78th Charter Celebrations

Carnforth Rotary members, Rotarian and Inner Wheel guests celebrated the club's 78th Charter at morecambe Golf Club. President John Blowes welcomed the guests and the Roll Call was given by Secretary Linda Lambson. The Golf Club provided an excellent meal following which President John invited District Governor Kath Robinson to give her address. The guest speaker originally invited was still in Tampa Florida due to Hurricane Milton preventing his return to the UK. However, Howard Rogerson the conductor of the Promenade Concert Orchestra, stepped in and spoke about the founding of Morecambe Music Festival in 1893. The Festival was held in the Winter Gardens with upwards of 3000 competitors. There was a close association  with Edward Elgar through his friendship with Canon Orton with whom he stayed while attending the festival on four occasions. Elgar wrote part songs which were performed at the festival.  Much more detail can be found in the book by Geoffrey Hodgkins 'Somewhere Further North: Elgar and the Morecambe Festival. Rotarian George Wilson gave the vote of thanks.