Autumn 2024

Over the years, AK Rotary has organised a number of events to raise funds and awareness for dementia and its related illnesses. In July, we hosted the Ambleside Oral History Group’s presentation, ‘A Short Story’, which detailed the history of the Shorts Flying Boat Factory based at White Cross Bay during World War II. The event successfully raised £550 for Alzheimer’s Research. Additionally, some of our members volunteer at the monthly Dementia Support Group at the Parish Centre, which provides vital support not only to those living with dementia but also to their carers and families.

This month, we were honoured to attend the official opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the CrossFit gym at the Lakes School. Our Club has always been eager to support the school, and we are pleased to have contributed to this exciting initiative.

Sir Ben Helfgott MBE, a young holocaust survivor and one of the Windermere Boys was the inspiration behind the Lakes School Strength & Fitness Gym. The Calgarth Estate, now home to the School became a sanctuary for Ben and 300 other orphaned Jewish refugees after the War. Ben discovered his talent for weightlifting becoming British champion and representing GB in the 1956 & 1960 Olympics.

In August 2015 he planted a tree on the school grounds grown from an acorn sourced from Auschwitz to remember the victims of the holocaust.

The school’s partnership with The Academy Programme is a significant development, as they plan to use the CrossFit gym to offer an exclusive ASDAN qualification. This program not only enhances physical fitness but also promotes life skills, personal development, and employment opportunities for targeted student groups. The benefits of the gym extend to staff as well, with CrossFit helping to reduce the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, boost the immune system, and mitigate the long-term effects of illness.

At AK Rotary, our objective has always been to support local, national, and global projects, while having fun and responding to the needs of others. Looking ahead, our next event will be a Quiz Night on November 8th, in support of the Ambleside Parish Centre. The funds raised will go toward upgrading the centre's lighting to energy-efficient systems, reducing both costs and environmental impact.