Student Reports: On Thursday, September 28 Isabel Sketchley-Murray is coming to report on her project in Nepal and on 12 October Ed Sanders will describe climbing Mt Kilimanjaro (supporting Meningitis Research Foundation to which the Club has already made a donation).

These are part of a series of reports from local students, whom the Club helps to raise funds to go on worthwhile projects overseas in which they help with local building projects or take part in educational programmes.

Local Events: The next major event is the annual Tree of Light and popular mulled wine stall at the Christmas Fair on Saturday afternoon 2 December. The lights, which have been donated in memory of loved ones, will be switched on at 6pm. Last year the Tree of Light and mulled wine stall at the Christmas Fair together raised well over £2000.

Next month we shall be distributing leaflets in the town and villages, by which people can make a donation (c. £5 or more) in memory of departed loved ones. The names will be displayed on the tree and on a list in the Post Office. The proceeds will as usual be shared between local charities.

This is a continuing part of our programme of service within the community. Over the years with your support and generosity we have raised and distributed in excess of £100,000 for local and international projects and charities. As there are no administration costs or wages to pay, every penny you helped us raise has gone directly to where it is needed.

Once again we will have a stall selling mulled wine and mince pies to raise money for local good causes. Come and help us if you can spare the time.

New members: On Thursday 14 October Jill Leese and Brian Gray were inducted as Rotarians, making five new members in all this year. The increase in membership gives the Club extra resources to serve within the community.

Recent reports: Katie Pritchard gave a confident and informative talk on 24 August about her experiences in Peru with Camps International for three months from February this year. She had researched to find a charity that made a difference for local people, and not just provided "voluntourism". During her two weeks she helped to build five toilet blocks. Moving on to Camp Colca she worked on constructing a greenhouse, necessary because of the high winds and low winter temperatures. Work at her next camp on the shore of Lake Titicaca also involved greenhouses, plus the chance to teach English. Conditions at each camp were basic, without electricity and transport, except for a community truck. She ended her stay with a five day trek to Machu Picchu reaching an altitude of 4600 metres.

Katie's reflections on the trip included the bonding with fellow participants; the problem of altitude sickness; the language barrier; and no telephones - the whole experience was a real eye-opener!

Once again Katie' experience showed the value of our part in helping determined young people to make a difference outside their comfort zones, and the benefit to us of hearing of their experiences.

Further events:

Thursday, 21 December - Christmas Dinner.

New members and enquirers are always welcome at our meetings at the Cotswold House Hotel on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at 6.45 for 7pm. Please note revised meeting time. Membership is open to women and men.

JAMES R ANDERSON