March

Mar 28, 2019 by Shaftesbury RC

4th – No Meeting

11th – Speaker Dr Geoffrey Cockrell

Geoff joined us on Monday 11th March. He has recently moved his dental practice from Warminster to Shaftesbury. Geoff explained how, after not gaining many exams at school he went on to train as an aircraft engineer as he was good with his hands. After a few years of this he sold all he had and went back to college to retrain as a GP, then a surgeon, then a dentist, before finally combining all these disciplines to specialise in maxillofacial reconstruction, and restorative dental work.

Geoff discussed how after working in Warminster for 12 years, he took the decision to “go it alone” and set up his own practice, when the business was sold to a big private chain and he could no longer spend the time and attention he wanted on his patients.

He went on to explain that previously they had 2500 patients on the books but he, and Eve his partner and practice manager, have taken the decision to limit their list so they can specialise in high level care of their patients. They have invested heavily in state-of-the-art X-ray equipment and it will soon be utilised by local NHS hospitals sending patients to benefit from this technology.
He’s enjoying the challenge and adventure of running his own business and says he’s learnt a lot over the past 6 months and has been made to feel very welcome in the town and thanked Rotary for being so welcoming.

Pictured: Mike, Geoff and President Guy

18th – Business Meeting

This was our monthly business meeting. An excellent meeting with good attendance. We learnt that Kidsout, our day out for children with special educational needs, is likely to be for about 50 children plus carers this summer. We also heard that our Golf Day at Rushmore will be on Friday September 13th. Other points discussed were:
President’ night confirmed.
Table space still available for Wincanton races on the 3rd April.
Further update on the North Dorset Cycle Ride. Main sponsor secured, all on target.
Two requests for financial support, passed to the relevant committee.
Discussion on how best to respond to the international disaster caused by Cyclone Idai.
Full report of this meeting can be found on the members section.

25th – Speaker Robin Miller

Robin Miller, well known in Shaftesbury for his many years of service to The British Legion and to local rugby as a referee and referee assessor gave a light-hearted presentation to the club on the theme of laughter as a thank you to the club for its help to many local causes.

A combination of jokes reminiscent of the golden age of Tommy Cooper and visual gags caused much hilarity and were greatly enjoyed by all.