Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland

The 2012 RIBI Conference made a welcome return to Bournemouth with nearly 2,000 delegates descending on the BIC.

President Burman and the Conference Committee, chaired by David Buchanan, put on a a fantastic weekend with excellent speakers and great entertainment. 

The RIBI Conference welcomed the presence of RI President Kalyan Banerjee, who delivered a powerful and moving presentation about the future of Rotary, the importance of changing the way things are done for the better and appealing to new generations to join. 

The stark reality of breast cancer was put across by Linda Nolan and Baroness Delyth Morgan, along with advice on how Rotarians can help by supporting a newly formed tissue bank which will help research into the disease.

Sir Terry Wogan, speaking on behalf of BBC Children in Need, moved everyone to tears with the story of Elliott, a nine year old boy who sadly died from leukaemia earlier this year. His final days were at a children's hospice which relies on donations. Sir Terry was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship, given a standing ovation and has been invited to join the Rotary Club of Hitchin Tilehouse as an honorary member.

Pam Rhodes spoke on behalf of REPoD, sharing the good news of more Memory Cafes which will help those with dementia and their families.

New Generations competitions were showcased throughout the weekend with the winners of RIBI Young Writer, RIBI Young Photographer and RIBI Young Musician contests receiving their awards on stage. The final of the RIBI Young Musician competition had taken place just the day before in Bournemouth.

As always, RIBI Young Citizen Awards, in association with the BBC News Channel, inspired Conference guests and viewers at home as the ceremony was broadcast live on Saturday morning. The programme is available to watch on BBC iPlayer for a limited time.

The Business Session provoked debate and discussion about the future of Rotary. It was broadcast live on the RIBI website and can also be watched again here. The results and decisions are available for all to read here.

PLATINUM - the Live ABBA Tribute Act, provided the ideal opportunity for everyone to relax and enjoy a healthy dose of glam and glitz. The dancefloor in the BIC was packed.

Sunday saw the stage taken over by Canine Partners who demonstrated how these special dogs help their owners with everyday tasks and restore dignity and confidence. From helping people sit up in bed and get dressed to picking up dropped objects such as credit cards and crutches, the dogs are very well trained and have a hugely positive impact on the lives of their owners. Although the audience were very impressed with the ability of the fully trained dogs, it was a very cute ten-week old golden Labrador puppy Jason who captured hearts.

Next year the RIBI Conference is in Harrogate with guests including Nick Hewer from TV programme 'The Apprentice' and sporting celebrity Matt Dawson. Registration will be possible from August onwards.

Were you at the Bournemouth Conference? Did you have a good time? Please leave a 'comment' about it below! Thanks.

2012 RIBI Conference Programme