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Welcome to the March Edition of The Bridge

Here’s some of the things we’ve been involved since the start of 2017

New Year’s Day Walk (featured in the last edition)

Youth Speaks

Taking part in the Biggleswade Swimathon and the District quiz

Supporting Etonbury Academy pupils with their mock SATs tests

Running the Art, Photography and Writing workshop at Jordans Mill

Organising an International Quiz and Curry evening (see below)

March 2017

Issue No. 115

Sadly Nilesh was unable to be our chef as he was taken ill a few days before. Rabia and Rehana came

to our rescue and prepared an authentic and delicious curry for the event . They also brought their

international expertise to the winning team!

An excellent sum of £764.29 was raised .

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Report from the Community and Vocational Team

Some intrepid members of Biggleswade Ivel were found to be hard at work on Thursday and Friday mornings clearing the pond area at Ivel Valley School in Biggleswade.

The Before……………………………………………

Nearly the after……………………………Just the fence to fix and the surface of the pond to clear.

David demonstrated his amazing strength banging in new posts to support the paling fencing with a post knocker (better not use the term we all used beginning with a b……..)

The workers proved to be a dab hand with pick axe, fork, spade and clippers so that the Ivel Valley pupils will once again be able to use the pond and surrounding area for their science lessons and quiet moments of reflection safely protected from the risks of falling into the water.

Despite the high winds Brian, Mary, David, Trevor, Colin, and Liz were able to have a really enjoyable and successful couple of mornings chopping away the brambles, digging out the huge miscanthus and pruning the trees and budleas. The surface of the pond was cleared of the dense duck weed with careful rope work by the ladies, rakework by Trevor and by Colin’s nifty netting. We even rescued a couple of newts which found themselves tangled up in the debris.

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Young Artist, Young Photographer & Young Writer Workshop at Jordans Mill

The youth team organised another very enjoyable and successful workshop at Jordans Mill during the half term holiday. Several children, mainly of lower school age came along.

We very much appreciated the support from Jim Grey, Trevor Tumber , Steve Halton and Janet Hammond who were on hand to assist with the three aspects of the workshop.

The Rotarians as well as the children learnt new techniques in art from Jim and Trevor and enjoyed looking at Steve’s sketches and reading his writings. Janet wrote a lovely sample poem on “Reflection” to give the children some ideas.

In addition we made some good contacts with schools.

Thanks to Jordans for accommodating us once again. We look forward to receiving entries to the competitions.

Ivel Valley School RotaKids Report Spring Term 2017

The End Polio crocuses, which we planted in the Autumn, are showing through and should soon be in flower.

This school year we are concentrating on the environment and after Christmas this led to a discussion on the use and disposal of Christmas cards. We spent another session looking at the stamps which came off our Christmas envelopes and found their countries of origin on

the world map. The collected stamps were then sent to RSPB and the young people spent another session identifying birds. We then enjoyed making bird feeders from small plastic bottles and these are now hanging on the trees in the school garden.

One of the group asked if they could talk about their hobbies and to date we have heard very interesting talks on boxing, football, darts and Tai Kwando. It is amazing what these young people have achieved and we are very proud of them. Next week we will hear about dog walking and computer gaming.

Report from the Community and Vocational Team Continued

Something Different - Linda has confirmed the booking for our trip to view the next generation of racehorses at Newmarket on 29th March. We just need to book our lunches so keep an eye open in the Club folder for the menus.

We hope soon to be taking bookings from walkers for the Community walk on Saturday 6th May working alongside the Youth Team. We hope as many members as possible will be available to assist on the day.

Liz Mc

At work with Jim and Trevor Some of the results

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Gardeners’ Question Time

Friday 17th March 2017 At

The Ivel Valley Coffee Shop

Langford Garden Centre SG18 9SD

Tickets £15 Licensed Bar

Includes 2 Course dinner

Proceeds in aid of Rotary Sponsored Charities Trust Fund Charity No 1113652

Pose your gardening questions to our panel of experts

Sara Mabey RHS Trained Gardening and Garden Designer

Philip Whaites Head Gardener Wimpole Hall

Keith Hichisson Horticulturist, Broadcaster and Garden Centre Owner

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Don’t miss St George’s Day

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Dates for Your Diary See the latest Calendar at http://www.ivelrotary.org.uk

Date Event Venue

5th March Young Musician District Final Luton 6th Form College

8th & 9th March Youth Speaks District Finals Etonbury Academy

17th March Gardener’s Question Time Langford

20th March Club Council Meeting Northill

29th March Trip to Newmarket Newmarket

30th March District Council Meeting Tilsworth Golf Club

22nd April Wheels Relay from Manchester event Bedford

22nd April St George’s Celebration The Green Man

24th April Club Council Meeting Northill

For Members If you are bringing a guest, or have organised a speaker, please ensure that you let the following know and ensure that Maureen has their meal choices: Guests: apologies@ivelrotary.org.uk Speaker : speaker@ivelrotary.org.uk

If you are unable to attend & have a duty listed, please arrange a swap and notify administration@ivelrotary.org.uk

If you are unavailable for dates beyond this roster, please email administration@ivelrotary.org.uk

For your meal choices (when applicable) and for non-attendance at any Wednesday meeting please contact

Maureen on 01767 318117 or email apologies@ivelrotary.org.uk by lunchtime on Monday.

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Weekly Meeting Arrangements March, April & May 2017

Date Grace Host Focus Speaker Thanks

Weds 1st March

Brian Pexton

David Whitehead

“Rosebuds” Rabia & Dilara Pam

Redfearn

Weds 8th March

Pam Redfearn

John Wheeler

“The Broadway Cinema” Julia Hallawell Brian

Pexton

Weds 15th March

Linda Sharp

Patricia Wheeler

“The Future” Maureen & Roy Trevor Parkes

Weds 22nd March

Maureen Strutt

Lindsey Knight

Business Meeting - -

Weds 29th March

Something Different at Newmarket

Weds 5th April

John Wheeler

Alan Dover

“Work on the Council” Madeline

Russell Liz

McCartney

Weds 12th April

Patricia Wheeler

Liz McCartney

“Travels in South America” Holly Webb Barbara Kennedy

Weds 19th April

David Whitehead

Colin McCartney

“Leading a School’s Expansion” Alex Prior Keith

Hichisson

Weds 26th April

Mary Whitehead

Lindsey Knight

Business Meeting - -

Weds 3rd May

Peter Dover

Alan Dover

“History of Cople & Willington” Rob Bellington Colin

McCartney

Weds 10th May

Alan Dover

Maureen Strutt

“Islam” Rabia Syed

Keith Downing

Weds 17th May

Keith Downing

Mary Whitehead

“Rotary Peace Message” Brenda Lowe

Peter Dover

Weds 24th May

Jan Hichisson

Lindsey Knight

“Business Meeting” - -

Weds 31st May

Something Different

Links: www.ivelrotary.org.uk www.facebook.com/groups/ivelrotary www.rotary1260.org.uk

Don’t forget to listen to the Rotary slot on Biggles FM on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 8.30am

http://www.bigglesfm.com/listen.htm