Message from the President

December-November Newsletter

Dear Members and Friends

Due to my ill health and family matters it was impossible for me to write the newsletter on time. I did however send you relevant information by email.

This is the last Newsletter for 2024. At the end, you will have the Sleigh Routes and Static Sleigh positions as of now. There could be minor changes that we will keep you informed of as and when.

This year you will see that we have at least 7 routes and may even add one more. Plus some static locations. Charities are feeling the pinch of the way families have been cutting back for some time now. This is an opportunity for them to raise much-needed funds.

As soon as we know how much we have raised and how much is going to the Charities we will let you know. It is imperative that as this is public money that you generously give, you should be told exactly how much was raised. This will be early in January.

Thank you,

Angeles

FRIENDS MEETINGS First Saturday of the Month

We have had two meetings since I last wrote to you. I really have enjoyed these meetings. They are a great way to exchange ideas and learn more about each other. They are not meant to be formal in any way.

I think the Stable yard is open until end of December after which we will be in the main café. I hope to grab a table near the back out of the way.

Thank you for coming and keep coming. I know it’s not always possible as you are all busy people with other things to get on with. But I miss those that don’t come!

23/10/2024 - Visit by District Governor, Tim Vile

Tim Vile our new District Governor came to meet the club and to talk to us about ways of changing to meet the challenges that clubs are facing nationally. Primarily this is about membership. Tim had looked at our own Web Page and commented that we needed to review it to see how we can be more appealing to new members and to ensure we are giving the right impression. Please look for yourself and tell us what you think. Simply type Morden Rotary Club in your web browser. We have made a couple of changes but we know there is much more to do. Feedback would be very welcome. Reply to angeleswalford@yahoo.com

30/10/24 End Polio Now

Every year in October Rotarians all over the world continue to raise funds for this 35 year old project. Everything raised is tripled by the Bill Gates Foundation.

This year we have seen a rise in cases of Polio in Afghanistan, Gaza and Africa. Unfortunately children under 5 are the main target group for this deadly disease. This year for the first time in many years the club held a dinner to raise funds. We went to the ever fabulous Aya Restaurant in South Wimbledon. There were 24 members and friends and we raised £325. Hopefully next year we will be bigger and raise even more. Thank you to all those who came and especially those that donated such lovely prizes for our raffle. Also for generosity of those that bought tickets.

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October Newsletter

This month has been an extremely busy one for Rosemary and myself, especially Rosemary.

We are really pleased that we have been able through sheer diligence and tenacity to get together a plan for our Christmas Sleigh which is set out below. The routes have been carefully checked and verified by Rosemary so that they will run smoothly and give much pleasure to our residents and their families.

It’s really important that we publicise these routes so that everyone is ready for the arrival of Santa and that they have some money put aside for our charities. We will be carrying SumUp machines too.

As well as 6 routes for the Sleigh we will be doing static appearances too! Once these routes are established we hope next year to expand to other parts of Morden. I would particularly like to see the area around Wandle Road included. However, this can only be possible if we expand our club numbers. It is imperative that we attract new members to The Rotary Club of Morden. We are 90 years old in 2025 and our aim is to grow and grow. We don’t keep any of the money we raise at Christmas. It all goes to local charities.

FRIENDS MEETING

The first Saturday of the month is nominated for our Friends meeting. This will normally be at the Stable Café in The National Trust in Morden Hall.

In our September 7th meeting, which clashed with a Sustainable Merton event in the Wimbledon Quarter, there were five of us. We were small in number but chatted happily for a couple of hours and made ourselves known amongst the users of the Stable Yard.

On Saturday, 14th September Rosemary, Anna Maria and I went to the ABUNDANCE WIMBLEDON FRUIT DAY sale. What a lovely morning we had. The sun was out, there was an abundance of jam, apple juice making, herbs, homemade cakes, and great music from the Colliers Wood International Ukulele Orchestra. 

from Angeles Walford

Welcome to a new Rotary Year and a new President

Angeles Walford, Immediate Past President of The Rotary Club of Cheam and Sutton was duly elected to take on that role with us here at the Rotary Club of Morden.

Pictured from right to left above are Assistant Governor Foulsade Demuren, Fiona, wife of the District Governor, Tim Vile who is on her left and President Angeles.

President Angeles has certainly hit the ground running as the Rotary New Year officially opens on July 1st. On July 7th she managed and volunteered at the Morden Family Fun Day. Despite the weather, it was a great day but not without challenges. These we shall iron out next year.

Watch this space for more news.

John de Ronde, Club Secretary