THE ROTARY CLUBS OF AVALON & WELLS   The 8th Annual Wells Charity Boules Tournament, held in Wells Market Place   It is that time of year, a sunny day in July when folk have fun whilst raising much needed monies for a worthwhile cause – what more could you ask? I refer, of course, to the annual Wells Charity Boules Tournament, held on Sunday 13th July, 2008.   For the eighth successive year, the area outside Wells Town Hall was transformed into Boules Pistes, with bar and an al fresco buffet lunch. As ever, a jazz band provided the background music throughout the day to create the unique atmosphere we are proud to bring to Wells each year.  Organised by the Rotary Clubs of Avalon and Wells, forty-eight teams, consisting of local families, businesses, Rotarians and Boules enthusiasts, competed throughout the day, with play commencing at 9.30am and finishing at 5.30pm. The entry cost per team was £80.00, (same as previous two years) which included four tickets for our delicious buffet lunch and four tickets for coffee and croissant. Four players per team can play at any one time, however, you can have as many members per team as you wish, rotating your team players to ensure everyone has a chance to play. Additional lunch tickets are available to purchase in advance at £10.00 per person and coffee/croissant tickets at £2.00 per person. The money raised from entry fees, piste sponsorship and other sources will be donated to The Nepal Trust. We have raised in excess of £30,000 for this charity since starting the annual Charity Boules Tournament back in 2000.  As you might be aware from the media, elections have recently taken place in Nepal and hopefully stability within the country will prevail. I visited Humla (North West corner of Nepal where The Nepal Trust operates) last Autumn for 5-6 weeks to visit the health centres and other projects that The Nepal Trust is involved with. The situation was not good, with many of the health centres in need of refurbishment due to damage by the Maoist guerrillas and some serious repair work needed to the micro hydro projects. There were many malnourished children and adults, with healthcare minimal. A two year plan has been formulated to ensure that all the NT projects will be operational again and providing essential help in this very remote and poor area. All monies raised on the Boules day go direct to The Nepal Trust, whose overheads are minimal.

Wells Cathedral School Concert at St John's Church Glastonbury on 18 Jan 2008   St John's Church Glastonbury was full on the evening of the 18th January, full with people and filled with music - provided by the young and talented musicians of Wells Cathedral School - and yes, it was good music, with a well-performed, varied programme. The school's chapel choir numbers over 50, and they focused intently on their charismatic young conductor Christopher Finch; the result was beautiful singing with excellent diction.  Christopher's fledgling career has taken him around England, including  directing a festival of contemporary South American music in York.     The concert opened with a fanfare from the school's Brass Ensemble - a striking start by a group of 10, who performed twice more during the evening, with works by Handel, Bach and Dvorak. The 4 trombonists from the group joined the 8 strong 'Trombone Choir' whose programme included an arrangement of Scarborough Fair.  Organ duties were shared by Ghislaine Reece-Trapp, a year 10 pupil and Samual Hudson, who took up the post of senior organ scholar at Wells Cathedral in March 2006     The concert was a charity evening, organised by The Rotary Club of Avalon, and was introduced by the President David Lane.  Funds raised will benefit St Margaret's Hospice and their local community fundraiser, Mrs Sue Medlicott, spoke during the evening, of the service to the community given by the Hospice Group.  Without doubt, those that attended enjoyed a real musical treat.

Visit by the President of the Parliament of Lower Saxony   The President of the Parliament of Lower Saxony, Herr Jurgen Gansauer visited during November 07. The parliament is based in Hannover, overseeing the second biggest (in terms of population) of the 16 German Regional Parliaments. As part of a busy schedule he joined club members as the guest of honour at a dinner on 22nd November, held at the Bishop's Palace, during which he spoke about 'The Historical Relationship of Lower Saxony and the United Kingdom - the House of Hannover having provided 6 of our monarchs.  Feasting on Fish & Chips at Knight's Fish & Chip Restaurant, Glastonbury   The principal guests, prior to dinner at The bishop's Palace   In the Mayor's Parlour at Glastonbury with (left to right) The Mace Bearers, The Town Cryer - Graham Coles, The Mayor - Councillor John Brusdon MBE, President Jurgen Gansauer and the Town Clerk - Jane Czornij   Mrs Ute Borchers-Siebrecht with President Jurgen Gansauer

The Rotary Club of Avalon was formed in 1986 from its Mother Clubs: Glastonbury & Street and Wells. Historical Items can be found under the Archive section ...

Archive

Avalon Burns Night   It was 'Tartan Turnout' by the members and guest of Avalon Rotary Club who celebrated Burns Night at the Camelot Inn. Polsham, and yes, it was done with all the Scottish trimmings!     There was a piped welcome for the guests followed by the Selkirk Grace given by Rotarian Tony Rawlings. Piper Craig McFarlane piped the haggis, which was addressed and toasted by Rotarian John McDowall.  Of course there were Tattie and Neeps, and inhibition levels lowered as the whisky flowed!!     There were readings of Burns best known poetry, before the address tot he Immortal Bard were given by John McDowall. A humorous toast to the Lassies was proposed by Rotarian "William Wallace", responded to in a likewise light vein by the Club Presidents wife Kathy Lane.  Tradition prescribes that the evening ended with an enthusiastic rendering of Auld Lang Syne.

Visit by the President of the Parliament of Lower Saxony The President of the Parliament of Lower Saxony, Herr Jurgen Gansauer will visit during November. The parliament is based in Hannover, overseeing the second biggest (in terms of population) of the 16 German Regional Parliaments. As part of a busy schedule he will join club members as the guest of honour at a dinner on 22nd November to be held at the Bishop's Palace, during which he will talk about 'The Historical Relationship of Lower Saxony and the United Kingdom' - the House of Hannover having provided 6 of our monarchs.  The timetable for the dinner is as follows: 6:00 PM    Press Conference 6:45 PM    Formal Reception of Guests 7:30 PM    Dinner A detailed timetable for the visit is here. Tickets cost £26.00, dress is Lounge Suits.

Avalon Vocational Dinner   Members, partners and friends of the Rotary Club of Avalon and The Rotary Club of Wells packed Coxley Vineyard to capacity on Saturday 27th October for their annual Vocational Dinners     The evening was opened and closed by Rotarian David Lane of the Avalon Club, its current acting president.   This year's guest of honour was the Rt Hon Jacob Rees-Mogg.  His address opened with details of his political background, though his family background is one of service; for generations they have never had a family member in the House of Commons, now it could be a race between Mr Rees Mogg and his younger sister.   He has twice stood unsuccessfully, but is now the Conservative candidate for the North East Somerset Parliamentary constituency.  His address centred on his love for Somerset where he and his family have lived for 300 years.    The vote of thanks was given by Rotarian Wendy Lucas, the President of the Rotary Club of Wells.

Avalon Rotary Donations     Rugby Reward   At a recent meeting of the club, held at the Camelot Inn, David Lane (right) the acting club president presented a new ball and £500 to Richard Hickman the vice-chairman of Wells Rugby Club following their sterling efforts in assisting with the preparation for the 2007 Boules Tournament.   The club is currently fundraising for the next phase of its clubhouse development, in particular to increase changing room space, as it now caters for more than 250 junior players on a Sunday.  Also attending the presentation were Wayne Stirling the chief coach and Ben Knight the first-team captain.

Presidential Handover Evening     Formal handover of Presidential responsibility took place at The Camelot on 26th June 07, and Peter's widow, Ute who had flown in from Germany for the event formally passed over the President's Chain for 2007/08 to Bob Burns. Peter Borchers died on 26th Sep 06   Ute made a short speech and thanked the club for their kind support, before making some presentations to members and gifts of flowers to the ladies.

Baltonsborough Multi-Terrain Race     Paul Knight organised the Baltonsborough Multi-Terrain Race, which took place on 13th May; a challenging 7.5 mile event, and well supported by local clubs.   'Inclement weather' on the day tempered the number of supporters, but there were still a surprisingly large number of people keen to watch wet, muddy people run in big, lumpy circles.   Race Results Here

Avalon Rotary Charity Golf Tournament     The 2007 Avalon Rotary Club Charity Golf Tournament was held on 11th May at the Wells Golf Club.  The event was a huge success, run to raise funds for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.   Ably organised by Steve Boquet and a band of willing helpers, and thanks to the help of so many local businessmen club was able to present a cheque for £5,000 to The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance on 10th July   Steve is now learning to drive.   The presentation of the cheque for £5000 was made at The Camelot Inn, Polsham, and for the second year running it was Mr Chris James (below right) who visited us to receive the cheque, which was presented by the Club President Mr Robert Burns (left) Mr James explained that they were operating out of Yeovil at present, their new helicopter carried a pilot, two paramedics and up to two patients at a cost of about £1.7 million a year - just over £5000 per mission - a modest sum to save a life, and that life could be yours.  On behalf of The Air Ambulance he expressed their grateful thanks to Avalon Rotary Club for their continued support.

Remembering Peter Borchers President of the Rotary Club of Avalon Who Died 29th September 2006

The 6th Annual Wells Boules Tournament - Report   And a fine time was had by all! Now in it’s sixth year, the Wells Charity Boules Tournament took place on Sunday 9th July, 2006, in its familiar home outside the Town Hall in the Market Place, organised and run by the Rotary clubs of Avalon and Wells.  Approximately £4,500 was raised by the event for the Nepal trust and a range of local good causes supported buy the local Rotary Clubs - well done all! A total of 45 teams entered this year's  fiercely contested event; the worthy winners were Les Vieux Gits, closely matched by the runners-up, the Buckland Boules Tossers.  Prizes and the grand trophy were presented by the Avalon and Wells Club Presidents: Peter and Desmond.  We were also pleased to see District Governer  Peter Hardwill, who dropped in with wife Janet to wish us all the best. The event was sponsored by numerous local businesses, prominent amongst which were Aggregate Industries, L A Moore Ltd and The Crown at Wells who contributed directly to the success of the day, and many other local businesses who contributed through sponsorship and participation.  And a big thank you to Panama Jazz for entertaining us during the day..   Click here for photographs of the setup   Click here for photographs of the main competition

Ironman 2006 - Sun 20th Aug 2006 Avalon Rotary will be helping to run a cycle aid station this year, in support of the event target of £100,000 for charity.  John Mitchell is looking for support on the day, anything you can do to help will be most welcome.  You can view the admin arrangements for the day here, the meeting point for the day is at Lyon's Gate (here - multimap), about 15 miles north of Dorchester. Contact John for further information on 01458 272885.

Wavering Down Cream Tea Party Sunday 6th August Do Come Along!

Glastonbury Musical Extravaganza The Glastonbury Musical Extravaganza is being held on the weekend of 4th, 5th and 6th August 2006 with spectacular fireworks on every night. In its 11th year we welcome back Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra with Sam Brown and Ruby Turner; The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Charles Hazlewood; The Rat Pack 'Live in Vegas' Show - and of course Shepton Mallet club will be having their usual marquee at the Extravaganza and are now looking for parties to fill it. They provide table and chairs - you provide your own your own food and drink. Tickets will be about £30 (£25 for the event - £5.00 for charity). The event is over 3 nights - 4th, 5th, and 6th August: On 4th Jools Holland will be playing. On 5th there is a presentation of classical music by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. On 6th the London production of the Rat Pack will performing. All events will commence around 1930 hrs and finish around 2200hrs with fireworks. Please reserve your tickets by contacting Mike Osborne as soon as possible. His number is 01458 850693 e-mail [removed]@[removed].

New Zealand Visit - July 2006