A nation salutes an inspiration - 4 CAPTAIN TOM: Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Meet Michael McQueen 20
Frontline foodbanks 22
Young Citizen Awards 36
Champions of Change 40
rotarygbi.org
August/September 2020
4
CAPTAIN TOM:
A nation salutes
an inspiration
2 // Rotary rotarygbi.org
CONTENTS
FEATURES
Captain Sir Tom Moore 04
Michael McQueen Interview 26
ARTICLES
Life After Lockdown 10
Carers UK Partnership 20
Rotary foodbanks 22
Rotary Young Citizen Awards 36
Champions Awards 40
Volunteer Expo 48
REGULARS
The Rotary Social 16
Talk from the Top 18
Rotary Great Britain
& Ireland President 30
4
Letters 34
EDITOR’S NOTE
And Finally… 50
20 26 40
Rotary International in
Great Britain & Ireland
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rotarygbi.org Rotary // 3
DAVE KING
Captain Tom:
a beacon of light
Meet Captain Sir Tom Moore, the centenarian Rotarian who lifted
the spirits of the country during the COVID-19 pandemic.
H
E is the inspiration to a themselves into harm's way, and I think Elizabeth R."
nation. A man who, in you've got to give them full marks for The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin
the darkest hours of the that effort. Welby, described Sir Tom as “an example
COVID-19 pandemic, “We're a little bit like having a war and an inspiration to us all”.
provided a sense of much- at the moment. But the doctors and the And Prime Minister, Boris Johnson,
needed hope and determination. nurses, they’re all on the front line, and all added: “Colonel Tom’s fantastic fund-
On the eve of his 100th birthday, of us behind, we've got to supply them and raising broke records, inspired the whole
Captain Tom Moore captured the spirit of keep them going with everything that they country, and provided us all with a beacon
the world with the simplest of gestures. need, so that they can do their jobs even of light through the fog of coronavirus.”
'Tom’s 100th birthday walk for the better than they're doing now.” The former soldier, who served in
NHS’ was targeted with completing one Captain Tom’s life story was being told India, Burma and Sumatra during the
hundred 25-metre laps of the garden at across the globe. He even featured on a Second World War, was also appointed
his Bedfordshire home to raise £1,000 for cover version of the song ‘You’ll Never Walk as an honorary colonel by the Army
NHS Charities Together. Alone’ with the singer Michael Ball and the Foundation College.
With just a walking frame to assist, NHS Voices of Care Choir. Then on July 17th at Windsor Castle,
following treatment for cancer and a broken The recording went straight to number special arrangements were made for the
hip, he aimed to complete 10 laps a day. one, selling almost 36,000 copies in the Queen to knight the nation's hero.
What began as a quiet, selfless gesture first 48 hours. Captain Tom became the Arise, Captain Sir Thomas Moore!
on April 6th, rapidly snowballed into an oldest person to have a number one entry in Commenting on the honour, he said:
inconceivable fund-raiser which captured the UK Singles Chart, beating Tom Jones! “I am absolutely overwhelmed. Never for
the hearts of the nation, attracted world By the time the campaign closed on his one moment could I have imagined to be
media attention and 1.5 million donations. 100th birthday on April 30th, he had raised awarded with such a great honour.
Suddenly, everyone knew who £32.79 million. The day itself was marked “I’d like to thank Her Majesty the
charming and modest Captain Tom was. by a flypast from the Battle of Britain Queen, the Prime Minister and the great
Speaking to BBC News, when the Memorial Flight as he received more than British public. I will remain at your service.
fund-raising had topped the £5 million 150,000 birthday cards from well-wishers. “This started as something small and
mark, he explained: “When we started off One of those was from Her Majesty, I’ve been overwhelmed by the gratitude and
with this exercise we didn't anticipate we'd the Queen, who wrote: "I am so pleased love from the British public and beyond.
get anything near that sort of money. to know that you are celebrating your one “We must take this opportunity
"It's really amazing. All of them, from hundredth birthday on 30th April, 2020. to recognise our frontline heroes of the
top to bottom, in the National Health “I was also most interested to hear of National Health Service who put their lives
Service, they deserve everything that we can your recent fund-raising efforts for NHS at risk every day to keep us safe.”
possibly put in their place. Charities Together at this difficult time. Captain Tom’s Rotary record is less well
“They're all so brave. Because every "I send my congratulations and best known. It was only during a presentation
morning or every night they're putting wishes to you on such a special occasion. in June via Zoom, of a triple ruby Paul
4 // Rotary rotarygbi.org
©Capture the Light Photography rotarygbi.org Rotary // 5
©Capture the Light Photography
Main image: Captain Tom Moore approaching the finishing line of his one hundred
25-metre laps of the garden which raised more than £32 million
Below: Captain Tom with his Scott motorbike and on his wedding day
Harris Fellowship, that this very proud Round Table. lived in in Welney.”
Yorkshireman revealed his Rotary roots. “We established, and I believe we have During the Paul Harris Fellowship
The Paul Harris Fellowship is one of still got, a unit for disabled people. We presentation, David Straughan, President
Rotary’s most prestigious honours. arranged monthly meetings and provided of Flitwick Vale Rotary Club, conferred an
Named after the organisation’s transport for those who attended. honorary club membership to Captain Tom.
founder, it recognises those who have “I was also personally involved in He said: “Rotary’s values are all about
made substantial contributions to society, building a rose garden behind the home for going above and beyond to support those
humanitarian efforts and charitable works. blind people in Keighley. We were a very who need it most. Our motto is ‘Service
On receiving the award from the then active club at that time.” Above Self ’, and no one has personified that
President of Rotary in Great Britain & It was later, when Captain Tom moved quite like Captain Sir Tom.
Ireland, Donna Wallbank, Captain Tom to Cambridgeshire in the 1980s to manage “As his local club, we were extremely
said: “I am absolutely overwhelmed by this a concrete company, that he joined March keen to recognise his achievements.”
honour that you have given me. Rotary Club. Captain Tom responded: “I have
“I am thrilled that I have had so many That news prompted plenty of activity been well established with Rotary for a
honours and the one which I have got from in the Fenland town to look back at the long period of time for which I have been
Rotary is certainly a star amongst them all.” Rotary club’s archives. absolutely thrilled and honoured to be a
He added: “Rotary certainly has Secretary Alan Crossley confirmed that member.
touched my life. Let us go back to the late Captain Tom was a member of the club. “Now to become a member again is
1940s when I was a member of the Round “He was certainly a member when Bruce something which is absolutely special, as far
Table in Keighley. We were very active Wood was President in 1976,” said Alan. as I am concerned.”
and for a time I was chairman of Keighley “Bruce can remember the house that he Rotary GB&I President, Donna
6 // Rotary rotarygbi.org
ROTARY IN ACTION
Captain Tom Moore
Asked whether he plans to repeat his
fund-raising walk next year, Captain Tom
replied: “When you say next year, let’s see
whether next year ever comes.
“Yes, if I am still here and I can still
presentation, said that the family had loved walk, I shall continue to do my walks up
seeing the success and achievements of and down outside the house.
other fund-raisers, young and old, who had "So long as people go on contributing,
been inspired by her father’s walk. I’ll go on walking.”
“The support and togetherness This September, Penguin Books will
that communities are showing across be publishing his autobiography entitled
the country, including by Rotary clubs ‘Tomorrow Will Be A Good Day’.
and volunteers, in such challenging Asked what one life lesson he would
Wallbank, praised Captain Tom for the circumstances is really heart-warming,” pass onto today’s generation, Captain Tom
tenacity, courage and passion he’d shown she said. replied: “I think you must always consider
throughout his life. Hannah explained that the family has that the future is going to be better.
She added: “But particularly now, now set up the Captain Tom Foundation. "That if today is not a good day, then
when the nation needed a positive focus, “This is about inspiring hope where it tomorrow is going to be a better day.
because your focus became one which is needed most, supporting those people in “I have always believed that tomorrow
the world followed. And one which we, in hospices, those who are bereaved and those is going to be a good day. That’s what
Rotary, wish to recognise, as you truly are a who are combating loneliness,” she added. people should do. Things will get better.
person of action and one of inspiration.” “So life has not stopped for Captain “Never ever worry yourself to the state
Captain Tom’s daughter, Hannah Tom. He continues to reach out to all of about how terrible things are because soon,
Ingram-Moore, who sat beside her those people who need some hope in and it will happen, things will get better.
father during the Paul Harris Fellowship their lives.” "It always will.” l
©Capture the Light Photography
Captain Sir Tom Moore, with daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore, waving at the flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
8 // Rotary rotarygbi.org
GLOBAL IMPACT
DATE: 18 | AUGUST | 2020 Special feature
TIME: 19:05 (LONDON) LIVESTREAM
'Keira Gave Her Heart and We
Changed the UK's Organ Donation Law'
MAX JOHNSON & FAMILY
HEART TRANSPLANT SURVIVOR
join leaders | exchange ideas | take action
#bettertogether
SEASON 2 SEPTEMBER 2020
Register for tickets visit: www.rotarygbi.org/togethertalks
Watch on Demand:
www.youtube.com/RotaryInternationalinGreatBritainIreland
rotarygbi.org Rotary // 9
10 // Rotary rotarygbi.org
ROTARY IN ACTION
Life after lockdown
What is the
‘new normal’
for Rotary?
After five months of lockdown, now that restrictions are easing
Dave King has been asking Rotarians how they see the future.
S
O what is the ‘new normal’ for “I believe that some members will collecting medication for the vulnerable.
Rotary now that the five-month take longer to return to meetings as they’re She said: “I doubt we will capitalise
lockdown is easing? considered high risk, but we hope to on the volunteering which has come to the
Since March, clubs have include them by Zoom as long as it is felt fore during the pandemic.
been forced to abandon their necessary,” he said. “Volunteers who offered to look
weekly face-to-face meetings in favour of “As membership director, I have after shielded people were clear in what
meeting online. Some, sadly, have not met approached several potential members they were being asked to do, which was
at all, and one fears for their future. who have stood out locally for supporting essentially to collect shopping and befriend
This is what one Rotarian from the the community, and I think that social people.
Midlands wrote: “We are holding our media has helped identify potential “They didn’t have to pay a fee to do
weekly meetings via Zoom and, while members who may have previously not it. Nor did they have to attend meetings
this has been quite effective for those been visible in the past. to discuss doing it and listen to a speaker
who feel comfortable with technology, we “I believe that Rotary life after who was totally irrelevant to what they
have several members who are completely COVID-19 will require significant were doing.
IT illiterate and reluctant to try out any adjustment, but this has provided the “I think that many clubs will revert
technological solution. opportunity to adapt and use technology. to meal meetings with a speaker and hold
“I am concerned these members "This will ensure that Rotary has fund-raisers to give money away to other
are going to become more disconnected become a more modern and potentially people’s charities.
from our Rotary fellowship the longer we inclusive organisation, in that we can "I don’t mind that because, for many
continue to meet virtually.” demonstrate the traditional face-to-face people, it is what Rotary is about.
Kevin McLeod from Alloa Rotary meeting is not the only way to run a club.” “But we know that there are people
in Clackmannanshire, said they had Can Rotary capture the thousands out there who want to volunteer, so we
addressed this problem by setting up a of people who volunteered during the should be encouraging new clubs to
WhatsApp group and a weekly members’ pandemic or will the ‘new normal’ be – set up.”
newsletter to ensure everyone was kept up- just normal? So on the Rotary Membership Ideas'
to-date with information. Cath Chorley is a founder member of forum on Facebook, I asked members
The club has been meeting on Zoom the newly-formed Forth Bridges Rotary for their thoughts on Rotary life after
during lockdown, and they will continue to in Rosyth, which formed a COVID-19 COVID-19 and what they believed the
do so until it is safe to meet socially. response team helping with shopping and future held for their clubs.
rotarygbi.org Rotary // 11ROTARY IN ACTION
Life after lockdown
Here are a few thoughts:
Greg Wilkinson: There is an opportunity
to open up our Zoom meetings to a
wider audience. However, many of us feel
concerned at the potential loss of control
by doing so. What would current members
think? Are we missing a once in a lifetime
opportunity to grow membership?
Gordon Downing-Stewart: It is important
to get new members into our Rotary, but
clubs should be looking at retaining their
members at this challenging time.
Martin Brocklebank: Retention is as
important as acquiring new members.
Most Rotary clubs have comfortably adapted to online meetings during lockdown
Les Goodchild: One of my concerns with
the suggestion that there has never been
a better opportunity for Rotary to tap that it is possible for Rotary clubs to meet
into the army of volunteers currently online.
supporting their communities, is that “For many years, the
whilst we might recruit new members, Jill Pietrusinski: This has caused
retaining them could be an issue. If we Rotarians to rapidly embrace innovative
younger members of our
bring these volunteers into our clubs and
don't provide the right experience, we
ways to stay connected. I envision the traditional clubs have
future being a hybrid of in-person and
could do more harm than good. online options for clubs and definitely for been the driving force
districts as they co-ordinate training and
Chris Slocock: Whether we like it or not assemblies. This opens up opportunities
for change in their clubs.
our Rotary clubs had to become more
relevant. Growing Rotary will be about
as well to reach a broader audience for The revolution to virtual
membership where they need more
that relevance to the next generation. flexibility. meetings during lockdown
COVID-19 will be the catalyst to change.
The meal at most Rotary meetings is the has been a breath of
Lesley Hutchings: The Rotary Club of
least important thing in the new Rotary. Swindon has been having some very well fresh air to these forward
Communication is now everything and we attended zoom meetings. We seem to have
have the world open to us. more members having a verbal input then thinkers and a clear
Nick Gidney: For many years the younger
we do at the usual lunch meeting. example of how Rotary
members of our traditional clubs have Neville Wright: Like everyone else we are could be in the future.”
been the driving force for change in their concerned over member retention and new
clubs. They have been slowly converting members. Not sure what my one big wish
the membership to the concepts of from Rotary is but for the not too distant
modernisation. Dropping grace in favour future it should be ‘charity begins at home’.
of “a thought of the day”, relaxed dress code I say this because Rotary needs to be seen
etc. The revolution to virtual meetings doing good in the local area if we are to
during lockdown has been a breath of gain their support for our international
fresh air to these forward thinkers and a projects.
clear example of how Rotary could be in
the future. Selma Ferreira: I believe that the satellites
and e-clubs will be more respected, as
Gary Gardner: My personal view is that our actual tech is what the 'normal' clubs
all Rotary clubs should seriously consider do not often have. We have to prepare
becoming hybrid clubs, with individual ourselves to visit those clubs and do live
clubs deciding on the balance of face-to- speeches about our experiences and how
face and online meetings. If there is one to adapt.
positive we can take from COVID, it’s
12 // Rotary rotarygbi.orgrotarygbi.org Rotary // 13
ROTARY IN ACTION
Life after lockdown
Richard Spalding: Perhaps our most
innovative and different idea is to create
more honorary members who are key
pillars of the community and then more
proactively engage with them and other
key members of Winchester - each of these
has already been assigned a 'buddy’.
Ian Millar: We are worried, but also
determined to deal with life post Covid
(whenever that is!) We have a very old
membership which worries us more than
the fund-raising. We intend to meet both
online and at our usual location. After
lockdown we still want to serve others
who are in need. Volunteering to help
with education may be one aspect worth
Since March, clubs have been forced to abandon their
exploring.
weekly face-to-face meetings in favour of meeting online.
Terry Dean: As for Rotary after lockdown, can be from anywhere in the world. Going our activities involve children, vulnerable
we won’t be going back to where we forward, we will only meet three times adults and children, social events and, of
were. Since then, Rotary has advanced a month. course, Rotary meetings. In the foreseeable
technically beyond anything we would future, all these areas are the subject of
have imagined. Clubs not using Zoom, Gordon Garment: Rotary should avoid requirements as set out by government
or similar, are now in the minority. I any changes. Fellowship and peace must and other advisory bodies. Rotary clubs
see that as a good thing. When I was continue as our central theme. Let us avoid will need to be very aware of all these new
a new Rotarian, we were constantly phrases like ‘the new normal’ - whatever recommendations as we move forward.
shown graphs depicting the inexorable that means!
downwards trends in membership over the Bill Palmer: Every time some major event
following five or ten years. And how if we Jerry Noble: I think the new normal for comes along, it is followed closely by some
don’t do something about it we’ll be going Rotary should be to meet in person only soothsayer declaring it either the end of
to hell in a handcart! once or twice a month, have a quality days or the new normal. Isn't it time that
meeting to enjoy a meal and fellowship. we stopped acting surprised every time a
David Skertchly: I would like to see And to conduct our business via video civilisation re-orientating event occurs?
Rotary harness the power of Internet fund links. This will achieve a huge reduction in Change is a constant. Like it or not. It's
raising such as ‘Just Giving’ and crowd- costs as well as in time. happening all the time, but like trying
funding". Let's face it, standing in the to spot a tree growing, if you watch it,
rain and rattling a collecting tin has far Paul Bayley: If we are going to attract you won't see it. If you let your attention
less effect nowadays than a well-placed younger and more active members, we do wander for a few months you will see a
centenarian walking around his block of need to change our outlook. We should difference. So, if change is an immutable
flats accompanied by a media frenzy. look at ways in which we can engage with constant how do we ride the tiger? There
these people and what means we need to is a straightforward solution, and again
Brenda Parsons: I just hope the new do this; Zoom, later meetings, changes of it is underscored by an old adage. If you
normal will include a little spare time! I venues etc. do not write your own story you are part
have been working on Rotary full-time for of someone else's. In other words, if you
12 weeks. I am shattered! George Chapman: I can’t predict how our do not choose to transform, change will
club will move forward after Covid, but we happen to you whether you like it or not.
Ric Canham: We have a golden are meeting twice monthly on Zoom. I am
opportunity to decide what we want the exploring the wider realms of global virtual Jim Rawson: The 'new normal' for Wigan
future to look like. The ‘new normal' is Rotary and, where possible, passing on my Rotary is to try hard to continue growing
whatever we choose it to be. So, start experiences to the club. the membership (now 59) and maintain
planning now and, as the situation eases, the levels of fellowship, fund-raising,
we can hit the ground running! Phil Lewis: We are in unprecedented support given to needy folks across local,
times and, with Rotary’s record of service district and international communities,
Glyn James: We’ve had better attendance in local communities, it seems certain and supporting The Rotary Foundation.
of Zoom meetings than we did face-to- that there will be many opportunities to Be safe, and may the Rotary year 2020-21
face. Meetings are shorter and very rarely provide support, service and action in be a good one for all members and clubs in
go beyond an hour. Speakers on Zoom areas; old and new. However, many of Rotary Great Britain & Ireland. l
14 // Rotary rotarygbi.orgJAMES BOLTON
THE ROTARY SOCIAL
What is being watched, posted, liked, shared and tweeted around Rotary,
COVID-19 and more in the world of social media.
Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram
THANK YOU ROTARY!
To mark the start of a new Rotary
year, members of the ShelterBox CONVENTION CATCH UP
team from around the world The Rotary International
said a huge ‘thank you’ to Rotary Convention went virtual this
clubs and volunteers for their year, and you can catch up
support. Rotary’s contribution is now on the opening sessions
vital in raising funds and providing from the weekend on Rotary
support on the ground during their International’s YouTube
READY TO RESPOND response to a disaster. Head to channel. Join thousands who
The grip of COVID-19 only adds to the challenges in ShelterBox’s Facebook page to tuned in worldwide to discover
responding to natural disasters, which are still occurring watch the video. how clubs are supporting their
around the globe. Despite being ‘shut down’ during the communities with special guests,
pandemic, Aquabox, a Rotary supported charity supplying and much more!
water filtration kits to disaster zones, has delivered
essential aid to Kolkata following Cyclone Amphan. Head
to Aquabox’s Facebook page for the latest updates on
its activity. Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram
Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram
Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram
YOUNG MUSICIAN
GOES VIRTUAL
COVID-19 has put paid to many
events, including Rotary’s youth
competition finals. But Rotary
member Douglas Gilmour
has created a Rotary Young
Musician Virtual Concert with HANDOVER WITH
regional finalists from this year, in A DIFFERENCE
support of two charities. Head to For Launceston Rotary in Cornwall,
bit.ly/RYMconcert to watch the the change in Rotary year saw
MAKING CARING VISIBLE concert on YouTube. a handover with a difference as
As part of #CarersWeek, Rotary GB&I announced a chains of office were exchanged
yearlong partnership with @CarersUK. This year’s in socially distanced fashion,
Carers Week focused on #MakeCaringVisible with by drone! Head to Launceston
thousands pledging their support to raise awareness for Rotary’s Facebook page to view
the challenges being faced by the estimated 6.5 million the full clip.
unpaid carers in the UK.
Rotary International in Rotary International in
FOLLOW US @RotaryGBI /RotaryinGBI @RotaryGBI
Great Britain & Ireland Great Britain & Ireland
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A SHARED VISION
June 2020 marked 75 years since
the signing of the United Nations
Charter to support peace after FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
WWII. Head to the video section
CHANGE THE WORLD of Rotary International’s
Are you on Instagram? So are we!
Two Rotary Young Citizens were among the 184 winners Facebook page to see the
Head to @RotaryGBI and give us
of this year’s Diana Award, recognising changemakers part Rotary played in the UN’s
a follow to see even more Rotary
around the world. Head to The Diana Award YouTube formation.
pictures, videos and social media
channel to watch their virtual ceremony, meet some content!
inspirational winners and celebrity guests.
Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram
Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram
Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram
TOP ROTARY AWARD
FOR CAPTAIN TOM SIX MILLION STEPS
CATCH UP ON TOGETHERTALKS CHALLENGE
Lockdown hero Captain Sir Tom
Covering a wide range of topics from business Congratulations to members of
Moore was recently awarded
to volunteering, the environment and personal Worcester Vigornia Rotary who
Rotary’s top honour – a Paul Harris
development, Rotary GB&I’s togetherTalks series gives smashed their charity challenge to
Fellowship. You can watch the
you access to world class speakers. A reminder that you walk 6 million steps – around 3,000
full virtual handover with Captain
can catch up on demand on all of the events so far by miles – in 30 days! They’re
Sir Tom on the Rotary in Great
subscribing to Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland’s @VigorniaRotary on Twitter, give
Britain and Ireland YouTube
YouTube channel. them a follow.
channel.
rotarygbi.org Rotary // 17Talk fromfeature the top…
ROTARY IN ACTION
Special
Holger Knaack K.R. Ravindran Tony Black
Rotary President 2020/21 Trustee Chair 2020/21 RI Director 2019/21
T HE year 2020 has brought
monumental changes that have already
included a global pandemic and a renewed
T HERE is a world of difference between
a problem and a challenge.
If a honeybee faces a giant hornet alone,
A S we are all slowly coming out of
lockdown and everything seems to be
coming back to normal, we should always be
call for social justice. We are reminded that the bee has a problem. But if the honeybee aware that at some stage we might have to go
we live in a constantly changing world, and faces the hornet with a swarm of other bees, backwards before moving forward again.
Rotary is a reflection of that world. then it is the hornet that has a problem. Just like in Rotary, it is not always plain
We must be ready to listen and adapt, This is true in nature, but it is also the sailing. We will make mistakes in some of
always drawing upon our core values of human predicament. So when the situation I the things that we do, but learn from these
service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and confront is greater than the resources I have, mistakes, so that everything will hopefully
leadership. If we live these values and apply then it can be termed as a problem. work better the next time.
The Four-Way Test to all aspects of our lives, However, if the resources I have are Many of our fellow Rotarians are doing
we will be prepared to lead at all times. greater than the situation I am faced with, fantastic work in our communities, whether
I am proud of how we have proven our then it is just a challenge. Sometimes working in the NHS or care homes, pulling
ability to adapt. Faced with a pandemic, we overestimate our problems and together, collecting or delivering food parcels,
Rotary has not stopped. We moved underestimate our ability to overcome them. producing PPE and much much more –
meetings online and found new ways to The COVID-19 pandemic seemed like a remember some of our members are doing
serve. We turned the canceled 2020 Rotary situation that might overwhelm The Rotary their bit by still staying in lockdown for
International Convention in Honolulu into Foundation. But as things have progressed, whatever reason.
our first virtual convention. we have not allowed it to do so. Many of us have been on Zoom
Each week, we are proving that Rotary As of June 4th, we have funded 208 meetings (other options are available) and
is a flexible gathering that happens anywhere disaster response grants for $5.2 million and many have had visitors from all over the
— in traditional meetings, on cellphones, 169 new global grants at $13.8 million — all world. Whether Past Rotary International
and on computers. Rotary offers a way to in three months. President Mark Maloney meant his theme
connect for everyone who wants to, at any We have leveraged individual Rotarians’ to be something else, we have proved that
time, and will continue to do so. generosity with Foundation funds and in Rotary really does Connect the World.
Some have even told me that they many cases other corporate funds to make As we come more and more out of
enjoy Rotary’s mix of online and in-person projects larger and more impactful. lockdown, we Rotarians will find more and
meetings more now than before! How can We never allowed the pandemic to more that Rotary Opens Opportunities to
we build on this momentum and seize the overpower us. Indeed, history shows that help our communities, and hopefully find
opportunity to embrace change so that Rotarians are a curious breed. new members who found that volunteering
Rotary keeps thriving? We are visionaries, an idealistic lot that is really fantastic and want to do more.
We all agree that we need to grow dreams big dreams of a better world. We may have to change how we do
Rotary, but sometimes we can get caught At the same time, we are resilient and things but that is no bad thing.
up in the numbers game and lose sight of able to withstand challenges that others We have found new ways to have
the bigger picture. After all, an increase in might succumb to. meetings and communicate with our
membership is meaningless if next year, We were not idle during the pandemic members.
those new members leave our clubs. lockdowns. We raised funds and did projects Whatever suits you and your club may
Let’s grow Rotary sustainably. Rotary’s just as we would have if there had been no well- well not suit another.
flexible options for participation will engage lockdown. We remembered that it’s the Find out how you and your club want
members and show the community how same business that we always do — reaching to do it and do not be hidebound by what we
we’re different from any other club. Let’s out to people in distress — except the used to do.
celebrate that Rotary is now less about rules methodology by which we did it changed. All of us are doing our bit for the good
and more about joining together in a variety Our process of preparing and of our communities, and hopefully in the not
of ways besides traditional meetings. delivering the projects changed. The way we too distant future we will be able to speak to
As Rotary’s founder, Paul Harris, said, communicated what we did changed. each other face to face, whether at our club
we have to be revolutionary from time to Our Foundation will emerge from this meetings, coffee mornings, or whatever, and
time. Now is such a time. Rotary Opens pandemic much stronger and more resilient never forgetting those meeting on line.
Opportunities — countless ones — for us to as long as you continue to have trust and Until then keep up the good work and
embrace change that will strengthen us even •
faith in it. stay safe.•
as we remain true to our core values.•
18 // Rotary rotarygbi.orgrotarygbi.org Rotary // 19
ROTARY IN ACTION
Carers UK Partnership
JAMES BOLTON
Making Caring Visible
It is now estimated that as many as 13.6 million people in the UK are unpaid carers,
looking after loved ones who are older, disabled or seriously ill. Now a 12-month
partnership between Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland and Carers UK will help
make caring visible across the UK.
T
he last Census (2011) found
that there were 6.5 million
unpaid carers in the UK,
however polling earlier this
year by Carers UK suggested
this figure to be closer to 9.1 million.
Shockingly, but unsurprisingly, this
has grown by an additional 4.5 million
due to the impact of coronavirus, meaning
it is now estimated that as many as 13.6
million people in the UK are unpaid car-
ers, looking after loved ones who are older,
disabled or seriously ill.
Staggeringly, almost two thirds (62%)
of those who have become an unpaid carer
since the pandemic are juggling caring
alongside their own paid employment.
Now impacting the lives of an esti-
mated 1 in 4 people in the UK, the aware-
ness of the challenges faced by unpaid
carers is growing, but more is still required.
Carers Week, a collaboration between
six charities, led by Carers UK, aims to be developed. Rotary GB&I Carers UK Led by Yvonne Robinson and Dennis
shine a light on those challenges. This Ambassadors will raise awareness within Bowden, the club agreed to set up and
year’s theme was ‘Making Caring Visible’, their communities and connect carers with sponsor a new Memory Café in the town,
with thousands doing their bit to celebrate Carers UK's advice and support. which launched in 2018, with funding
and reach out to unpaid carers, all virtually Amanda Watkin, General Secretary of provided solely from money raised locally
this year. Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland added: from club activities.
As part of Carers Week, Rotary in “At Rotary we are focused on two prin- The café helps people living with
Great Britain and Ireland announced a ciples: making a difference and making dementia and their carers, who accompa-
12-month partnership with Carers UK, connections. It is so important to recognise ny them to regular social and supportive
which will continue to help make life bet- the contribution millions of unpaid carers get togethers. Caring for a loved one with
ter for unpaid carers by raising awareness make in society, and raise awareness of the dementia can be challenging and isolating,
of caring across the UK. sacrifices they make.” so ensuring carers receive the support they
“We are really excited to be developing Practical support for carers is some- need is a huge focus for the café team.
and delivering a year of activity with Ro- thing which Rotary clubs up and down the If you, or someone you know, are an
tary, an organisation dedicated to tackling country have long been providing in their unpaid carer in need of support, visit the
some of society’s biggest issues at a local communities. Carers UK website at www.carersuk.org.
and national level.” says Carers UK Chief When the town’s dementia support If you are a Rotary member keen to
Executive, Helen Walker. café closed its doors due to lack of funding, get involved, contact Rotarian Cheryle
As part of the partnership volunteer- Kettering Rotary Club was determined not Berry on cheryle.berry@btinternet.com l
ing opportunities for Rotary members will to let this vital service disappear for good.
20 // Rotary rotarygbi.orgCONNECT With the challenges we are all facing with COVID-19, face-to-face meetings are
temporarily not an option. Rotary clubs are continuing to get together, share ideas and
make a difference through online platforms and are looking to welcome new members,
volunteers and participants to their local, virtual communities.
rotarygbi.org
rotarygbi.org Rotary // 21ROTARY IN ACTION
Rotary Foodbanks
HUGH VENABLES
Food
for thought
During COVID-19, Rotarians have been actively supporting foodbanks,
through food donations, funding and volunteering. In South Yorkshire
and the East Midlands, Rotary clubs have banded together to support
the vulnerable during the pandemic.
A
RNOLD foodbank in they are receiving 100 requests every week Yorkshire is providing a vital lifeline.
Nottingham is typical of for food parcels and she predicts that The Rotary4foodbanks scheme, run
many across the country number will increase further once the entirely by volunteers, is an East Midlands
during the pandemic which economic downturn bites. and South Yorkshire initiative which pools
is now in its fifth month. But a £100,000 scheme by Rotary funds and bulk buys staple food supplies
According to manager Helen Lloyd, clubs in the East Midlands and South at wholesale prices. It then distributes the
goods to foodbanks across the region.
By the end of July, it will have
distributed food with a wholesale value of
around £100,000 and has plans to extend
the scheme as demands on foodbanks
continue to rise.
Helen Lloyd heads a team of volunteers
running the Arnold operation, which is part
of the Trussell Trust, from Daybrook Baptist
Church on Mansfield Road.
The foodbank is seeing more new users
needing food than ever before.
She explained: “As the furlough system
ends and more people face redundancy, we
are expecting to see demand increase still
further. We are bracing ourselves for the
second wave.
“We enjoy marvellous support from
local supermarkets and the general public
but the additional help we are now getting
from Rotary is proving a real lifeline,
providing us with bulk supplies of key
staples like tea, coffee, cereal and tinned
22 // Rotary rotarygbi.organd actively seeking national and local
government funding support.
Foodbanks are already using
“We see a marked increase in demand in school holidays Rotary4foodbanks’ buying power to
maximise the value of their own resources
when children often go hungry with the loss of school – making their own limited funds stretch
meals. The same has been the case while schools have further.
Just over the Nottinghamshire border
been closed during lockdown.” into South Yorkshire, Rotary has teamed up
with the Trussell Trust team at Sheffield S6
to combat hunger in the city.
With roughly a quadrupling of demand
fruit at a time of real need for so many to the COVID-19 crisis, it is a long-term for foodbank supplies, Sam Evans at
vulnerable people locally.” initiative to deliver a sustainable, cost- Sheffield S6 Foodbank Hub said that, more
Foodbanks are anticipating a effective food sourcing programme for than ever, the whole community is pulling
minimum 40% increase in demand for foodbanks. together to help. But, he fears, the issues of
emergency food as thousands of people lose The scheme is run entirely by unpaid hunger and deprivation are not going to go
their jobs or face reduced incomes. Several volunteers from Rotary clubs in the away any time soon.
are already reporting a doubling in demand. region. It is supported by companies and Sheffield S6, which is part of the
This comes at a time when foodbanks individuals who also give their time and Trussell Trust, now provides a distribution
were already stretched to the limit. In 2019, expertise free of charge. All funds donated hub for seven foodbanks in the city.
they supplied 1,808,949 emergency food go directly towards providing for some of Sam said: “We are currently
supplies, a 20% increase on a year ago. the most-needy in the community. distributing £10,000 of food and essentials
Rotary4foodbanks is a Rotary response Rotary International’s only charity, The each week to some of the neediest in the
to the growing demands on foodbanks Rotary Foundation, as well as individual community.
in the UK. Initially operating in the East Rotary clubs, are providing an initial “Last week alone we delivered to 314
Midlands and South Yorkshire, the scheme £100,000 to get the scheme under way. households, providing for almost 800
is attracting interest from Rotary clubs and More corporate and individual people. That’s around four times the
districts across the UK. sponsors are required. The team is volume for the same week last year.
Although it was launched in response preparing a crowd funding initiative And that number is rising.”
rotarygbi.org Rotary // 23ROTARY IN ACTION
Rotary Foodbanks
Natasha Aishford, a volunteer co-ordinator, holds some of the large quantity of food donated to YMCA in Burton by Rotary4foodbanks
Abbeydale Rotary is part of the YMCA, describes as the busiest year ever in in school holidays when children often go
Rotary4foodbanks initiative supporting the his 34 years in the charity sector. hungry with the loss of school meals.
Sheffield project. As part of an East Midlands-wide "The same has been the case while
The scheme is supported by regional initiative, Derby Mercia Rotary has donated schools have been closed during lockdown.
transport and logistics companies who £2,000 worth of supplies to the two YMCA The Rotary club support couldn’t have
provide staff and transport free of charge. foodbanks, topping up a regular donation come at a better time.”
Goods are then sent from a central made to Burton YMCA foodbank by Bretby The YMCA foodbank requires no
depot in Nottinghamshire to the Sheffield and Burton Rotary Clubs. referral before people can access supplies.
S6 hub and elsewhere. Paul Laffey heads up a large team of Many of the people it now serves are
Volunteers then distribute the supplies volunteers, ten of whom operate the YMCA in work but reduced hours or furloughed,
onwards to the individual foodbanks across Burton foodbank from James Street in which mean they simply can’t make
Sheffield and Rotherham. Burton. ends meet.
Graham Stevens from Abbeydale He said: “When a pallet stacked high While the Rotary4foodbanks scheme
Rotary said: “It is a real team effort. with porridge, coffee, tea, tinned tuna is currently operating only in the East
“Smaller foodbanks can order supplies and other vital supplies arrived, we were Midlands and South Yorkshire, the plan is
through Rotary4foodbanks and see their overjoyed. to roll it out more broadly.
limited funds work harder. “Demand is up by 51% compared with “Our members tell us there is a crying
"In a real spirit of co-operation, the same period last year, and we expect need for a similar service to support
Sheffield S6 warehouses the bulk supplies that to increase still further as the economic foodbanks elsewhere in the country,” said
until they can be collected by or delivered to impact of the pandemic unfolds. the scheme’s co-ordinator, John Cavey.
individual foodbanks. "We rely on the generosity of “In the north-east especially, Rotarians
“Just this week, Rotary4foodbanks individuals and organisations like Rotary to are looking to utilise the scheme to help
delivered 3,300 units of product – around ensure that those in crisis in our community meet that demand." l
350 cases of porridge, tea, coffee and other don’t go hungry.”
essentials, on pallets to the Sheffield In 2019, YMCA Burton alone
S6 hub.” supported 3030 people with vital food
In Staffordshire and Derbyshire, supplies and toiletries.
For more information, contact
Rotary clubs have teamed up with YMCA Paul added: “Shockingly, 741 of those John Cavey at:
foodbanks in Burton and Derby to meet were under the age of 18. rotaryfoundation1220@gmail.com
growing demand in what Paul Laffey, of the “We see a marked increase in demand or call: 07855 299443
24 // Rotary rotarygbi.orgrotarygbi.org Rotary // 25
ROTARY IN ACTION
Michael McQueem interview
Great organisations
are revealed in a crisis
The Rotary-organised togetherTalks' webinar has been lighting up Tuesday
evenings with a range of top flight guests. Here, author and trend forecaster,
Michael McQueen, linked up from Sydney to take questions from a global
audience. His theme was: ‘How to maintain momentum in tough times’.
But we can learn a lot from other organisations who faced many
What do you mean about maintaining crises before, but didn’t let them go to waste, and emerged from
momentum in tough times? those times stronger as a result.
Congratulations on the togetherTalks, because this is symbolic about
what maintaining momentum is all about.
We have heard the term uncharted territory, and we are all in it. You have helped develop a formula to help people
I was talking to my 95-year-old grandmother yesterday. overcome fear, and focus on momentum.
She has seen a lot, but nothing like this. So we are entering a Tell us about it.
period which is incredibly uncertain and, let’s be frank, which is
When I sat down to write a book about momentum four years ago,
incredibly scary for a lot of us.
I had looked at so many organisations looking at the rise and fall
I love initiatives like the togetherTalks because this is what
of brands and businesses. The thing which kept coming up was
maintaining momentum is – where you quickly adapt. You re-
momentum.
invent yourself as crisis hits, staying true to what you are all about,
Businesses which last the distance and stay relevant over the
and not losing sight of that.
long haul often by mistake, rather than a conscious act of genius,
We all know that necessity is the mother of invention, and that’s
figure out how to maintain the momentum and inner dynamism.
what I have been encouraged to see over the last few weeks.
So the formula which resonated when I looked at those
In the world of Rotary, there is this willingness to pivot, to
businesses and organisations which had maintained momentum
adapt in the face of adversity.
was three things: Momentum = A + F x C.
Great organisations aren’t created by crisis, they are revealed in
And those three elements were Activity + Focus x Consistency.
a crisis. What we are seeing now are organisations which know what
All of those three elements are critical and relevant to what we
they stand for, have really good values and a clear sense of purpose,
are facing right now. The point is how do you not get paralysed by
and these are the ones rebounding most quickly.
fear in this moment?
I am encouraged to see this in the Rotary world. So many
And if you look at the focus part of the equation, a big part of it
clubs can’t meet in person, so they are saying ‘how can we meet in
is choosing what do you focus on right now?
communities that impact our community online?’
The danger right now is that we are trying to focus to get back
to where we were, trying to reclaim the world where it existed before
this crisis and that is pretty futile.
I know you are inspired by Winston Churchill. Is We have to be mindful what are we focusing on? What are we
there a particular quote which inspires you? filling our hearts and our heads with? What you magnify,
The day the world fell apart, I was watching the news on my phone, dominates you.
when I saw how quickly COVID-19 was spreading, I remembered So for a lot of us right now, this is a chance to get back to some
this quote from Winston Churchill: ‘A crisis is a terrible thing to of the fundamental questions such as: what are the values which
waste’. we hold to be true, what is the real purpose we are working towards
Every organisation at some point faces a crisis, it’s just that we now and focus on that stuff which gives energy and life, focusing on
have faced this one at exactly the same time. This is unprecedented. what is good rather than what is lacking, focusing on who you can
26 // Rotary rotarygbi.orgrotarygbi.org Rotary // 27
ROTARY IN ACTION
Michael McQueem interview
Michael McQueen taking part in togetherTalks from his home in Australia
help rather than how much life sucks right now. Particularly when, and let’s be mindful, no-one is forcing you to do a
And this is what Rotary does so well: shifting your focus on lot of stuff on a daily basis. You are working from home.
how I can serve, how I can give. It starts to deal with a lot of those You can let any number of those daily routines that would
fears which erode our mental sense of balance and well-being. normally keep you on track slip right now.
So when we come out of this time period, it is those who
have maintained some daily routine of discipline and rigour, just
And what do you mean by the third consistently doing the right things, even when no-one is watching or
element: consistency? applauding, they are the ones who will emerge from this time well.
We all know about consistency from the youngest age from those
old fables: slow and steady wins the race. We all know that but we
You have come out with an interesting concept, the
struggle to live that out.
productivity blueprint. Can you explain how that
The simple reality is that there is no short-cut towards
works?
achieving long-term success in anything. There is no substitute for
doing the right activities in a focused way for long enough to see This is about how do you leverage every block of time you have got.
results. I studied high capacity individuals and organisations, and the
That’s why consistency is so critical. We know this, but it is hard thing they have in common is they are ruthlessly intentional about
to live it out. So in my research around consistency, I look at how how they use their time.
do we build in daily rhythms and habits so that we do the things Everything they do has a sense of purpose or intentionality
required to not only achieve success, but maintain it consistently behind it. Even when they rest, they are resting with intentionality –
over time? they are not floating from one thing to the next.
Habits are difficult, but so powerful. There is a great book I So, intentionally how you use your time is so important. The
read last year, by James Clear called ‘Atomic Habits’, whose premise productivity blueprint is how do you approach every block of time
is you can either break or build your life by the habits you form every intentional about the things you engage in.
single day. The core of it is the good, old-fashioned ‘to do’ list, starting the
APJ Abdul Kalam, a former President of India, put it well. He day with some sense of what you want to achieve.
said you don’t get to decide or control your future, your habits decide The productivity blueprint is how you move through your ‘to
your future. do’ list. The sequence with which you do things.
For all of us right now, it is consistency of routines and habits. Think of your ‘to do’ list as one of three categories – the simple,
28 // Rotary rotarygbi.orgROTARY IN ACTION
Michael McQueem interview
“The day the world fell apart, I was watching the news
on my phone, when I saw how quickly COVID-19 was
spreading, I remembered this quote from Winston
Churchill: ‘A crisis is a terrible thing to waste'.”
the complex and the routine. The key challenge with any block of Nine times out of ten, when a business has lost momentum,
time is to use the first 20% to do the simple stuff, the things which it is because they stopped doing the basics. They stopped doing the
get you off ‘go’. Because that is where momentum is built. things which built momentum in the first place.
That is where you get into a flow state. Newton’s first law of
motion is the law of inertia. The hardest thing is to get off ‘go’. Once
you are moving it is easier to speed up and direct your energies. 2. Be really mindful what you are focusing on:
Start with the simple things, turn your attention to the complex Focus on what you are thinking about, but also focus on what you
tasks on your list, and then spend the last 40% block of time doing are allowing to distract you.
the routine, admin stuff. For a lot of us, particularly those working from home, there
And this is why having intentionality is so important. If you are no shortage of distractions. So as much as you can, control your
don’t have that, how do most of us spend our time? You open your environment. Things like switching off new message notifications
laptop and you start doing the routine things responding to emails. on your email, switching off your phone for an hour or two each day,
It is the tail wagging the dog. making yourself as unavailable as possible.
It is one of those things, when you get to the end of the day, and There is a great Google Chrome plug-in called Nope. If you see
you have been so flat out and busy, but you don’t actually know what someone walking towards you and you know you don’t have time for
you got done. this interruption, you click the Nope button and it rings your phone
What you are seeing is a lack of intentionality about how you with a fake phone call! It’s fighting distraction with distraction.
use your time. One of the things we need to apply is: control the It is about how do we get focus and avoid the distractions
controllables. Although there is not a lot we can control right now, which erodes being in a flow state in terms of gaining momentum?
you can control what you can do and what you can think.
How do we control the things which are in our grasp, and for a 3. Be consistent:
lot of us, these are the simple things but the stuff a lot of us are not What are some of the habits and routines which you need to do
doing right now. daily, even when no-one is forcing you, which will be critical to how
well you will emerge from this?
That could be as simple as physical exercise, meditating,
What are your three takeaways? journaling. Stuff which makes you sing and hum as a person.
We can’t let those elements go by the wayside because those
1. Don’t let this crisis go to waste: are the things which will not only keen you sane, but it keeps you on
Some questions I would be encouraging everyone to be asking, track. It will mean that when this crisis does pass, and it will pass,
either personally, in business or a Rotary context, is: what do I want you will be able to emerge from this from a position of strength. l
to stop doing as a result of this?
There were some things you were doing before this crisis which
no longer make sense. They hadn’t made sense and weren’t relevant
for years, it’s just that you weren’t forced to change them until now.
And what are you going to start doing more of? To find out more visit: michaelmcqueen.net
Because it is moments like these when you pause long enough,
Catch up on demand for togetherTalks by visiting:
to look at your life, you wonder what have you stopped doing along
www.youtube.com/RotaryInternationalinGreatBritainIreland
the way which was actually part of the secret sauce?
That was what made things really work. where you can Like, Subscribe and Share.
rotarygbi.org Rotary // 29ROTARY IN ACTION
Rotary GB&I President
The desire to
volunteer
remains strong
Tom Griffin has taken over as the newest - and last - Rotary President for
Great Britain & Ireland. Dave King caught up with Tom to discuss the
challenging year ahead and how he believes this is a time of opportunity
T
HESE are challenging times to be starting a new
job. Moreso, when you’re at the helm of a huge
organisation, with 43,000 members, and you’ve got
just 12 months to prove your worth.
But that’s precisely the challenge facing Tom
Griffin, who in July became the latest, and last, President of Rotary
in these isles.
The very first President of the British Association of Rotary
Clubs, a title which did not please the Irish clubs, was R.W Pentland
from the Rotary Club of Edinburgh, who took over in 1914, on the
eve of the First World War.
Tom, another Scotsman, faces an equally epic task to resurrect
Rotary in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic. And he
admits he has mixed feelings.
“The difficulty is, we don’t know what is going to happen,”
reflected Tom.
“Apart from the obvious potential consequences from
COVID-19 on an organisation whose average age is about the same
as mine, clubs and districts are having to meet in a different way,
some clubs are not meeting at all.
"Therefore, we may lose a significant number of members.”
However, Suffolk-based Tom, who is a member of Woodbridge
Deben Rotary, just outside of Ipswich, acknowledges that now is a
time of opportunity. He pointed to the three-quarters of a million
people who have volunteered for the NHS during COVID-19.
And he highlighted the wealth of community groups which
have sprung up to support the vulnerable – such as collecting
shopping and prescriptio ns, as well as simple befriending.
“Suddenly we have realised the desire to volunteer remains
strong,” added Tom.
“Rotary has been very poor at recruiting younger people.
We have made excuses that people are not interested in service
organisations any more.
"Yet the number of people who are coming forward
30 // Rotary rotarygbi.orgYou can also read
