Visitor from Grenada/Grimsby – June 2011
Last Monday night (11th July 2011) the speaker was billed as “different”. Henry Bowen told how he made the journey between his  native Grenada, a tropical spice island that is part of the Windward Isles off the Venezuelan coast. Born in 1943 into a family of 15 he caught the contagion of the age. Britain needed workers to rebuild its industry and the Colonies had eager volunteers.
As a teenager when he decided to follow in his big brother’s footsteps and come to England and get an apprenticeship. Some how he managed to wangle a passage on a banana boat and landed in South Wales. This was a time of fun and hard work. Not only did he learn his trade, but also joined his brother’s steel band, said to be one of the best, and this gained him access to prestigious events.
Things moved on; Henry ends up in Great Grimsby and this tall elegant black man charms the lovely Linda (and her mum) the result being one of the century’s most successful marriages. Then there are long years of working away during which time the steel drums are forgotten and left to rust. However in later years Henry moved on in his professional life and became a much sought after Inspection Engineer and this is where he became a longstanding friend of a Hornsea Rotarian.
Encouraged into a role of public speaking, Henry found his true vocation. After retiring from full time work he had more time to spend re-polishing his drums and perfecting his technique. The attached clip demonstrates his ability.
Henry kept his listeners “spell bound” on Monday when he explained the politics of steel bands he knew in his youth. Interspersed were snippets from his formative years “all wrapped up” with several tunes on his antique steel drums. The Meeting consensus was that this device, in his capable hands, can equally match the melody from more conventional musical instruments.
Note to other Rotary Clubs in the District.
Henry is available for after dinner speeches, contact: bowenh@btopenworld.com
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The author Robert Edric spent an evening with the club recounting his life as an internationally renowned author who has lived in Hornsea for over 20 years. His real name is Gary Armitage , he is married to a teacher at the town's High School and he is proud to say that locally he is known as Mrs Armitage's husband. Despite having 20 books published and the possibility of a film deal Robert/Gary has his feet firmly on the ground and is modest and self deprecating. He puts this down to his upbringing in Sheffield,his university days in Hull and his life in Hornsea.
The Rotary Club of Hornsea and East Riding took place today (Sunday 9th January 2011) and was once again well support. The event raised over £400 gross for Grey Hound Rescue and other Rotary Charities. 
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Ian Jarvis and John Gosnold from the Rotary Club of Hornsea and East Riding were proud to represent the Club at a meeting of the Holderness Club on Monday 4th September to listen to the young Ambassadors who represented Hull on the Clipper Round the World Race 2009/2010.
