Bulletin highlights July to December 2011
President: Joan Banks
July/Aug 2011
21 Jul Focus Interview with President E
28 Jul Meeting Cancelled
4 Aug M Coupe – ‘The Deltic Experience’ E
11 Aug Business Meeting L
18 Aug K Halstead & A Holt ‘my job’ talks E
25 Aug District Governor Rtn D Ellis L Broadfield Hotel
1 Sep President’s Charity
(Alzheimers Society) E
8 Sep Rosie Richard – Trip to Chile L
Rtn Brian Cunliffe
It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Brian Cunliffe last Thursday. Our thoughts go out to his family and everyone who knew him. We hope to have a tribute to Brian in the next bulletin.
Brian’s funeral is on Friday 22nd July, firstly at Accrington Crematorium at 10.15 am followed by a Remembrance Service at Whalley Parish Church, Church Lane Clitheroe BB7 9SS which will start at 11.15 am. Please let John Kay know as soon as possible if you wish to attend for catering purposes.
Soul Night in aid of NSPCC
Bob’s Trek to Machu Picchu in aid of the NSPCC presents Soul Night 2011.
Following the success of last year’s event, Soul Provider are making a welcome return to the Riverside Suite (formally Whitworth Civic Hall) on Friday 16th September. The fun starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £12.50, which includes a buffet supper. More details and tickets are available from Rotarian
Rtn. Bob Chadwick.
President’s Remarks
Only two days after I became president, I had my first Rotary duty to perform. A visit to the Hanging Gardens of Syke. What a fantastic project this is and already going strong in Kenya. All the young people at Syke were as excited about growing food in Asda bags as David. We must help him spread the word.
Syke Community Centre itself was an eye-opener, very impressive. Congratulations to Sheila and her volunteers on what they have achieved.
On 7th July I presented the Rotary trophy for “Unsung Hero” at Redwood School’s Sport’s Personalities’ Awards Evening. This was a really happy occasion. The Gracie Fields Theatre was full of enthusiastic youngsters who obviously love every minute they spend at their school.
Friday 8th was our club trip on the Settle to Carlisle railway organised by David S. A really good day out, enjoyed by everyone. This was followed by an enormous, excellently cooked meal in Settle. Well done David.
On Sunday 10th Anneliese and I went to the Rochdale Youth Orchestra’s “Summer Spectacular” – it certainly lived up to its name. We have a lot of highly talented young people in this borough but we must never underestimate the time and dedication given by a few adults who work so hard to nurture that talent.
I had my first full club meeting on the 14th July and it was a meeting of extremes. Richard Newmark, the President of Padiham RC, who was on his way to visit us, emailed me at 11.45am. He told me of the death of Brian Cunliffe that morning after a short illness. It was a very sad start to the meeting he will be greatly missed.
At the other extreme I had the great pleasure of inducting John Holder into our club. I am sure he will be a great asset. More from Elvet.
This was followed by a talk from Bob about Shelter Box. I think Rotary is justifiably proud of this project, as we are of Bob in the way he has committed himself to Shelter Box service at both club and District level.
I had a lovely card from President Ann thanking us for the flowers presented to her at her inauguration as Inner Wheel president. This is Ann’s second term as president and I am sure she will have a great year now that she knows the job inside out!
It has been a busy three weeks and I am really looking forward to the rest of the year.
Thank you for making me your president.
President Joan
Life Box Packing.
After 3 or is it 4 years, I have now handed over the job of organising our teams to Bob Chadwick.
This is a thank you to all our volunteers who have willingly cooperated with me and given their time to this work, which sometimes may have been frustrating!, a little dirty but which brings out the best in "service above self".
One has to admire Dr.Pam and the Denton & Audenshaw club (possibly the smallest in RIBI)
For undertaking this huge task. Thank you again and keep up the good work.
Rtn Stan Fielding
Rtn David Mackay – New Address
David and Con MacKay’s new address is 39 Fismes Way, Wem, Shropshire, SY4 5YD. You can also contact them on telephone number 01939 768176. David says that visitors are more than welcome should you be in the area.
Rotary Book Club
Dates of upcoming book club meetings are:-
• Monday 1st August at John Cannell's -Through Gates of Fire by Martin Bell
• Monday 5th September at Stan Fielding's -Not on my Patch lad by Mike Pannett
Rtn Elvet Smith
3 Peaks Walk June 2011 Rotary Staggerers
The 3 Peaks walk was a regular club fundraising event in the 90s. I was a raw Rotary recruit when Jack Howorth, Dean Sherriff et al walked tall and dragged me along Pen Y Ghent, Wernside and Ingleborough when Settle Rotary (keen walkers in those days) organised the event. Twenty five miles over rocks, bogs, fallen bodies, potholes, rivers, waterfalls; leg aching lung bursting territory (worse in bad weather).
The challenge (my third go) was one I thought worth trying again. Heart research UK were this time the excellent organisers. Could I do it again? Raising charity funds; also great scenery for photos – these were the incentives.
That walking machine Mike (the Power) Tomkinson, young buck(eng)ineer Bob (the box) Chadwick were obvious club members with the guile and magnificent physiques up to the challenge. Not far behind ex Peruvian Andean conquistador David (longshanks) Smithard and myself (South Walean mountain goat).
A grey morning dawned ; Liz remarkably perky (? Just a front concealing her loathing of such an idiotic adventure) wonder woman cooked some bacon and eggs a la farmer’s fayre at 5 am made me wonder if I might do it again another time! Large pot of tea half consumed when Bob perkily appeared to polish off the rest! David and Mike woke up the rest of Bamford way coming in to the pit stop outside our house.
David’s large blue (butterfly?) Jag was filled with walkers waving bye bye to Liz apologising for not wearing her pearls this time. Speedily belting along motorway to Skipton and on to Settle and Horton in Ribblesdale . David and the rest looked increasingly depressed by a weather front coming in from a very wet Irish sea. To cheer folks up I breezily said ‘it’ll burn off later’-this phrase came back to haunt me later!
The registration at 7.30am was in a large Heart research UK tent in a field and nerves jangled when we were given a whistle and large tinfoil blanket to escape complete isolation and / or hypothermia. Unlike previous Settle Rotary organised walks there were no buses to take us to the start of Pen Y Ghent and a slog through an increasingly wet Horton led us up over a windswept cloud-capped 2000 footer.
Slipping and scrambling over bare rocky paths (sometimes needing a shove up from whoever was behind) took us onto the misty top where Will o’ the Wisp photos were taken. Next, down a bog-ridden river valley to Ribblehead.
At one point I broke into that old favourite with Hippos - Mud Mud Glorious Mud! but disappointed no one had the breath or knowledge of the words (average age 25ish) to join in. David tripped over submerged mantrap fencing wire to cover 3 limbs with the brown stuff (other limb grabbed by Mike).
Narrow stiles and walkways reduced our pace in the midst of about 400 other walkers and absolutely soaking conditions (10 out of 10 on the wetness scale). Arrived for lunch 12 noon at Ribblehead having done what seemed like a paltry 10 miles. David and myself regretted not putting in more practice walks (my boots also reminded me they were 15 years old). Weather improved however and slowly we slogged on up the gradual incline over Wernside. After a powwow the Power and The Box broke loose for the whole slog while David and myself went another 7 miles over Wernside (marvellous views of viaduct and surrounds from the top made us glad we’d pushed on this far). Mobile phone reception excellent for first and last time) - spouses relieved to hear we were breathing.
Mike risked News of the World tapping by having satellite linkup on his person somewhere and could be traced on Google by anyone interested in his whereabouts (mainly Heather and Dad).
One big change from my previous 3 Peaks walks was the new stone paved tracks used to protect the pathways from subsidence and damage. These were quite hard on the feet and even the Power longed for a nice bit of grass underneath. A bus was ready to take us back to Horton finish where we waited for Mike and Bob to come sprinting in at 6 o clock (they could have pretended to be more tired). We toyed with rehydration via the local ale but drove back in a glorious sunny evening - it had burned off at last! Over £300 raised from sponsors. There is another one next year; for anyone still interested contact SAS website for details.
Rtn Elvet Smith
Past President Remarks
Our New Committees evening had a different look to it this time. At the last minute I thought that it might be a Good Idea if, instead of all shuffling around after the meal, we all sat in committee order, so that the new members could get to know members of their committee whilst eating. Apart from a bit of a panic getting the tables re-arranged, I think it worked out OK.
Our next meeting on the 9th of June was an insight to an investiture, specifically that of Ken Davies, from Rochdale East club, when he went to the palace to receive his MBE. It all means a lot more when it’s ‘one of ours’. Ken, smiling as ever, answered a few questions after the DVD. An interesting and informative meeting.
On the 16th of June we had the second President’s charity evening, to allow me to present a couple of cheques, one each to the Migraine Action Association and Christie’s. Mary Ayres, president of the MAA came up from London and gave a talk on the history of the MAA from its inception in 1958 to the present day. Terry Dean from Christie’s joined us too, already enjoying his (very) recent retirement – a matter of a few hours! After the presentation of the cheques, totalling £1,400 each this year, I was pleased to see that both Mary & Terry spent quite some time after I’d closed the meeting, talking with members. Thanks for your interest, and I hope it will prove useful to those seeking information.
The Presidential handover at the Broadfield went well, with much hilarity and an excellent meal. I was pleased to see some familiar faces visiting for the evening.
Well my term in office has now come to an end. It’s been a good year for me, with great support from you, the membership, making my task so much easier. Thanks for allowing me the privilege of being your President.
Over to you, Joan, incoming President and the first lady President of The Rotary Club of Rochdale!
Immediate Past President John
John Holder Joins Our Batting Line Up
Joan, in her first meeting of her Presidential year, made John a member.All the Rotary remembers his visitor's evening talk in 2010 and were pleased John had got to the crease.He is now settled in Rochdale after a long career travelling all over the world. Not to take too much away from John’s job talk John born in the town of Superlative in Barbados, came to Rochdale College in his 20s and became a Rochdalian.
His fast bowling career was cut short by injury but he became an umpire and his unflappable calm personality helped him to become a highly respected umpire for County, Test and Lancashire league matches.
He was nicknamed Benson as cricketers noticed he resembled the calm straight talking butler in the American TV series of the early 1980s looking after a dysfunctional family -rather like hotheaded cricketers!.
With John Hampshire another Lancashire ex-cricketer he went to become first neutral umpire to officiate games between Pakistan and India. These games had previously been unsavoury contests between players fuelled by local umpires afraid to make decisions going against their own national team. All went so well that the neutral umpire became the norm for internationals. He later invented the 'bowl out' to settle one-day games affected by the weather.
He worked with all the top umpires like Dicky Bird - John was the calm contrast with Dickie’s highly-strung personality. He was particularly impressed by fellow umpire Steve Buckner, another calming influence in the game.. Welcome to John!
Rtn Elvet Smith
1 September 2011 (2011 – Edition 6)
Date Programme Time
1 Sep President’s Charity T Taylor
(Alzheimer’s Society) E
8 Sep Rosie Richard – Trip to Chile L
15 Sep Round the World in 38 Days
David Smithard E
22 Sep Rtn David Logan
‘Friends of Springfield Park L
29 Sep Presidents Charity E
Borough Wide Users Forum
6 Oct Business Meeting E
13 Oct Derek Heywood L
20 Oct Rotary Clubs’ Quiz E
Dates for your diary
• 11 September – Rochdale Craft Fair.
• 24 September – Membership Forum
• 27 September – Club Council
• 3 Oct, 7 Nov & 5 Dec – Book Club.
• 7 to 9 Oct – Rotary District Conference.
• 20 October – Rotary Club Quiz
• 3 November – Visitors Evening
• 17 November – Charter Night
• 8 December – Special General Meeting
• 15 December – Rotary Christmas Meal
• 17 December – Bag Packing
Seniors out Castleton Bowling 24th Sept
The day was mostly fine and over 20 keen looking seniors enjoyed watching and playing bowls on the large crown green. A posse of Inner wheelers and President Joan gave a wide array of sarnies to hungry bowlers and non bowlers alike. The cream cake and lemon drizzle was washed down with PG pyramid shaped tea. To cap it off (or on, in Keith’s instance), a smoothie called Jonathon Swift sang a wide range of old favourites from the Sinatra music book.
More bowling ensued this time with showery bursts not enough to deter Mike Tomkinson in full bowling/trainer mode. PPs Smith and Cannell tried out their new second –hand bowls and blamed the weather and awkward green for their waywardness. The Bowling adventure went off well – thanks to all who contributed including John Penman, treasurer of the bowling club, who manned the bar and got everything ready for the onslaught.
PP Rtn Elvet Smith
President’s Remarks
As I write this it is a beautiful Bank Holiday Saturday and I am a rugby widow, Keith has gone away for the weekend to watch the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley. This past month has been very interesting and busy.
On 21st July it was the President’s Focus Interview, which I was a little nervous about I must confess. However David was so calm and laid back that I had no need to worry. I hope the members found it interesting.
We cancelled the meeting on 28th as it clashed with Peter Smith’s funeral. We all wanted to pay our respects to this very special and well loved man.
On the 4th August I had the great pleasure of inducting Irene Davidson as a member of our club. I have known Irene for a long time as she was a member of Rochdale ’86 when I was. I know her to be a hard working, enthusiastic Rotarian and I am sure she will be a great asset. Welcome Irene.
This was followed by a talk by Martin about his Deltic experience – a birthday present which involved manning and driving a steam engine, even getting down onto the tracks to uncouple the engine. He obviously had a wonderful day and this came across in his fascinating talk. Certainly a day of Big Boys’ Toys.
On the 10th Aug some of us went on the Inner Wheel trip to Harewood House. The weather forecast had been grim but we experienced only a small amount of rain, not enough to spoil the day. We had a good meal together with waitress service and found plenty to see and do to fill our time. Harewood House is definitely worth a visit.
We had our first business meeting on 11th Aug when points from the Council meeting were discussed. The main subject for discussion was a new innovation, “Friends of Rochdale Rotary Club” which is being masterminded by John Kay. We decided to try it for a year and decide then on its success.
Kate Halstead and Allister Holt gave their “Job Talks” on 18th Aug. Kate’s wicked sense of humour made us laugh at some of her experiences as a legal secretary and Allister made us gasp at the dangers a fireman faces. Both talks were excellent and we all felt to know them better at the end of the evening.
Wednesday morning (24th Aug) saw me back at Syke Community Centre for a follow up photo shoot to show the progress of the grow bags. The sight that greeted me when I arrived was spectacular. A magnificent display of runner beans, peas, kale, khol rabi and mint all growing and cropping in Asda carrier bags. It really is amazing what David has achieved and as he says, if it can be done hanging in a concrete mill yard it can be done anywhere.
That afternoon was our Seniors Out at Castleton Bowling Club organised by Elvet. Keith “Jonathan” Swift sang all afternoon while people chatted or played bowls. There was plenty of food organised and overseen by Inner Wheel – a big thank you to them. All those who attended enjoyed it immensely. Well done Elvet.
Thursday 25th was our annual visit from our District Governor. This year we are fortunate to have David Ellis as our DG. He is progressive and keen to implement changes to improve Rotary and make it less formidable to prospective members. He explained the training given to DGs Elect and made us aware of the internationality of the movement. He sent me a lovely letter thanking us for our hospitality and participation in what he had to say. We will meet him again, with his wife Denise, at Charter and before that at Conference in Scarborough., two events that I am really looking forward to.
President Joan
Tribute to Rotarian Brian Cunliffe. P.H.F.
Brian was the longest serving if not the eldest member of the club. In 1963, he formed one of a dozen father and son partnerships in the long history of the club after he joined as a new member.
He was educated at Giggleswick School (where two of the Masters had created the Three Peaks Walk many years before), served in the forces in Greece and returned to the cotton mill owning family in Rochdale as the third generation.
The early fifties were a busy time. Having joined the Conservative Party two years earlier, he married Joyce in 1950 and they moved to live in and around Whalley. To both his family and the Conservative Party, he gave long and selfless service. His span with the party covered every Prime Minister from Winston Churchill to David Cameron and he became principal fund raiser in the North West, ceaselessly coaxing, cajoling, coercing and commanding donations from suppliers, customers, local industry, commerce and friends alike. In the Margaret Thatcher era his efforts were rewarded with an OBE.
To the Rotary movement and to his family he was totally devoted. Until the week before his death, he continued to work one day a week in the business and to bring Joyce to the Rotary lunches. He was renowned for his tombolas at charity functions, bringing his board and corks and many prizes as well. His offices were always available as the distribution centre for Christmas parcels, he served on Council, was President of the club in 1976-77 and more recently was appointed a Paul Harris Fellow.
Brian Cunliffe is in photo gallery with his wife Joyce being awarded his Paul Harris Fellow Award by then President Elvet Smith.
Brian was a total traditionalist. At the highest level he lived a life of loyalty and selfless effort for others. At a more modest level, he could be heard to mutter to his friends about those who did not wear a tie or did not stand up to address the President at club meetings.
Brian will always remembered with admiration and affection. It was with great sadness that we learned of his death and our thoughts continue to go out to his family and everyone who knew him.
Rtn Jack Howarth
Tribute to Honorary Member Rtn. Peter Smith P.H.F
We were all saddened and shocked to learn of the sudden death of Peter Smith just over a month ago.
Peter was a loyal and dedicated member for more than 20 years. He was a former Chairman of Round Table and joined the Rotary Club of Rochdale in early 1979. He briefly left the club in May 1981 through the pressures of his own textile business, but rejoined the club in 1990.
In the 1990s his business took him and Gill on many regular journeys to Italy but he always found time for Rotary. His outside interests at that time were described as skiing, good food and wine, plus some serious walking at home. This is where Peter’s input provided the momentum for us to start our Charity Fund raising walks, which became known as the Water Walks.
Peter started this project off in the early 1990s and it continued in the same format until a few years ago, raising over £65,000 for Rotary Charities. When Peter became President in 1999 he promoted another memorable event to mark the new millennium with The Feast of a Thousand Years at the Town Hall raising a further £5,000.
His interest in Rotary after his Presidency continued with his enthusiastic support for The Rotary Foundation and in particular the exchange visits of the GSE teams. He worked with the District Officers to make these visits successful educational exchanges.
Peter Smith is in photo gallery receiving his Paul Harris Fellowship Award from then President John Cannell.
Although latterly he became an Honorary Member to spend more time with his family, he maintained contact with the Club at regular meetings and many of our charitable events. His commitment to the Club and in particular the Rotary Foundation, was recognised last year through a well deserved Paul Harris Award.
We will all miss his dedication, good humour and tangible contribution to the Club over many years and we send our sincere condolences to Gill, Joanne, Michael and all the family.
Rtn. Martin Coupe
THE THREE PEAKS WALK. A GHOSTLY MYSTERY
Following the recent three peaks walk by the club team a mysterious image has appeared on one of the photographs. I have researched numerous possibilities and discovered that there is a fable in the Settle area regarding who this might be.
Local folklore has it that this may be the ghost of a Celtic Monk from an ancient order of healers who, so legend has it, keeps watch on the moors for anyone in need of assistance. He is said to be an expert in treating the ailments of injured walkers.
Further evidence has come from a Historian at the British Medical Association who has clearly identified the white item on the Monk’s cassock as a medieval prescription pad.
Additionally the fact that he was in close attendance to David Smithard tends to suggest that this ghostly spectre may have known in advance that David was to be a victim of some hidden barbed wire on the trail and was therefore ready to lend immediate assistance.
Local legend also maintains that his appearance on the hills is a portent of dreadful weather that can only be assuaged by the utterance of an ancient ode namely: Worry ye not for ‘twill burn off later.
I understand that following the moorland apparition, the Pendle Mountain Rescue Team may adopt this esteemed mender of clapped out walkers as their mascot. A mystery indeed.
Rtn Mike Tomkinson
President: Joan Banks
13 October 2011 (2011 – Edition 7)
Date Programme Time
20 Oct Rotary Clubs’ Quiz E
27 Oct ‘The Ark Royal’ - Peter Messum L
3 Nov Visitors Evening E
10 Nov Ian Madeley L
17 Nov Charter Night E
24 Nov Geoff Howard L
1 Dec Machu Picchu – Bob Chadwick E
Meeting at the Broadfield Hotel
8 Dec Special General Meeting L
15 Dec Christmas Meal E
22 Dec & 29 Dec *** No Meeting***
Craft Fair
The amount collected for the Craft Fair were
£1053 (raffle) and £780 (CF tables). Well done again to David and everyone who helped with the event
Rtn John Whitley
Dates for your diary
• 3 November – Visitors Evening
• 17 December – Bag Packing
• 2 March 2012 – Whiskey Tasting
An update from the book group
Our group has been going for two years know and it’s begun to be clearer where our ‘tendencies’ lie. The Cannell likes a bit of science and books to nod off to (is there a difference?). Personally (pardon the expression) I like excitement; novel twists and turns (typical Rotarian) and if it can be read in a weekend so much the better! The Whitley seems a bit more interested in the basic things of life with robust Bacchanalian interest (wink.wink,nod,nod).
The Fielding (in between trips to Urgent care centre) has not forgotten his roots and cops abound - I didn’t know they existed in Yorkshire! The Smithard is harder to work out – his range seems limitless. To have a break from book group he’s off to the Himalayas next year!
Further details on Rotary website. Come to David Smithard’s 7.30 pm on November 7th if you’re interested but let him know so he’ll get more nourishment for you.
Rtn Elvet Smith
China City Banquet
The International Committee are organising a Chinese Banquet to be held at China City, Nelson Street, Rochdale on Wednesday 9th November with a 7 for 7.30 start. The three course meal will be served to each table in a banquet fashion thus avoiding the long queues of last year.
Tickets are £15 per person and can be obtained from Bob Chadwick, John Whitley or Derek Heywood. Each table will accommodate 10 people so please inform Bob, John or Derek of any ‘group’ bookings for the seating plan. Proceeds in aid of Shelterbox and Lifebox.
Rtn Bob Chadwick
President’s Remarks
Twenty six of us, a mixture of members and spouces, have just spent the weekend together at the Rotary District Conference in Scarborough. It was a wonderful experience. We listened to many inspirational speakers.
Jerry Meigs and Ray Burman from RI and RIBI respectively, brought the Rotary message with clarity and humour. Danny Lane, who is profoundly deaf, is a talented musician, grade 8 piano and a degree in music. He told us about his upbringing and the problems of playing in a quartet when he couldn’t hear anything. He really made us laugh. But what an achievement, actually his greatest achievement is talking normally on a platform to hundreds of people while being unable to hear their response. He is now the Education Project Manager of Music for the Deaf bringing music and obvious pleasure (as seen on his DVD) to deaf youths. An amazing man.
We also heard from Rtn Geoff Mackey who was hilarious, Col Bob Stewart who was awe inspiring and Simon Maddrell whose Excellent project of Sand Dams caught all our imaginations.
The speaker who I found most touching was Craig Hammond. Suffering from a debilitating stammer, Craig was bullied and ridiculed at school. As a young man he suffered depression and despair and turned to drugs and bad company. When his son Blaze was born he experienced a love he never knew existed and resolved to become a better person for his son’s sake. He enrolled on the Starfish Project which taught him to breath correctly to control his speech and this he felt set him free. He spoke to us fluently and inspiringly with amazing humour about the problems he had encountered as a stammerer. He teaches the breathing technique through Starfish and is a motivational speaker to many organisations. He has started the Blaze Charity to help disaffected children in schools.
The conference finale was Two Men in White Coats. John Kilcoyne and Jeff Teasdale, two chemists, gave us a very interesting and humorous chemistry lesson and finished the weekend with a bang – literally.
The conference was a huge success, the entertainment was of a very high standard and the fellowship during the weekend was first class. Listening to the speakers and seeing the project exhibits has given our newer members a real insight into what Rotary is all about. The whole experience has reinforced our reasons for being Rotarians and has recharged our enthusiasm.
Next year is Southport 26-28th October ……see you there?
President Joan
The Saga of a Would Be Fencer
I be a man who likes demarcation,
It comes from growing up restricted
In terraced house with outside loo.
No one wants to hear what others do
Inside their property where they grew
Whatever weeds or flowers visited
Twas but a simple idea discovered
One fine day all sunny and so balmy.
Ideas soared above easy notions
Lubricated by intoxicating potions
To build a fence not privet fractions
It seemed so easy, no fears, no deficiency
On waves of euphoria, high excitement,
Books written so clear it looked so neat
In southern gardens, soil clear of ripples,
Flat as a snooker table no sign of dimples
Look at that easy way of doing fence poles
It didn’t look heavy no thought of sweat
The text book and the internet website
Seduced me into parting with money
That fence so dull became Prague panel
With metal spikes put along the channel
Hit with sledge hammer via the Cannell
All looked straightforward milk and honey
Problems started in the outside world
Where land goes down then up and down
Neighbours garden lower than this side
Stones in the ground and both arms flied
To sink the spikes one hoped they’d slide
One positive thing my arms had grown
On the homeward road I’ve finally recovered
A boundary long since forgotten and trodden
By cats and birds - they forget they’re sodden
This Autumn barrier has spread the garden
Amazing width of hedge and box
Has given way to paeonies and phlox
'Twas a long travail and ne’er forgotten!
Poeticus Muscularis Elvetius
Rochdale Borough Users Forum
in photo gallery President Joan (centre) with Chairman Jerry March (left) and Development manager Hilary Myers (right) representing Rochdale Borough Users Forum visited the club on 6 October.