practical and financial ways. It is a well known and registered local charity.

It was resolved to donate £500 to them.

Chairmans Note: I think these donations (not including the Greyhound Night) may bring us to the limit of our £2000 budget. Should it go over them I respectfully remind the Club Council of the promise made at the beginning of the Rotary year that additional funding would be available for Community Service should the need arise.

5. Events for 2010

Swinging 60s Night: This is now scheduled for 17.7.10. Colin Brooks has organised Pollyanna Caterers and the Yarebeats Group for the evening. Further details to follow. This will obviously be in the new Rotary Year.

7. AOB

Wally Ladmore provided a list of charities needing assistance. He had got the information from the local press as all had been struggling for funding of one sort or the other. Wally felt that as we had a very large amount in our Club charity account it should be utilised. He felt that the Community Service should have a fair share of that funding.

It was resolved that:

a. The Club Council is made aware of the sentiments.

b. The Chenobyl Charity needs £1500. It should be referred to the International Committee as Bob Price had been informed that was under their remit.

c. The Louise Hamilton Trust be given £500 (see above 4g)

8. Next Meeting

To be decided.

R. E. Price

Services and projects supported during 2009

Kids out Great Yarmouth Open Christmas James Paget Palliative Care Appeal Hospital Radio Yare

Orbit East DEBRA DIAL Caister Lifeboat Great Yarmouth & Gorleston Life Boat Sailability

Autistic Way Dusmagrik Production Ormesby Brownies Propellor Multimedia Ria Helsdon

Centre 81 Crossroads

January 27th 2010

Charity wins at 2010 Greyhound Races

The annual Greyhound evening held at Yarmouth Stadium on a cold wet night in January proved to be yet another success. The Community Service project under the direction of Committee Chairman, Bob Price and Club Treasurer, Michael Muskett raised over £1500 to go towards local Community causes. The race card was completed with sponsors, some from within the club and some outside. Bob Price paid special tribute to the sponsors who support the Club and the event over and above the call of duty. He also thanked all those who gave prizes for the raffle which raised £222.

The evening which consisted of participants betting on the races in a leisurely atmosphere whilst being served dinner and socialising was appreciated by all who attended.

The main sponsors who supported the event were:

Aldreds Estate Agents , Apollo Tavern , Burlington Palm Hotel , Erskine Electrical , Terry Hall , Kimco Properties

L G Perfects , PKF Accountants , SPP Group , T V Palmer Builders , Gall Thomson Environmental , Digital Phone

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£500 Donation to St Nicholas Church PreservationTrust

The fundraising arm of England’s largest Parish Church has received a boost by a generous donation from Haven Rotary Club.

The Rotary Club of Great Yarmouth Haven made £500 available from its Community Service budget to the appeal as the Church building is being used for the good of the Great Yarmouth community by organising and holding events of local interest. The Haven Club’s Community Service Chairman, Bob Price said the Rotarians at the Haven Club are pleased to support Community projects in Great Yarmouth and it was obvious the Church was meeting the needs and demands by acting as a venue for Civic, Artistic, Educational and local events. The President of the Great Yarmouth Haven Rotary Club, Michael Erskine presented the cheque for £500 to Dr Paul Davies, the newly elected Chairman of the St Nicholas Church Preservation Trust.

COMMUNITY SERVICE REPORT: April 28th 2008

Vice-Chairman Michael Woods outlined 4 funding proposals:

1. Following a recent talk by Mrs Jude Richardson on behalf of the Samaritan’s, the Community Service Committee wished to support the local branch with a donation. The sum of £500 was proposed to go toward equipping their operations room with new chairs.

2. In response to a request for financial help from a Mr Ian Baker, who has formed a band at the Methodist Church in Gorleston, the Committee propose making a donation of £181 which would cover the cost of 4 drum stands they badly needed.

3. As reported at Club Council in March, the 901 Marine Cadets had requested help with funds to purchase equipment (six tents) and following a visit by a member of Community Service it was agreed to propose a donation of £269.94 (being the sum quoted by Millets for these items).

4. The work of the Alzheimer’s Organisation had been brought to the attention of Community Service and the Committee felt they would like to assist this group in some way. A proposal of a donation of £500 was put forward to be presented to the local branch, either for equipment or toward the day-to-day running costs.

Michael Woods then formerly proposed the above donations en-bloc, which was seconded by Bob Price and carried by Council.

At the A.G.M.of April 28^th these 4 proposals were put to the Membership en-bloc. They were seconded by Mike Butcher and carried by a majority of those present.

Community Service Report April 2008

In March the Chairman reported to Council that he had visited the Samaritan premises situated in North Quay in relation to the opening of the operations room as part of their refurbishment programme. Several weeks ago a volunteer from the Samaritan’s talked to the Club and much interest was generated by the members in relation to this organisation. The Community Service Committee discussed this project and agreed to support this programme by way of equipment to the sum of £500. The Chairman is in contact with the local co-ordinator Paul Kelf who has informed him that they desperately require new chairs for their training room and are currently seeking quotes for this equipment. These quotes will be presented at the businesses meeting by the Chairman.

Council Approval Yes

The Committee has received a letter from Ian Baker who has formed a band at the Methodist Church in Gorleston with funding from the Norfolk County Council and Broadland Radio. This group has a membership of 15 and hope to increase this to around 24. The age group ranges between 10 and 16 years. This is another opportunity for young people to engage in an activity rather than roaming around the streets. The Chairman has visited the group and has spoken to Ian Baker concerning his request for funding. Many of the instruments are second hand and they are in desperate need of 4 drum stands. They have been to the Drum Centre in Bells Road Gorleston and have been quoted £181.00 to purchase such items. (The Chairman is in possession of the quote and will present this at the business meeting)The Committee agreed this was worth funding and approved the acquisition of 4 drum stands.

Council Approval Yes

The Troop 901 Marine Corps has made contact with our Committee asking for help in the purchasing of 6 Tents. Colin Brooks has visited this group and reported back stating that they are members of the Norfolk Voluntary Youth Service with no MOD support and are rated with the Sea Cadets. They raise money by way of local fundraising initiatives and continues to need new equipment to replace their aging stock. Colin was of the opinion that this was a very worthy cause. The troop’s age is from 11 years to 14 years and they meet twice a week at the Flegg High School . The Committee agreed to support the purchase of 6 tents and have been forwarded a quote from Millets totalling £269.94 for the said items.

Council approval Yes

It has been brought to the attention of the Committee the work undertaken by the Alzheimer’s Organisation not only offering help to the patient but to the carers as well. The committee felt that this may be a case whereby no specific piece of equipment is required and that the local group may make more use of a monetary gift which ultimately benefits the people affected by the illness. The members agreed to make contact with the group to establish if any equipment was needed. The members felt that it would be more beneficial at this stage to agree to support in principle a financial amount at the meeting and all those present were unanimous in proposing that £500 should be the figure identified for this organisation. If in the event no equipment was needed the money would be given to the local branch to assist the day to day operations of the group.

Council Approval Yes

At the last Council Meeting the Chairman announced that John Clark was researching the possibility of taking a group of children to Thursford this coming Christmas. I am pleased to inform the meeting that a school has been identified and together with John Wiseman a meeting will be arranged with the school in question to move this idea a step further.

Community Service Report March 2008

1 As a result of a recent visit by Ian Semmons from the Charity ‘Action Against Pain’ the Committee felt this organisation story was worthy of some financial support. The members wanted to help by donating £200 pounds to this charity and seek council approval for this proposal’

2 The Committee has received a request from ---------------------------- Club based in Great Yarmouth for help in purchasing a specialist piece of Bingo Equipment similar to that obtained for the Vauxhall Club. Victor has visited the club and has reported back to the Committee with the view that this project should be supported. The club members themselves have raised £50.00 and require a further £150 to make the purchase. Therefore we would seek council approval to finance the remaining £150.

3 I have received a letter from the Samaritans requesting funding for their refurbishment programme at their premises situated at North Quay. This matter was discussed at length at our recent committee meeting and whilst the members felt they would like to help it was agreed that more mileage might be gained by asking a representative to talk to the club and this would give the members the chance to ask questions. I recently attended an open evening and was most impressed with their work and their desire to refurbish this very old building. I have written to the Samaritans to try and secure a speaker for early April.

4 We have also had requests for funds to help the 901 Marine Cadets and the Eastern Spirit Show Corps to purchase various items of kit. It was agreed by our Committee that further enquiries would be made into these organisations and this has been allocated to two of the members who will report back in due course.

5 John Clark has placed an idea before our members that involves taking underprivileged children / learning difficulties to the Children’s Christmas event at Thursford this coming December. He has obtained literature of the event and felt that whist much more research had to be done he thought that in principle it would be worth considering. John Wiseman agreed to make enquires at his local school to establish the response to the idea within the school. There would of course be a cost element for the club but I would like to iterate that this is, at the moment is in the early stages of research and we will approach this Council once more details have been gathered. This is for information only.

6 At our recent meeting John Tomalin agreed to be the new co-ordinator for ‘Kids Out’. John will be taking over from John Burroughs.

September 25th 2007

The picture below shows Chairman of Community Services, Robert Lovick , handing over two of three wheel chairs to DIAL's Chairman John Watt at their AGM On Tuesday , situated at Beacon House, Northgate Hospital. DIAL is an information and advice centre for disabled people and with limited resources, relies heavily on the voluntary sector to run its service. One of the chairs which is the thinnest one is especially light and can be folded up quite small for easy storage when travelling, and will assist those who find it difficult to lift the normal wheelchairs.

December 5th 2005

This evening the members of the Great Yarmouth Haven Rotary Club were hosts to the Elderly and Handicapped citizens from various areas of the borough. They were taken on their annual shopping evening at ASDA. After their escorted shopping spree, they enjoyed a cup of tea or coffee and a mince pie. The Club gave each person a Xmas gift of chocolates.

Enjoying the cup of tea and mince pie. Members fighting over the last mince pie !

Please activate Java...

Bill Cooke, Chairman of the Community Service made a presentation of a HP LaserJet Printer to Mr John Gardiner of the Headway Trust, a local charity providing assistance to those afflicted with head injury.