14th October 2020

With the world famous Oktoberfest falling victim to CoVid 19 we thought we would indulge in a little beer tasting at our meeting this week. To make it a little more fun we decided on a ‘Blind Tasting’ So it was that our members and a couple of guests gathered on Wednesday each was provided with 3 bottles / cans of beer, all suitably disguised. Each was opened in turn and all asked to guess the style and country of origin as well as saying what could be tasted. The tastings were interspersed with quiz questions, all related to alcohol. There then ensued ‘serious’ discussions on both the merits of the beer and the answers to the questions. All beers were eventually revealed and it has to be said that the quality of the ales was only surpassed by the fellowship of the evening! Enjoy the photographs.

30th September 2020

At our meeting this week we were pleased to welcome District Governor, Welma Robinson.

As well as learning more about her hopes and aspirations for this extraordinary Rotary Year we all enjoyed the fellowship of the evening. As well as this DG Welma presented our Treasurer, Alan Sucksmith with a certificate to mark his 50 years as a Rotarian.

For more information and pictures please see related pages.

16th September 2020
Another interesting talk at our last meeting. Nicola Baseley joined us by skype to tell us about her work as a Business Coach and how to set about a little self improvement. Thank you Nicola.

26th August 2020
Why would a mental health tribunal discharge a Killer? The title of a very interesting and thought provoking talk given to us at our last meeting. Our speaker, a psychiatrist working within the prison service and for the Judiciary, spoke about recent high profile cases as well as other aspects of her work. Thank you Dr Caroline.

August 2020 

Over the last few months we have held a number of competitions and at our meeting on 5th August a few prizes were handed out. 

At our meeting, on 1st July, Ian Downes was installed as president for the coming Rotary Year.

To add a little humour to last night’s Rotary meeting members were asked to attend wearing a ‘fun shirt’ here’s a couple of pictures including President Derek’s winning shirt.

We are now meeting most weeks by 'Skype' If you would like to join us, please contact us.

At our meeting last night we agreed to donate funds to purchase raw materials enabling an enterprising 6th form student to fabricate face shields for local NHS workers.

We are now endevouring to keep in touch by meeting most Wednesday evenings by Skype. 

Unable to meet formally at present, for obvious reasons, we had a go last night at a meeting using Skype.

After a few teething problems all went well and a good time was had by all.

During the present emergency we intend to meet this way on a regular basis to make sure we all stay in touch.

As the situation with coronavirus (COVID-19) develops and following the Government recommendations to avoid social venues and recommendations for those in ‘at risk’ categories, our Rotary club has taken the decision to suspend our usual weekly meetings. 

We will via our website and facebook page keep you updated with developments.

We are researching ways of holding ‘virtual meetings’ and maintaining contact. In the meantime it’s important to keep in touch, particularly with those who are isolated, and whilst social media no doubt has an important role to play can I leave you with this thought

‘If it can be said, phone instead’

Despite the bad weather crocuses are starting to appear, reminding us that there is still work to be done to rid our world of Polio!

Sydney Roland James

It is with a great deal of sadness that we report of the Death, in the early hours of this morning, of past District Governor Jimmie James. 

Following a fall Jimmie, aged 98, had been ill for a short while and died in the Cumberland Infirmary. 

JImmie had been an active Rotarian since joining the Wigton club in 1973, attending most weekly meetings until a couple of weeks ago. He served as District Governor in 1989/90 and subsequently held various positions at District level. 

The sympathy of our Club is extended to all of Jimmie’s family and friends.

An obituary can be found on 'related pages'

At our meeting last night
Ian Downes
was confirmed as our President for the next Rotary Year

Trolley Dash - The Results

1st Prize  Mrs Sanderson of Wigton ticket No.388

2nd Prize Mr Howe of Wigton ticket No. 416

3rd Prize Mrs Harrison of Kirkbride ticket No. 88

It's Back! 

Our ChristmasTrolley Dash

Look out for details

A huge thank you to every one who has helped us to collect 250 coats for the Wrap Up Cumbria appeal. We couldn't have achieved this without your help or those of our collection points, Wigton Library and Cafe 1262 along with Brampton & Longtown Inner Wheel and Dalston Parish Church. Thank you all. For full details of this project please see 'Related Pages' in the Community Involvement section of this web site.

Wrap up NorthCumbria

Rotarians in North Cumbria are collecting your old, unwanted coats and giving them to charities that support the homeless, refugees, children living in poverty and people fleeing domestic violence (to name a few).Any style, size, colour of men’s, women’s and children’s coats will be greatly appreciated.All donations will then be sorted and delivered to our nominated charity partners, for distribution to those in need just in time for the winter.Wigton Rotary Club is actively participating in this project and donations of coats and jackets can be made at the Wigton Library until November 9thPlease help us to keep vulnerable people warm this winter by donating now.

On the 3rd July Derek WIlliamson was installed as President for the coming 12 months. 

At our Meeting last night we 'Raised a Glass' to celebrate the 98th Birthday of PDG S R (Jimmie) James

Darron West of Wigton & District Community First Responders visited us to discuss their work and their need to fund raise. Not only do the responders volunteer but they have to purchase all of their own equipment.

William Roland (Bill) Coulthard 1932 – 2019

Bill became a member of Wigton Rotary Club in in November 1972 serving as Vice President in 1979/80 and President in 1980/81. For most of his working life Bill was an insurance agent for the NFU becoming well known and respected in the agricultural community of North & West Cumbria. Outside of work Bill was a keen golfer, captaining Silloth Golf Club, and enjoyed playing bowls as well as spending time with his family. Following his retirement and a move to Silloth Bill spent much time at the Golf Club both encouraging young golfers and endeavouring to control the gorse bushes that competed for space on the links. In later years Bill was in failing health, requiring in the last few years full time care and becoming less active in Rotary. As a Rotarian Bill will be remembered, with affection, for his happy smile and ability to raise money selling tickets for anything to anybody. Our sympathy is extended to Bill’s family and friends.

We were joined last night by Rose King who talked about her 2 months in Nepal as part of a Raleigh International Expedition.

Prize Winners in our Christmas Trolley Dash
Winner Mr Jimmie Wilson, Bolton Low Houses.

Ticket No. 0122
2nd Prize  Mrs K Smith, Wigton. Ticket No. 0150.
3rd Prize Mrs Fearon, Mealsgate. Ticket No. 0776

75 Years of Service

At last night’s meeting District Governor, Mary Bradley, visited us. As well as giving us an enlightening and upbeat presentation she took the opportunity to present  certificates to Robin Swindells and Len Baseley  honouring, 35  and 40 years respectively, of Membership.

Pound the Path for Polio Eradication

We met up with Alan & Jan Causey of the Rotary Club of Tarpon Springs. They are undertaking a series of walks to raise funds for polio eradication. There latest walk was along the Roman Wall and we met them in Bowness on Solway as they completed their walk.

Prize winners in this years Duck Race  

1st Prize £100 went to David Walker of Cross Lane Wigton 2nd Prize £40 went to Kath Aston of Tarnrigg
3rd Prize £20 went to Mr Jones of Howrigg Bank, Wigton
( Afull list of all prize winers is available on request)

Assistant Governor, Brian White, joined us last night for our Club Assembly

Jimmie’s 45 years as a Rotarian Recognised.

Past District Governor S R (Jimmie) James was presented with a Certificate and letter of appreciation by DGE Mary Bradley at a joint meeting of Maryport, Silloth and Wigton Rotary Clubs. For full details please see ‘Related Pages’ Jimmie James a potted history.

Sucess for the Nelson Thomlinson School in this years District Young Artist Competition. For the full story please see 'related pages'

Last night we were visited by Rose King who spoke to us about her forthcoming visit to Nepal as part of an Operation Raleigh Team.

Congratulations to Victoria Hewat, from Year 12 at the Nelson Thomlinson School, who was awarded the ‘Best Chairperson’ in the Rotary Youth Speaks District Finals in Windermere on Saturday 3rd February.

District Governor, Larry Branyon, visited us during September. For further details please see 'related pages'.

We visited Workington RNLI on 16th August to see their new all weather lifeboat. For further details please see 'related pages'.

For the results of our 'Duck Race' held on Saturday 24th June please see 'related pages'. 

'They are up'  purple crocus flowers have been poping up all over Wigton, Aspatria, Caldbeck, Thursby and Bolton Low Houses. To see the full story please see 'related pages'.

We Have Done It! ( with a little help from our friends) 5,000 crocus bulbs have been planted in and around Wigton. Please see the photographs and report in 'related pages'.

Recognition from the Paul Harris Society - please see 'related pages' for the photo and brief report. 

Success for Nelson Thomlinson pupil Callum in the District Young Writter competition - please see 'related pages.