Rotarians attending the District 1290 Conference, St Ives, are now inspired and ready to take on the challenges of the coming Rotary year.
The success of overseas projects, along with the importance of local work by Rotary clubs, was highlighted by District District Governor Maxine Stoyel: “Never before has Rotary been needed more. The scope and scale of work undertaken by Rotarians in Cornwall and West Devon is impressive. ShelterBox, the largest ever Rotary project was started by the Helston-Lizard Rotary club. At home, our work within our own communities, some of the most disadvantaged in the UK, is humbling.”
The conference welcomed new Rotarians including Sue Hook who joined the newly formed Rotary Club of St Ives Bay: “This was my first Rotary conference and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I joined Rotary to help make a difference, but I had no idea of the scope of the work in this district. I now feel very proud to be a member of an organisation that does so much to change lives here and around the world.”
Rotarians also heard how the Citizenship for Life programme has helped youngsters across the district to fulfill their potential. 14 year old Billy Benton from Mullion School, pictured with patron Noami Hahn and fellow student Daniele Burdon, told the packed conference how his life has been transformed: “Over the last year I’ve found real determination and focus to achieve. Citizenship for Life, my Rotary mentor, the Cornwall Council organisers and sponsors have helped me to achieve my goals. You have changed my life. Thank you.”
Other inspirational speakers included Norman Croucher OBE the double leg amputee mountaineer, Lord Lieutenant Col. Edward Bolitho OBE, explorer Antony Jinman creator of ‘Education through Expedition’ and Eddie Farwell co-founder of the Children’s Hospices South West, Aysha Iqbal, presenter of BBC TVs Spotlight, who waxed lyrical about work by the Overseas Project Team.
