Programme for week commencing 6th June, 2013

I have just returned from a wonderful trip of visiting the Rotary Club of Kalundborg, Denmark, with Rotarians of the Rotary Club of Royal Wootton Bassett and District. As we start this month of June with our programme theme ‘International’ I was reflecting how lucky I am to be a member of Rotary International and to be able to feel instantly at home whilst staying with Rotarians in Denmark.

To be met by our hosts President Steen and Dudi on our arrival on Thursday evening in their home we felt welcome, comfortable and our every need thought of, as they were wanting to return the hospitality they had received on their trip to Royal Wootton Bassett in 2011.  Janice and I were cuckoos in the group, and for that matter as members of E-Rotary something quite new in Denmark as well, so an instant conversational opener.

For the next few days we were treated to a programme showing the cultural and hospitality of Denmark, visiting the Cathedral where their Kings and Queens are buried, to visiting a wonderful museum giving us the real story behind the Vikings and how they might have lived and sailed the high seas. Sight-seeing in the capital of Copenhagen, changing the guards to climbing a tower fit for a King and his horse, we were treated royally to a fantastic day of friendship, fun and finally food at the home of more people wanting to make us feel at home. On our next day we were entertained at the haunted castle, seeing the statue to the founder of Kalundbourg and their magnificent church, then onto to a seafood lunch, a walk along the cliffs to a lighthouse staffed by volunteers to give the history of this beautiful coast line. Finally on Sunday evening we met as Rotarians together at a Rotary Meeting, sharing food, fellowship, song, speeches and a time of recognising those who had established this amazing twinning of two Rotary Clubs many years ago.

Yes joining Rotary International gives its members a real chance to discover the world and the people who live in it, their culture, history and how they live. For myself and Janice we believe this is the real added value of being Rotarians. We can go anywhere in the world and find a home from home, people ready to make us feel welcome and extra special even if we’ve never met before, and for us to be able to make visitors welcome in our home. While on this trip one Rotarian suggested perhaps we ought to have more than one country which we are twinned with, my thoughts are this isn’t necessary we have the luxury of over 200 countries. Can we therefore consider:

• As members of E-Rotary how can we take advantage both individually and as a group of these opportunities?
• Would we want to host guests from other Rotary Clubs from around the world?
• How can we enable all our members to benefit and experience Rotary International at its best?

Finally my thanks to all the Rotarians from Royal Wootton Bassett and District and the Kalundborg Rotary Clubs who made mine and Janice’s five days an experience we will never forget and friendships that will always be a part of our lives.