There were 11 of us staying at the Langham Hotel and 2 staying at The Grand.

Some of us arrived on Thursday night ready to put up the stand in the House of Fellowship on Friday morning. Pictures of the final version of the stand are attached, which I think did the club credit in terms of trying to encourage urban clubs to make the environment greener, by showing  how we have done it over the last 3 years.

We were located next to the stand of the 'Canine Partners' and Malcolm ... MBE was laughing at the 6 ladies trying to put the stand together and design the layout on the Thursday morning. 

I was a bit disappointed that there were not more active stands in the House of Fellowship and I think that we would have probably gained a prize for 'best stand' had there been a competition.

Friday afternoon opened with numerous references to Les Lee's absence with immediate past District Governor Brian Doggrell in the Chair.  It is a great shame that Les missed not only the conference but his golden wedding anniversary while being in intensive care!

Saturday morning was the District Committee's running through what various clubs have done over the last year to try and spread the word of different efforts that are being made by the various clubs. I find this really the most interesting part of the whole weekend, because

it is inspirational to see what can be done by Rotarians.

There was a presentation by the 'Canine Partners' - a very worthwhile cause - brilliant at making disabled people independent.  Well worth a trip to the local training centre at Bedford. 

Jo Gambi the inspirational speaker on Saturday morning, was absolutely amazing as to what she and her husband did, within 9 months of having his Chemotherapy and over the next 3 years climbed the 7 summits on the 7 continents!

The GSE teams both from Indiana and from the District 1260, gave their presentations in the afternoon, before we broke ready for the champagne reception and the dinner in the evening with an excellent three-piece band called Déjà Vu, which ran through the decades from the fifties through to the noughties.  We danced all night!

I ducked out early on Sunday morning to go off to Italy, but understand that Shed at the Park which is the Chesham version of Chicken Shed and where it originated, did a very good show with approximately 70 children on the stage.

As ever I found Conference to be very inspiring and renews your interest in what projects can be completed by working together.

Many thanks on my behalf to all those who helped, but especially Sandra, the driving forced behind the House of Friendship stand. Charlotte my secretary also did all the presentation captions and photographs for us, which would never have come about without her help.

Best wishes

Jean

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