Building Better Together: Rotary South District Conference 2027

This year’s Rotary South District Conference was held at Epsom Racecourse on

Saturday 10 September. Under the theme Building Better Together, the programme

brought together inspiring speakers addressing a diverse range of local and

international issues.

District Governor Mike Thorn opened the proceedings with a warm welcome and

predicted that the day would take us on an emotional roller coaster. He was

absolutely right. Rotarians described humanitarian expeditions such as

 responding to heartbreaking devastation, and rebuilding work in Ukraine,

 and initiatives helping communities in Africa and Ecuador to overcome

extreme poverty through education and greater self-sufficiency.

Closer to home, Rotarians shared inspiring insights into local initiatives, including

support for families affected by knife crime and wider community action. We also

heard from a police officer who survived the harrowing Broadwater Farm riots. An

excellent presentation explored AI and its uses, while Yeoman Warder Scott Kelly

brought the programme to a lighter close by sharing his experiences as a ceremonial

state bodyguard.

The conference also offered the usual opportunities for networking. I enjoyed

working at the Environment table with our District Environment Lead, Suzan Walsh,

before the day was rounded off with a wonderful conference dinner.

Suzan, District Environment Lead and Diana at Conference flying the environment flag!

Looking ahead to 2027

Looking ahead, next year’s conference will return to Epsom Racecourse on 16

October 2027. The venue is both conveniently local for us and centrally located

within the district. The theme, Do Good, Feel Good, will be a fitting tribute to the

sense of wellbeing that Rotarians gain from making a difference.