The Michael Holt Debate took place between teams from North and South Bromsgrove High Schools (pictured left with teachers) on 31 January at Droitwich Golf Club, watched attentively by an audience of Rotarians from the Rotary Clubs of Bromsgrove and North Worcestershire. The motion for debate was: ‘This House believes that the principle of democratic government has become less popular around the world, and is being replaced by unelected bodies.’  The team from South Bromsgrove ( pictured right with a member of teaching staff) was judged as the winning team, taking the trophy from North Bromsgrove this year. Both teams gave a very convincing and professional performance, which contributed to a most enjoyable evening.

The Rotary Club of Bromsgrove is delighted to be sponsoring jointly with the Rotary Club of North Worcestershire the Michael Holt Debate, which will take place on 31 January between North and South Bromsgrove High Schools at Droitwich Golf Club.

A very enjoyable evening took place on 24 January at Rosados Restaurant, when we welcomed two members of staff from St Johns Middle School in Bromsgrove, Head Teacher Geraint Roberts and Matt Ridge (pictured with President Deborah Roberts). They gave an interesting talk to members about the outcomes of the Summer School run by St Johns in 2016, which we supported financially. The meeting was attended also by Assistant Governor John Barker, and we were delighted to welcome Vikas Sehdeva as a guest of Amal Rampal.

Our very best wishes go to all those with whom we have worked during 2016!

The Rotary Club of Bromsgrove is extremely grateful to Morrisons for allowing us to carry out a charity collection on 22 December 2016 at the store in Bromsgrove. The collection with donations by the public raised almost £500 on the day for charitable causes supported by Rotary.

The Rotary Club of Bromsgrove is pleased to be supporting the new Chadsgrove Learning Centre. The first phase of the project was opened on 8 December 2016, and two Rotarians were able to be present. The occasion featured in ‘the Standard’ newspaper on 16 December. The Centre will allow young people from 19-25 years to learn life skills in a safe environment.

Our Christmas function will take place on 6 December 2016 at the Nailers Arms in Bournheath.

At our Fellowship Meeting on 22 November 2016 at Rosados Restaurant, where we enjoyed a superb meal, President Deborah Roberts was delighted to welcome District Governor Peter Roberts, Jackie Hooper from the Basement Project, and Tammy Wilson a recent Girl Guide award recipient, who was supported on her trip to the USA where she met many other Guides and engaged in some volunteering. Jackie Hooper spoke about the work of the Basement Project in Bromsgrove, which is a charity we have chosen to support this year. The District Governor gave us an informative talk about Rotary projects and initiatives at District and national levels.

This article in ‘the Standard’ of 11 November 2016 records the excellent partnership of the Rotary Club of Bromsgrove in collaboration with Oakland Foundation to provide enhanced facilities for the students of Catshill Middle School.