I received an email from Rotary international this week which I consider to be an indication of just what Rotary can do when we put our minds to it. You will recall that the Bill Gates Foundation in 2009  gave Rotary a challenge to raise US$200 million to help fund the eradication of polio.  At Rotary's annual International Assembly in San Diego this week it was announced that Rotary had  raised over US$200  million  worldwide with the Gates Foundation providing  a further US$355 million. In addition, the Bill Gates Foundation was to provide a further US$50 million extending the partnership " in recognition of Rotary's great work".

Rotary has raised over US$1 billion since the programme started in 1985.

It was interesting to read that since 1988 the incidence of Polio in the world has fallen from over 350,000 cases reported in that year to 650 cases in 2011. The wild polio virus is still active in only four countries , Afghanistan, India, Nigeria and Pakistan but India has not reported a case for a full calendar year which will shortly lead to its removal from its place on the endemic list. Nearby countries still remain at risk of an outbreak of the disease, significant clusters occurring  during  2011 in Africa, Chad and the Democratic Republic of Congo together with a small outbreak in China which had been polio free for over 10 years.

This, in my opinion, is an example of the wonderful work we undertake as the members of the Rotary family throughout the world.

The subject of our speaker, Sam Degabrielle, last Monday night,  was of great interest and I hope that you all gained some extra knowledge about health and fitness. I also  hope  that some of you will  take advantage of  his offer of a free 7 day membership together with a training session with him.

Flyers are now available for the Golf Day to be held on 30th March. Would you please start organising  your friends and business associates into forming a team to play on the day. Would you also start collecting product for the chocolate wheel. The golf committee will appreciate any help which you may be able to provide.

Regarding the Conference, if you intend going,  please contact Bobby today so that he can finalise the accommodation.

See you all Monday!

Bill Scott, President