Fellowship

The lunchtime meeting of the club on 31^st August was not held in Sandbach but at Rudyard Lake in Staffordshire. This was organised by President Dave Lewis, who had proposed it in his inaugural speech, and was attended by 21 Rotarians and partners. 

Rudyard Lake, built as a reservoir for the canal system in 1797, covers 168 acres and is now home to a range of outdoor leisure activities. 

The North Staffs Railway used to run along the eastern shore of the lake and now a Victorian-style narrow-gauge railway runs along this track. After a generous and tasty lunch at the Hotel Rudyard, members boarded the train for a 3-mile return trip down the side of the lake, stopping first at the dam at the southern end, where the visitor centre and other attractions are located.  

The Lake is the place where Rudyard Kipling’s parents first met, where Captain Webb, the first man to swim the Channel, could be seen demonstrating his skills, and Blondin entertained the crowds by walking a tightrope 30 metres above the lake.  

Everyone enjoyed the day but there were no volunteers for the tightrope.

Rtn. John Higgins (Publicity Officer)