Our Latest News

Alan V Sucksmith PHF

It is with sadness that we report the death of Past President Alan Sucksmith.

Alan passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 13 at the Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle after a short illness.

Alan, aged 90, was an active member of the Wigton Rotary club for 52 years, joining in September 1970. He was first elected President in 1978/79 but, like many other members, he later shared the Presidential role on a number of occasions when the overall membership was in decline.

In addition he served as club secretary, Foundation Chairman, Bulletin Editor and latterly Club Treasurer.

Alan was an engineer by profession and worked in the broadcasting industry having a responsibility for many of the TV and radio transmitting stations throughout GB and the Isle of Man. While stationed at Winter Hill near Chorley, Alan was one of the first people on the scene of a bad accident in February 1958 when a charter flight from the Isle of Man to Manchester crashed into the hillside very close to the transmitting station during a heavy snowstorm, not a pleasant experience, 35 people died    

Outside of Rotary, Alan was for many years a golfer being a member of the Silloth on Solway club, he was also a very keen fell walker, particularly in winter conditions.

Our Club extends sympathy to Alan’s family and friends.

1st July 2021
At our meeting last night Derek Williamson was installed as president for the coming Rotary year.

9th March 2021

The emergence of crocuses, planted to highlight the Polio Vaccination Programme, seems to have taken on a deeper resonance this year.

18th February 2021

Last night Alan Sucksmith took us on a trip down 'memory lane' with a collection of photographs he has taken over the years. I  hope you enjoy the small selection posted here.

26th November 2020

An interesting talk last night from Alan Sucksmith about the construction of the Panama Canal and his cruise through it. Enjoy the photographs and dream again of foreign travel!

11th November 2020

We were joined this evening by Belinda Artingstall who spoke to us about her job with Radio Cumbria. A very interesing and enjoyable evening, thank you Belinda.

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'

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.

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.