Focus on a Club Member: Constantinos Franceskides

What do you do for a living?
Job situation at the moment is a bit on the air as I am currently writing up my thesis. I, though, by qualification am an Engineer. Hopefully once all is clear with my submission I should be once again looking for a job within one of several fields that I am interested in; Aerospace, Automotive, Health and Forensics.
 
What do you do for fun? 
Fun, well my idea of fun has changed dramatically over the last couple of years. Now that I am a father I take most pleasure in spending time with my family. But if conditions allow it (whether internal or external) I enjoy going on a boat trip or even better getting the motorcycle out for a spin just to blow the cobwebs off the helmet.
 
Where are you from?
As the name suggests I must be affiliated with some other part of the world. Well that is correct, I am originally Greek – Cypriot. I was born in Cyprus and once finished my military service I moved to the UK to commence studying.  Funnily enough I may still be considered a student, as I am still studying.
 
Can you tell us something we may not know about you?
I love anything that has an engine on it, I will try and strip it and put It back together. Usually it works otherwise I end up buying a new one. What I enjoy the most I guess is restoring vehicles back to their former glory. It sometimes feels like something is too good (especially if the engineering behind making it is fascinating) to be left to rot or perish.
 
Where did you go on your last holiday? 
That is a great question. I do not remember, although the last holiday I do remember is Orlando Florida with the family. Although it was following a conference, once that was done and dusted I was enjoying the sun and sea. I must admit, this was the first time across the Atlantic and it did take a while to get used to the lifestyle.
 
What is your favourite book/film and why? 
Favourite book is the Count of Monte Cristo, which is now a good few years back when I last read it. As for a movie, I do not think I do have a favourite movie. What I do have is a favourite mini-series, Band Of Brothers. For anyone out there that enjoy factual WW2 documentaries/series then this is a must see. Tom Hanks is in the leading role as well as a director.
 
Why did you join Rotary?  
​I am here with my family, which is my son, wife and dog. Everyone else we have is scattered around the globe. I thus want my son to be brought up in a friendly and future-proof environment. This meaning that if we, as the current stakeholders of our community (both local and global) don’t look after each other and the future of our communities no one will. In addition, by spending time with likeminded people helping others almost puts you in a band of brothers, where you create a bond with the people around you that are all striving for a better future.
 
What have you enjoyed most in Rotary so far?
I think the diverse nature of the events we do has certainly kept meinterested. As for a favourite event I think the Swimathon and the Easter fun day. What is certainly most enjoyable though is seeing the amount of people that turn up every meeting, people that are willing to spend their time giving back to others.
 
Which Rotary events are you looking forward to?
I would really like to not just help organise, but also partake in two events this year, the Maidenhead boundary walk as well as the Cookham Regatta.
 
If you could describe our Rotary Club in 3 words what would they be?
Unique, Diverse, Welcoming

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