The Rotary Club of Eastbourne Annual General Meeting
Monday 28th May 2012 – 6pm
Annual Reports
Club Secretary
Ian Coombs
Club Service
Nicola Williams
Membership
Bob Hamblyn
PR, Marketing
Nigel Greaves (to follow)
Community/vocational
Alan Wenham
International
Joe Smedley
Youth
Graham Marsden
Jazz Concert
Geoff Williams
Alone at Christmas
Kevan Regan
Sports and Social
Andy Kinniburgh
Tripartite
Ian Hunt
Stroke Aware/Organ Donor
Barrie Gent
Representatives on Local Committees
3VA (Formerly EAVS)
Alan Wenham
Eastbourne Sea Cadets
Bob Hamblyn
Annual Reports
CLUB SECRETARY
At the start of 2011/2012 Rotary year, we had 52 active members. During the year we have received
Alan Budgett’s resignation and Geoffrey Williams will leave at the end of this Rotary year. Sadly, Fred
Warren passed away at the end of last year. Fred will be very greatly missed.
However, during the last twelve months, the Club has welcomed two new members that is Rodney
Browne and Brian Higgins. We wish both of them many happy years of Rotary Membership and service.
Philip Coekin, Vicki Pickering and Anne-Marie Awcock have become guest members and we hope that
they will enjoy visiting the Club.
Membership therefore now stands at 52.
Sadly, again, we said fairwell to Honorary Member Tom Alston in January. He also will be remembered
with great affection and for the contribution he made to the Club.
Our weekly lunches at the Chatsworth Hotel have generally run smoothly and without so many of the
problems we have had with sound systems and projectors in the past. President Simon has conducted
affairs with admirable panache and speed.
CLUB SERVICE COMMITTEE REPORT
Once again this Committee has continued to operate successfully without meetings - something
which some of you know is about to change under Joe's chairmanship!
I would like to thank all committee members for quietly and efficiently getting on with their duties, not
only for this Committee but in the Club as a whole, and making sure that our administration runs as
smoothly as ever.
The Club Service programme I announced at Assembly last year was as follows:
1. Fellowship and Fun - certainly achieved I believe!
2. Manage the delivery of Club Service - achieved as I have already said.
3. To increase membership ~ definitely achieved!
Congratulations are due to Bob Hamblyn for his hard work and initiative. His detailed report
will follow.
4. Communication with other clubs - this has been perhaps a little less successful in terms of
members' visits. This in no way reflects on Arnold who has tried to encourage us to spread
our wings. Regarding working with other clubs, the forthcoming Eastbourne Carnival although not strictly part of this report - is a good example of local clubs pooling resources
and working together within the community.
5. Membership Survey - achieved. Thanks to all who participated. The overall result, as
previously reported, was a satisfied membership. Criticisms and suggestions have or are
being addressed.
1 am pleased therefore to report a good year and once again thank everyone for their
commitment and hard work.
Nicola Williams President Elect
Public relations, and marketing Report
Regular meetings with the local press and the ETC magazine have been fruitful in getting our case for
the publicity of our activities heard.
During the year the club has received relatively good coverage of events that have increased our
standing as an active Rotary club in the community. Just recognition for events like the Alone at
Christmas event once again received good coverage. The prestigious Achievers award at the Winter
Garden saw two club members, Bob Hamblyn and Peter Goldsmith being recognised for their very
worthwhile efforts in the company of several hundred community minded people. Good coverage
followed in the Eastbourne Herald and the ETC magazine
Pictures and reports of many speakers and other events were published in the local press and ETC
magazine giving readers and many potential members a good flavour of the club's activities.
The Rotary Club News was published in digital form and now includes more photographs of club and
committee activities. There is still a need however, for more information to be submitted so that the
publication can achieve its goal in being an accurate record of club activities during each two month
period.
The committee worked with district during the year to produce a public information stand at the Arndale
Centre. Whilst this involved many clubs on the area, it was considered a worthwhile effort for our
club to be seen addressing the challenge of helping people who are alone at Christmas.
There were more pictures and reports during the year showing many club activities with partners and
this is considered worthwhile publicity for the attraction of new members who can see the
membership receiving the endorsement of partners who can very often join in the activities.
Nigel J Greaves
Chairman PR and Publicity
Report from Membership Committee
The year has again seen the club keep Its membership up, starting the year with 51 members and
finishing with 52. Whilst Freddie Warren sadly passed away we were pleased to welcome Rodney
Browne and Brian Higgins into the club.
We are a club which consistently bucks the trend of declining membership seen by most other clubs.
I put this down to the relaxed and enjoyable nature of our meetings and a strong social event
programme where we can encourage new members to bring their partners along to meet other
partners and enjoy the interaction.
We have Z potential new members, with forms lodged: Norman Kinnish and Philip Cokein, and 2
guest members'. Anne-Marie Awcock and Vicki Pickering.
Membership Focus groups of three have produced a target list of 15 other persons. We need
members who know them to invite them along to a club meeting. A board for this purpose is
circulating.
A bespoke foreword to the New Members booklet based on R C Maidstone's idea has been drafted
and is being circulated to members for final comment before issue.
Bob Hamblyn
Committee Chairman
FOUNDATION AND INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE
The Foundation and International Committee have met nine times during the year. The
committee comprised the following members:
Joe Smedley (Chair), Michael Barrett, Neil Cleverton (Foundation), Ken Dobell, Frank Eveleigh,
Chris Hanover, Jessica Gisby, Ken Rawlings, John Rabbitts, Kevan Regan, Chris Smith,
(Vice Chairman).
The subjects and projects discussed and action taken are set out in the following paragraphs:
6.
Haenertsburg ‘Youth in Action’: This project involved the training of 32 young
people with potential but from a poor background and attending a school in the Haenertsburg
area to equip them to become leaders in their community. It began in 2010 and is now just
completed. They were taught leadership, team building and given training in gardening, building
and other skills to take with them when they left school. The project is being sustained by the
replacement of those that leave school by younger children. The youths with the support of the
school have setup an Interact Club. The Club has developed the training through the
Haenretsburg Club of South Africa. This project was supported by a District Grant for which a
final report was made to District. Simon Seath made a number of visits to the school and club
during the development of the project.
Some of the youths taking part in the Youth in Action Project
7.
Kololo - Kampala Project. This is a project being developed in conjunction with
the Kololo Club of Kampala, Uganda. It involves the acquisition of a mobile X-Ray machine for the
Nsambya Hospital. The machine is to be used to avoid the movement of patients who are too ill to be
transported to the hospital’s static Unit. In conjunction with this purchase, there will be a public health
campaign to reduce the number of accidents in the area and to offer advice to residents about ways
of achieving better health. This project received a TRF Global Grant and is now being implemented.
Chris Smith is representing the Club by being a member of the project Implementation Committee.
8.
Zimbabwe Student: A student from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe was assisted by the Club
through her A Level course when she achieved straight A’s in four subjects, one of which
was an A*. Following these results, the Club decided to support her through university. Nontokozo is
now in the second semester of year one of her five-year medical degree course. She hopes to become
a Paediatrician. This project has received a District Grant. Apart from accommodation costs, the Club
has supported her studies by purchasing text books and a laptop.
4* Kabubbu, Uganda. A request by the Quicken Trust has been received. This is about an ambulance
that was funded by the club in 2006 for use in Kabubbu, Uganda by the club which now needs to be
updated at a cost of £1250. This is being considered and will form part of the Donations Plan for
2012/13, which will be put to the Club Assembly meeting.
5. Lesotho, South Africa. The club has received a request from the Rotary Club of
Sevenoaks for assistance towards a water and Sanitation project to benefit 500 orphans in two
schools in Lesotho, South Africa. The last known financial support for the project is set out below:-
District Total
TRF Match
$1500
$1500
Rand Water
Absa Sesego
$1560
$ 3650
Club contributions
(Sevenoaks $4117, SA clubs $2,600, Chiselhurst £1,000 i.e. $1560)
Total
$8277
TRF Match
(50%Top-up of club contributions)
$ 4138
Total contributions
Shortfall
Project cost
$47625
$ 492
$48117
This project will be included in the Donations Plan if necessary; current indication is that it will not be
necessary
6.
Other projects. The club has supported SheiterBoxes over a number of years and was
rewarded with a Bronze Certificate recently. The Club has donated to the Rl Polio Eradication project
over the last three years,
7.
Adddition. Simon Seath attended a number of meetings to discuss the Tombola which
he organized and was held at the Arndale Centre just prior to Christmas.
Joe Smedley Chairman, 14 May 2012
Community & Vocational
The Committee arranged two old folk's outings for cream teas at Birling Gap.
Three vocational visits occurred in the year and where partners were welcomed. The venues were
the Towner Art Gallery, the Town Hall, where we were shown round by the Mayor, and Eastbourne
Heritage Centre.
It was decided to discontinue with the Rotary Fun Run as numbers had dwindled significantly due to
bad weather and a coincidence with a cancer charity event that was proving far more popular. We
decided that we should look at other ways of assisting local charities to raise money for themselves.
We elected to experiment with a Rotary Charity Fair where 20 local charities held a table-top sale
and at no cost to them. The venue was the Sea Cadet HQ. The concept proved to be sound, but
lessons were learned. In spite of using a newspaper advert, a community newsletter and handbills,
throughput was disappointing. A wash-up session with participants showed that they would come
again but the event needed to be held in a more central location in future. We also needed to work
harder with publicity.
The Committee oversaw the development of the year's Donations Plan. It is pleasing to note that a
good range of beneficiaries were identified by Club members and through everyone's efforts all
organisations will receive the amount intended.
The Committee was approached by the President-Elect to generate some ideas as to how the Club's
impending 90th anniversary should be marked. It will of course be a matter for her to announce
initiatives that she wishes to promote. Meanwhile, the Club is funding hanging baskets in the town
centre and plaques will explain that this is the Club's way of marking the Diamond Jubilee as well as
its own 90 years of service to the town.
Finally, I would like to thank members of the committee for the robust support and generous
assistance they have given over the past 12 months.
Alan Wenham. Committee chairman.
Youth - Chairman - Rtn Graham Marsden
9. The year has continued to prove frustrating in seeking to develop Rotaract Clubs in our town.
Sussex Downs College has maintained interest in principle but continuing financial pressures
and restructuring tend to reduce enthusiasm for additional commitments. The focus is now
upon developing links with their older students involved in higher education or degree courses.
From our perspective young people do need adult motivation within their environment or else
they will not establish a structure. Needless to say the committee is not downhearted and will
continue to work towards the required end.
10.
My thanks go to Tony Cameron for his work in maintaining our link with Bishop Bell
School through which two students attended a R.Y.L.A. weekend. They were duly ferried and
returned from the Arethusa Venture Centre in the Medway Valley. Both of them expressed
satisfaction with their visit and members will recall that a few weeks ago they attend Club,
confidently answered questions on their visit, and confirmed their pleasure at being selected. It
is expected that another two students will be invited to attend the next special RYLA weekend
in October, 2012.
11.
A number of fellow club members supported the youth of the town by helping at the
annual Music and Arts Festival in February. The simple task of acting as a volunteer marshall
was very much appreciated by organisers and I would hope that our involvement in the
Festival will continue to grow in the future.
12.
On Wednesday, 13th June we will be funding 45 students from Hazel Court Special
School to visit Drusillas on National Kids Out Day. Because of safeguarding procedures, our
contribution is now predominantly one of supporting staff and by pushing wheelchairs, but I
know that our involvement is very much welcomed and gives students an additional
experience. You have only to watch their faces to know how much they enjoy the experience.
Jazz Concert
This year’s concert took place at Eastbourne College on 4th April when the Stars of British Jazz
entertained a virtually full house. It seems likely that c,£1800 was raised which made it one of the
most successful! evenings in the eighteen year history of the event.
Thanks as ever to the hard working committee and to Eastbourne College for allowing us the use of
Big School. Jonathan Porter and the team from Mayo Wynne Baxter deserve a special word of
appreciation for giving up their time to run the bar.
In view of the popularity of the event an argument for change may seem a hard one to pursue.
Nevertheless, as with all club activities, opportunities for improvement should continually be
explored.
Geoffrey Williams
The “Alone at Christmas” Committee 2011/12
First, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Members of the Committee and all those Club
Members and their families who were involved in making this 33rd consecutive event so successful.
This event involves more Club Members than any other project that we undertake.
The roles are many but the visiting of potential guests and transport involves almost all Members.
As usual planning for the event started in May when the venue was confirmed, invitations were
issued to our VIP guests and a new entertainer was booked. In the following months more detailed
planning followed.
The day itself was chilly but frost free. All the transport arrangements went smoothly. The guests
arrived to hear carols and have a glass of wine, before being served a full Christmas lunch at 1.00pm
prompt. After lunch there was entertainment including Bingo and a free “raffle” draw for the donated
hampers and a sing-a-long. Next came afternoon tea including Christmas cake and mince pies and a
small present before being taken home.
Lunch was provided for 90 guests plus approximately 20 volunteers. Our VIP guests - The Mayor,
The District Governor and her husband, Mr Stephen Lloyd MP, Bishop Wallace Benn and Fr Raglan all attended and enjoyed the event. This year helpers were seated with our guests for lunch which
allowed the VIPs to sit with our guests rather than stand and talk above them.
There have been many letters of thanks and donations, both of which testify to the special
appreciation of this event by our guests.
Rtn Kevan Regan Chairman “Alone at
Christmas”
THE SPORTS, SOCIAL AND ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTTEE
The Committee arranged the following events during the 2011/12 Rotary year.
July 26 Theatre Trip to Anything Goes.
August 19 Visit to Great Dixter and Chapel Down Vineyard
September 30th Visit to the Bluebell Railway and Sheffield Park Gardens
Oct 26thTheatre Trip to Scrooge the Musical.
November 16thAnnual Bowling Evening with 41 Club and Round Table
March 9thVisit to Vinopolis and Borough Market
March 23rdTheatre Trip to see Paul Merton at the Congress Theatre The Annual Golf Competition
Hopefully there has been something that appealed to every member this year, and I trust that next
year will be no different.
I am planning two London trips next year, although I do detect some reluctance to travel that far.
Andy Kinniburgh Chairman
Tripartite 2012
Tripartite took place this year in Eastbourne over the weekend of 27th-29th April. We were joined by
19 Guests from Rotary Club of Gand - Martime and the Rotary Club of Lille Nord - Nouveau Siecle. It
was a particularly important visit for our Guests from Ghent who are celebrating their 50th anniversary
of formation and 50 years of Tripartite.
The weekend was based around the newly refurbished T & G Eastbourne Centre where most of our
visitors stayed. Friday started with a spectacular Black Tie Champagne Reception and Gala Dinner in
one of the Hotels elegant dining rooms. In all some 75 Rotarians and partners enjoyed a meal of
Gravlax followed by Breast of Duck and finished off with a delicious Fruits of the Forest Creme Brule.
The meal was accompanied by copious amounts of wine which was heartily drunk by all. President
Simon welcomed our Guests in his own inimitable style (something about a violent school experience
and the pen of his aunt at least that what I understood) and promised revenge for last year's Lille
coach experience, more later. President Jocelyn Wullschleger from Lille and Past President Jean
Waldaedt responded and praised Tripartite and the many lasting friendships which have developed
over the last 50 years.
Saturday started early when we boarded "le-Bus" for a spectacular day visiting the London Olympic
sites. As is expected at Tripartite we started by visiting a traditional London Pub where we enjoyed a
Roast Beef lunch, again accompanied by copious quantities of a very dubious wine. After lunch our
dual speaking Guide took us on "Le Bus" over to the Lower Lee Valley to the delightfully named
Pudding Mill & Fish Island. Sadly the weather was particularly wet and initially we toured the Olympic
sites in "Le-Bus". However during a short break in the rain we walked to the Olympic Stadium viewing
area where we gazed with awe on the Stadium described as a floating blancmange held in a cradle
of steel. Nearby we could see the Aquatic Centre, the "marshmallow" Basketball Arena and the
delicious Aquatic Centre with its butterfly fairy cake roof. Adjoining the Stadium was the "Orbit", a
helter skelter of red steel, being the largest piece of public art designed by Anish Kapoor. Not
everyone's cup of tea!!. The star for for me was the spectacular Veladrome where the cycling events
are due to take place.
We re-joined "Le-Bus" and then enjoyed a drive through the Royal Docks where we saw ExCel which
will host the Boxing, Judo and Weight lifting events. Our day was concluded when we arrived at the
Woolwich Barracks where the shooting events will take place. The group enjoyed a very pleasant tea
at the Barracks before re-joining "Le-Bus" for a sleepy return to Eastbourne. We were fortunate in
having an excellent Guide who kept us all thoroughly entertained throughout the day. Whilst it was a
very long day all agreed it was worthwhile even though we spent a lot of time on "Le-Bus".
The party returned to Eastbourne with just enough time to wash and change before enjoying a
reception followed by a traditional Fish and Chip Supper whilst being entertained by the Paul Davis
Trio.
Sunday was a much quieter day with a leisurely start at the Royal Eastbourne Golf Club where some
60 Rotarians and Partners enjoyed Brunch. As one might expect, just in case anyone's blood alcohol
levels were running low, lots of wine was consumed bringing our total consumption to just over 100
bottles for the weekend.
Our visitors from Ghent and Lille thanked the President and members of our Club for a spectacular
weekend and looked forward to welcoming us next year. Tripartite is a wonderful example of Rotary
International fellowship working at its very best. Many long standing friendships have been forged
over the last 50 years through sharing weekends just like this one. Next year we visit Ghent and I
urge all members to join us if they can for a lot of fun and Rotary Fellowship.
My thanks to all who helped make this weekend a success
Ian Hunt
50 Years of Tripartite
Eastbourne Gand-Maritime Lille Nord Nouveau Siecle
Tripartite has for the past 50 years been the Rotary Club of Eastbourne's most important
international meeting with our friends from Belgium and France. The annual event is
Rotary working at its very best encouraging and fostering the advancement of
international understanding and goodwill through the united ideal of service. In addition
not only have good causes been advanced but close and longstanding personal
friendships have been firmly established. We have over the years enjoyed each other's
ample hospitality and Tripartite has grown into much more than just an annual event.
The Rotary Club of Eastbourne's first foray in contacting an overseas Club was in 1939
with the Rotary Club of Dieppe. These first faltering steps were interrupted during the
1940's and it was not until the early 1950's that Eastbourne was paired with
Valenciennes in Northern France. The first meeting included visiting local factories and a
coal mine. There were, even at this early stage, connections with Belgium with lunch at
Chateau Beloeil, obviously one of the members was thinking ahead! Further meetings
took place during the 1950's including other Clubs like Le Havre and Antwerp.
Finally success was achieved in 1962 when contact was established with Lille a city
rather similar to the original contact of Valenciennes. Our President that year was Ray
Haine whose daughter Nicola will be our President next year 50 years after her father
and of course Gand Maritime's Golden Jubilee anniversary. The relationship with Lille
Nord flourished and Tripartite as we know it today was finally cemented into place in
1972 when Gand Maritime joined Lille and Eastbourne. 1972 was Eastbourne's Golden
Jubilee and it is ail the more fitting that Tripartite was finalised at such an important time
for our Clubs.
During the 50 years of Tripartite there have been numerous highlights, who will ever
forget the spectacular Foralises which this Club has visited on 3 occasions. Flowers
convey the same message the world over symbolising joy, happiness and friendship all
perfect examples of our Rotary relationship. In 2001 we spent a wonderful afternoon at
the Royal Greenhouses in Bruxelles surrounded by exotic geraniums and fuchsias. 1997
was Eastbourne's turn with our Gala Dinner at Herstmonceux Castle with medieval
jousting, knights in full armour sword fighting all in the pouring rain. 2002 was Lille's
attempt to visit the Armistice railway carriage in Compiegne which was thwarted by road
works and unfortunately never did get there; we obviously could not be late for lunch.
Food and wine have always been high on our agendas and we have been lavishly
entertained where ever we have been. What a night we experienced at the Pink
Elephant Brewery, jazz band and single line dancing!
We all harbour many personal memories of Rotary fun and fellowship of the highest
order. Long may Tripartite flourish with our fellow Rotarians and more importantly friends
from Ghent and Lille.
it has certainly not just been Rotary fun and we have of course supported each other's
international charity projects. In recent years there was Gand- Maritimes Congo water
project and Eastbourne's X-ray machine for Kampala. There are some in Eastbourne
who still refer to the 1972 project when England was experiencing strikes and power
cuts. A group of Eastbourne Rotarians travelled to France and with the help of local
Rotarians filled a van with candles which were distributed to the poor and needy on their
return.
The President Simon Dodd's and our members send their warmest congratulations to
the Rotary Club of Gand-Maritime on the event of their Golden Jubilee anniversary. We
thank you for your warmth, generosity and friendship over the past 40 years in sharing
the Rotary spirit of service above self. We look forward to joining your celebrations later
this year and may we conclude by repeating our Presidents last comment in our Golden
Jubilee Year 1972 ""Long live Rotary and the Rotary spirit
Robert Hambiyn - Chairman of Eastbourne Sea Cadets Unit Management Committee (UMC)
Eastbourne Sea Cadets and the Rotary Club of Eastbourne: My ten years in the Chair arose
through a request for Rotary Service from a member of this Club, and National Trustee of the
Marine Society and Sea Cadets, the late Paul Harris OBE. Historical strong links have seen the
Club as a provider of regular support for the Unit both in terms of people and funding.
Eastbourne Sea Cadets is a registered Local Charity and receives no external financial support from
the Royal Navy or MOD. The reality is that the Club's support, along with businesses in the area
helps the Unit to keep around 70 youngsters off the streets and gainfully occupied meeting the Sea
Cadets vision, ‘to give young people the best possible head start in life through nautical
adventure and fun'.
Relentless local fundraising keeps the Unit going and the Unit is grateful for the long standing
support of Rotary and the Eastbourne Club in particular.
Award winning training: The Unit has enjoyed an exceptional year winning the Stephenson
Trophy as the best Unit out of 65 in Southern Area, The Royal Marine Cadets are the top Unit in
the UK for the second year in a row, winning the National Gibraltar Cup Trophy. For the tenth
consecutive year the Unit has been won a ’Burgee' - awarded to the top 25% of Units nationally.
Regrettably, our training is now under threat through shortage of funds.
The Unit has 74 enrolled cadets including 12 juniors, and a Marine Cadet Detachment comprising
24 cadets. The male / female cadet ratio is about 50:50. Demand to join has never been higher.
The Unit is running at maximum capacity with a waiting list of 25% of complement.
Volunteers: Lt (SCC) Stephanie Juniper RNR continues as Commanding Officer in her fifth year,
but volunteer staffing is becoming more difficult, 13 adult officers and civilian instructors give their
time to run the Unit which parades twice a week, and engage in around 40 weekend cadet training
activities a year. We have a new Chairman in prospect and are strengthening our committee. An
Admin Officer and Fundraising Co-ordinator have appointed in the year but we are seeking an
Assistant Treasurer, Publicity Officer, General Secretary and Engineer. If any Rotarian would like
to fill one of these roles as Rotary Service or knows anyone one who would like to help, please
speak to me.
After 13 years on the Committee and 10 years as Chairman I will be handing over at the next
A&M. The Unit is grateful for the continuing Rotary Service of Rtn. Jonathan Porter, partner of
Mayo Wynne Baxter who serves the Unit Management Team as Honorary Solicitor.
Finance: The Unit is struggling financially to meet running costs of about £12,000 a year. Around
50% of this is raised from subscriptions, and the remainder from donations. The Unit is seeking a
grant from 'Children in Need' to top up the fund to replace their second minibus at a cost circa
£26,000. Lack of funds is now in real prospect a major threat and impacting on reducing training.
Funding remains the perennial challenge.
Premises: The premises are in a poor state of repair and need a lot of money to bring them back
up to scratch. The Probation Service has provided a Community Payback team to decorate. A
grant has been sought for safety improvements to the boat ramp, but otherwise, available funds are
consumed by the cost of providing training leaving little or nothing for building repairs.
R E Hambiyn
External Organisation Report - 3VA
I am the Club’s representative to the 3VA organisation and I am its chairman of trustees. To
remind members, 3VA is the council for voluntary services for a substantial part of the County. It
covers the Districts of Eastbourne, Lewes and Wealden. With a population of around 340,000, 3VA
has over 500 member organisations. The purpose of 3VA is to provide advice, training and
information to the community and voluntary sector and to advocate on their behalf.
At a time of financial constraint it is pleasing to report that the organisation’s finances remain
sound. The various statutory funders have not reduced their contributions this year. Moreover, there
has been sufficient success in attracting grants from national sources to keep everything on an even
keel.
This year an electronically delivered newsletter has been introduced and is updated weekly.
Member organisations have received this well as it is proving to be an effective way of keeping them
up to speed with new policies, legal requirements, and funding news. It has been used on a number
of occasions to promote this Club’s activities.
One of 3VA’s roles is to help groups get started, and 30 have been helped this year.
Searching for funds is invariably high on any group’s list of priorities and we have assisted in making
applications totalling £7.3m. Funding fairs in Lewes and in Eastbourne have helped keep people
apprised of opportunities.
Another key task is the promotion of volunteering and it is estimated that the full economic
value of voluntary effort contributed in our area is £1 million per week. 3VA is the managing agent for
the East Sussex Volunteer Bureau.
Training is a vital function. Some 32 courses have been delivered in the past 12 months
covering a wide variety of topics and 144 different groups have benefited.
I am grateful to the Club for allowing me to be its representative as I feel committed to the
work of the third sector and appreciate the opportunity to make a contribution.
Rtn Alan Wenham