Yesterday, I returned to my host club, the historic Rotary Club of Lewes, established in 1923, with its renowned group of wonderful Rotarians. Instantly, I was offered countless drinks and welcomed into conversations. Meetings are appropriately set in the Sheriff’s room of the White Hart Hotel: where Thomas Paine engaged in early debates and conceptualized the Declaration of Independence.
The Rotary Club of Lewes has maintained a most impressive Rotary presence for almost 90 years. Regardless of which way they march into future years, I am very proud to be their honorary female member. Lots of entertaining bickering, plenty of character, and tons of passion. And after so many visits to different clubs, it was really nice to join in as President Jim Hatfield led his home club. I am humbled to be so lucky to have such an encouraging and active counselor, who is never without a positive spirit, and an eager attitude to add richness to my experience.
Something really special, was that the Rotary Club of Lewes also had along a special guest. Dr. Alison Jolly came, warmly welcomed in by all the members. Jim gave her a really lovely introduction, and I couldn’t have been more honored to have her along! She is the only non-Rotary member, aside from Dr. Patricia Wright, to ever attend Rotary with me. Dr. Patricia Wright came with me in 2010 to cotalk to my sponsor club, the Rotary Club of Larchmont, before they even sponsored my application. I remember having told Alison about that day a while back, by phone. It was so amazing to have Dr. Alison Jolly with me, here, at my host club in Lewes. As a part of both the Madagascar-obsessed community and the Rotary world, it really doesn’t get any better than that. So, photos:
Much of the photos here were taken by the White Hart’s personal copy of the Declaration of Independence. And others include Past President, Peter Boyse, who took it upon himself to entertain both of us guests with a great sense of humor and kindness.
Much thanks for a wonderful day!
daniellagoestobrighton 
Apr 16, 2012 @ 14:50:16
We wish we were there for your event at Lewes! We will never forget that gorgeous day when we had the privilege of meeting Allison Jolly in her beautifully preserved house where each stone and beam had a story to tell and the pleasure of meeting the Hatfields in the historic brewery and enjoy their perspective of Lewes in that intensly historic and beautiful town.