A Successful Mission

Around 120 Rotarians and guests gathered at the Lyndhurst Park Hotel to welcome back members of a Group Study Exchange team who had visited Argentina as part of an initiative to promote international goodwill, understanding and peace.

At the celebratory homecoming event, jointly hosted by the Rotary Clubs of New Forest and Hythe, exchange team leader Alan Shipstone, an international loss adjuster from Dibden Purlieu, spoke of the progress and personal development he had witnessed in his four young team members during the trip, and paid tribute to the way each had used her individual skills to further the aims of the exchange.

Kelly Keating (31), a Beach Safety Programme Manager for the RNLI, who was sponsored by Poole Bay Rotary, gave an interesting report on the similarities and differences between the provision of emergency services in Argentina and the UK. Nicky Ringrose (31), a midwife who was sponsored by Amesbury Rotary, spoke of the maternity and neonatal provision in Argentina and said there was much that the two countries could learn from each other. Hannah Perkins (27), a physiotherapist who was sponsored by Andover Rotary, was able to compare the working practices of health professionals in both countries and remarked on the wide differences between private and public healthcare in Argentina. Clare Wood (26), a Strategy Adviser for Portsmouth City Council, who was sponsored by Southsea Castle Rotary, gave an interesting insight into the method of recruiting and electing councillors in Argentina, and also highlighted the efforts being made there to improve recycling and sustainability.

During their visit, the team were hosted by local Argentinean families and all spoke warmly of the friendliness and hospitality of all that they met. A busy programme of visits, meetings, media interviews and events organised by Rotary Clubs in Argentina gave all the team members an opportunity to explore the culture, participate in vocational experiences, improve their presentation and language skills, and forge new friendships.

Richard Maunder, Governor of Rotary District 1110 (South Central England), said that they had been a ‘superb team’ and great ambassadors for both Rotary and the UK.

Events

Group Study Exchange

A member of Hythe & District Rotary Club recently took a party of 4 young professionals on a Group Study Exchange visit to South America.

Alan Shipstone, an international loss adjuster from Dibden Purlieu, went on a six week tour of Argentina, accompanying Kelly Keating, Nicky Ringrose, Hannah Perkins and Clare Wood.

Kelly (31), who is being sponsored by Poole Bay Rotary Club, works as a Beach Safety Programme Manager for the RNLI in Poole. Nicky (31) works as a Midwife at Salisbury Hospital and is sponsored by Amesbury Rotary Club. Also working at Salisbury Hospital, Hannah (27) is a Physiotherapist and is sponsored by Andover Rotary Club. Clare (26), who comes from Southsea, is sponsored by Southsea Castle Rotary Club, and works as a Strategy Advisor for Portsmouth City Council.

During their visit, the group gave talks and presentations at a number of Argentinean Rotary Clubs, and matched up with professionals in similar roles to their own for exchange of ideas that could prove beneficial to both sides.

Before the group left, they were given a send off at the Lyndhurst Park Hotel, jointly hosted by New Forest and Hythe Rotary Clubs, and attended by representatives of other Rotary Clubs from across south central England. Each of the group members gave a presentation similar to the ones they were to deliver in Argentina, with one difference – on their Study Exchange they had to present them in Spanish!

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