Bournemouth Conference 2010

An extremely successful and most enjoyable 2010 annual RIBI Conference was held at Bournemouth International Centre, 16th to 18th April. Many delegates from across Britain and Ireland (including Scotland, despite volcanic disruptions to air travel) have already stated that they felt this was one of the best Conferences in some years, enjoyed in beautiful sunshine across all three days.

As promised by RIBI President David Fowler and his Conference Committee team... a truly 'Magical Experience'!

The 'Magic of Rotary' revealed itself in many, many ways:

• Truly inspirational guest speakers enthralled the audience: including RI President John Kenny, Big Issue founder John Bird and polio survivor Ann Lee Hussey. The show, though, was stolen by Craig Hammond, a recipient of the training to overcome severe stammering by Anne Blight's Starfish Project.
  
  
• Fabulous entertainment was delivered by the the likes of hilarious master-impressionist Alistair McGowan; magic and sparkle from Paul Daniels and never-more-stunning Debbie McGee; insightful (and amusing) social commentary by journalist Quentin Letts, the uplifting voices of Lisa Kelsey and Denise Leigh; the comedic compering of Adger Brown and the energetic dynamism of the Ranger School Dance Crew.
  
  
• No less entertaining, the many and varied talents of Rotarians themselves shone brightly in a wonderful evening of Rotary's Got Talent, hosted by RIBI's own multi-talented Sec/CEO, Annemarie Harte, with 1st Prize going to District 1180's magician Robert Jones.
  
  
• The Hippie Hop dance night, 'man', saw Rotarians, wearing the coolest of 60s costumes, shaking their funky stuff to the tuneful talents of the Likely Lads and Time Out.
  
  
• BBC News Channel covered the heart-warming and inspiring Rotary Young Citizen Awards live on stage in Bournemouth, hosted by popular TV presenter, Konnie Huq (who had accompanied RIBI Rotarians on a National Immunisation Day to India in February.)
  
  
• The Magic of Rotary Awards paid tribute to Rotary's volunteers, projects and the Thanks for Life initiative, which have had profound impact on others.
  
  
• The Rotary Showcase, an exhibition of Rotary-supported charities and projects, gave a wonderful insight into the sheer variety and breadth of support given by clubs in RIBI. No-one will forget the demonstrations given by the faithful, four-legged friends from Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Saturday afternoon's Business Meeting gave Voting Delegates the opportunity to air their views, vote on key issues and ensure that the democratic process continues to guide RIBI towards a bright future. The Annual Conference Report gives full results - including that of the proposal for a £2.75 per head levy to fund the multi-district New Member Recruitment Campaign, which was approved with a substantial majority vote.

Videos of Conference are now available on the left hand side of this page.

Do share your experiences of Conference in the comments box below. Thank you.