Working with the Community

The Rotary Club of Taunton has had a very busy few months. Not only have we returned to all but normal operations, we have been very active.  The recent Inclusive Disability Ball at Oake Manor saw 200 enjoy an evening of entertainment dancing and fun, Our Tribute Concert in aide of those who have served and in recognition of 100years of the Royal British Legion was enjoyed by over 150 attendees who listened to a variety of music and choral pieces.  was returned to all but normal operations an.

It's been all hands on deck for our Christmas Pop-up-Shop with Rotarians and Friends of Rotary swinging into action to set up the venture slap bang in the middle of town. The shop sold all manor of gifts and promoted awareness of Rotary activities. Partners worked with us in the shop and over £13,000 was raised for local charities, the Conquest Centre and the Musgrove Park Hospital League of Friends. 

Never in recent history has there been a better opportunity for us collectively to embrace our Rotary motto, which is 'Service above Self'.  Our organisation is well connected to the voluntary sector and charities in Taunton and this strengthens our connections as the Taunton Rotary community. 

The Rotary Club of Taunton remained active throughout the pandemic, supporting many local organisations and meeting the needs of those affected.  We gave over £13,000 to a range of organisations and helped others raise over £9,000 for Coronavirus related activities. Some of those benefiting included: 

• The Coronavirus Community Help Taunton - An Emergency Fund for those in need 
• Besom - Home starter packs and fresh food for those in need 
• Cullen's Catering - Ready to Go Sunday lunches for those trapped at home 
• YMCA Dulverton - Art materials for the homeless 
• Taunton Area Debt Advice (TADA) - A project to provide remote access to debt advice
• The Women's Refuge - Donations and £300 of shopping vouchers
• Go-Create - 'In Isolation' project '
• North Taunton Partnership Refurbishment of the Priorswood Community Centre
• Young Carers and Isolated families - Smartphones for on-line communication 
• Grant raising help to North Taunton Partnership

The Rotary Club of Taunton has supported and founded many local organisations over recent years. These include:North Taunton Drugs Bus, Reminiscence Learning; Taunton rail responders; Royal British Legion (Taunton); Taunton Festival of Arts; Citizens Advice Bureau; Women's Refuge; Musgrove Park Hospital; Taunton Christmas Party for the Elderly; Young Carers; Children's Hospice SW; Military wives Choir; Somerset Disability Ball; Rotary Community HUB; The Taunton Flower Festival; Somerset Sight; the Musgrove Hospital League of Friends and many individual donations to Young People.

We also support international initiatives including; Wateraid; Shelterboxes; Polio eradication; REMIT - Malaria eradication; Himalayan Children and World Water Works Emergency Boxes.

Find out more of what we do for our community. Click details below for more articles.