New Orleans Mardi Gras

On a slightly damp Saturday evening in August, one-hundred-and-seventy Hoddesdon Rotarians and guests gathered in a marquee at Great Amwell for a New Orleans Mardi Gras evening.

We were entertained by The John Petters New Orleans All Stars. A hog roast was supplied by Pav's Catering and a great time was had by all.

Past District Governor Meirion and Rotarian Jasmine Morris ran an excellent raffle. Behind the bar all evening were President-Elect Eric Beard and Rtn Arnold Granat.

We were well supported by The Hertford Shires Rotary Club which just underlines the great co-operation between the five clubs in our part of the District.

It being Elaine Haynes' birthday, she was ”played“ to the stage by the band and presented with a cake. The entire company then sang in the time-honoured fashion. It was great that her sister Sue and brother-in-law Ivan were able to be there from New Zealand.

As has become customary at these events, Past President Eric Cockman insisted on taking to the dance floor with the younger ladies.

We will update the blog as soon as the final profit figures are available.

Technology Tournament

The 14th annual Technology Tournament took place at Broxbourne Civic Hall on Tuesday 23rd June 2009.

This is a joint project involving Rotary Clubs of Amwell, Hertford, Hertford Shires, Hoddesdon and Ware.

The task this year involved planning, design, construction and demonstration of a VTOL craft capable of projecting an object three metres skywards and landing it as close as possible to base. Advanced and teachers teams had to build in remote firing and parachute landing too!

Feedback from teachers, the young people taking part and the Rotarian stewards, judges and helpers suggests that Rotary had another palpable hit in service to our local community.

Winners this year were:

• Basic Task: *Hailey Hall School*
• Intermediate Task: *Chauncy School*
• Advanced Task: *St Edmonds College*
• Special Effort Award: *Richard Hale School

Peter Haynes' Seventy-Fifth Birthday

Hoddesdon Rotarian, Past President and Paul Harris Fellow Peter Haynes recently celebrated his seventy-fifth birthday.

Here we see Peter with wife Sandra in a celebratory mood!

District Conference - Eastbourne

A party of Hoddesdon Rotarians and partners - totalling twenty-three, ventured to the South Coast for this years' District Conference.

The absence of our own President Neil and of District Governor Les did mar things a bit but IPDG Brian did his best to keep everyone cheerful.

A full report will appear in the Bulletin but here are just a couple of photos:

Inspirational speaker Jo Gambi who, with her husband, has climbed

the highest peak in each continent and trekked to both poles!

Canine Partners thrilled everyone with their demonstration of dogs

trained to help people with limited mobility.

One of the highlights was Hoddesdon Rotarian and Past District Governor Meirion Morris dressed in towelling robe and shower cap, carrying a rubber duck to invite all of us to Bath with DG Elect Sandy Aked-Walker next year! A photo of this has miraculously appeared in my mailbox and it would be a shame not to publish it!

Past DG Meirion Morris inviting everyone

to Bath with Sandy (Aked-Walker).

Ladies Night with The Overtures

A joint Ladies Night was held at The Roebuck in Ware by the Rotary Club of Hoddesdon and Hoddesdon 41 Club. Almost one-hundred-and-fifty members and their guests enjoyed a very good evening, the highlight of which was the Cabaret by The Overtures.

Widely regarded as the best 60s tribute band around and described by Sir Elton John as ”awesome“ they soon had the whole room up, dancing and singing along.

A great evening and a good time had by all. Thanks must go to Denis Olliver (41 Club President) for organising it!

Breakfast With The President

Members from all five local clubs met at Hertford Shires Rotary Club for breakfast with RIBI National President Ian Thomson. This was part of a busy District visit. 

Each club gave a brief resume of their activities following which Ian gave a very amusing speech highlighting the good work done by Rotarians the world over.

(A better photograph follows .....)

God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman

Rotarian, Past President and Paul Harris Fellow Peter Haynes gets into the Christmas spirit at our Christmas meeting where turkey was eaten, wine consumed and carols sung!