As autumn sets in, Retford Rotary Club members have been busy both participating in Club events during September, and organising charity and fundraising events for November and December.
The International Committee held a very enjoyable ‘Quizzes and Karaoke’ night. With an atmosphere of friendly rivalry, the teams got down to the business of competing for the winning spot. In between quiz rounds, several people also had a go at the karaoke!
Over £400 was raised on the night, much of which will support a young student in their final year of secondary school in Africa, through the Rise to Shine Foundation.
Members enjoyed an inspirational presentation from Val Lievers, of the Rotary Club of Amber Valley, about an on-going project in India supporting the Sri Sri Vidyarthi High School in Secunderabad, and arranging sponsorship for many of the pupils who attend.
In an area of real poverty, the opportunities given to the children who attend are truly life changing, including offering girls vocational instruction in sewing and tailoring alongside their academic education, leading to a recognised qualification. Some now plan to start their own businesses!
The great outdoors has also been enjoyed. At the start of September members participated in a social walk around Gringley, and at the end of the month the Club as pleased to provide car park marshals for three days of the Osberton Horse and Driving Trials. Over 30 members and friends covered the shifts to keep the car parking organised. This is the second time the Club has undertaken this job, for which Bede Events make a generous donation to the Rotary Charity Fund.
The Club is delighted to announce that on 11th November, at 7.00pm in Retford Town Hall, the Festival of Remembrance is making a welcome return after three years of absence. Featuring the Pleasley Colliery Welfare Band, tickets cost just £9.00, including light refreshments.
For this very popular event pre-booking is essential. Tickets are available from Mamma Guisi’s Coffee Shop on Carolgate or from Co-op Travel, Market Square. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.thelittleboxoffice.com/rotaryclubofretford. Club members will also be supporting the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal in Asda on 1st and 2nd November.
Another forthcoming events to watch out for is the Victorian Christmas Fayre, at Ye Olde Bell, Barnby Moor on Thursday 16th November from 10.00am to 2.00pm. A festive lunch is also available by pre-booking only through rotariandanby@gmail.com.
Finally, the Retford Rotary Santa Run on 10th December is fast approaching. Sign up on the Retford Rotary Website www.rotaryclubofretford.co.uk/pages/santa-run, and secure your place at this fun and festive event.