August traditionally takes on a slower pace in Rotary as members take a well-earned break, but this summer Rotary Club of Rotherham members were still working in the background on plans for the year ahead. At the end of July, club members were honoured to be invited to a fabulous Curry Night hosted by the Rotary Club of Rotherham Sitwell at Sitwell Park Golf Club. This was a most enjoyable ‘cross party’ evening with members of Round Table, Rotherham and Rothervale 41 Clubs, Rotherham and Rotherham Sitwell Clubs and Tangent in attendance. A repeat evening is planned in early October, which will involve pig racing!
During August, meetings were still held on a weekly basis and at one such meeting, Past President Giles Bloomer and President Michael Sumption were honoured to be presented with prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship awards for regular support of Rotary Foundation. At the meeting on 20th August, President Michael Sumption gave a talk entitled ‘Uphill or Downhill’. His long association with running meant the title did not fox anyone, and he proceeded to explain a feature of his very first relay run from John O’ Groats to Land’s End in 1978, which would be followed by five more such events, known as JOGLERs.
The issue to be decided in that first planning stage was simply–will the relay be the favourite of cyclists, from Land’s Ends northwards, or from John O’ Groats southwards? The decision taken was entirely to ensure that the runners had a great experience of the journey, rather than prevailing winds etc, and Michael explained that it was a “no brainer” that they opted to run south from John O’ Groats. Ample time for sight-seeing on the journey north, celebrations at the end in sun-kissed Cornwall and afterwards in Penzance’s iconic Admiral Benbow, were simply no contest against celebrating in John O’ Groats – once voted the most dismal town in Scotland – followed by a 525-mile journey home. Michael has written a book about his six JOGLER experiences and the humour which runs through what was a serious series of events, is epitomised by the front cover of the book.
Rotary Club of Rotherham launches art competition in partnership with Rotherham Borough Council
The Rotary Club of Rotherham is thrilled to announce the launch of the Rotary Club of Rotherham Art Competition, now open to all schools in the town. This exciting competition is a collaborative effort between the Club and the Rotherham Borough Council’s ‘Together for Tomorrow’ community initiative. The competition invites children to express their feelings about their town or locality through the theme ‘Our Rotherham’. This initiative aims to foster a sense of community, understanding, and inclusion through the power of art.
Ann Foxley-Johnson represents the Together for Tomorrow Educational Initiative in this endeavour, and Rotarians are grateful for the generous sponsorship provided by Kingswood, Chartered Accountants. Ann said: “The Rotary Club of Rotherham Art Competition is a fabulous opportunity for children and young people to showcase their creativity. Through the theme ‘Our Rotherham’, we hope to inspire a sense of community and pride. We are grateful for the support of the Rotary Club’s competition adding a bonus element to our educational project for schools.”