Lunch time speaker - Nina Stobart

The lunch time speaker toaday was Nina Stobart and the tile of her talk was "Not home alone".

Nina was a former Rotary GCSE student, who was sponsored by Cleethorpes Rotary Club, and  spoke to our club 16 years ago about her experiences in India.

The idea for "Not home alone" arose from an accident her husband had in his car when he nearly knocked down an elderly lady. Fortunately she was not harmed, but was at a low point in her life because she did not want to spend another lonely Christmas. There was no family and she did not know her neighbours. From this came the idea. But what can we do to help at Christmas? Do we invite her for a meal? Are there other people in a similar situation? Do we use a restaurant? Are they open on Christmas Day?

Nina and her husband made some enquiries and found a restaurant. They arranged helpers and orgaised food, drink, presents, transport and entertainment..all donated. Now for guests, Nina made an appeal on radio and they startd to make themselves known. There were referrals frrom the hospital and Age Concern. Eventually they had 50 people and all expressed their thanks for a Christmas not spent alone.

What next? Next year? An in year event? Charity status? An annual event?

This year they will be using the Oaklands Hotel and people are being very generous with offers of help. Nina is very enthusiastic and we wished her all the very best with the project....from small acorns grow oak trees.

Report by Martyn Turner