Club Service committee 2007-2008

Chairman - Ian Rees
Committee members - John Bradshaw, Sonia Dobson, Elwyn Hughes, Bob Hughes-Jones, Huw Spencer Lloyd, John Ockey, Robin Varley, William Williams, Mike Price, Meurig Lewis.

The role of the Club Service committee is to manage membership development and retention, communication amongst members and with District and other clubs, the club programme of speakers, sporting events and visits, and Rotaract development. Chaired by the Senior Vice President.

Committee meeting 18 March 2008
Matters Arising: Robin Varley reported that the centenary mugs had mostly been paid for with just six remaining and four spare mugs. President Eifion will be giving a mug to Dai Jones.Thanks were expressed to Huw Spencer Lloyd for tidying the cupboard and fitting a new shelf.
Chairman’s Report:  Ian Rees reported that the charter night was very successful. Many members stayed after the formal part had ended. 33 out of 46 Rotarians attended out of a total of 93. Compliments to Huw Spencer Lloyd from many people on the look and style of the new lectern, also to John Ockey for the excellent banner display and to Elwyn Hughes for the appropriateness of the bi-lingual ‘Grace’. It was decided that the original lectern should be put out weekly for the benefit of the visiting speaker.It was suggested that the old presidents board should still be displayed at special events but that it may need leaves adding for future presidents. The alternative was to have a new board and this was felt a better option.
Club Photo: The president would like a 60^th anniversary photo of all club members. Dates suggested were 24^th June at club assembly or at the AGM in April. It was decided to ask Malcolm Slater to take the photo at the beginning of Club Assembly and to talk to Nerys at the Marine re the layout of the room. Club members are to be asked whether they prefer formal dress or lounge suits. The photo to be displayed on the website.
Individual photos: The president suggested that we have headshots of members for the club records of the 60^th year. Mike Price suggested that each photo could be placed in an album with a designation and year of joining. The introduction should include the article written by Richard Morgan on the history of the club.
Personal Badges:  These are in the process of being made and will be sent shortly. 
Programme: William Williams reported that the programme is complete.
Membership: No new members at the moment. One suggestion was made
Almoner: Nothing to report. Members are keeping in contact with Don Griffith.
PRO:  Huw Spencer Lloyd reported that the club activities article and photo of the pig roast are in the current edition of Spokesman. He thanked those who had stood in for him in his absence and supplied weekly reports to the Cambrian News. An article on the 60^th charter night and group photo of officials with guests has been submitted to the Cambrian News.      
AOB:  Meurig Lewis asked for clarification as to whether there would be a meeting on May 13^th when many members will be on the trip to Cardiff.
There are currently 8 50^th anniversary plates in the cupboard and it was agreed that these should be offered to members at the next meeting.
Bob Hughes Jones mentioned that there is a problem in finding a venue for the games evening with Llanidloes. The Dyffryn Castell is temporarily closed and the Bluebell and George Borrow only have one billiard table.  Further enquiries are being made.
Stewards are again reminded to put out the PA system. It was suggested that two or three members should be instructed in their use and be responsible for their helping with operation at meetings. Possibly the president, senior vice president and past president in any one year could assist here. 

Committee meeting 22 January 2008
Chairman’s Report 
Ian Rees reported that he would be attending the second PETS Meeting on the 19^th March in Carmarthen and was pleased to report that our new member James Carter has already involved himself in the life of the club.
Manuals for the following have been received: Presidents; Membership;Public Relations;Service Projects; Foundation & Administration These are useful and will be passed on to the relevant Committee Chairmen. However the President’s Handbook contains suggestions for the VP which, since the booklets were not received until December, is six months behind their need. The Chairman will raise this at PETS.
A board has been circulated regarding the requirements of members for personal badges. These will now be ordered.
The chairman thanked John Bradshaw for adding a photo gallery of some of our activities onto the website.
60^th Celebrations
The anniversary mugs have arrived and are ready for Charter night. Robin Varley has received the invoice but no payments have yet been made by members.  Allen Carr agreed to produce the list of those who ordered mugs and Meurig Lewis agreed to collect the money.
The new ribbon has arrived and is in use by the President with the 60^th badge. The existing badges have been mounted in a glass-fronted case by Huw Spencer Lloyd and are ready to be attached to the new lectern.
Website               
John Bradshaw reported that with the help of Richard Morgan the history of the club has now been added to the website. He reminded those that are deputising for Huw Spencer-Lloyd in his absence that any articles for publication should be sent to John so that they can be put onto the website.
Programme         
William Williams reported that the programme is full for this year.
Membership       
No new members at the moment.
Attendance         
Elwyn Hughes has issued the register for the first six months and this will be available for the next council meeting.
Almoner           
 Nothing to report
PRO                  
 Huw Spencer Lloyd has made arrangements for designated fellow Rotarians to submit reports to the CN in his absence.

Committee meeting 27 November 2007
Chairman’s Report:
 SVP Ian Rees reported that he attended the Remembrance Sunday Service on behalf of Rotary deputising for President Eifion Lewis. He will also deputise for President Eifion at the Probus Club meeting on 6^th December.
Two samples of the personal badges have been received, one a pocket drop type and one magnetic. The cost of the former is £6.50 and the latter £7.50. There is a 10% discount for orders of over forty and a mixture of types can be ordered. The purchase of badges is to be considered by council and a board to be circulated at the next meeting.
Website:              
John Bradshaw suggested some changes to the web site.
(a) the bulletin should be removed 
(b) there should be a page on the 60^th anniversary – perhaps a summary of the club’s history. There is hard copy available and perhaps Richard Morgan could be asked to help John with the summary.
(c) It would be helpful if a volunteer could be found to review the website structure and context with John. Ian Rees will ask to see who may be interested at the next meeting.
Programme:      
1 All the slots were filled for this year except for the evening meeting on the 29th of January as Dr Tibbutt has withdrawn.
2. Bob Hughes Jones has requested the 26^th February.
3.John Davies suggested that Dr Axford be asked to talk on Ty Geraint regarding the allocation of the extra monies. It was felt inappropriate to have presentations at the evening meeting and that there should be something more entertaining.  It was agreed that William would have further discussions with John.   
4. The mayor of Aberystwyth will be speaking on the 11^th March and wishes to meet with William beforehand for more information.
Membership:       
 Ian Rees’s visitor wishes to delay joining for nine months as he is currently travelling between Aberystwyth and Kent. One other name has been suggested.
Attendance:  
The next list is due at the end of December.
Almoner:            
John Ockey is keeping in touch with President Eifion Lewis on a daily basis. Gwyn Lewis will be attending meetings occasionally but does not feel up to attending every week as yet. John keeps in contact with Don Griffiths.John asked if the banners that are currently in his house could be stored elsewhere. 
60^th Celebrations: 
Huw Spencer Lloyd reported that 53 mugs had been requested so far. In addition mugs are to be presented to widows of past presidents. HSL thanked Allen Carr for all his work in preparing the lists and making the disc. He is about to start to construct the new lectern as soon as he receives the Presidents chain to measure the nameplates. Ian Rees will arrange this. It is proposed to have four columns of fifteen names and these will be mounted on rosewood. There will be a plaque above the names “Aberystwyth Rotary Club, presidents 1947-2007”  
Allen Carr has ordered a new roundel and ribbon.
PRO:                  
Articles on the Pig Roast and Club activities have been submitted for publication.
AOB:                 
Elwyn Hughes wondered if we had a fund for entertaining visitors so that it does not always fall to the same people to purchase drinks etc. This is to be referred to council for consideration re a social fund.
John Bradshaw commented that the steward was not always putting out the PA system. Speakers should be encouraged to use the system and it was suggested that a list of the steward duties should be placed on the inside of the cupboard door.

Committee meeting 25 September 2007
Chairman Report 
Ian Rees will attend his first PETS meeting in Carmarthen on 27th.September. The proposal to have members badges is being investigated. A quote of £300 for 50 badges has been received, with individual badges costing £5.60. Members to pay for badges. Further investigations are under way to determine the type of badge and fixing:-  pin, clip or magnet.  Lionel White’s son sends his best wishes and has donated his father’s presidential badge from Wallasey. John Ockey suggested that we might be able to alter it for our own purposes. The roundel, which is particularly attractive, could be used on the front on the new lectern.
Web Site 
Up to date.
Programme 
Club Assembly will be on May 13th. There are now just three dates free before the end of June. Bob Hughes-Jones  hopes to speak on 26th.February.
Social    
Bob Hughes-Jones has arranged the first event for the Sports Trophy – The bowls tournament on 23rd.November at Machynlleth, between 5 and 7p.m. with a stop for a meal at either the Wildfowler or Black Lion, Talybont.
Membership 
A 10-day letter will be circulated shortly. Three other names have been suggested including our current visiting member.
Attendance 
Elwyn Hughes reported that this has not been good during the summer. He suggested the President remind members about attendance as it could affect the agreement with the Marine Hotel.
Almoner     
John Ockey reported than Gwyn Lewis is doing very well after his operation, but it is unclear when he will be able to return. Geraint Thomas hopes to return in October.
60th.Celebrations 
Arrangements are in hand. Huw Spencer-Lloyd is making a new lectern with a display case attached. Consideration is being given to how the bars will be fixed in the case.
Rotoract               
The feedback locally and at District is that there is a renewed interest in Rotoract within Wales. Richard Griffiths has agreed to liaise between the interested parties to re-start the Aberystwyth Rotoract Club. Thereafter, the new Rotoractors will take responsibility for the management and running of the club.
AOB                    
SVP Ian suggested that it might be a good idea to have a business card for the club and members. The committee agreed and are looking into the cost of printing or whether we do our own. The card would include the web site address and possibly a contact number.

Committee meeting 31 July 2007
Chairman’s report
The meeting noted that District will be hosting a GSE team from Japan in this Rotary year. Our only involvement may be in planning a visit to the National Library.
Social
On the social scene two very successful events had been held, namely the sponsored golf competition and the Strawberry and Champagne evening. Grateful thanks were expressed to all Rotarians and helpers involved. Besides the succulent Pig Roast, which will be commented upon by the chairman of International committee, we understand that P/P Bill Jones is planning a social evening at the RAFA Club in the autumn. The format and date are yet to be decided.
Website
Rotarian John Bradshaw reported no problems.
Programme
Rotarian William Williams advised that there were only nine slots remaining up to the end of June, 2008.
Membership
With no new members in the pipeline, everybody is asked to think of potential members and bring them along to a meeting. It was noted that we have lost three members for various reasons in the last eight months.
Attendance
Thanks were conveyed to P/P Elwyn Hughes for producing and distributing the attendance list.
PRO
P/P Huw Spencer-Lloyd reported no real problems. The cambrian News continue to publish what he sends them.
Almoner
Committee members noted with sadness the sudden death of Rotarian Richard Francis as a result of a bee sting.
60th Anniversary
a) Commemorative Mug - A sample mug had been circulated around all Club members and the design and format had generally found favour. Committee members recommend to Council that the welsh words “Clwb Rotari” be incorporated in front of “Aberystwyth Rotary Club”. The names of all presidents as well as all present members would also be shown. Members of Inner Wheel will be asked if they would  like to buy a mug. The cost was set at £7.50 which will allow a small profit and offset the £20 postage charge. A board will be sent around to determine the demand before the order is sent but it is anticipated that all Rotarians will purchase at least one mug.
b)President’s Collar - Our recommendation to Council is that we obtain a 60th Anniversary Badge and P/P Elwyn Hughes has kindly offered to pay for it. The bars for the 60 presidents would then be placed in a new display case which will be fixed to the President’s lecturn and this will then be on display at every Club Meeting. P/P Huw Spencer-Lloyd has kindly agreed to make the display case. As the current president’s ribbon is showing its age, we recommend a new one be purchased. With regard to the existing President’s board, it was recommended that this should finish at the 60th President as there was no more room available on it.
AOB
As previously reported, Rotarian William williams is prepared to do his sponsored run again this year but cannot undertake the sponsorship side of things. He therefore hopes a volunteer can be found to find sponsor etc.

Club Service reports 2006-2007

May 2007
Social Visits - A successful visit was made to the Lampeter Rotary Club earlier this year with an excellent turnout. The visit to the Houses of Parliaments will take place on the 18/19th of June. There are 11  members and guests signed up for the trip. Mark Williams will escort them around both Houses of  Parliament.
Rotaract - Last year’s experiment in recruiting students as members have not proved successful and there is no club at present. The finances have been frozen in our accounts.
Group Study Exchange (GSE) Visit - This year the visiting team came from Mid west USA - it was a very successful visit.
Press Relations Officer (PRO) - Hugh Spencer Lloyd has continued to ensure that Rotary Club activities are well reported in the Cambrian News, we must congratulate him this year for having a number of reports appearing in the Spokesman. We must also thank the Rotarians who stood in for him while Hugh was on his visit to New Zealand.
Programme - Our programme secretary William Williams has been particularly energetic in finding an amazing variety of visiting speakers  - 2 of them stand out- the Enigma lecture and the Welsh Cruth and I am sure that you will agree with me that this year’s programme has been of the highest standard.
Attendance - The attendance statistics keep us all aware of our duty to attend as many meetings as possible. During the year 2 members have moved from the area and resigned – Charles Stallard and Past President Tom Ellis. One new member Michael Deaubury – transferred from another club.
Almoner - This very important function is keeping us all up to date with the progress of members and past members who may be ill or in Hospital or who may have passed away.
Centenary Project - The building work is now complete, the Official opening has been and the unit is functioning very well from the reports we’ve received. There is, however a large financial surplus and a committee has been set up to dispose of this money within the next 3 years. The committee consists of 6 Rotary members and 6 Medical  members under the Chairmanship of Dr Axford  -John Davies is our representative with Robin Varley  his stand-in.
Sport - The Indoor Bowls Tournament was held at Machynlleth and was won by PP Robin Varley. The Pool competition was held at the Pier and PP Alun Rees showed us his prowess on the green beige by winning the tournament. The Golf competition will take place on the 31^st May  at the Borth Golf Club. A very successful Sports night with Llanidloes Rotary Club was held at the Dyffryn Castell on the 5^th of April, it was a good night and I believe we managed to win! Our thanks go to Bob Hughes Jones for arranging these very successful events A charity golf event will be held at Borth on 16^th June 2007.
Charter Night - The guest speaker at this years Charter night was Professor John Williams who proved to be a most entertaining speaker. Thanks must go to our President Mike Price for organising such a successful Charter Night. Due to the poor attendance it is proposed to change the evening of the Charter night to a Friday night and this year – our 60^th anniversary will be held on Friday 14^th March 2008.