Greetings to all antipodean Rotarian friends!
Many of us here have felt that our lives have been put “on hold” over the past year by the multifarious effects of the dreaded Coronavirus. However, paradoxically, much has happened in the UK since I last wrote. Currently our Prime Minister appears to be on the back foot once again, but I shall play safe and steer clear of politics!
I am assuming (always dangerous!) that there may be members with republican views in your club, but that not withstanding, I would suggest that infinitely more worthy of our admiration is Elizabeth, our Queen. What an impressive and dignified figure she cut as she stood courageously alone at the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh. How magnificently she has for decades fulfilled the words she spoke on her 21st birthday: “I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service” and what a stark contrast to grandson Harry, who appears to have opted out of his obligations, whilst seeking to enjoy the his many unique privileges.
We sympathise with his having “mental health issues”, but, to be brutally honest, who hasn’t??
Click on "Read More" below to enjoy Karin's delightful story
Far more deserving of our love and concern are all the many children who have experienced this weirdest of worlds during the Coronavirus pandemic. No previous generations have had to be confined indoors, doing their best to follow their teachers on line – that is, those who are fortunate enough to have access to a computer. At Misbourne Matins we have been making great efforts to help local children by furnishing them with laptops where there is a need. We all know that children are resilient, but these “lockdown children” have had to adjust on a daily basis, embracing the innumerable restrictions that have been imposed on their lives, in which they have had no say and which are mystifyingly complex and ever-changing. We have collectively and justifiably sung the praises of health workers, teachers and shop workers, but, for my money, these little ones are the true heroes of the lockdown and, as we emerge into the “new normal”, we should all, especially those of us blessed with grandchildren, strive to restore their innocence and their trust.
There have been some particularly notable child heroes during the pandemic who have captured the imagination of the public. One such is 11 year old Max who, despite sub-zero temperatures at times, has camped out for a full year in memory of a dear friend who passed on a tent to him saying,
“Promise me you’ll have your own adventures in it!” A promise well and truly honoured, and which has raised more than £500,000!
And then there’s little 3 year old Freya who suffers from cerebral palsy but who, encouraged by her twin sister, achieved (in her walking frame) 100 steps each day of the last Bank Holiday weekend, having raised over £3,000 in advance! Such courage and perseverance – a little lady bound
to go far!
Freya was taking part in the “100” challenge created in honour of Captain Tom, the veteran Army officer who, in the run-up to his 100th birthday, resolved to walk 100 lengths of his sizeable garden with the aim of raising £1,000 for charity. (In the event he raised almost £39 million, received over 150,000 cards and was knighted by the Queen!) To carry on his courageous and altruistic spirit, the great British public was challenged to complete 100 anythings – from baking cupcakes to making 100 mountain ascents!!!
Time to draw this to a close. Apologies for a rather sobering ramble this time round, but the events of the past year have given us all “pause for thought” and, as Rotarians, I am sure that we are now emerging from the pandemic more determined than ever, to emulate these heroes, young and old, and to put into practice our Rotary motto of “Service above Self”.
So stay safe and happy and I promise to lighten up a little next time!
All best to all of you, Karin.