May

Jun 2, 2019 by Shaftesbury RC

6th – No meeting (bank holiday)

13th – Speaker Sir John Stuttard

The club was privileged to welcome back our Associate member Sir John Stuttard who gave a fascinating presentation on the life of John Rutter (1796-1851) who was a Lawyer and political reformer of national note who made his home and practiced his profession here in Shaftesbury. The Rutter family name continues in Shaftesbury, Gillingham and Wincanton. Sir John has written an excellent book titled “The Turbulent Quaker of Shaftesbury” which is available from several outlets in the town.

On the same evening we had the pleasure of welcoming the president of the local “Lions” club, Derek paid us the compliment by noting that when asked “Who are the Lions?”, he often will say we are a service club similar to Rotary, as Rotary is so well known. Derek also very generously told us that they would be pleased to assist on any of our events and would like a closer relationship.

Pictured: Bernard, Lions Club President Derek and Rotary President Guy.

19th – Virginia Hayward sponsored North Dorset Cycle Ride 2019

On a bright sunny morning in Shaftesbury’s Park Walk, over 300 cyclists congregated to embark on the Virginia Hayward sponsored North Dorset Cycle Ride for Prostate Cancer. The 4th such event to take place, with yet another record number of cyclists entering.

The entrants had the choice of 3 distances, the punishing 50mile route taking in the severe Bulbarrow ascents before returning to Shaftesbury, or the 25 and 12mile rides designed for the more casual and family cyclists. All three distances finish cycling up the gruelling Gold Hill with their family and friends cheering them on.

The day has now become more of a social event, with entrants being able to enjoy a barbeque and beer tent, listening to live music on Park Walk.

Overall the event was a huge success with cyclists praising the organization, registration, signage, marshalling and halfway stop. Many looking forward to beating their times next year.
The event organized by Shaftesbury Rotary Club under the leadership of Paul Slimm, proved a very successful day raising record net receipts yet again, thanks to Virginia Hayward our main sponsors, a good team effort by Shaftesbury Rotary Club and many volunteers who gave up their free time.

Photos can be viewed and purchased through James Thrift and the following link:-

https://optimisedimages.com/rotary_north_dorset_bike_ride_2019

20th – Business meeting

With the big cycle ride successfully completed other thoughts and activities were drawn to members attention. The presidents evening on the 8th June at the Castleman hotel at Chettle. Gold hill fair on Sunday the 7th July and the Rotary golf day on the 13th September. Reports were also given in respect of the standing committees and these can be viewed on the members page. The highlight of the evening was the introduction of a new Rotary member Jenette Gale who is a solicitor from the local firm of Rutters. Jenette was proposed and welcomed to the club by our president Guy Lowton who is also a solicitor having spent his career with Farnfields , so no collusion there. Jenette has already shown herself to be fully engaged with Rotary with her commitment to the big cycle ride and other activities even before her induction.