Club Events 2024/25

Rotary Year 2024/25 opened with Club President Keith Edwards in the Chair for the 3rd time

On the 29 July we had great pleasure in formally inducting Clare and Gerard Batts into the club.  Clare and Gerard have only recently returned to the UK after working in Switzerland for many years.

The Eyebrook Walk returned once more on 18 August after some anxious times as we negotiated to continue our flagship fundraiser despite the problems occasioned by the loss of the leaseholding company of the reservoir following the passing of Ifor Jones a long-term friend of ours.  As it was, Tata Steel took over all security and maintenance duties of the estate and could not have been more helpful in facilitating our event.  We were very fortunate with the weather, which in itself was quite a change it being the first time we have ever had really good weather throughout the day.  We had a record turnout of participants - 180 - who between them donated £2100 which after expenses and the addition of GiftAid will result in income of approx £2600.

At our regular club meeting on the following day on 19 August saw the club welcome 2 guests firstly the District Governor Chris Knight, and secondly a long standing town business owner and Uppingham First volunteer director Kath Gilbert who was recognised by the award of  honorary membership, shortly before her 90th birthday. DG Chris Knight presented the award in the Oak Room of The Falcon Hotel, Kath was applauded for her outstanding voluntary service and commitment to the town throughout her business life.

We have now started collecting tools for transmission to deprived communities overseas (principally Africa) through the auspices of TOOLS WITH A MISSION (TWAM). Our photographs show our collection last year.  Whilst reviewing a Global Grant for an impoverished area of Zimbabwe I was both surprised and very pleased to see that the tools for a new training farm aimed at teaching youngsters sustainability in agriculture were to be provided by TWAM. To arrange a collection please call cor email Colin Gordon 01572 717416 colingordon.cg1@gmail.com.

On 25 October 8 club members turned out to collect in the Market Sq and outside the Co-op for World Polio Day, with  the addition of GiftAid a total of £444 was raised for our Polio Fund.  The previous day 24th was the actual Poli Day and we arranged with Anglian Water to have the the Normantion Church illuminated in purple to raise awareness of the day.  The photo shows the church in purple glory.

1 Nov 24 was a busy day for the club starting at 1030 am with the Xmas Craft Fair in the Garden Room of the Falcon Hotel 19 stalls were busy selling all mannaer of craft and seasonal products - the event raised a total of £930 for our charities.  That evening we entertained the Corby Male Voice Choir - or rather they entertained us - with a wide selection of songs both traditional and more modern.  A successful  venture in raising some £550 for our charities.