The run-up to Christmas has been a particularly busy period for the Rotary Club of Retford, with members dedicating their time and efforts to support the town and local charities.
In early November, members contributed to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, collecting over two days at Morrisons in Retford.
On Saturday 9th November, the Festival of Remembrance proved a memorable occasion. Traditional elements, including the Last Post, Reveille, and a poignant two-minute silence, were accompanied by moving images of poppies. The Pleasley Colliery Welfare Band delivered a rousing and nostalgic performance, and local singer Jessica Brett captivated the audience with iconic wartime songs.
A standout moment was the debut performance of the Peace Anthem, Peace Like a Flower, commissioned by the Rotary Club and written by local primary school RotaKids. The anthem was beautifully performed by a choir of 40 children, accompanied on piano by Christopher Edge, Hallam Choral Director of Music for primary schools.
The following day, at the Remembrance Service held at Retford War Memorial, Club President Marjorie Crookes laid a wreath on behalf of the Rotary Club.
In line with its commitment to sustainability, the Club followed its ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ ethos by collecting a large quantity of gently used shoes. These were donated to Shoe Aid, a Nottingham-based charity, for distribution to those in need.
November also saw the return of the Victorian Christmas Market and Lunch at Ye Olde Bell. The beautifully decorated venue hosted a range of enticing stalls for early Christmas shoppers. The event raised £3,000 for Bassetlaw Hospice, £1,000 for the Rotary charity account to support other local causes, and a further £1,000 for charities hosting their own stalls. A cheque for £1,500 was also presented to Nottinghamshire NSPCC, raised earlier in the year.
Unfortunately, Storm Bert disrupted plans for the Retford Christmas Tree Lighting event. The Club’s raffle stall and Santa Run registration could not proceed as planned. However, it was hoped that by the time of reading, the annual charity street collection and the Santa Run would have taken place successfully. The Club extended its gratitude to sponsors and local councillors for their support of these events.
The generosity of the local community is what enables the Club to make significant charitable donations. The Rotary Club of Retford thanks everyone who supported its fundraising efforts in 2024 and wishes the community a very Happy New Year.