Alsetter Owely: A Rotary President with a Passion for Communication

As the President of Rotary GBI at Chelmsford Cathedral, Alsetter Owely has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of effective communication within the organization. In an era where information is readily available at our fingertips, it's easy to overlook the importance of clear and concise communication. However, Alsetter emphasizes that this remains a crucial aspect of Rotary's future success.

During his tenure as President, Alsetter has had the privilege of engaging in debates with past leaders of the organization, gaining valuable insights into the issues facing Rotary today. One such issue is the need for clubs to adapt to changing times and evolve their communication strategies to stay relevant.

Alsetter's own experiences with vascular dementia have been a driving force behind his promotion of memory cafes and dementia clubs through his husband Michael's work as District Governor of Rotary in London. This personal connection has given him a unique perspective on the importance of inclusivity and accessibility within Rotary.

November was a busy month for Alsetter, filled with administrative meetings, Council of Past Presidents gatherings, and even a funeral service for his mother-in-law in Macclesfield. Amidst these responsibilities, he also found time to re-elect as Trustee at WheelPower's AGM on November 17th.

One highlight of the month was participating in the 'Be the Inspiration' event at Stratford-upon-Avon, where Alsetter was impressed by the thought-provoking speeches and inspiring words from Rotary International President Barry Rassin. This event was a testament to Rotary's ability to bring people together and foster meaningful connections.

As part of his work, Alsetter also shared his reflection on Waging Peace at the Bradford Peace Conference, highlighting the importance of promoting peace and understanding within our communities. The next day, he attended a District Council meeting in Romsey, catching up with fellow Rotarians who had attended the Jersey conference.

On November 9th, St Albans Rotary Club celebrated its 90th anniversary, marking nine decades of dedicated service to their local community. Similarly, the Rotary clubs of London and Birmingham held celebration lunches to commemorate this milestone.

As Alsetter reflects on his experiences as a Rotary President, he is reminded of the legacy of Stanley Leverton, who played a key role in shaping the organization's early days. In 1939, Leverton observed that some clubs had membership boundaries that were too large, leading to the formation of new clubs in these areas.

November was also a month of celebration for Rotarian Stanley Leverton, and Alsetter is grateful for the opportunity to pay tribute to his contributions. As he looks back on the year, Alsetter is proud of the progress made by Rotary and acknowledges that there is still much work to be done. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic about the organization's future, knowing that effective communication will continue to play a vital role in its success.

In conclusion, Alsetter Owely's commitment to Rotary is unwavering, and his passion for communication has inspired many within the organization. As we look to the future, it is clear that the power of communication will remain a driving force behind Rotary's continued growth and development.

Alseter owely