ROTARY MOTTO - 'SERVICE ABOVE SELF'

Clwb Rotari Aberaeron Rotary Club A'r Cylch

‘Rotary Working In the Community, With the Community and For the Community’

‘Serving Local Communities Since 2003’

LOCAL CONFUSION – ROTARY

There appears to be some confusion locally about Rotary in Aberaeron & District. The true Rotary Club operating in this area and representing all of the Communities for 20 years, is Clwb Rotari Aberaeron Rotary Club A’r Cylch. A Club established dual gender where everyone is equally valued and is open, transparent and democratic. We uphold Rotary Values, Ethics, Guiding Principles, Code of Conduct and Integrity, that should be supported and validated by all Rotary Clubs and true Rotarians.

The Club has always been very progressive in challenging formality, structure and the cost to our members. We meet face to face as this affords the benefits in developing close ties and trust. After COVID people need to physically meet and re-establish social contact. This is very important for physical and mental well-being.

People have suffered due to lack of contact, and this included former Rotarians who wanted to close the Club down and start their own Club. We aim, through the meetings and fellowship, to re-introduce ‘normal’ back into society. On-line meetings are impersonal and subject to control by others and are a reminder of the bad times of being locked-down and isolated.

Meetings

The Club is continuing to build on the great work that has been done over the past 20 years and has always been a visible presence at local events. We are the Club of the Aberaeron and District with true and hardworking members upholding Rotary Values, Ethics, Guiding Principles, Code of Conduct and Integrity. All members are able to express their opinions and provide expertise and knowledge which assists in the inclusive and diverse nature of the Club. If you are someone who cares and wants help why not join with people who are actually trying to make a difference.

The Club prides itself on the fact that it does not matter how long you have been a member your view and opinion is as important as everyone elses. Everyone has a talent(s) and skill(s) to fill roles within the Club. Most importantly, our Club is operated democratically, openly and with total transparency. This is backed up by the Rotary Four Way Test:- "Is it the Truth?"; "Is it fair to all concerned?"; "Will it build good will and better friendships"; and "Will it be beneficial to all concerned". Be honest and open with everyone you deal with.

Aberaeron Rotary Club has, for nealry 20 years, given priority to supporting our local communities. Our current priorities are to attempt to assist and tackle the problems of today. We were initially concentrating on Dementia and Alzheimers in our communities, along with their carers. However, the COVID pandemic, along with the pressures placed on individuals and groups, has had a wider impact on mental health and well-being. We will be forming a partnership, with a wider group of communities, to offer some assistance, advice and hopefully a release from the impact of lockdowns and of getting back to something like the normality pre-COVID. 

Also, another pressing issue is the cost of living crisis. We will be looking to offer support in the wider communities where we are able working with community groups. 

There is also the present issue with the conflict in the Ukraine that we have been providing aid and assistance in conjunction with Penparcau Community Hub and Cymuned Pennant Community. 

The Club is flexible and adaptable and has always been ready to assist with any future issues no matter how big or small.

Below is listed projects that are an example of the range of activities that we have undertaken: -

At Aberaeron Junior & Infant School we have supported a buddy reading scheme and a volunteer pupil group (Rotakids); Aberaeron High School we have supported a youth group (Rotary Interact]); and we formed and supported and advise the Rotaract Club in Aberystwyth.

The Club have supported pupils, in the local senior school, to enter Rotary Youth Competitions which will be re-instated during this year.

The Club has organised various events, over the years, for a 'Kids Day Out' in June and at Christmas.

We have provided funding for an opportunity for a student, from the area, to attend a 5 day "leadership” course at Storey Arms Outdoor Pursuit Centre, Brecon Beacons, each August.

A street collection this summer will be raising money for Alzheimer's Society. The Christmas collection, over 20 years, has always been in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance Trust and will continue. 

If you feel that you would like to help in your community why not come along and see if you can serve in some way. The Club is dual gender and has a very informal format. The Club is very friendly and holds great store in having social evenings and fellowship. We meet face to face and try to avoid the impersonal use of media. 

Don't be a spectator. 'Imagine' the difference you can make by getting involved.

Ian Lampert Club President 2023/24