Wessex Mead (Trowbridge) Rotary Club

District 1200 conference 2010 was hosted by the Rotary Club of Chippenham in the city of Plymouth over the weekend of 7th-9th October.  Every year the district conference gives Rotarians the opportunity to take a step away from everyday life and reflect on the objects of Rotary.

This year we were treated to some fantastic speakers who shared their thoughts and experiences in powerful stories and presentations.

Party Night - Thunderbirds

Black tie night

Rotary have their own charity called Foundation, this charity provides as variety of opportunities for grants and services. One of these is the Peace Scholarship, where individuals are sponsored to undertake qualifications in peace.  We were privileged to hear from Julia Smith, a former rotary peace scholar, who has travelled the world in voluntary capacities providing technical assistance to children's rights, gender equality, HIV/AIDS and livelihoods development projects.  Other significant speakers included Ali Hood from the Shark Trust, from whom we learnt that Sharks can take 20 years before they are mature enough to reproduce, and the gestation period can take 2 years, Ali explained the importance of preserving these magnificant fishes.

Martin Bell OBE, the BBC news broadcaster talked to us about his experiences as did Dick Strawbridge MBE - the guy with a huge moustache who rose to fame from Scrapheap challenge.  The headlining speaker without a doubt was the Right Honourable Ann Widdecombe who told us why she agreed to do TV shows like Strictly Come Dancing, as well as some of her other experiences.

On a lighter note, Friday night was party night, and we were challenged to fancy dress with a TV theme, we decided to go as the International Rescue team Thunderbirds - Scott and Virgil Tracy, Lady Penelope, Parker and of course Brains. Saturday night was formal night where we enjoyed putting on our posh frocks raising money for Hope for Homes, the charity who close down institutional Childrens home's, and instead place children in homes with love and hope.