Club Events 2024/25

Rotary Year 2024/25 opened with Club President Keith Edwards in the Chair for the 3rd time

New Members  On the 29 July we had great pleasure in formally inducting Clare and Gerard Batts into the club.  Clare and Gerard have only recently returned to the UK after working in Switzerland for many years.

Eyebrook Walk  The Eyebrook Walk returned once more on 18 August after some anxious times as we negotiated to continue our flagship fundraiser despite the problems occasioned by the loss of the leaseholding company of the reservoir following the passing of Ifor Jones a long-term friend of ours.  As it was, Tata Steel took over all security and maintenance duties of the estate and could not have been more helpful in facilitating our event.  We were very fortunate with the weather, which in itself was quite a change it being the first time we have ever had really good weather throughout the day.  We had a record turnout of participants - 180 - who between them donated £2100 which after expenses and the addition of GiftAid will result in income of approx £2600.

Guests and PHF.  TAt our regular club meeting on the following day on 19 August saw the club welcome 2 guests firstly the District Governor Chris Knight, and secondly a long standing town business owner and Uppingham First volunteer director Kath Gilbert who was recognised by the award of  honorary membership, shortly before her 90th birthday. DG Chris Knight presented the award in the Oak Room of The Falcon Hotel, Kath was applauded for her outstanding voluntary service and commitment to the town throughout her business life.

TOOLS WITH A MISSION (TWAM).  We have now started collecting tools for transmission to deprived communities overseas (principally Africa) through the auspices of TOOLS WITH A MISSION (TWAM). Our photographs show our collection last year.  Whilst reviewing a Global Grant for an impoverished area of Zimbabwe I was both surprised and very pleased to see that the tools for a new training farm aimed at teaching youngsters sustainability in agriculture were to be provided by TWAM. To arrange a collection please call cor email Colin Gordon 01572 717416 colingordon.cg1@gmail.com.

World Polio Day.  On 25 October 8 club members turned out to collect in the Market Sq and outside the Co-op for World Polio Day, with  the addition of GiftAid we have raised £444 for the Polio fund.  Rutland and Stamford Sounds did their bit to publicise Wolrd Polio Day,  Anglian Water illuminated the Normantion Church in purple to raise awareness of the day.  The photo shows the church in purple glory.  We also co-operated with RC Rutland to get 2 press inserts about World Polio Day and our activities.

Xmas Craft Fair and Choir Concert 1 Nov 24 was a busy day for the club starting at 1030 am with the Xmas Craft Fair in the Garden Room of the Falcon Hotel 19 stalls were busy selling all mannaer of craft and seasonal products - the event raised a total of £930 for our charities.  That evening we entertained the Corby Male Voice Choir - or rather they entertained us - with a wide selection of songs both traditional and more modern.  A successful  venture in raising some £550 for our charities.

Race Night.  The 15th November saw our annual Race Night held at the Uppingham Town Cricket Club when some 40 memebrs and friends gathered for a fun evening betting on on-screen races.  Once all funds are to hand we expect to raise just over £1000.

Toys on the Table  From 1 Dec until 17 Dec we collected toys for under-privileged children.  The collection point was at the Falcon and all toys will be distributed by Xmas.  6 sacks/boxes were collected.

Xmas Dinner and PHF  35 members and guests gathered round the table in the Falcon Garden Room for our annual Xmas Dinner on 16 December.  We were all delighted to welcome the return of Nicky HP to the club after a prolonged period of severe illness and hope that she can now put that behind her and resume her regular place at our table. To rcognise Nicky's long struggle and her generous support of the club throughout her absence President Keith a warded her a PHF (see photo)