Guest Speaker: Ivor Bryant, Rotary Club of Chelsea

This week the Rotary Club of Kensington and the Rotary Club of Chelsea came together for their joint meeting. Ivor Bryant, longtime Rotary member, talked about growing up in the 30s and 40s in England, in a time before technology. Everyone was taken on a historical journey and were able to learn about the day to day life of those who lived in the not-so-distant past.

Guest Speaker: Maria Wrabel, Rotary Foundation Scholar

Maria is a Rotary Foundation Scholar studying International Development in Humanitarian Emergencies at London School of Economics. She gave us a fascinating presentation on the preparedness of countries and the international community for food security emergencies such as famine and drought. She explained that while theoretical systems are in place to anticipate and respond to high-risk areas, there is little effort and mobilisation to address food security disasters until it is too late. She highlighted the importance of ensuring that the international community comes together to ensure effective support.

Guest Speaker: Amir Fleischmann, Rotary Foundation Scholar

We were very pleased to have Foundation Scholar Amir Fleischmann of Canada as a speaker.  He spoke about the impact of language (vocabulary) in the discussion of conflict, and how that impacts on the search for solution.  After his talk we had a lively debate of the issues.

RCK hosted the annual Civic Dinner of the Rotary Clubs of Kensington and Chelsea, with the Mayor and Mayoress of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea as guests of honour.

In his address the Mayor spoke about the innovations he is introducing to the Office of Mayor this year, such as tweeting his thoughts and maintaining a website.  President Jeannie reflected on how the demographics of the Royal Borough are changing, and what that means for local Rotary Clubs, and also about how RC Kensington was focussing on helping local organisations build connections to support cooperation.  President Ian, of RC Chelsea, talked about the good work of Rotary across the world.

Roberto Gagliardi was created an honorary member of the Club, in recognition of what his family has contributed to the Royal Borough and to Rotary.

Everyone present had a very enjoyable evening, with good fellowship, and wonderful service by the Vanderbilt Hotel.

Guest Speaker: Flavia Sorbi

Flavia Sorbi, our Foundation Scholar from Florence gave us a fascinating talk about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of ovarian and cervical cancer.  She is attached to Hammersmith Hospital, which has a world class gynaecological oncology unit and is carrying out both surgery and research.