The Rotary Club of Retford was particularly busy in March. The biggest event was the post pandemic return of the Swimathon, held at Retford Leisure Centre, which not only provided an opportunity for the Club to raise money for the Bassetlaw Aurora Wellbeing Centre and the Notts Motor Neurone Disease Association, but additionally for all the teams participating to raise vital funds for their own causes too.
A tremendous joint club and community effort resulted in over £13,000 being pledged for local organisations and charities, which is a fantastic achievement from the people of the Bassetlaw area.
A diverse range of 25 swimming teams of all ages and abilities took part representing 19 different organisations and community groups – overall around 300 swimmers participated. A big thank you goes to all participants and the parents / guardians and team leaders and organisers for their support and hard work:
- St Swithun’s CofE, Clarborough, Thrumpton Academy, Sturton le Steeple CofE, Rampton and Leverton CofE Academy Primary Schools, and Ranby House School.
- The 4th Worksop St John’s and the 7th Retford Scout Groups, and the 1st East Markham & Askham Cub Scouts.
- The Rotary Club of Retford, Retford Inner Wheel, HBPW Consulting, Retford Swimming Club, Retford and District Life Saving Club, Rossington Hall Riding for the Disabled Association, 1403 (Retford) Sqd RAFAC,
- The Friends of St Giles and Barnsley Premier Leisure.
The community spirit shown, particularly by the young people who gave time on a Saturday afternoon to swim and gain sponsorship for their good causes, was truly impressive. The very professional help and support of the BPL Your Space team also deserves thanks.
All swimmers received medals and certificates for their personal efforts. Trophies for various team and individual awards were presented by Retford Town Mayor, Councillor Susan Shaw at a ceremony at Ye Olde Bell Hotel on Saturday 11th March. A shout out to Sturton le Steeple CofE Primary (Junior Team Most Lengths), Clarborough Primary (Junior Team Most Sponsorship) and Retford Swimming Club (Special Award for Fundraising).
Also during March, the club had a very inspirational talk from Alec and Julie Perkins about ‘Jamie’s Legacy’, a charity they set up in memory of their son, which supports various projects for children in Uganda.
A well-attended fundraising event was organised by the Club’s international Committee in the form of an Irish Race Night. Additionally, 14 members visited the Veolia recycling and recovery plant for a tour and presentation, and 16 members enjoyed an excellent walk around Creswell Crags and Holbeck.
Finally, a not-to-be-missed upcoming event is a concert by the Doncaster Youth Swing Orchestra, to be held at The Well on Saturday 13th May at 7.00pm. For tickets contact The Well, Hospital Road, Ye Olde Bell Hotel, Barnby Moor or any Rotary Club member.