District Conference
Every year members from the club attend the 'Annual Conference' for the London District 1130 which the club is affiliated to. This provides an occasion to meet other Rotarian's from not only the London area, but guests from all over the world.
Ongoing Rotary projects are highlighted, sharing the good work Rotary International does globally.
In 2024 the Conference was held in Eastboourne, beiung a joint Conference with District 1120.
The Studio Rotary Club of Elstree and Borehamwood was proudly represented at the annual District Conference in Eastbourne. Club President Sam Covill was joined by Past Presidents Andrew Grady and Nick Male for what proved to be an inspiring and impactful weekend.
The conference, hosted by Chair Dennis Spiller in conjunction with District Governors Brian Dunne (District 1120) and Himanshu Jain (District 1130), brought together Rotarians from across the districts, united by the theme of "Taking the Magic of Rotary into the Future."
Engaging Presentations and Noteworthy Speakers:
The weekend's schedule was packed with dynamic speakers, each offering fresh perspectives on community service, global initiatives, and the values of Rotary. Highlights included:
- LEPRA: A global health charity dedicated to combating diseases of poverty, whose presentation showcased the critical work being done with Rotary's support.
- Steve Pateman: The man behind Kinky Boots shared his personal journey of innovation, perseverance, and turning adversity into success.
- Toyah Wilcox: The well-known singer and actress inspired attendees with her talk on resilience, creativity, and the importance of giving back to the community.
- Carl Pocock (RNLI): Representing the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Pocock spoke passionately about the lifesaving work done by this iconic British charity.
- Nick Coke (Hour Community): Nick shared insights into the impactful work of Hour Community, a grassroots initiative supporting those in need through timebanking and community-driven projects.
- Dr. Geoff Macey: His talk focused on the importance of health initiatives and Rotary's global role in supporting medical outreach.
- Coats4Kids and Oasis Charity (Medway): The conference also featured a presentation on two vital projects making a difference in local communities, helping to provide essential clothing and support to children in need.
- Catherine Southon (from Antiques Roadshow and Bargain Hunt): The TV antiques expert shared fascinating stories from her career, offering attendees a glimpse into the world of treasure hunting and history, blending Rotary's community values with her own unique experiences.
Presentation of Club President & Sponsored Scholar to conference
Sunday morning was especially significant for our club, as Club President Sam Covill was presented alongside other Rotary presidents from across the two districts. Following this, the spotlight shifted to this year's Global Scholar, Saki Yanagiha, who was also presented with other global scholars to the conference showcasing the global reach of Rotary's scholarships programme.
Evening Entertainment and Social Highlights:
The social aspect of the conference added to the vibrant atmosphere, providing plenty of opportunities for Rotarians to unwind and connect. On the evening of Friday, 18th October, attendees were treated to live entertainment from The British Carpenters, a tribute act paying homage to the iconic music of The Carpenters. The band's performance set the tone for a lively and fun-filled weekend.
The real social highlight was the Gala Party Night on Saturday, featuring a larger celebration with dancing, camaraderie, and more entertainment. The Gala offered a perfect blend of fun and fellowship, showcasing the lighter side of Rotary and allowing Rotarians to relax and enjoy each other's company.
Moving Forward with the Magic of Rotary:
Throughout the weekend, the discussions on membership initiatives, such as the North Star Project, and community-driven programs left everyone feeling inspired. With engaging presentations from key figures like Eve Conway (International Director) and Niesh Josh (RIBI), the conference reinforced Rotary's global reach and the importance of community service at every level.
President Sam Covill, along with Past Presidents Andrew Grady and Nick Male, returned home energized and committed to bringing the insights and enthusiasm from the conference back to The Studio Rotary Club of Elstree and Borehamwood. The event provided a renewed focus on both local and international initiatives, as well as a deeper connection to the broader Rotary family.
The 2024 District Conference in Eastbourne was a huge success, blending thought-provoking presentations with the fellowship and fun that define Rotary. The club looks forward to implementing the ideas gained and continuing to serve with renewed vigor.
#RotaryInspires #RotaryDistrictConference2024 #PeopleOfAction #MagicOfRotary #NorthStarProject
Previous Years' Conference Photos
