Half year update 2023

Latest news:

In February we held a Charity Quiz night which was extremely well attended and a fun night was had by all, Tony Roberts was our Quiz Master, who was also charitable when setting the questions so that at least we all managed we all get a few correct answers! We are pleased to report that the quiz raised a total of £729 for our chosen charities. In addition to this the club voted to top up this amount subsequently donating £500 to the Stroke Association, Rotarian Dave Strange’s chosen charity, £250 to Newark Homestart and £250 to Newark Reach – all worthy recipients.

February also saw us joining forces with volunteers from Newark Patriotics to man a stall on Newark Market Square in order to raise funds for the Turkey and Syrian earthquake disaster, the day was full of laughter, fun and we made some new friends. Our thanks to Ian Harrison the Market Manager and his team, for all their help, to all our friends who offered to help with running the stall, (indeed with had to say no to lots of volunteers) to every one who baked cakes, donated items for the tombola or just donated money and to Jayne Mason who donated the banners and the covers. 

With all your help we raised an unbelievable £541.33, which following contacting a government charity scheme, has been topped up meaning we have been able to donate a total of £1080 to the appeal. Additionally the club also voted to provide 2 shelter boxes, at a cost of £1180, and 4 Aqua boxes, at a cost of £600, in support of the Earthquake Disaster Appeal.  

March saw the culmination of all Bob Hattersley’s hard work as, with spade in hand, along with a handful of volunteers he organised the planting of 130 trees at North Clifton School – well done Bob!  

March 28th saw us gather for the club’s Charter/birthday celebration and the Cedric Ford Pavilion for a social evening and excellent meal, again provided by the catering staff at the show ground. Among the guests attending, and in addition to other Rotary Club members, were Martyn Bye, Rotary District Governor and Lawrence Goff, Mayor of Newark.  

Over recent weeks and months Graham Macfarlane has been the club’s representative at various meetings in relation to Newark in Bloom. After much negotiation the club has agreed to sponsor a flower bed in town where a plaque bearing the club’s name will be displayed. The beds will be planted up by NS&DC with the club contributing £300 towards the cost of planting. The flower beds are in a very prominent location sitting between the Ossington and Castle gardens just opposite the main traffic island and the plaques were put in place in April.  

Finally last and by no means least it was agreed to give a £50 John Lewis voucher as a raffle prize at a Ball which is being held for Newark Emmaus Trust and Children’s Bereavement Centre.

All in all a very busy year so far!  

If you would like to find out more about us why not contact us via the Contacts Page on our website or email the Club Secretary for further information: celiasmallwood@gmail.com