The March Rotary Year 2011.

  The last meeting of March Rotary Club for 2011, took place upon Monday 19th December at the Conservative Club, Creek Road. With nigh upon 100% attendance by Members, The President, John Orbell, welcome all Ladies, Guests and Visitors, to a packed Christmas Party Dinner.

The last year has been one in which March Rotarians have played their part in the Community, albeit, not always, 'in your face' .

Major local Public events included providing Stewards at St George's Day Celebrations, the Summer Carnival, and the Christmas Lights Illuminations. More personal involvement was. ' Rotary Kids Out ', taking local youngsters to Woodside Farm for the day, the Fenland Music Concert at St Peter's Church, the Rotary Young Chef Competition, and monthly newspaper collections on the second Saturday in City Road Car park. They also supported actively other fund raisers such as Macmillan Nurses.

In the last year the Club became the proud winners, for the 2nd time, of the Inter Club Quiz, beating over seventy five other Rotary Clubs in East Anglia.With a trip to Berlin, and a visit from an Official at the German Embassy and several Young Rotarians from South Illinois staying over in March, has meant that all members have worked together to make the year the success it has been.

Those attending the Christmas Party had a fine meal, with convivial banter and jollity ruling the evening. David Harrison, known to many for his involvement at St Peters Church, gave a Christmas address, while Chris Bishop announced the results of his Christmas Quiz, the winners, by half a mark from local artist, Margaret Horton, were Brenda and Peter Bennett.

Entertainment was by Royal Variety Command Performer, Andy Leach, who brought tears to eyes with his unique style of visual humour. There followed a few Carols by those who still had the ability to sing, and the final Toast, Rotary and Peace The World Over, given by The President.

It was a long time before the room cleared as folk were loath to leave what had been a fine evening in convivial company. But of course, it all starts again in early January, with the first round of the District Quiz at Downham Market.

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Robert Freeman

Press Officer