Rotary Club of Porthmadog

THE ROTARY CLUB OF PORTHMADOG

Club News 2010/11

Rotary Steam Evening Aug 16th The Welsh Highland Railway in Porthmadog was the venue for an evening of steam enjoyed by more than 35 of us, members and guests. Starting with a glass of champagne we all boarded GELLERT and rode to the end of the line observing on the way the progress of the new Porthmadog bypass. We then rode the train back to the station and enjoyed a delicious meal of Salmon or Chicken, we the re-boarded the train and headed for the revamped museum which has enjoyed a massive update during the past two years. We the returned to the station and had our dessert and enjoyed some good fellowship.

World War II Memories - July 12-2010
At its meeting at the Golden Fleece, Tremadog on Monday 12^th July last, Porthmadog Rotary Club was treated to a most enjoyable time of reminiscence by Non Williams and Malcolm Green of the North Wales Military Vehicle Trust. Non and Malcolm, who will be familiar to all who visit the Russell Tea Room at the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway in Porthmadog, who were dressed in period costume, Non in the typical 1940’s ladies fashion and Malcolm in the fatigues uniform of a GI of the United States 1^st Army, shared items from their extensive collection of World War II memorabilia. Items such as American Army ration boxes which had contained food, cigarettes, drinks and other items necessary for the survival of troops at the battle front, which were generally consumed ‘on the hoof’, were passed round among club members. Apparently, 400,000 tons of supplies were ferried daily to the front line troops on what was called the ‘Red Ball Express’ – a highly vulnerable and dangerous transport convoy, which was subject to persistent enemy attack. Contemporary newspapers, ration books, clothing coupons, Identity Cards, soap and various examples of wartime packaging along with gas masks and various Ministry of Supply information leaflets all helped to remind us of those times and evoke a sense of what life was like in those war years. Altogether it was a most informative and entertaining evening. A vote of thanks on behalf of the club members was proposed by Rotarian John Kerr.

Presidential Handover - June 28-2010
	As we move into Summer here in North Wales, President Graham's term of office comes to an end as he hands over the presidential ribbon of office to our new President Patrick Fisher. Patrick who has been in Rotary for seven years joined the Rotary Club of Porthmadog in 2007 having moved to North Wales in 2007, was previously a member of the Nene Valley Rotary Club in Northampton with whom he keeps in touch. Patrick in his introductory speech, congratulated President Graham on his work during the past year, and vowed to continue to do his utmost to ensure that the club has a successful and enjoyable year during his term as President..	Patrick receives the Official Chain of Office from Graham

Rotary Tea Break - June 29-2010
Our last event of our Rotary Year 2009/10 was to hold a Tea and Cakes afternoon at the Canolfan in Porthmadog, where we also displayed the contents of a Shelterbox What's inside the box? Only new equipment is used and is carefully selected for durability, practicality and suitability for where it is needed. Tough, lightweight and waterproof, the box itself can also have many useful functions from food container to cot. We also continually work with a range of manufacturers to improve the quality and extend the range of equipment that we have available. A range of equipment is kept in stock. This lets us adjust the contents of the box according to local conditions and what is most urgently needed. Sometimes particularly if other resources are available locally and the overwhelming need is for shelter we will just send tents and pack two in each box. Each box costs an average of £490 including all materials, packing, storage and distribution to individual recipients worldwide. Based on six months use only this equates to 27 pence per person per day. Shelter At the heart of every ShelterBox is a disaster relief tent for a family of up to 10 people. It is custom made for ShelterBox by Vango, one of the world’s leading tent manufacturers, and is designed to withstand extreme temperatures, high winds and heavy rainfall. Internally, each tent has privacy partitions that allow recipients to divide the space as they see fit. A smile A children’s pack containing drawing books, crayons and pens. For children who have lost most, if not all, their possessions, these small gifts are treasured. Warmth and protection In addition to the tent, there is a range of other survival equipment including thermal blankets and insulated ground sheets, essential in areas where temperatures plummet at nightfall. Where malaria is prevalent mosquito nets are supplied, as well a life saving means of water purification. Water supplies often become contaminated after a major disaster, as infrastructure and sanitation systems are destroyed, this presents a secondary but no less dangerous threat to survivors than the initial disaster itself. Self sufficiency A basic tool kit containing a hammer, axe, saw, trenching shovel, hoe head, pliers and wire cutters enables people to improve their immediate environment, by chopping firewood or digging a latrine, for example. Then, when it is possible, to start repairing or rebuilding the home they were forced to leave. Fit for purpose Every item is durable, practical and brand new. The box itself is lightweight and waterproof and has been used for a variety of purposes in the past - from water and food storage containers to a cot for a newly born baby. A heart to the home Key items are either a wood burning or multi-fuel stove. The multi-fuel stove can burn anything from diesel to old paint. Some boxes also contain our specially designed wood burning Frontier Stove, pictured below. This provides the heart of the new home where water is boiled, food is cooked and families congregate. In addition, there are pans, utensils, bowls, mugs and water storage containers. Adaptability A broad range of equipment is kept in stock so we can adapt the contents of a box to a specific disaster. For example, following the Javanese earthquake in 2006, when some resources were available locally or could be salvaged from one storey buildings, the overwhelming need was for shelter – so just tents were sent, packing two in each box.