The Year of President Tony Taylor (2019-20)
Diary July 2019 - June 2020

June 23rd 2020. [CORONAVIRUS] Zoom Meeting. Speaker: Conrad Lynch

Dave Prince introduced Conrad Lynch. Conrad and his family moved to Kirkby Stephen in 2014, he is a freelance arts producer and consultant. Over the years, he has worked on projects in the UK and internationally, including Broadway and the West End. He was also Executive Producer at the Globe Theatre in London. Since moving to Kirkby Stephen , he has become a town councillor. He spoke tonight, about the work he and other volunteers have been doing to help the community, with shopping, collecting prescriptions and delivering Fareshare food boxes made up of food and supplies given the local Coop and also Westmorland Services. They now deliver about 40 parcels a week. Recently, he set up “Kirkby Stephen Community Support” with aim of formalising what they have been doing so far, as they believe the need will increase as people may need support after lockdown due to being furloughed and possible redundancy. Upper Eden Rotary recently donated £800 to the Community Support group, for which Conrad gave his thanks. An interesting and enlightening talk.

June 2020. [CORONAVIRUS] Upper Eden Rotary Club Donate to Kirkby Stephen Community Support

Members of the Upper Eden Rotary Club have donated £800 to the recently formed Kirkby Stephen Community Support group. The group is a voluntary association set up to coordinate a range of services for residents in need, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. This follows food donations of over £800 previously given by Upper Eden Rotary Club to the Upper Eden Food Bank. Chair of Kirkby Stephen Community Support, Conrad Lynch commented “Community Support is delighted that Upper Eden Rotary has decided to support our new association, we share the same aims of supporting those in our community in need of assistance, this generous donation will really help us make a difference”. With many fund-raising events having been cancelled, due to Covid-19, this has also meant Upper Eden Rotary Club’s main fund raiser, the “Upper Eden Yomp Mountain Challenge”, was cancelled. As there are still no weekly Rotary meetings due to Covid-19, club members continue to donate funds to the Rotary Charity fund. The funds have been raised by members giving what they would normally have spent, when they attended the weekly Rotary meetings. In these strange times, with remote meetings, Rotary continues to help support the community, including a team of volunteers making Olson protective masks for the community.

April 2020. [CORONAVIRUS] Eggs for Brough

UERC member John Andrew initiated a plan to distribute boxes of eggs to around 50 self-isolating older people in Brough. John conceived this idea following a conversation with neighbour, Kevin Buckle, a farmer at Barras on South Stainmore, who has a large shed with thousands of hens producing eggs. Kevin told John that, with his normal distribution channels disrupted due to the Coronavirus lockdown, large quantities of eggs would potentially be wasted. The first weekly drop of eggs (40 x 6 boxes), together with an explanation letter, to the vulnerable and shielded residents of Brough, were mainly to people known to the Club from the Christmas present list. Sarah Elwood delivered in Church Brough. Surplus eggs were given to random passers-by or households. Following appreciative feedback and more requests the 'Eggs for Brough' project was firmly established.

April 2020. [CORONAVIRUS] Clap for the NHS. Geoff Wall

Upper Eden Rotarian Geoff Wall, an accomplished guitar player and singer, has taken to entertaining his fellow neighbours in Kirkby Stephen on Thursday evenings when they all go out to clap and cheer for the frontline staff who are supporting and treating patients through this Covid-19 pandemic.

March - April 2020. [CORONAVIRUS] West Africa District Global Grant Application

One of Rotary's main beliefs is that we have a shared responsibility to take action on our World’s most persistent issues and obviously Coronavirus is currently top of this list. Locally we are providing financial and practical support for the Eden Valley Food Bank which is particularly crucial at this time of uncertainty for individuals and families many of whom are facing financial hardship. We however should not forget this is a worldwide pandemic and there are other countries in great need. Over the years we have established a close relationship with Rotary Clubs in Mali and other Sub-Saharan countries which are financially ill-prepared to fight the pandemic. In these countries it is often stated that people go to Rotary for assistance as they know their Governments have no funds. In preparation for the virus strike we have been communicating with our local Malian Rotarian and District Governor Nominee (Sunny) in order to provide some funding for the ten West African countries in their District. This will be in the form of a Rotary International Global Grant which is being equally supported by the Appleby and Brampton and Longtown Clubs. It is hoped that around $75,000 can be made available to them.

Letter to members from Roger...

Thank you for all your mails in support of Sunny's Global Grant application to fight coronavius in his West Africa District. I have just informed Sunny of our contribution and with similar amounts from Appleby and Brampton and Longtown Clubs $1,000 has been donated. I informed Sunny that we were all in lock down/isolation and the virus was about, even in the Eden Valley, and had already claimed one of our members and an Honorary member and his wife.

Letter from Sunny to members...

Message well received and please accept my sincere sympathy for those of your members you lost..May Their Souls Rest In Peace! As per Global Grant, we shall be very excited to receive the amount and shall let you know when to wire the money to the Rotary Foundation for onward expedition to us.. Please help thank Kevin a lot, your Club, the Appleby Club and that of Longtown and Brampton...its very inspiring and touching that you still manage to remember us at this trying Times when all are running to save them selves. Many Thanks and God's Blessings.
Wishing you all a Happy Easter!
Sunny

Picture shows Sunny taking precautions against coronavirus.

March - April 2020. [CORONAVIRUS] Upper Eden Food Bank.

All Rotary meetings in the country have been cancelled until further notice due to social distancing measures implemented during the coronavirus pandemic. UERC member, Geoff Wall, has proposed that, during this closure period, club members support the Upper Eden Food Bank by donating the amount we save each week by non-attendance to support the local food bank. Members have agreed this amount approximates to £10 per week and have begun paying this sum into the club's charity account. We are now engaged in purchasing food and other essential items and delivering them to the food bank. Sourcing essential items during a time of panic buying is not an easy task but with some inginuity we are managing to do so.

To date over £1,000 has been donated by club members to the food bank. Geoff has been overwhelmed by the response to his suggestion and has circulated the following note to members "What a marvellous bunch you all are. Thank you for your enthusiasm! Thank you all for your brilliant response it will certainly help the vulnerable in our community until we are through the other side of this Scary time we’re in. Go carefully whatever you’re doing, look after those you can and keep safe." The picture shows David Garrick delivering food and other essential items to the local food bank.

Extract from letter of thanks received from Christine Merritt, UEFB...

On behalf of the Upper Eden Food Bank, I would like to say a big thank you to Upper Eden Rotary Club for your recent kind and generous donation of a large amount of essential supplies of food to go into the food bank, purchased with money donated by members. Huge Thanks! The need for UEFB, and food banks everywhere, is particularly crucial at this time of uncertaintyfor individuals and families, many of whom will undoubtedly be facing financial hardship. Added to this, of course, is the problem of accessing supermarkets and necessary supplies stores in general. And of course, we do not know how long the pandemic and its affect on all of us will last. Please know that the Food Bank committee and all volunteers, as well as our clients and the agencies that refer them to us, are very grateful for your support. Thank you for taking us to your hearts; we are constantly amazed at the levels of thoughtful kindness and generousity that exist in our area.

March 10th 2020. Fellowship Evening

As there was no speaker planned for this evening, it was a fellowship evening with all members present asked to tell a joke, amusing story or anecdote. Members told some amusing tales covering all walks of life and experiences during their working and non-working lives. There was much laughter and hilarity which was a good way to wind up the weekly meetings before the close down due to Coronvirus. A decision that had not been made prior to the evening.

March 3rd 2020. Barry McKay: Thoroughly Baddeley

The speaker tonight was Barry McKay from Appleby Rotary Club, his subject was “Thoroughly Baddeley”, which covers the history of Mountford John Byrde Baddeley (1843–1906) who was a distinguished English guidebook writer of the late 19th and early 20th century. He was also an enthusiastic walker and wrote a Lake District Guide with the first edition being published in 1880. Over the years, it has been revised and re-issued many times and remained in print till 1978, its 26th edition. Baddeley’s guide was mainly aimed at giving accommodation advice and guidance on walks both low level and walks on the fells. The story as told by Barry came across as a very interesting guide to Baddeley and his guidebooks. The vote of thanks was given by David Scott

February 18th 2020. Tim Parkin: Football.

The speaker this evening, introduced by David Garrick, was ex-professional footballer Tim Parkin. Tim had always had a love of football and whilst playing at Kirkby Stephen, he caught the attention of a scout from Blackburn Rovers. He was signed on as an apprentice and then at the age of 18, signed on as a professional. Shortly after joining, he went on loan to Fort Lauderdale Strikers in the US where he played in Hawaii, San Francisco and Las Vegas. On his return from the US, following a transfer request, he then played for Malmo in Sweden for 2 years. On his return, he played for Bristol Rovers, Swindon and Port Vale before joining Middlesbrough to promote “football in the community”. A thoroughly entertaining talk and the vote of thanks was given by Rosemary Varley.

February 14th 2020. Valentines Night

The evening saw Upper Eden members and partners attend an enjoyable Valentines Night dinner at the Bay Horse in Winton. With a great choice of menu and excellent food, a thoroughly good evening was had by all. To round off the evening, club member Geoff Wall and a friend presented some musical entertainment with songs and a guitar accompaniment.

February 6th 2020. Young Chef Competition

Back in November, the area Young Chef Competition was held at Kirkby Stephen Grammar School. The winner that evening was Jamie Bell who went onto the District 1190 final, held at Lakes School in Windermere on Thursday 6th February. 15 pupils from around the district took part and Jamie came a very creditable 4th overall. The event was enjoyed by competitors and organisers alike, with special thanks going Lyn Ritson from KSGS plus local chef Kevin Hillyer for their help and support. The competition will take place again in 2020.

February 4th 2020. The Bendrigg Trust

Tonight’s speaker was Nick Liley who is Principal of the Bendrigg Trust near Killington. The trust is this year’s nominated charity for the Yomp. Bendrigg Trust is one of the leading outdoor disability specialists in the country challenging perceptions of disability through adventurous outdoor pursuits. Bendrigg supports around 4,000 disabled people each year to develop confidence, build independence and increase resilience through inclusive activities such as caving, climbing and canoeing. “The Bendrigg course ethos and structure of enabling and empowerment makes what most people might perceive as impossible, possible. It gives participants confidence in themselves, a sense of achievement and more self-belief, and it also really puts the message out there about what disabled people can do”. Nick also described a scheme they started with young offenders and also run with ex-offenders who act as volunteers and work with the staff and participants. Ben Lyon gave the vote of thanks. Short film on the Bendrigg Trust.

January 28th 2020. Burns Night

To celebrate Burns Night, members and partners celebrated at the Bay Horse in Winton with Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, and a tot of Scotch for those who imbibe! Before the meal, John Houston’s wife Joan addressed the Haggis and carried out the customary “stabbing”. It was a lovely meal with over forty people attending. After the meal, Joan gave everyone a rendition (in good Scottish language and dialect) of a Burns poem about “Tam O’Shanter”. It gives a picture of Tam and his friend Souter who lived in the Scottish market town of Ayr who liked a drink! It was an excellent rendition. Vice President Carl Hallam gave the vote of thanks.

January 14th 2020. Rural Crime

Dave Prince introduced tonight’s speakers, local PCSO’s Janet Allinson and Danielle Ousby along with a local farmer David Ewing who is a member of the local Country Watch Eden group and Eden Farm Watch. Danielle and Janet spoke about local rural crime incidents, ranging from having eggs stolen to livestock going missing to vehicle theft, mainly quad bikes and even farm gates. They explained what the police can do about it, including using data tags and permanently marking equipment for future identification. The police also work with farmers on training days so the police get an understanding of sheep tagging and marking. David explained about nights of action, where volunteers and the police go out and patrol allocated areas to check if anything suspect is happening. Altogether, a very interesting presentation, especially as it related to the local area. President tony gave the vote of thanks.

December 2019. Upper Eden Rotary Club Christmas Raffle

Every year, Upper Eden Rotary Club sell raffle tickets at the Co-op Supermarket in Kirkby Stephen. The money raised is used to buy Christmas gifts for residents aged over eighty in and around the area. This year, over 220 gifts will be distributed. The raffle winners were presented with their prizes at the Co-op in Kirkby Stephen by Upper Eden Rotary Club President Tony Taylor. He is shown presenting the vouchers to the winners Kay Redmond and her daughter Paige of Kirkby Stephen, Ivor Allonby of Hartley, Angie Biggs of Musgrave and Ian Tod of Soulby. Also pictured is Co-op store manager Michelle Gill. The Rotary Club of Upper Eden wish to thank Michelle and all the staff, for their help and support. A big thank you also goes to everyone who supported the raffle by purchasing raffle tickets.

November 26th 2019. Mick Dunn: Shelterbox

Tonight’s speaker was Mick Dunn, who is a volunteer for Shelterbox. Mick was due to come and speak at our Charter Night in September, however, he was deployed to the Bahamas to assist following the devastation caused by the hurricane. Mick explained about how to become a volunteer, the selection process and also the training that each volunteer has to go through before being becoming a volunteer ready to go to disaster areas. Shelterbox personnel cannot attend disaster areas without the request/approval of the disaster country. The object of the assessors who visit disaster countries, is to assess. Look at how to get relief goods distributed, work with other disaster agencies, see what the local residents require, whether it be shelter, clothes, food, medical help etc. plus transportation and storage of relief goods. The volunteers also make contact with local Rotarians for help with translation, guidance and making more contacts with local people to assist in helping to improve living conditions. There is also immediate feedback to Shelterbox HQ in Cornwall. The evening finished with a cheque for £1180 being presented to Mick from Upper Eden Rotary Club and also certificates being presented to Upper Eden Rotary Club and also to John Taylor from Appleby Rotary Club.

November 19th 2019. Safari Night Supper

The Rotary safari supper followed a talk earlier in the month on the history of Brownber. The evening commenced with drinks and canapés at The Coach House, which has been restored to make a beautiful home by club member Litini Newcombe. The party then made the short walk across to Brownber Hall for a delicious pizza and pasta meal. Now a very successful award winning boutique hotel run by Peter and Amanda Jaques, it also offers meals for non-residents. Members had heard how it had also been a school for evacuees and an old people’s home after the original owners became bankrupt in 1930. Fortunately the evening remained dry for the last excursion, down the drive to Tower House, the original property in the estate dating from the early 1600s, and the birthplace of the last woman to be burnt at the stake for treason, happily there were no burnt offerings for dessert! All agreed that it was a very jolly convivial evening and hoped it would be repeated.

November 15th 2019. Young Chef Competition at Kirkby Stephen Grammar School

Held at the Grammar School and supported and sponsored by Upper Eden Rotary Club, The Bay Horse Inn and Udale Speciality Foods, the evening saw eight pupils prepare and serve a three course meal of their choice. This was presented individually to the judge for the evening. Plates of each course were also put out for parents and supporters to taste and pass their own judgements. Through the evening, there were several upsets and problems, however, each pupil took it in the right spirit and carried on in a positive manner. The winner will go on to District 1190 finals.

November 5th 2019. Diana Fothergill: Brownber Hall

Upper Eden Rotarian Diana Fothergill gave an interesting presentation on Brownber, which includes the Hall, The Farm, Tower House and the Coach House. Diana explained that the Fothergill’s had lived there for centuries and the earliest record she can find is Robert Fothergill farming there in 1570. Brownber Farm was built in the 1730s for Thomas, son of Anthony Fothergill. In the 1841 census, there were two houses and it is likely that Brownber Hall was built in 1840. John Fothergill exntended the Hall in the 1860s and he was a breeder of Shorthorn and Wensleydales. In the 1851 census, there are three recorded properties. Brownber Cottage was built in the 1880s. Over the years, the hall has been a hotel, school, Old Peoples Home, Bed & Breakfast and a Boutique Hotel. An interesting talk on the history of Brownber at Newbiggin-on-Lune. The vote of thanks was given by President Tony.

October 29th 2019. Akila Knight: Operation Mobilisation

President Tony Taylor introduced the speaker Akila Knight, accompanied by her father. The subject of her presentation was the “Operation Mobilisation”, an outreach organisation which began in the 1950’s. Today they have over 5000 workers representing 133 nations across the world. Since the start, they have had three ships that visit various countries, now they just have the one ship, the “Logos Hope”. The object is to distribute mainly religious literature, however, they supply and sell books covering such diverse subjects as sport, science, hobbies, cookery, the arts, philosophy and children’s books.

October 16th-22nd 2019. Selling of Christmas Raffle Tickets at the Co-op

This week it was time for members of Upper Eden Rotary Club and their partners to sell raffle tickets at the Kirkby Stephen Co-op to raise funds to purchase gifts for the "over eighties" in the Upper Eden Valley. A successful week. The picture below shows Rotarians Diana Fothergill and John Bainbridge doing their bit. Our thanks go to the management of the Co-op for allowing the club to sell the tickets.

October 8th 2019. Job Talk by William Sewell

Tonight, the recently inducted William Sewell gave an overview of his career leading up to and including his time as Colonel in the military as a dentist. He did admit it was not the most exciting of jobs, however, someone had to do it. He spent four years in medical school then dental school following this by signing up to the army. He served time in Aldershot, then West Germany (as it was then) where he and his wife Helen lived in a 17-room house. Following this, he was transferred to Singapore as Senior Dental Officer for SE Asia. William had many amusing stories from his experiences, I am sure we will hear more over different weeks. The vote of thanks was given by Carl Hallam.

September 27th 2019. Upper Eden Rotary 40th Charter Night

Held at the Inn at Brough, Upper Eden Rotary Club members, along with partners and guests, celebrated their 40th Anniversary Chart Night. Also attending was DG Miles Leadbeater and his wife Lynda. Upper Eden vice president Carl Hallam gave an interesting talk about his exploits in the far east following the Tsunami in 2004. At the time he was in India working for “Medecins sans Frontieres” and was then deployed to assist in Indonesia. The presentation included his flight in an Antonov plane with the crew! During the evening, DG Miles presented a Paul Harris Fellowship award to club member Arthur Littlefair. An excellent evening of fellowship, good food and interesting speeches and talks.

September 17th 2019. Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award Students

Three of the team that Upper Eden helped sponsor, came along to give a presentation on their trip of kayaking down the Caledonian Canal. Following on from training and planning, they spent ten days together kayaking along the 97km canal. Apart from seeing and experiencing many different places, they saw dolphins and realised how beautiful the countryside is. They also learnt a lot about themselves and were not homesick. Mike Sunderland who mentored the team said how immensely proud he was of them. Rotarian John Andrew gave the vote of thanks.

September 10th 2019. Yomp Presentation Night 2019

Upper Eden Rotary Club recently held their annual Yomp presentation evening at the Bay Horse at Winton, Kirkby Stephen. The main nominated charity for 2019, was Eden Valley Hospice together with Jigsaw Children’s Hospice. Lawrence Cowin, Yomp Committee Chairman presented a cheque for £2250 to their Chief Executive, Patricia Livsey. Lawrence also presented cheques to the Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team who give valuable assistance on the day and provide first aid cover and also to Kirkby Stephen Scouts who help in the base on the day Upper Eden Rotary Club expressed thanks To Builders Merchants, JT Atkinson and Sons and their Kirkby Stephen Manager Alan Barr, for their ongoing sponsorship of the Yomp. Thanks also go to families, partners, friends and supporters of the Yomp who help on the day and help make the event the success it is.

August 20th 2019. Nicola Steadman: Boxes of Hope

Nicola explained about Boxes of Hope, a Cumbrian registered charity which works together with a Romanian charity called “People to People Foundation”. Boxes of Hope is a self f funded with no paid staff. In Nicola’s presentation, she showed pictures of when she visited Romania last year in order to distribute the boxes. They flew to Bucharest then travelled to Hetea, and then onto Cluj. Cluj is built next to a large rubbish tip where families scavenge through the rubbish for anything that can be re-cycled or sold. During their visit last December, the team distributed nearly 10,000 boxes. Upper Eden members said they would see what they could do to arrange boxes of tennis balls, pencils and soap. A very thought provoking talk regarding the needs of other families in a very different country where many families are below the poverty line.

August 13th 2019. Jessica Harrison: Kipsaina education and environment partnership (KEEP)

Tonight’s speaker was Jessica Harrison, the Grand Daughter of Rotary member Stuart Johnstone. Her talk ‘A journey through Kenya’ covered many different topics, including life in the village of Kipsaina, primary health care work, the building of the classrooms at Kipsaina, the wetland conservation, the sustainable farming in the Masai Mara and School visits. Jessica explained that KEEP is the result of a friendship between UK filmmaker Sam Forsyth, and Kenyan environmentalist, Maurice Wanjala. Maurice runs Kipsaina Crane and Wetland Conservation Group. Working with Maurice, KEEP aims to transform Kipsaina Primary into a clean and safe school but also to educate on hands-on sustainable agricultural practices for the future. For further information see www.keepkenya.org

July 31st 2019. Visit to Carlisle Airport and Aviation Museum

Today’s visit was to the newly updated Carlisle Airport, where for the first time in many years, commercial flights have started again. The visit was organised by Appleby Rotary Club who then invited Upper Eden to go along. There was full guided tour of the airport terminal building with a full explanation of its development and operation. Following this, there was a visit to the Solway Aviation Museum where we viewed the aircraft on display and also toured the exhibits inside and out. The main display aircraft is a Vulcan Bomber, where members who so wished could visit the cockpit and visualise what it would be like to fly in one of the aircraft. To round the evening off, we all enjoyed an excellent meal in the terminal building restaurant.

July 30th 2019. Crown Green Bowling

Although this was arranged as an evening of crown green bowling, unfortunately, the weather also wanted to get involved. Yes, it rained, so instead of an evening of fellowship on the bowling green, it turned into an evening of fellowship at the Pennine Hotel in Kirkby Stephen where members enjoyed a drink and a snack of chips and sandwiches. It just goes to show, life is what you make it, despite the weather.

July 17th 2019. Clay Pigeon Shoot

The annual clay pigeon shoot was held at Soulby, sadly, the inclement weather did affect the turnout on the evening. In saying that a good time was had by all. Following the shoot, members and guests retired to Soulby village hall for a very nice meal of pie and peas followed by strawberries and ice cream.

July 5th 2019. President Tony Taylor and Team: Exchange Visit to Brazil 2005

President Tony welcomed Appleby Rotary Club members and introduced his team from 2005 who visited Brazil in an exchange visit. Tony and the team of 2005 presented an evening of memories and experiences from their visit. With a visual presentation, they showed how they interacted with local people and then expressed what they gained from the visit. They each said that although it was fourteen years ago, the experiences are still very fresh in their minds.

June 25th 2019. Change Over Night

Outgoing President David Whitehead handed over the chains of office to 2019-20 President Tony Taylor at the “Inn at Brough”. Club members and partners enjoyed an excellent meal before the hand over. An enjoyable evening shared by everyone present.