John blogs ...
Lots of chat between Garth, myself and Richard has led to Richard's decision to withdraw from the GSE team. This is mainly due to increasing pressures in his personal life which have not allowed him to engage fully with all the build-up activities for the team. We'll miss his humour and slightly unconventional take on modern life. We send him our best wishes and hope that he'll be able to take advantage of Rotary opportunities in the future. Richard, we hope you'll keep in touch with us - and follow our experiences online too.
Kath has been invited to become a full team member and is delighted for herself - of course!
And I'll have the challenge of leading four young, intelligent and independent women. Emily's thinking of ordering extra capsules of Diasopan for me. Thanks.
Wednesday 24 November 2010
Wednesday 17 November 2010
Keeping The Main Thing The Main Thing
John blogs …
In leadership terms ‘the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing’ so we’ve developed some team and personal goals to help us keep focused.
Team goals are developing around the following:
In leadership terms ‘the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing’ so we’ve developed some team and personal goals to help us keep focused.
Team goals are developing around the following:
- Having had a memorable, rewarding and enjoyable cultural and vocational exchange experience
- Having an enhanced collective understanding of Sri Lankan culture and work practices
- Having built a network of friendships and relationships within and between District 1100 and District 3220
- Being seen as effective ambassadors for Rotary International and District 1100
- Developing skills in photography and videography
- Developing skills with social networking sites
- Designing and managing the team’s website and blog, before, during and after the exchange
- Keeping the team safe and healthy during the exchange (as far as is reasonable)
- Enabling the team to perform effectively at District 1100 Conference and any follow-up presentations to Rotary Clubs
- Building confidence in public speaking
- Building an effective GSE team
- Reflecting on independent/interdependent skills
Tuesday 16 November 2010
Minutes from Team Meeting 3
John blogs our minutes:
District Conference at Warwick Conference Centre (near Coventry) for the period April 8th – 10th 2011. Details on D1100 website. ‘Posh’ photos received – thanks - and John will forward to District Conference Team for their brochure.
Clothing/Uniform - thanks to District for uniform allowance. We agreed that if team member is eventually unable to undertake the exchange, this allowance will be passed on to the reserve. Shopping trip for uniform organised ‘by the women for the women’ on December 15th, 6.30pm at The Mall. John will source quotes for printed t-shirts and embroidered polo shirts. Logo will be the Rotary Roundel with Rotary D1100 on the top and Sri Lanka 2011 underneath. Casual clothing will also have individual member names under the logo itself. Fruit of the Loom clothing was suggested.
Travel and Other Documentation - all team members to send John photocopy/scan of their photo passport page containing details of passport number, passport office, valid dates etc before the end of November as needed for booking flights.
Claire distributed copies of common Sri Lankan phrases – we’ll work on these over time, including inviting Sri Lankan Rotarian to one of our meetings (probably January).
Blog/Twitter/Facebook/IT - agreed to make own arrangements for purchasing International phone cards in Sri lanka
Everyone to add their original ‘statement of intent’ to their biog page in the blog
Extensive discussion and demonstration about Twitter/Facebook. Play! to find out more. John is still confused but giving it a go. Jenny suggested team download ‘Dropbox’ software to store photos online. N.B. blog website already defaults to upload photos to Picasa web albums.
Business Cards and Banners - John to explore any budget for printing business cards/small leaflets describing D1100 and the team. Also whether District and own club wish to have banners to exchange.
Team and Individual Goals - discussed and agreed we would add them to this blog (see 17th Nov entry). Noted that some personal goals were as yet unformed but would emerge as the exchange progressed. Also, that some goals could be made public whilst others will remain private or kept within the team.
Itinerary Requests - John to email Suresh and Nadira with specific vocation requests from the team as follows: Emily would like to visit/meet with Occupational Therapists in the Mental Health Team (preferably) or the Physical Health team. Jenny would like to meet with District Forestry Officer(s) in the Forestry Department of the Ministry of Environment.
Team Building Activities - Kath will bring along some ‘scenarios’ to react to for the next session. All members are asked to bring along Their Favourite Thing(s) to talk about. (JM note – Claire, you can bring your iPhone if you like!). Everyone to bring an idea to the next meeting for a ‘physical’ team-building activity – e.g. go-cart racing, skittles, Go Ape! With contact details and prices.
Team Presentations - Three presentations/research projects to be developed over the next few sessions
District Conference at Warwick Conference Centre (near Coventry) for the period April 8th – 10th 2011. Details on D1100 website. ‘Posh’ photos received – thanks - and John will forward to District Conference Team for their brochure.
Clothing/Uniform - thanks to District for uniform allowance. We agreed that if team member is eventually unable to undertake the exchange, this allowance will be passed on to the reserve. Shopping trip for uniform organised ‘by the women for the women’ on December 15th, 6.30pm at The Mall. John will source quotes for printed t-shirts and embroidered polo shirts. Logo will be the Rotary Roundel with Rotary D1100 on the top and Sri Lanka 2011 underneath. Casual clothing will also have individual member names under the logo itself. Fruit of the Loom clothing was suggested.
Travel and Other Documentation - all team members to send John photocopy/scan of their photo passport page containing details of passport number, passport office, valid dates etc before the end of November as needed for booking flights.
• Vaccinations – Emily will keep us informed, subject to itinerary which we hope to receive early December
Claire distributed copies of common Sri Lankan phrases – we’ll work on these over time, including inviting Sri Lankan Rotarian to one of our meetings (probably January).
Blog/Twitter/Facebook/IT - agreed to make own arrangements for purchasing International phone cards in Sri lanka
Everyone to add their original ‘statement of intent’ to their biog page in the blog
Extensive discussion and demonstration about Twitter/Facebook. Play! to find out more. John is still confused but giving it a go. Jenny suggested team download ‘Dropbox’ software to store photos online. N.B. blog website already defaults to upload photos to Picasa web albums.
Business Cards and Banners - John to explore any budget for printing business cards/small leaflets describing D1100 and the team. Also whether District and own club wish to have banners to exchange.
Team and Individual Goals - discussed and agreed we would add them to this blog (see 17th Nov entry). Noted that some personal goals were as yet unformed but would emerge as the exchange progressed. Also, that some goals could be made public whilst others will remain private or kept within the team.
Itinerary Requests - John to email Suresh and Nadira with specific vocation requests from the team as follows: Emily would like to visit/meet with Occupational Therapists in the Mental Health Team (preferably) or the Physical Health team. Jenny would like to meet with District Forestry Officer(s) in the Forestry Department of the Ministry of Environment.
Team Building Activities - Kath will bring along some ‘scenarios’ to react to for the next session. All members are asked to bring along Their Favourite Thing(s) to talk about. (JM note – Claire, you can bring your iPhone if you like!). Everyone to bring an idea to the next meeting for a ‘physical’ team-building activity – e.g. go-cart racing, skittles, Go Ape! With contact details and prices.
Team Presentations - Three presentations/research projects to be developed over the next few sessions
1) Researching aspects of Sri Lanka
2) The Team’s Presentation to Clubs and Conference
3) Researching Individual Vocation in Sri Lanka
Agreed that we would each research the following topics and prepare a 5 minute ppt presentation for item 1 as follows:- Emily – History of Sri Lanka
- Claire – The peoples of Sri Lanka
- Kath – Lifestyles and Cultures of Sri Lanka
- John – Sri Lankan Economy and Politics
- Jenny – Sri Lankan Climate and Environment
- Richard – Sri Lankan Religions and Festivals
For presentation 2, John agreed to email his interview presentation to the team as a starter for a possible structure e.g. features of District 1100, activities of Rotary Clubs in District 1100, introduce self and then handing over to each team member, followed by wrap-up. Agreed that each of us would prepare a 5 minute ppt presentation about ourselves. Some suggestions:
1) could be based on original interview presentation
2) should include personal and work/vocational aspects
3) possibly ‘A day/week in the life of …’
4) be creative, go out on a limb, try and be remembered
Dates for forthcoming meetings/activities included
- Team Meeting 4
- Team Uniform Shopping
- Team Meeting 5
- Team Meeting 6
- Team Meal (with partners)
Thursday 11 November 2010
Facebook Page and a list of our social media explained
Jenny again...
I have now set up a facebook page (last thing I promise!)
The page is open to anyone to view and 'like' - the more 'like's' we get the better! This is a quick page to update, link to, upload photo's to (you don't mind anyone seeing!)
So to sum up, in terms of social media we now have:
* This Blog - Anyone can see. The team have permissions to blog. Use as our online diary and holds the main bulk of the information about the project, and all the things we could want and need.
* Facebook Group - The team are all 'Administrators' and to allow people to see content we have to confirm them and add them to the group. This is a closed group and other people that have facebook have to become members to see the group.
* Facebook Page - Open for anyone to see. People 'like' the page and follow it. Features include a 'wall' for us and anyone to post on, and a discussion board. There is also a whole section for links, videos and photos. This will be useful for friends, family and followers of the project to see what we are up to, and get info quickly!
* Twitter - Instant updates of what we are doing / thinking / feeling! We can also 'follow' others that are of interest to the project and learn from them.
I have now set up a facebook page (last thing I promise!)
The page is open to anyone to view and 'like' - the more 'like's' we get the better! This is a quick page to update, link to, upload photo's to (you don't mind anyone seeing!)
So to sum up, in terms of social media we now have:
* This Blog - Anyone can see. The team have permissions to blog. Use as our online diary and holds the main bulk of the information about the project, and all the things we could want and need.
* Facebook Group - The team are all 'Administrators' and to allow people to see content we have to confirm them and add them to the group. This is a closed group and other people that have facebook have to become members to see the group.
* Facebook Page - Open for anyone to see. People 'like' the page and follow it. Features include a 'wall' for us and anyone to post on, and a discussion board. There is also a whole section for links, videos and photos. This will be useful for friends, family and followers of the project to see what we are up to, and get info quickly!
* Twitter - Instant updates of what we are doing / thinking / feeling! We can also 'follow' others that are of interest to the project and learn from them.
Facebook Group
Jenny Blogs...
A bit about our facebook group.... Claire kindly emailed the team to let them know that we have set up the facebook group. It is called 'The Sri Lankan Diraies' as agreed, and it is a closed group which means that people can only see content if they are verified by one of the team, who will all be 'administrators' for the group. Please do ask to join and follow us.
I am sorry to report that I have been having a few problems with it so far. When I created it facebook crashed and I was not given the normal options to add content about the group. I have asked around and hope to resolve this very soon. Check out other facebook groups and you will see what I mean. It is sill functioning though so I will blog again when I have taken a look into it. Thanks!
A bit about our facebook group.... Claire kindly emailed the team to let them know that we have set up the facebook group. It is called 'The Sri Lankan Diraies' as agreed, and it is a closed group which means that people can only see content if they are verified by one of the team, who will all be 'administrators' for the group. Please do ask to join and follow us.
I am sorry to report that I have been having a few problems with it so far. When I created it facebook crashed and I was not given the normal options to add content about the group. I have asked around and hope to resolve this very soon. Check out other facebook groups and you will see what I mean. It is sill functioning though so I will blog again when I have taken a look into it. Thanks!
We are on Twitter!
Jenny Blogs....
Follow us on Twitter : Go to www.twitter.com
Then search for SLDiaries (our name!)
I've looked through a few lists of other people / groups that we might be interested in following. These include the organisations we work for, any related to Sri Lanka and a few travel, sport and foodies. To see who we are following click on 'Following' in the 'about SLDiaries' section on the right hand side of the page.
There is a typo in our first tweet :-( not sure how it happened I am sure it was not there when I sent it, sorry!
Rotary International are already on Twitter, so we can follow them to keep up to date with global Rotary issues.
I hope this will be the start of something amazing!
Follow us on Twitter : Go to www.twitter.com
Then search for SLDiaries (our name!)
I've looked through a few lists of other people / groups that we might be interested in following. These include the organisations we work for, any related to Sri Lanka and a few travel, sport and foodies. To see who we are following click on 'Following' in the 'about SLDiaries' section on the right hand side of the page.
There is a typo in our first tweet :-( not sure how it happened I am sure it was not there when I sent it, sorry!
Rotary International are already on Twitter, so we can follow them to keep up to date with global Rotary issues.
I hope this will be the start of something amazing!
Saturday 6 November 2010
Minutes Team Meeting 2
Meeting minutes from the 1/11/10
1. Minutes from previous meeting - actions discussed
2. John explained the details of the District Conference and what would be required of us.
3. Discussed the need for “posh” photos for the website, these will be emailed to John by Friday
4. Discussion of clothing allowance for clothing to take to Sri Lanka
• Discussion of organising a shopping trip to together
• Rich to explore getting team clothing
5. John showed us the email from Nadira, Dr Suresh’s assistant. Nadira’s email highlighted various points, including;
• The need for mosquito repellent, Claire is to look into a “clicker” an alternative to traditional mosquito sprays.
• Were informed that internet reception in Colombo is good, however we still a little unsure on the more outlying areas
• Discussion regarding phone signals and phone costs, agreed that the most cost effective way of phoning the UK is likely to be international phonecards.
• Nadira advised travelling light as there would be much opportunities for shopping – a hardship which Jenny was prepared to bear!
6. Discussed producing a laminated card to accompany our presentations in as we run into technical difficulties.
7. John is to take his note book with him and Claire is to look at taking a flip camera from work.
8. Everyone to sort a “pictorial diary” of their everyday lives.
9. Everyone to add their original statement of intent to the blog.
10. Discussed visas, these will not be needed as we will be there for more than 30 days.
11. Emily to speak to a nurse friend/John to speak to his contact regarding vaccinations.
12. Rich to check there is no issues with an Irish passport.
13. Discussed adding a little animation and life to the PPT presentations.
14. Discussed the differing audiences of facebook, the blog and twitter – decided on The Sri Lankan Dairies for the blog and SL Dairies for Twitter.
15. Claire explained about her Brazilian exchange visitor and how photos and phrases may be helpful tools.
16. Discussed ensuring that we did not end up all buying the same guide books.
17. Emily explained how reflective dairies work, all members of team agreed to trail their effectiveness.
18. Discussed defining the goals that we wanted to achieve both professionally and personally.
19. Discussed the next meeting taking place at the Whitminster Inn this was agreed by all.
1. Minutes from previous meeting - actions discussed
2. John explained the details of the District Conference and what would be required of us.
3. Discussed the need for “posh” photos for the website, these will be emailed to John by Friday
4. Discussion of clothing allowance for clothing to take to Sri Lanka
• Discussion of organising a shopping trip to together
• Rich to explore getting team clothing
5. John showed us the email from Nadira, Dr Suresh’s assistant. Nadira’s email highlighted various points, including;
• The need for mosquito repellent, Claire is to look into a “clicker” an alternative to traditional mosquito sprays.
• Were informed that internet reception in Colombo is good, however we still a little unsure on the more outlying areas
• Discussion regarding phone signals and phone costs, agreed that the most cost effective way of phoning the UK is likely to be international phonecards.
• Nadira advised travelling light as there would be much opportunities for shopping – a hardship which Jenny was prepared to bear!
6. Discussed producing a laminated card to accompany our presentations in as we run into technical difficulties.
7. John is to take his note book with him and Claire is to look at taking a flip camera from work.
8. Everyone to sort a “pictorial diary” of their everyday lives.
9. Everyone to add their original statement of intent to the blog.
10. Discussed visas, these will not be needed as we will be there for more than 30 days.
11. Emily to speak to a nurse friend/John to speak to his contact regarding vaccinations.
12. Rich to check there is no issues with an Irish passport.
13. Discussed adding a little animation and life to the PPT presentations.
14. Discussed the differing audiences of facebook, the blog and twitter – decided on The Sri Lankan Dairies for the blog and SL Dairies for Twitter.
15. Claire explained about her Brazilian exchange visitor and how photos and phrases may be helpful tools.
16. Discussed ensuring that we did not end up all buying the same guide books.
17. Emily explained how reflective dairies work, all members of team agreed to trail their effectiveness.
18. Discussed defining the goals that we wanted to achieve both professionally and personally.
19. Discussed the next meeting taking place at the Whitminster Inn this was agreed by all.
Thursday 4 November 2010
The Story So Far
Having been part of the team for only a few days its become clear that I am going to learn a great deal from this experience. Having successfully (I hope!) introduced myself to blogging it feels like a good time to sum up the story so far.
I found that the assessment day was a great chance to hear more about the exchange and having spent time with the other applicants I came away feeling desperate to be involved. Needless to say I was somewhat disappointed when I received a phone call from Garth letting me know I didn't make the team - I genuinely thought he was being polite when he told me it was a close call. The emotional roller-coaster started again when John called me a few weeks later to ask me to take up the position as team reserve....
Having mulled it over I am delighted to be involved and am determined to enjoy the experience - however far it takes me. The team made me feel very welcome at the meeting on Monday so thanks to you all.
I am looking forward to getting to know everyone, learning more about Rotary and Sri Lanka so let the journey continue!
Kath
I found that the assessment day was a great chance to hear more about the exchange and having spent time with the other applicants I came away feeling desperate to be involved. Needless to say I was somewhat disappointed when I received a phone call from Garth letting me know I didn't make the team - I genuinely thought he was being polite when he told me it was a close call. The emotional roller-coaster started again when John called me a few weeks later to ask me to take up the position as team reserve....
Having mulled it over I am delighted to be involved and am determined to enjoy the experience - however far it takes me. The team made me feel very welcome at the meeting on Monday so thanks to you all.
I am looking forward to getting to know everyone, learning more about Rotary and Sri Lanka so let the journey continue!
Kath
Wednesday 3 November 2010
Congratulations from GSE Chair
I have been following the progress of the Group through the Blog and I am very impressed with the development to date. Richard, your blog reminded me of the horror of having to do reflective learning studies in my current degree course having after 55 years of successful secondary and professional studies without trying to understand how I learnt!. Emily, I had not realised that you hail from the old capital of the Hwicce, and I wonder if you were aware that there was a county called Winchcombeshire, which unfortunately only lasted for 70-80 years, but when?
I will be following your progress with interest and look forward to meeting you all again soon.
Garth
I will be following your progress with interest and look forward to meeting you all again soon.
Garth
Tuesday 2 November 2010
Bites and Stings Away!
Jenny Blogs.....
We had our second team meeting last night and it went really well; I think we were all more relaxed, and I felt that we got lots done and I came away with some excellent action points. One was to blog a list of (in my opinion) the latest and greatest mosquito repellents, which may be of use to us on our adventure!
Here are a few that I have either used in the past, or have on excellent recommendation (and a couple of mystery guest appearances!)
Preventing Bites:
1) A product from ‘Avon’ called Skin So Soft & Fresh (used to be Woodland Fresh) Dry Oil Body Spray. It is regarded to be an effective insect repellent. Although it adsorbs in to the skin well, it has been suggested that the oily film it forms on the skin reduces insects' ability to actually land on you and bite. The spray also contains citronella. Used by the Royal Marines apparently! It costs about £5 for a 150ml bottle according to http://www.bushwear.co.uk/nostyles.php?ProductID=396903
I have seen it on e-bay for less but with P&P there is not much difference in cost.
2) Deet. It’s a lean mean mozzie fighting machine. I use 50% Deet and you can see them bouncing off you. It claims to be effective for 8 hours, although probably not advisable to use for weeks on end. The 100% version has been known to corrode clothing – very strong stuff! It costs about £7 for a spray bottle.
3) Jungle Formula. Also tried and tested from Scottish peaks to Cornish coves, and does the job. Not as strong as the Deet, costing around £8 for a spray bottle. Does not taste nice if you get it on your face!
And our mystery guest for this evening……
4) A wristband containing Deet and citronella, this is said to form a protective ‘halo’ from bites for up to 14 days. I like the sound of it, and would be willing to give them a go, for £6.99 for a pack of 4 at http://www.roamingfox.co.uk/Insect-Repellent-Wrist-Bands-pr-16231.html
In fact this site may prove useful for other travel gadget too!
Bite Aftercare:
1) A ‘Clicker’ device (Claire’s idea). Apparently when used on a mosquito bite, the clicker releases a small pulse of electricity. The low electrical current stops the bite itching and swelling, and it can be used as many times as necessary until it stops that scratch! Currently retailing at about £5.50 per clicker from Amazon.
2) Witch Hazel. This is a natural bite and sting relief that comes packaged as a ‘roll on’ from lifesystems http://www.lifesystems.co.uk/ retailing at about £5.50. I’ve used it after being bitten by the evil Scottish midges and it worked for me. You can use as much as you like, and it has no scent. You can also get it in gel form from boots, £1.99 for a small tube.
3) Tee Tree. I’ve read on the internet that rubbing tee tree oil onto bites has a similar effect to witch hazel
4) Good Old Anthesan Bite and Sting Cream. Can be effective if used straight away, before they get really itchy. It’s a cheaper alternative at £2.99 for a large tube and it certainly helps.
And a few mystery guests from the world of bite relief……
5) Banana Peel. Apparently you rub the inside of the peel on the bite (?!)
6) Nail polish – apply as soon as you are bitten
7) Rub a bar of dry or wet soap onto the bite
Any good? We shall have to wait and see!
We had our second team meeting last night and it went really well; I think we were all more relaxed, and I felt that we got lots done and I came away with some excellent action points. One was to blog a list of (in my opinion) the latest and greatest mosquito repellents, which may be of use to us on our adventure!
Here are a few that I have either used in the past, or have on excellent recommendation (and a couple of mystery guest appearances!)
Preventing Bites:
1) A product from ‘Avon’ called Skin So Soft & Fresh (used to be Woodland Fresh) Dry Oil Body Spray. It is regarded to be an effective insect repellent. Although it adsorbs in to the skin well, it has been suggested that the oily film it forms on the skin reduces insects' ability to actually land on you and bite. The spray also contains citronella. Used by the Royal Marines apparently! It costs about £5 for a 150ml bottle according to http://www.bushwear.co.uk/nostyles.php?ProductID=396903
I have seen it on e-bay for less but with P&P there is not much difference in cost.
2) Deet. It’s a lean mean mozzie fighting machine. I use 50% Deet and you can see them bouncing off you. It claims to be effective for 8 hours, although probably not advisable to use for weeks on end. The 100% version has been known to corrode clothing – very strong stuff! It costs about £7 for a spray bottle.
3) Jungle Formula. Also tried and tested from Scottish peaks to Cornish coves, and does the job. Not as strong as the Deet, costing around £8 for a spray bottle. Does not taste nice if you get it on your face!
And our mystery guest for this evening……
4) A wristband containing Deet and citronella, this is said to form a protective ‘halo’ from bites for up to 14 days. I like the sound of it, and would be willing to give them a go, for £6.99 for a pack of 4 at http://www.roamingfox.co.uk/Insect-Repellent-Wrist-Bands-pr-16231.html
In fact this site may prove useful for other travel gadget too!
Bite Aftercare:
1) A ‘Clicker’ device (Claire’s idea). Apparently when used on a mosquito bite, the clicker releases a small pulse of electricity. The low electrical current stops the bite itching and swelling, and it can be used as many times as necessary until it stops that scratch! Currently retailing at about £5.50 per clicker from Amazon.
2) Witch Hazel. This is a natural bite and sting relief that comes packaged as a ‘roll on’ from lifesystems http://www.lifesystems.co.uk/ retailing at about £5.50. I’ve used it after being bitten by the evil Scottish midges and it worked for me. You can use as much as you like, and it has no scent. You can also get it in gel form from boots, £1.99 for a small tube.
3) Tee Tree. I’ve read on the internet that rubbing tee tree oil onto bites has a similar effect to witch hazel
4) Good Old Anthesan Bite and Sting Cream. Can be effective if used straight away, before they get really itchy. It’s a cheaper alternative at £2.99 for a large tube and it certainly helps.
And a few mystery guests from the world of bite relief……
5) Banana Peel. Apparently you rub the inside of the peel on the bite (?!)
6) Nail polish – apply as soon as you are bitten
7) Rub a bar of dry or wet soap onto the bite
Any good? We shall have to wait and see!
Firing On All Cylinders Again
John blogs ...
We're delighted to welcome Kath Williams on board with the GSE team as our new reserve - with all the mixed emotions that come with taking up this position! Kath joined us Monday evening for our team session and fitted in very easily, which says something about her enthusiasm, team skills and confidence. She shared her interview presentation with us. A good start. Thanks and good luck Kath, with the ups and downs of taking on this role. :-)
We're delighted to welcome Kath Williams on board with the GSE team as our new reserve - with all the mixed emotions that come with taking up this position! Kath joined us Monday evening for our team session and fitted in very easily, which says something about her enthusiasm, team skills and confidence. She shared her interview presentation with us. A good start. Thanks and good luck Kath, with the ups and downs of taking on this role. :-)
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