June has seen a range of activities going on within the Rotary Club of Retford. Importantly, there have been opportunities to make presentations of funds that have been raised through the efforts of Retford Rotary Club and its hardworking members.
Bassetlaw Hospice were the happy recipients of £1,400 raised through a fashion show held in April, and the Club was finally able to get together with representatives of the Royal British Legion to pass on a donation of £700 from the Festival of Remembrance that took place at the end of last year.
The annual Swimathon has already benefited many good causes that the swimmers had nominated. This year the Rotary funds generated from the event were shared equally between Guide Dogs and the Notts and Lincs and Air Ambulance. Representatives of both these charities, including the very popular Guide Dog Jackie, were able to join members at the annual Presidents Evening to receive cheques for £3,900 for each organisation. This was a truly stunning achievement.
The Club sponsors and supports an annual sailing event for children in the area, run by Daneshill Sailing Club. This year children from Clarborough Primary School, St Swithun’s Primary School and Bracken Lane Primary Academy took part over three separate days.
Clarborough probably got the worst of the weather with a very windy day, but a few capsized boats and some wet teachers and children didn’t seem to dampen the enthusiasm at all! All of Bracken Lane year six attended the next sailing day, enjoying milder conditions and taking turns to sail or do other activities around the lake. The final school was St Swithun’s with ten pupils attending and graduating, from sailing in pairs to going solo, as their confidence grew.
A very worthwhile event that benefits the young people involved immensely. The Club is grateful to the schools for their participation and to Daneshill Sailing Club, who make the Sailing Day possible.
The start of July sees the beginning of a new ‘Rotary Year’. The Club presented its plans for next year’s projects at the Club Assembly on 17th June, and at the meeting on 1st July President Mary Danby handed over the chains of office to incoming President Marjorie Crooks.
There is a very full year ahead planned, and one of the first events in August will be a ‘Treasure Hunt’ around Retford. Starting at between 5.00pm and 6.00pm on Wednesday 14th August at Beer under the Clock, and taking in some mystery pubs, it is sure to put some fun into fundraising! Cost £10.00 per pair.
It would be lovely to see some of the local community join in the event. To prebook a place or for more information, contact markaparker3579@gmail.com. All proceeds will go to Rotary-supported charities.