Conference Speakers

(Top row, from left: Konnie Huq, Cllr. Beryl Baxter, Pam Byford, Anne Lee Hussey, David Black, Quentin Letts. Bottom row: DR Mehta, Denise Leigh, Anne Blight, Craig Hammond, John Bird MBE, Alistair McGowan.)

This year's Conference contained a stunning line-up of guest speakers. Entertaining, thought-provoking and worldly-wise presentations await:

Konnie Huq - TV Presenter
Konnie joined Rotarians on a trip to India in November last year as part of the End Polio Now campaign and is continuing to support the fight to eradicate the disease. Her video reports were broadcast on national BBC news and Konnie also fronts a DVD made specially for RIBI members. Konnie presented the Rotary Young Citizen of the Year Award at Conference.

Cllr. Beryl Baxter - Mayor of Bournemouth
RIBI was delighted to welcome the Mayor of Bournemouth to the 25th Conference in Bournemouth. Councillor Baxter has been involved with local politics for over ten years and has a wide range of interests including traveling and Formula One motor racing.

Pam Byford - President of Association of Inner Wheel Clubs
Pam has been involved with Inner Wheel for over thirty years and never ceases to be inspired by the work of her fellow members. Pam is originally from Surrey and has two children, a step-son and grandchildren. Although very committed to Inner Wheel, Pam always finds time to see her family as much as possible.

Ann Lee Hussey - Chair of the Polio Survivors and Associates Rotarian Action Group
Ann made the journey from America to attend Conference in Bournemouth. Her involvement with humanitarian aid not only encompasses polio immunisation and sharing her own story of survival, Ann has been on trips to assist children recieving cleft lip and palette surgeries. Ann Lee firmly believes one person can make a difference and that it is a privilege and a gift to do volunteer work.

David Black - The Bill Huntly Endowment Fund
David is a retired Chief Superintendent of Police with service in the Metropolitan Police and West Yorkshire. David has been involved with Rotary in District 1270 at various levels including District Sergeant and Arms and is a member of the District Flood Task Force. David is currently a member, and Past President, of the Rotary Club of Alford and Mablethorpe.

Quentin Letts
Quentin brought his erudite wit to proceedings. A well-known theatre critic, columnist and broadcaster, Quentin is sure to entertain with his gift for observation of people, modern society and where he thinks the nation is going. Quentin writes for the Daily Mail and has previously contributed to the Daily Telegraph and The Times newspapers.

Mr DR Mehta - Founder & Chief Patron BMVSS
Mr DR Mehta has helped bring hope to thousands of amputees and polio victims. He is the founder of the Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS) which is the parent organisation for Jaipur Limb. Mr Mehta founded BMVSS 35 years ago and helped 59 people in the first year. Now, that figure is closure to 65,000 patients. An estimated 1.1 million people have recieved aids and appliances since it started, making BMVSS the largest organisation for the handicapped in the world.

Denise Leigh - Soprano
When Denise Leigh entered a TV competition for opera singing, little did she think she would win never mind enjoy a sparkling career which includes performing and inspiring other partially sighted people to reach for the stars. Denise has always loved music and is most at home when she is performing. Denise is an honorary ambassador for the RNIB.

Anne Blight - Starfish Project
Anne founded the Starfish Project to help people claim back control from stammering. The condition often feels like it is controlling the patient. Anne has spoken to many Rotary clubs but this is the first time she has spoken to the whole of RIBI. Starfish runs monthly courses to teach people techniques for dealing with a stammer.

Craig Hammond - Starfish Project
Craig is one of many success stories to flourish with the Starfish Project. Prior to attending Starfish, Craig had turned to drink and drugs to help forget about his stammer which could be so bad that he would not be able to say his own name. Craig now helps others on the Starfish courses and is starting a BA Honours Degree at Leeds Metropolitan University.

John Bird MBE
John Bird put homeless people back in control of their lives by founding The Big Issue newspaper. Having experienced some of the worst social issues, John could fully understand how it felt to be regarded as a social outcast and the difficulties involved with reclaiming dignity. John created The Big Issue at a time of economic uncertainty and has become a highly respected businessman. The magazine has expanded across the world.

Alistair McGowan - Entertainer
From football to politics, Alistair has made an impression. He is a great entertainer and host who promises to bring a smile to proceedings. He has progressed from stand-up clubs to having his own series on BBC. His big passion is football and Alistair has taken on roles in the Sports Review of the Year, Match of the Day and Oddballs which is expanding his repertoire even further.