District Council

The day of the second District Council saw me flat on my back and unable to attend, to my intense frustration. However, virus infections are no respecters of one's diary. I had particularly wanted to be present as this occasion saw not only the appointment of many of the key District people for 2010-11, but marked the next stage in the wide-ranging dialogue as to how we can improve Rotary communications, while still staying within a realistic budget. It was also a day to announce much relief to Clubs who feared that the absence of matching grant funds might spell the death-knell of cherished projects. Further, it was a day to give an update on the Thanks for Life project and to update Clubs on the fantastic success of their efforts on behalf of ShelterBox. £34,000 raised in just one month, to purchase 68 Boxes was a truly magnificent effort and I believe that there is more yet to come. In the end, due to the absence of DGE George at GETS, I had to hand the reins over to DGN Iain who chaired the meeting exceptionally well, ably supported by Secretary Graham and IPDG David. The latter also provided an update on Schools4All. All the reports tell of a wide ranging but very positive debate on various aspects of communication which delighted me. As I have said before, Council is not my Council or District's Council. It is the Clubs' Council and their opportunity to express their views and preferences. These views will greatly inform Communications Chairman James and his colleagues in charting the way ahead. I conclude with apologies for my absence but it did prove the point that, in a well organised structure, the absence of the 'chief executive' should never create an unfillable hole.