Retford Charter Day on 6th May was the usual success despite mixed weather. The Rotary Club of Retford participated in the event with a display in King’s Park. Organised by Community Service Chairman Tina Offer and her team, there were games as well as face painting by Rotarian Linda Crossland. Although principally a fun day, £90.00 was raised for the club’s charity account.
RotaKids is a part of Rotary that involves young children in making new friends whilst at the same time helping others and introducing youngsters to Rotary ideals. Rotarian David Rhodes has championed this in the club’s own area and now has ten local primary schools with or just about to start their own RotaKids Clubs. This makes the largest set of such clubs in the East Midlands. At secondary school level, a pilot essay competition involving Year 12 pupils from Elizabethan Academy was won by Eve Young. Pupils were asked to compare the philanthropic works of a person of their choice with Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary International. Eve’s chosen subject was Dame Ellen MacArthur. Plans are already in hand to expand the project next year.
Four pupils from the local secondary schools have attended RYLA at Buxton. RYLA is Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. It helps pupils in learning how to interact with and guide others. The Youth Committee was helped with the cost by the Club’s Percy Laws Memorial Fund Committee.
Social activities have played their part in club life in May; Retford won the district ten pin bowling competition; the golfers played the Leen Valley course at Hucknall and the month ended with a group of 30 on a walking break at Alnmouth organised by Past President Linda Cadman.