News Archives - 2025 1st Quarter

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Reported   28-3-25

Borderland Rotary give Power to the People of Ukraine

Alex & Mela, two Ukrainians who have been raising awareness and money in the UK since the start of the Russian invasion of their country, were pleasantly surprised when they were invited to do a talk at a Borderland meeting but were instead presented with another two, brand new 3kVA portable generators.

Last autumn, the club gave one 3kVA generator to help the cause and the feedback was so positive that it was decided to donate two more. Harry Richardson, who organised these donations on behalf of Borderland Rotary explained, “The generator that the club donated last year went straight to the front line and is being used continuously. The problem is, there’s so much talk about ending the war, that people seem to forget the reality, Ukrainians are still fighting - and dying on the front line and there are attacks and power cuts throughout the country. We want to continue our support for our friends in Ukraine, and not let dictators rule the world”.

Mela emotionally thanked the club saying, “It’s very hard to keep people interested in the war so to see such generosity is very moving. These generators are vital and may be used for many different things, to charge drones, phones, boil kettles, provide lighting in field hospitals or just provide power for people made homeless by the bombing. Thank you all so much for standing by us – we really appreciate your kindness”.

Reported  15-3-25

Borderland Rotary hears good news from TNS Foundation

Gill Jones, who heads up The New Saints FC Foundation, visited Borderland and brought good news with her as she addressed the Club, explaining that the Foundation will be running operations at The Centre, in Oak Street from the early summer.

Gill Jones at the Centre Spot

Gill said “It’s all very exciting, TNS Foundation have agreed with Oswestry Town Council to take on the day-to-day management of activities at what used to be known as Centre Northwest, in Oak Street, just off Castle Street. OsNosh will be staying exactly where they are but hopefully there will be more going on in the building for young people and the wider community as we get up and running. Last year, together with our regular term-time school and community provision we provided free holiday activities offering, 4,500 places and healthy meals for young people. We hope that by having another location in the town we will be able to continue and further expand our work”.

Unfortunately, when the new Centre building was opened in 2012 it coincided with the national austerity program which saw most local authority youth budgets cut to the bone and thus the building has been underused for many years with Osnosh being the only positive light of hope.

Gill continued, “This is only the tip of the iceberg as we have big plans. We will try to make the best of all the building and adjoining sports area has to offer and we hope that the community will embrace the changes and get involved. We will continue to provide some activities at Park Hall where of course there has been significant recent investment in the construction of new Stand facilities”.

Reported 26-2-25

RReported 26-1-25eported 26-1-25Reported 26-1-25

Borderland Rotary Host Midlands Air Ambulance and Give Donation

Pip Machin, Shropshire fundraising executive for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity joined Rotarians and gave a talk to launch this year’s Borderland Mountain Bike Challenge which will be held on Saturday 10th May 2025 and accepted a cheque for £4,500 from the club.

She went on to explain how the organisation is funded and said, “We are totally funded by donations from the public and organisations.  We do not get any government money so, to receive regular donations from Borderland Rotary is really important to us”.  

The Borderland Mountain Bike Challenge has been held every year (apart from during the Covid-19 pandemic) for more than 30 years with the main beneficiary being Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.  Pip added, “Borderland has donated more than £40,000 over the years, an amazing amount, and thank you all, both present and past, for your great work”.

Very poignant that Tim Gray, son of the first sponsor of the event, Brian Gray was there that evening and is still the main sponsor via his company, Dairi-Pak Ltd. Tim went on to say, “I feel very proud and fortunate that I am in a position to keep this great sporting challenge going and I’m sure that my father Brian, who was such an enthusiast, is looking down with great pride”.

If you want to enter, or just donate to the Borderland Mountain Bike Challenge, find out more at www.borderland-mtb-challenge.org .

Reported 26-1-25

Borderland Rotary celebrate with Burns Supper

Borderland Rotary members and friends came together for Burns Night with a piper, and of course, a haggis – in fact – lots of haggises. Andy Young, a Scot and Bagpipe virtuoso was on hand to Pipe in the Haggis and performed the famous Rabbie Burns poem, Address to a Haggis. 

The poem, which was written in 18th century Scottish dialect opens with the line, “Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face”, which translates to, “Nice seeing your honest, chubby face”, and goes on into a eulogy to the fine and brave Haggis.

Cathy Osselton, who organised the event, said, “I think it’s wonderful that we keep these traditions going and although we are far from Scotland, many of us have ties with those north of the border as well as friends across our nearer border, with Wales. The Bagpipers create such an evocative sound and it’s great to hear Andy playing them so well”.

Robert Burns was born on the 25thJanuary 1759 (Hence the date of Burns Night) and became one of Scotland’s most influential poets, inspiring many liberal and socially minded figures through the years but most of us know him best for “Auld Lang Syne”, the song that we sing as we join hands at the turn of the year, on New Years Eve or Hogmanay.

eported 17.1.25

  Reported 19.1.25

Borderland Mountain Bike Challenge

Date Announced

The Borderland Mountain Bike Challenge will start at 10am on Saturday 10th May from Rhiwlas Village Hall, SY10 7JH. Borderland Rotary Club first held the challenge way back in 1994 when it was a fun ride for members to raise a little money for local charities but then it grew and grew to become the great event it is today.  

Jonathan Jones, who organises the ride for Borderland Rotary, said “I still find the process of organising the Challenge as exciting and daunting as I ever did and, although we’ve been at it for many years, it’s never lost its charm and I still love to see hundreds of keen mountain bikers ride off into the Berwyn Mountains and raise thousands and thousands of pounds for charity. With the support of such sponsors as Tim Gray from Dairi-Pak and Mule Cycles from Oswestry, we have been able to give charities like Air Ambulance a regular annual donation as well as supporting lots of local good causes”. 

The 22-mile Challenge takes the riders over green lanes and farm tracks, over private land, up and down the beautiful foothills of the Berwyn Mountains and is available to riders of all competence however, it’s not for the faint hearted as there is only about 300 mtrs of tarmac and probably no more than that on level ground. It’s a challenge but also a wonderful social event for riders of all ages and competence to enjoy.

Jonathan continued, “Why not put a team together, talk to your colleagues at work, talk to your boss, and if you are the boss, talk to the staff and get pedalling – it’s for a good cause, and it’ll be great fun. All you need is a bike, a helmet, and the heart of a lion!”

Go to www.borderland-mtb-challenge.org and sign up.

  Reported 17.1.25

A Forgotten Name at Borderland Rotary

Bill Vine gave a talk about the wealthy entrepeneur, Charles Tayleur, who died in 1854.  Who was he we ask ! 

An unusual surname.  He and his sons were major players in the development of iron and steel in bridges, ships, and the railways. In particular, building the new steam locomotives for the railways which were used by Brunel and others in England.  More were exported around the world, including America who received the first ever design with a bogey.  They worked at times with George Stephenson and his famous son, Robert Stephenson.

Bill Vine

End