August Blogs

Rotary Blog Sunday August 20th

In this week's blog it is my pleasure to report on the splendid Rotary Garden Party which took place on Sunday at Keith and Shirley's house in Tetsworth.
All had been arranged with the usual care and perfection and the outcome was a great afternoon of fellowship with some of us enjoying being grumpy old men [and women, I suspect].
The all important weather was kind to us and any threatened rain was kept at bay. Colonel immediately virtually flattened me when we arrived in an effort to play football. His skills are still flourishing - in fact, better than the England players performance in the recent World Cup.
Pauline and I thoroughly enjoyed it - with thanks to Keith and Shirley and the other contributors and helpers.

Rtn Nigel Pledger

Rotary Blog Monday August 14th

As usual, the business meeting was well attended with an 80% turnout. After the usual Presidential opening, Ron Roberts gave the apologies and Martin Hector announced that the usual Thame Show arrangements this year would be replaced by different duties which would include such activities are car parking supervision and gate duties excluding the collecting of any cash on the day. The membership then formed into the usual committees and the respective chairmen gave their reports.

Club Service get down to business,
the bottle of red has been 'photo-shopped'
in to make them look normal!

Vocational and Community Service discuss the Chairman's fear of the camera.

The Foundation Committee as usual,
are taking things very seriously!

Activities ranging from charitable work such as the Clubs activities in Tanzania to various fellowship plans were then disclosed. Is it possible to fulfill so much work in one Rotary year? The Grumpling Trophy was presented by David Rankin to John Brown for volunteering a Value Added activity which surely should not Tax him too much. Finally the raffle was won once again by Nigel Pledger. The president then closed the meeting with the Rotary toast.

Rtn Peter Clarke

Rotary Blog Monday August 7th

We enjoyed a full meeting with only one apology and another failed attendance.
A good start was made with an excellent meal followed by an equally excellent speaker - Mr Ron Settle - on the subject of "The Chiltern Historical Aircraft Research Group". A talk presented with infectious enthusiasm and good humour.


*Ron Settle described in precise detail some of the many aircraft incidents that occurred in the Chilterns during World War ll*	Amazingly but sadly, the piece of 'wreckage' held by Ron, contained the boot heel of the German pilot

I am old enough to have been involved with the second world war and vividly remember the intense patriotism, resolve and dedication of all adults left back here at home.
The painstaking research and discoveries of the CHARG recorded the individual histories of lost aircraft, both of our own and our enemies forces.
I cannot help wondering which 'foreign fairy' in high places decided on pink for the colour of their parachutes!
For me, the immorality and futility of war was almost unbearably brought home to me when we were shown the piece of enemy aircraft wreckage with the rubber heel of a shoe still attached - all that was left of another human being who no doubt had a family at home mourning his loss.
Enough is enough!

Rtn Jack Lazenby