Frequently asked Question's

What must I do if I can't make attend one evening?

What if I wish to bring a Guest?

What if I host a Speaker?

What are my responsibilities if I am, "Grace and Bottle"?

What are my responsibilities if I am, "Steward"?

APOLOGIES 

1. Please enter your name under the appropriate evening in the (Red) Apologies Book, prior to the day.
2. You will be charged for your meal if you have not notified the Carpenter’s Arms of your intended absence by 12.00 hours on the day.
3. The little Red Book is examined by the Treasurer, and members attendance listed accordingly.
4. You may notify the Carps by ‘phone, fax, email or in person

GUESTS 

1. Guests are most welcome as it gives non-members the opportunity to experience the fellowship of Rotary
2. Please ensure: -

Ö        They are introduced to the President before the meeting

Ö        They sign the Visitors Book

Ö        You notify the Carpenters Arms by 12 noon on the day of the meeting

Ö        You collect the meal money from your guest or indicate to the Treasurer that you will pay the additional costs

HOSTING A SPEAKER

1. Meet the speaker at the Carpenters Arms by 19.15 hours
2. Ensure that he/she signs the Visitors Book
3. Introduce to the President
4. Sit with the speaker at the Presidents table
5. Ensure the speaker is ‘cared for’ by the Steward
6. Propose a vote of thanks

GRACE AND BOTTLE 

1. Bring along a ‘reasonable’ bottle of wine, gift wrapped if possible
2. Hand it to the President before the Grace is called for by the President
3. Deliver an ‘original’ Grace before the meal when called upon by the President
4. Distribute the draw tickets to members and visitors against receipt of £1 per ticket
5. Tear out the ‘counterfoils’, fold them into quarters, place them in an appropriate receptacle and hand them to the President for the draw later on
6. Relax and enjoy what is left of your meal!

STEWARD aka SERGEANT AT ARMS

1. Your duties commence early and last until ‘the fat lady sings’
2. Arrive at 19.00 hours, if possible, to ensure: -

Ö        The correct number of places are laid

Ö        Place out the dinner place numbers (held in the dresser drawer just outside the dining room). Then provide members with corresponding numbers on arrival at the restaurant (not forgetting to collect them after Grace to return to the dresser)

Ö        Compare the entries in Apologies Book and the expected visitors list to the covers

Ö        The kitchen staff are made aware of any shortfalls before 19.30 hours so that additional places may be laid, if necessary

Ö        Occasionally that the ‘banners’ are displayed in the dining room (check this out with the Archivist – Bob Wright)

Ö        The wooden partitions are in place in the alcoves, to prevent intrusive noise from the other room

Ö        Guests, Visitors and Speakers are greeted and made to feel welcome

Ö        Introduce them to the President and to the Secretary so that they can be formally welcomed

Ö        The speaker has all the facilities needed for the presentation including screen, tables, extension lead etc

Ö        Search for, locate and then place the Rotary Bell on the President’s table

Ö        The President and Members are ‘called’ through to the Dining Room at 19.30 hours, first confirming the readiness of the kitchen staff

3. The Visitors Book is handed to all visitors for completion, during the meal
4. Meal fees are collected from visitors, during the meal (the Secretary will advise as to who should not pay)
5. Meal fees are collected for guests from their hosts, during the meal
6. By good observation, subtle eavesdropping coupled with tenacious exaggeration, prepare a dossier of misdemeanours perpetrated by all those present in order to amass a wealth of ‘fines’ for the Charity Funds when the President calls upon you
7. Always try to encourage the Treasurer to collect the fines on your behalf. If this is not possible select an honest member to assist you in your mercenary endeavours!