It was all change at the Rotary Club of Retford in July, as it is the start of the Rotary year. Judith Longden became the club president; her deputy is president elect Adrian Sumner and Andrew Avery takes on the role of vice president — the third in line. Immediate past president Eddie McGarvey handed on the chain of office at the meeting at the beginning of July. Mike Davis continues as treasurer whilst Marjorie Crookes takes over from Mary Danby as secretary. Marjorie can be contacted via email at secretary@retfordrotary.org.
However, Eddie was able to retire on a high note; the club was voted the Best Club in District — not for the first time, for all the charitable work that it does, as well as the fun way the members go about this task. Retiring district governor Cheryle Berry, has created a new trophy for work with RotaKids. Rotarian David Rhodes has championed this in Retford and together with Linda Crossland, who help set up the first club at Carr Hill School, accepted this trophy on behalf of his team. RotaKids introduces Rotary ideals to primary school children. He has created eight clubs already in the Retford area.
On Sunday 14th July, rotarian Sally Ogle and husband John, hosted a Sunday brunch in aid of the club’s Bread Fund. £700 was raised for the charity. The Bread Fund is a charity that was set up by past president of the club Terry Dunmore and his late wife Margaret, feeding bread to pre-school Zulu children in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa. The food provided was changed to a type of fortified porridge following expert advice, but the charity has kept its original name.
The eradication of Polio is something that Rotary has championed since 1984 and has nearly won. However, donations are still very much needed. There is a concert at Ye Olde Bell with Benjamin Frith and Heidi Rolfe on Tuesday 24th September to raise further funds. Tickets are £15.00 each. For further details, visit www.fourfabuloushands.eventbrite.co.uk.