North Devon Rotarians in conference with Archbishop Tutu and UN Secretary General

NORTH Devon Rotarians from Barnstaple, Braunton and Bideford have attended the 100th Rotary International Conference, rubbing shoulders with fellow rotary club members from across the world. The event hosted some 20,000 delegates and was addressed by dign

NORTH Devon Rotarians from Barnstaple, Braunton and Bideford have attended the 100th Rotary International Convention, rubbing shoulders with fellow rotary club members from across the world.

The event hosted some 20,000 delegates and was addressed by dignitaries including the Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Secretary General of the United Nations - His Excellency Mr Ban Ki-moon.

The Bideford Bridge Rotary Club members are keen to gain support for provision of suitable anaesthetic equipment into poorer countries and were able to secure a "breakout session" within the convention.

A presentation was made by Dr Ralph Settatree, Consultant Obstetrician from Cheltenham and Dr Roger Eltringham, Consultant Anaesthetist, from the Gloucester Royal Hospital, both experts in their fields with wide knowledge and experience of the problems of poor anaesthesia in developing countries.

This was supported by Robert Neighbour from Bratton Fleming, managing director of Diamedica, which manufactures the Glostavent Anaesthesia system for challenging environments.

The session was very well received by attending delegates and led to many promises of support.

The focus of the event saw Rotary International President D K Lee from Korea calling to continue the fight to eradicate Polio from the world.

The Rotary initiative has raised $250 million US dollars and ensured that only four countries currently have the disease. The object is to continue this push to eradicate a disease that would affect children in the developed world if not contained.

Housing, health, hunger, literacy, supply of water, medical supplies, together with the correction of sight, smiles, and movement all featured as topics.