On Saturday 13th May the Rotary Club of Retford was delighted to welcome back the Doncaster Youth Swing Orchestra for a performance at The Well. These talented young people gave a fantastic performance that was thoroughly enjoyed by all those in attendance.
It was therefore very concerning a couple of weeks later to learn that the funding for the Doncaster Youth Jazz Association is under severe threat. It would be a great pity if such a vital organisation for supporting young people in playing and performing music did not exist into the future.
Marion Tasker of North Wheatley, nominated by Retford Rotary Club, has been awarded a prestigious Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland Community Champion Award. Held annually, these awards recognise unsung heroes whose volunteering efforts have had a huge impact on people’s lives at home or internationally.
Marion has improved the education and life chances and experience of hundreds of girls in rural Africa through The Washable Sanitary Pads Project. Beginning back in 2014, Marion established workshops to produce sanitary pads for schoolgirls, enabling them to attend school during menstruation when they were previously unable.
Originating in the village of Luangwa, Zambia, the project has now expanded to multiple countries across Africa, with Marion making regular visits to help set up the workshops, solve any problems and evaluate the success of each project. It’s estimated that over 7,000 girls in Zambia alone have now benefitted from the Pads Project and evaluation has shown a 50% increase in school attendance of the schoolgirls involved.
The Champions Awards are about giving those who pioneer, lead and support amazing volunteering projects some well-deserved recognition. With over 1,500 Rotary clubs able to nominate both Rotary members, and members of the public, who have carried out extraordinary voluntary service, it is wonderful that Marion’s dedication is being recognised by this award. The presentation took place at Birmingham Botanical Gardens on Saturday 17th June.
The club Charity Golf Day on Wednesday 19th July at Retford Golf Club is fast approaching. Supporting the NSPCC and Focus on Young People in Bassetlaw, please see the Retford Rotary Club page on Facebook for contacts if you are interested in entering a team.
Finally, after the success of the 2022 Charity Christmas Craft Fayre and Market, there will be another event on Thursday 16th November at Ye Olde Bell Hotel, Barnby Moor. Bookings are now being taken for stallholders. If you would like to book a stall for this event in support of the Hospice, please contact rotariandanby@gmail.com for further information.