I always enjoy my Rotary talks, especially the large conferences. Last week I was in Llandudno in North West Wales for the Rotary NW & Isle of Man annual district conference with approximately 400 delegates. As an honorary Rotarian I have always been made to feel very welcome and the talks always take on a life of their own. Despite the often-perceived image of Rotarians being a bit stayed, nothing could be farther from the truth, I can’t recall the last time I laughed and interacted with an audience so much. It may have been raining outside but it was certainly “hot” in the auditorium. The downside was a 12 hour round trip but it was good to be back in north Wales and revisit Anglesea and Bangor were I had last visited in 2007 when I sailed around UK. They hadn’t changed much, it was still raining..!
As an added bonus to my visit, I got to see my friend Andy, Chairman of the Wheelyboat Trust, launch his 200th Wheelyboat (you’ve guessed it, in the rain). Coincidentally I found myself less than 10 miles from his event at the Conway Centre so it was too good an opportunity to miss – and a complimentary cheeseburger and cake too.!
Last night attended the annual Sir Stelios Entrepreneur of the Year Awards at the Royal Chelsea Hospital which is always great fun. As a past winner, always good to support our disabled entrepreneurs. Delighted my friend Mike Wood was one of this year’s winners for his designs for an accessible sailing dinghy. Surrounded by some real heroes (the gents in red frock coats, veterans).
Chelsea Pensioners
(L-R) Mike Wood MBE, Sir Stelios Hajinanou, me