A year and a half on after losing our dear little granddaughter Grace, for the first time I have had a chuckle over something also relating to Grace. This time it simply the issue of a rota for members to take turns in saying Grace at club meetings. Why so funny? Well, business meetings are the times when some members feel free to voice their opinions and frustrations. This they did following our issue of a rota to make the reading of Grace and Objects of Rotary fairer and even more meaningful e.g given time to think up something amusing or interesting rather than have the Grace book thrust at you as you walk in on a Tuesday club night.
The complainants were forceful and supported by everyone in the room, so I suppose I did feel a little exposed. There was nothing personal in this other than the fact that I am President and er.. yes it was me that suggested we had a rota. Still democracy is alive and well so under such overwhelming pressure I withdrew the scheme forthwith. I won’t go into all the arguments put to me but the only really sad bit was when I was told that nobody would comply with the list because most people in the club are apathetic. So, if apathy rules over the question of who says Grace I am not going to lose any sleep because in the grand scheme it is irrelevant.
In the meantime real Rotary work is gathering momentum. The Wishing Well had double the takings last time, Interact are going to support our social evening which should boost our numbers somewhat and events for the new year are beginning to take shape. So all in all I think things will start to pick up soon. Xmas tin rattling I hope will be fully supported unfortunately, Chas struggled to get helpers for the MacMillans tin rattling last week. We have a few volunteers to walk the streets for a charity that wants to do a homeless head count soon. This is what Rotary is all about. Conference coming up this weekend- I am really looking forward to it.