The Abbeydale

“Service above self”

February 2017 No. 661

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From our PresidentFrom our PresidentFrom our President

Paul Goodlad Paul Goodlad Paul Goodlad

Time flies – and sausage rolls. Another Christmas celebrated and the New Year festivities are behind us. You haven’t missed the January edition of Pumpkin – there wasn’t one and neither did Pat, our editor, intend there to be with all the bustle of Christmas, New Year and her not inconsiderable health issues. Keep fighting, Pat; we’re all with you.

In the days since my last missive, we’ve had the following events to keep us occupied: another Pitchfork party with a brass band to entertain our guests, no less, Graham and Inner Wheel have excelled again here; our Christmas meal at Abbeydale at which Bishop Tim gave us his thoughts for Christmas and Patrick with Phil (aka Null and Void) had the usual annual pop at your incumbent President; a New Year walk organised by Howard Jones in which we remember a Past President of Abbeydale, David Wortley; the A Level Art Exhibition at the Town Hall (splendid display, Ken, Ian, Keith and all of those who helped); an Inner Wheel pie and pea fund raising meal at the Ludlam’s (cracking good food); the Burns’ Supper expertly pulled together by Alex, Alex, Alex, Dave and Nigel; two bramble clearing sessions in Ecclesall Woods at which Don cracks the whip in Trevor’s Environment Committee team and as I write this, I’ll be going to Kenwood Hall on Sunday for the David Clover Festival of Singing platform finals (of which Abbeydale is a sponsor).

Not bad for an ageing club, I think I hear you say. This is an impressive list of events of which, like me, I’m sure you all feel justifiably proud. Grateful thanks go to the main players in all of these activities who give their time and expert skills to ensure that our club remains an active force in our community and beyond. The support of our members makes all of these events worthwhile.

I wish you all a belated but nonetheless sincere healthy, happy, prosperous and

peaceful New Year. Paul

Julia’s Jottings 1. For your directories – the

contact details for William Martin,

transferring from Tower Hamlets

RC to Abbeydale RC are:

Meadow Terrace Works

Meadow Terrace

Sheffield, S11 8QN

Phone: Home 0114 268 6289, Mob 07715 419553

E: rwm.mtw@gmail.com

Classification: Research Psychologist

2. Club A.G.M will be on Wednesday 12th April which

will be a normal lunchtime meeting. Nominations for

Council Members, Committee Chairmen and Club

Officers that were not elected at December’s SGM

should now be submitted to me or any current

Council Member.

3. New ENCR* Trustees (two) will be elected at the

AGM so we are seeking nominations for these.

Experience of what our Rotary charity does and

how it operates is the main criteria. Ideally they

should be Past-Presidents or past officers of the

Club. They should, of course be willing to serve!

Julia Massey, Club Secretary

*ENCR = Experienced Non-Council Rotarian

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Health and Safety Item—Ann Norris

I have been asked by members for a copy of confirmation of our insurance. Here is the link to enable you to print off a copy however you will need to log on to the members section of the RIBI website. This confirmation certificate covers us for Employers’ and Public Liability http://www.rotarygbi.org/media/members/2016/06/Rotary-Confirmation-of-Insurance-2016-17.pdf Alternatively for an easier way, Sandra has put a copy on Abbeydale’s Risk Assessment web page. Again this can be printed off for anyone who needs proof of our cover.

However it must be born in mind that we are only covered where a current Risk

Assessment has been completed.

A new fund raising initiative from

the International Committee - we

can all easily support!!!

And another very important notice

re insurance…….

Club Christmas Party...21st Dec Another super do…. Abbeydale Sports Club did us proud with a great meal, followed by Bishop Tim’s light-hearted, but thought provoking Christmas message. Patrick and Phil rounded off the evening with another magnificent music hall style entertainment—Patrick resplendent in evening dress posing as his aged aunt and Phil with his magic on the keyboard.

As at past Christmas parties, Patrick had us all rolling in our seats as he embarrassed and ridiculed the President. Paul, as you would expect, took it all in the spirit it was meant A rendering of ’The Happy Wanderer’ (Paul’s nickname being the mountain goat), and a couple of carols rounded off a splendid evening.

Despite the Christmas break, as Paul

outlined in his letter, Abbeydale

members have been extremely active

during the last two months, hence this

bumper edition! The following pages

show some of the highlights…...

Patrick and President

Paul…...

Auction of PromisesAuction of PromisesAuction of Promises

The 30th November evening meeting, specifically designated for this event had been a long time in the implementation but it finally arrived! (Too late to report for the December Pumpkin!)

Finding an auctioneer was the main issue but after some stops and starts on this, Paul Hough agreed to do the honours on the evening. An email from Paul after the event says how much he had enjoyed the ‘job’ having been out of practice for several years. No one would have known that from the excellent way he conducted the event making it a fun evening. Everyone said how much they had

enjoyed the event.

Bidding started slowly but with Paul’s expert help it speeded up considerably, at one point I thought we would have ‘pistols at dawn’ as two bidders for the same item were a little carried away. However it was resolved peacefully in the end and that bid raised £460 towards a final total of £2539.50

Thanks must go to all the people pledging items and all the bidders for making it a huge success. It means that we now have covered the extra funds needed (because of the change in exchange rates) for the Hoima Project and we still have some in hand for

our next venture. Ann Norris

Sincere thanks must go to Ann for all the hours of

hard work she put into organising this very

successful event. Well done… Editor.

A group of ‘Happy Wanderers’ took to the hills of

Derbyshire for our ‘WORTLEY WALK’ on

7th January.

For once the weather was dry, though dull, (unlike

the company!). After the five mile trek they met up

with several more Abbeydale members and friends

for lunch in Baslow. Maisie Wortley was, as always,

delighted that this annual event continues in

memory of her Past President and District Governor

husband David. Thanks to Howard Jones for

o r g a n i s i n g

this very

e n j o y a b l e

occasion.

Ray’s Recipes Return! Ray’s Recipes Return! Ray’s Recipes Return! …...…...…...

I love fresh rabbit; fed up with the traditional stew, try this method which is my favourite.

MUSTARD RABBIT Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 1½ to 2 hours Ingredients: for 4-6 people: (or 2 if you have a good appe-tite) 1 kg rabbit jointed 4 rounded tablespoons of Dijon mustard Seasoned flour 57 grams/ 2 oz unsalted butter 57 grams/ 2 oz streaky bacon 1 onion (medium to large) 1 large clove of garlic 250 ml (0.5 pint) double cream GARNISH Handful of chopped chervil or parsley

METHOD Wash and dry the rabbit thoroughly. Cut into 6 portions and put them in a bowl of salted water and leave to soak for 1 to 2 hours. Drain and dry thoroughly. Coat the rabbit joints with mustard and leave to marinade for several hours or preferably overnight in a cool place. After marinating, dust with the seasoned flour, shake off any excess. Melt the butter in a large sauté pan or casserole dish and lightly brown the joints on both sides; lift them out and set aside. Remove the rind (if there is any) and roughly chop the bacon. Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic. Fry the bacon for 2-3 minutes in the butter, then add the onion and the garlic and continue cooking over a low heat until the onion is soft. Return the rabbit joints to the pan, cover closely with a lid or foil and simmer over a low heat for 30 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cream. Cover again and cook over a low heat on top of the stove, or in an oven pre-heated to 140oC fan (160oC) for circa 45 minutes until the rabbit is tender, stir once or twice. Serve the rabbit straight from the pan sprinkled with the fresh herbs and garnish with the croutons. Bon appétit Ray Mellor

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Abbeydale Rotary Club at the ‘A-Level ART SHOW’ in the Town Hall - 12th -14th January 2017

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Ian Powell, left, surveys the

exhibits before the easels are

set up. Below, is he waxing

lyrical about a pictures to a

visitor or about Rotary???

Above, Ken Marshall talks about the exhibition and how

Rotary gives young people the opportunity to have work

displayed in public. Right, one of the successful young

artists, whose portrait has been selected for exhibition in

London, being interviewed by the local press.

The well-attended networking session gave A-level

students the opportunity to discuss how art can be

important in a huge variety of professions. Thanks to all

the many professionals who gave up their time to talk

with the students .

A very successful Burns’ night held on 20th january

We would expect nothing less with the very competent ‘Tartan Terrier’ as O/C!

Our President Elect Keith comments on how he enjoyed the proceedings……

I don’t like haggis do I? But there are certain things that a pretender to the throne has just gotta do. So I

trolled along to Abbeydale Club house at the appointed hour to find the place heaving. 99 people

there......WOW!

The start of the formalities was delayed, awaiting the presence of the

District Governor. We then decided to wait no longer and the festivities

began. First there was the sound of that instrument and in came a

flunkey holding aloft a dish with what can only be described as some

thing my dog would have been proud of on top. Skirling (is that the

right word?) along behind came our beloved wee Scot in full wedding

dress (that could have been expressed better!!). There then followed a

period of worship of the thing, with an incantation that

might as well have been in Outer Mongolian for all I

knew.

However we then all got down to a meal of Abbeydale’s best which,

thankfully from my point of view, contained only a smidgin of the aforesaid

thing.

Having got all that off my chest, it was a wonderful evening with members

of the three organising clubs (Abbeydale, Vulcan and Dronfield) and guests

mixing joyously together. I personally met several old friends, members of

the other clubs. You can always tell a good night when the toastmaster

cannot be heard above the noise.

However, despite the continued absence of the District Governor, the toasts got under way. Dronfield

President Gerald Swift gave the toast to the Queen and followed with a translation of the aforesaid

incantation...........which might as well have been in Outer Mongolian as far as I was concerned!

Alex then gave a really excellent summary of the life of the great man. This began with a reference to

Edinburgh as the Athens of the North. Is this the same place that the Papal ambassador called the

****hole of Europe?

He was followed by our own Nigel Thomas with a toast to the Lassies

(patronise, patronise). He began with a homily to Manchester and Old

Trafford! What is wrong with these people – don’t they realise that the

centre of the Universe is right here in Sheffield. But I digress (again). He

was as witty and forthright as always. Well done to both Alex and Nigel

they did us proud.

Various responses ensued all delivered with Panache. And the final toast -

Rotary the World over – was delivered, in the absence (did I mention

that?) of the District Governor by Gerald Swift and then there was a very

enthusiastic rendition of Auld Lang Syne. Keith Tomlinson

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Alex say a big thank you for all the

clothes he received, but no more at

the moment, thanks.

BUT

Peter Ingram is still

collecting

FOOD for

the GRACE

FOOD BANK

every week

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New feature!

The A.G.'s Column In the 60 year history of the Rotary Club of

Abbeydale, only two Members have undertaken

senior roles in District - Ralph Pitchfork and David

Wortley - both of whom became District Governors

and who are remembered through the Pitchfork

Parties and the Wortley Walk.

Other Members, like myself, have served on District

Committees and worked alongside Rotarians from

other Clubs, but suddenly out of the blue I found

myself being high-jacked by three Past District

Governors and the current incumbent to agree to

become the Assistant Governor (Peak) for the Rotary

year 2017/18. President Paul witnessed the high-

jacking over a period of several hours at the

Scarborough Conference and he encouraged me to

take on board the new position and to treat it as an

honour. Also, he promised me all the help and

support I might need from Abbeydale Members.

I was under the impression that I would take up my

post on 1st July - not a bit of it; I start on 1st

February. This month I am expected to attend three

training sessions, one of which is over two days in

Birmingham; a handover meeting of the Peak Group

from David Hood; then in March I attend the Club

Presidents' training session, possibly a Regional

Assembly and on Sunday 2nd April the District

Assembly - to which all Rotarians are invited. Do try

to come. You will meet Rotarians from other Clubs

and you will get a feel as to what other Clubs get up

to!

I have seven Clubs in the Peak Group - Abbeydale,

Bakewell, Buxton, Hope Valley, Rivelin Valley,

Sheffield and Sheffield Vulcan and I have to attend

the Club Assemblies of six of them before 1st July. (I

don't do Abbeydale, but I may turn up anyway!)

So as you can see this is no sinecure of a job, but I

am looking forward to it and meeting Rotarians from

other local, District and National Clubs.

I have agreed with Editor Pat that I shall write a

column each month to let you know how I am

getting along. It will be an interesting experience.

Alex.

January — time for the annual

Bramble Clearing

The 21st and 22nd Jan saw eight of us tackle the

new growth brambles in Ecclesall Woods. The area

nearest the road had very little new stuff, being the

first to be cleared in previous years when only one

da y wa s

worked or

even when

snow covered

so no work

was possible.

Just a little

further in

there was

enough new

growth to

cause concern.

We made

great inroads

into this but it

is clear that next year will still be rewarding and can

result in an even greater lovely carpet of blue.

Trevor 's pictures show the enthusiasm generated.

Don Ellis

Ask for contributions and this is what you

get…… thanks to Dave Ludlam!!!

Wally’s Wedding Night…

At 85 years of age, Wally married Lou Anne, a lovely 25 year old. Since her new husband is so old, Lou Anne decides that after their wedding she and Wally should have separate bedrooms, because she is concerned that her new but aged husband may overexert himself if they spend the entire night together. After the wedding festivities Lou Anne prepares herself for bed and the expected "knock" on the door. Sure enough the knock comes, the door opens and there is Wally, her 85 year old groom, ready for action. All goes well, Wally takes leave of his bride, and she prepares to go to sleep. After a few minutes, Lou Anne hears another knock on her bedroom door, and it's Wally. Again he is ready for more "action". Somewhat surprised, Lou Anne consents. Some time later Wally kisses his bride, bids her a fond goodnight and leaves. She is set to go to sleep again, but, you guessed it - Wally is back again, rapping on the door, and is as fresh as a 25-year-old, ready for more "action". And, once again they enjoy each other. But as Wally gets set to leave again, his young bride says to him, "I am thoroughly impressed that at your age you are so fit and well. I have been with guys less than a third of your age who tired much more quickly. You are truly a wonderful man, Wally." Wally, somewhat embarrassed, turns to Lou Anne and says:......"You mean I was here already?”

The moral of the story: Senior moments can have

advantages!

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MUSIC IN THE

GARDENS 2017

I am writing this in the

middle of January on a cold

winter's evening with a snow storm on the horizon,

but it is nice to be looking forward to the lovely long

warm sunny evenings at the Botanical Gardens

listening to music, drinking wine, eating goodies and

generally having a great time.

Well I do hope that this is a dream that will come to

fruition from Thursday 29th June until Sunday 2nd

July this year when we once again hold "Music in

the Gardens", the largest event run by Rotarians in

the U.K.

We are far further ahead with our production

planning this year than in previous year and things

are looking good. We have arranged a completely

different build up to the event and I am very

pleased to say that Rotarians will not be expected to

struggle erecting marquees on the Monday and

Tuesday. (I can already hear the cheers of President

Paul!). We are hiring three marquees which will be

erected and taken down for us. In fact we may only

need some help on the Wednesday to sort out the

odd jobs around the Gardens - BUT, David Q. will

need all your help with the stewarding, so get the

dates in your diary.

I know of two of the three outside performers

whom we have signed up, but I am sworn to secrecy

until the third group is on board. This year we will

revert to having children's tickets and we have fixed

on the four benefiting charities, two of which are

Rotary connected -

Thursday the local young people’s charity -

Roundabout

Friday Neurocare

Saturday Aquabox

Sunday as it is its centenary year -

Rotary Foundation

Oh, for these lovely long warm sunny evenings!

Alex

Club Diary — new entries are in RED

Fellowship Rota February Peter Keen David Ludlam Trevor Ward March Mike Jackson Chris Kenyon Graham Stevens April Heather Morris Graham Taylor

Wednesday Meetings 12.45 pm & Committee Mtgs

Feb 1st Great Hucklow Playhouse Peter J. Miles 8th Sheffield Hospitals Charity Hannah PInnock 15th Talks and Walks Ellen Outram 22nd Cavendish Care Margaret Ward Mar 1st Rotary Shop & Club chat (Jeremy Holmes) 8th Locksley Distillery John Cherry 15th Friends of Porter Valley Ann le Sage 22nd Photography John Doorcamp Evening 29th Loxley Project (7 for 7.30) Mike Haver April 12th Club’s A.G.M. (Paul & Julia) 19th No Meeting - Easter Week Committee Meetings — at Abbeydale unless stated otherwise: February 22nd 11.45 am Club Service 22nd 12 noon Community Services 27th 7.00 pm Club Council—453 Whirlowdale Rd March 8th 11.15 am International 15th 11.30 am Vocational 22nd 11.45 am Club Service 27th 7.00 pm Club Council— 453 Whirlowdale Rd April 12th 11.45 am Club service 24th 7.00 pm Club Council—453 Whirlowdale Rd May 17th 11.45 am Club Service 22nd 7.00 pm Club Council—453 Whirlowdale Rd

Other Rotary Events for your 2017 diaries

Feb

Mar Sun 19th Paul Harris Fellows’ District Lunch District Young Musicians Heather Morris Apr Sun 2nd District Assembly - N.B. Sun, NOT Saturday

Wed 5th Y. Artists—Judging Ian Powell Sat 8th Stroke Awareness Wed 12th Y.A. Labelling - Abbeydale Ian Powell Wed-Sat 26th-29th Young Artists, Ponds Forge Ken Marshall May Tues 9th Senior citizen’s Drive out Val Barnes w/end 19th-21st Club Away in Norwich! Keith Tomlinson Jun 1st—3rd Young Artists, Town Hall Ian Powell Wed 14th Pitchfork Party Graham Taylor 29th onwards! Music in the Gardens Alex Ritchie

Editor’s Endword

All contributions by email, please, to pat.jackson@blueyonder.co.uk by

midnight 24th February for email publication by 1st March. Please put

Pumpkin somewhere in the subject line, thanks, Pat

www.abbeydalerotary

club.org.uk

www.facebook.com/

AbbeydaleRotaryClub

Twitter:

@AbbeydaleRotary

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Final words from Stephen Ware:

Angela Merkel arrives at Passport Control in Athens airport.

"Nationality?" asks the immigration officer. "German," she replies. "Occupation?

"No, just here for a few days." (Good thing it wasn’t Trump….! Ed.)