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News Archive 2008
The following news stories have been archived:
Welcome Pack for New Swaffham Residents 2008
 
The Rotary Club of Swaffham are pleased to support the funding and launch of a 'Welcome Pack' for new Swaffham residents.
Colin Evans the Rotary Club President was joined at the launch at the Assemly Rooms by the Town Mayor Shirley Matthews, and Jim Mullenger Chairman of the Iceni.
Welcome packs will be available from local estate agents, the Iceni Partnership, and from the Tourist Information Office in town.
For more information, you can read the club's press release or view the press clippings on this website.
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Mike Cornwell and The Louise Willgrass Tsunami Fund 2008
On the 13th October 2008, Michael Cornwell, (Louise's father),
Past President and current Foundation Chairman, gave a presentation about
the work of the Louise Willgrass Tsunami Fund (LWTF) to his fellow Rotarians and guests at the Rotary Club of Swaffham. This was the first of many such presentations planned, with a
view to travelling up and down the country, and updating supporters on the
fund's achievements to date.
Michael's talk covered the period from the moment the tsunami first struck,
the return of the family to Norwich, the ideas behind starting the fund in
memory of Louise, and the progress made.
It was an opportunity to explain why the fund is moving in a slightly
different direction, and with the aid of slides, it was a chance to
celebrate the completion of the fund's first major renovation project; a new
classroom block for 286 children at "Ban Ao Po" school.
Both Michael and Jane have already met many of the very generous donors to
the LWTF appeal. They send their greetings and best wishes to you, and would
appreciate the opportunity of coming to speak to you, your club or
organisation, if desired.
The renewed focus on renovating schools means that your continued support is
still very much required. So much has been achieved to date, that Michael
would welcome the chance to share the latest news with you in person. If you
would like to arrange a meeting, call Michael on 07768 914001. He would be very pleased to hear from you.
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Foundation Jazz BBQ 2008
Once again the Annual Jazz Barbecue was held on Sunday 10th August in the
garden at Lings End, Lt. Fransham with our thanks to Mike and Jane Cornwell.
This was probably the most successful day the Foundation Committee have
achieved to date with this event. The weather being a most important factor was perfect, over 120 guests, the
Jazz Band in superb form and of course, the food and drink perfect for the
occasion. The help from members and friends was great and one must not under
estimate the enormous amount of effort required for this kind of function.
A day to be proud of - amongst friends, and a profit of £1,350 for our
Foundation Charities. Well done everyone.
Pictures are available in our photo gallery.
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Dictionaries for Primary School Leavers 2008
Over 240 pupils in fifteen local schools have received an Illustrated Usborne
Dictionary from the Rotary Club of Swaffham. This was part of an initiative run by the club,
where the aim was to give a dictionary to every pupil leaving primary
school this summer, and moving on to high school to begin the next stage of their education.
The photo on the left shows the club president Colin Evans (accompanied by his wife Tricia), handing over
a dictionary to a pupil at Greenhoe School in Swaffham. This was one of many such presentation ceremonies,
including visits to St Andrews Primary school in North Pickenham, and to Swaffham Junior School.
Some of the pictures taken during these ceremonies can be viewed on our photo gallery.
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Club Visit to Wymondham 2008
Twenty-five members and partners from the Rotary Club of Swaffham visited Wymondham
on the sunny evening of 9th June 2008.
After a brief tour of the abbey (built in 1107) the party split
into two groups for a most interesting walking tour of the town, with Judy
Hawkins and another Blue Badge guide.
This was followed by an excellent meal at "The Cross Keys" public house, where the
conviviality of the occasion had to be heard to be believed!
Photos from this visit are in the photo gallery.
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GSE Team Visit from Australia 2008
In July, the Rotary Club of Swaffham hosted the visiting GSE Team from D.9700, New South Wales,
Australia.
Our visitors included Team Leader John Roberson (Retired Farmer), Julie Andrews (Media and Marketing
Consultant), Shane Atkinson (Community Development Officer), Shane White (Police local Area Commander) and Jennifer Coombes-Pearce (Radio
Broadcaster).
A Reception and lunch was held at the Hay Barn, Oxborough by kind permission of
Malcolm and Sue Whittley, followed in the afternoon by a visit to Oxborough Hall.
On Monday the team visited Sandringham, and were given a private tour of the House before opening to the general public.
This was a real bonus with the special attention of three guides.
The Vocational day on Wednesday allowed each Team Member to study a subject within
their own vocation/profession and as carried out in the U.K. This can be a learning
curve both ways!
The Final Rally on the Thursday Evening was held at the George Hotel, Swaffham. This
enabled District Officers and all Rotarians from the many Clubs involved, a chance
to hear the Final Presentation and to say farewell to a most outstanding GSE Team.
This also included many of the Hosts who had been involved in earlier weeks and it
is quite special the bonding you get with your guests in just seven days.
Helping with the programme for this fourth week of the exchange, the Rotary Clubs
of Dereham and Downham Market arranged visits to the Gressenhall Rural Life Museum and
Wayland Prison. This enabled many members and partners to meet the visiting team. Visit our photo gallery to see some pictures.
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President's Night 2008
The Rotary Club of Swaffham Presidents Night 2008 was a very special
occasion, when the club welcomed Dame Stella Rimington (the former Head of MI5) as
its guest speaker.
On Monday 19th May the Presidents Night 'Charity Dinner' was held at the
George Hotel in Swaffham, and was attended by almost 100 Rotarians, partners,
guests and friends of the club.
The Dinner was in aid of REFUGE (the charity supported by Dame Stella
Rimington) which helps women and children who have been subjected to domestic
violence.
The first publicly named head of MI5, Dame Stella Rimington, author, lecturer, non-executive director, former head
and first woman Director General of MI5, the job she described as " the best
job in the world", gave the audience a brief look into the secret world of
MI5 and the difficulty she experienced in breaking out of the 'glass box' as
a women in a very male dominated world. Where have we heard that before?
At the end of the evening a cheque was handed over to Dame Stella for the
REFUGE charity by President Simon Thair.
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