Recent Speakers
The Club was privileged to hear most interesting addresses from guest speakers before and after the Christmas break.
At the Club meeting in the Europa Monday 27 November, Hon. Member Lady Mary Peters in a Q&A “conversation” with Immediate Past President Ken gave fascinating insights to several aspects of “her story” in 4 areas covering her Medal, Track, the Trust and the Royal Family. She also reflected on many of the fund of stories and personalities she has met, particularly during her time as manager of the British Athletics Team. Past President Brian Clements thanking her on behalf of the Club noted that she was welcomed as always with great warmth and respect and the Club was greatly honoured that she was an Honorary Member. It had been a privilege to hear her chat and share in some of her wonderful experiences and he looked forward to reading many more in her latest book ‘My Story’. He emphasised that she has been an inspiration to so many, particularly young people.
The Club received a most uplifting New Year’s Address Monday 08 January from Rev. Brother David Jardine. In his inspiring talk, peppered with personal anecdotes, he shared the 3 areas of faith which are important to him: the Healing Power of Scripture, Allowing God to carry burdens and Reconciliation. He concluded with 3 suggestions to find peace and strength for 2024: feed scripture into our minds; surrender difficulties and anxieties to the Lord and have forgiveness. He stressed that through forgiveness anger and anxiety is settled, relationships are restored and even enemies can become friends and it is essential to take the decision to forgive. He noted it might take work but would be well worth the effort.
The meeting was also addressed by Darrin Barr who explained the work of the Equipping for Life Charity which Brother David set up after his retirement in 2018 which he pointed out it aims to equip people for life through Primary Schools partnerships, they currently partner 24 schools sending people of faith in teams (up to 8) into the schools to each sit on a 1 to 1 basis with 2 children each week for half hour periods reading, playing and chatting to them. Each volunteer reads to the same child weekly. The children are selected by the principals on the basis that they will get the greatest benefit from being cared for and loved as the schools/are some of the most deprived in society.