On 31st March the Rotary Flame arrived at our celebration of the end of Polio in India in the hands of Ganesh who had brought it from Cardiff as part of it’s journey around the UK. The flame which had originated in Chenai(Madras), India and traveled through many countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan. looked bright and unaffected by the journey and was received by Councillor Malcolm Lees standing in for the Mayor of Bath who was unable to attend due to illness. Also present were Judy Barnard-Jones, District Governor and her husband Keith both of whom have been actively involved in the “End Polio Now” campaign from its inception. Judy, in welcoming the flame, gave a potted history of the campaign and applauded the club and especially David Broughton for making the celebration happen. A special guest, Mary Berry gave a moving account of her experience of contracting polio as a child and praised Rotary for helping to rid the world of this disease. Very special guests from the Indian community in Bath came and added a poignant reminder of the reason for the celebration.
The next day the flame continued on it’s UK journey before being shipped to Lagos.
After the formal activity, we held an “International Quiz” which was won by the team including Assistant Governor Peter Wragg and his wife. It was noted that the team led by our International committee chairman got “NULL POINTS” on the geography questions!!!!
Circa 1200 - People of Action 