Cambridgeshire

CLUBS IN AREA 6

There are eight clubs in the North Northamptonshire area. Two, Kettering and Kettering Huxloe, are in the large market and industrial town of Kettering whose economy was built on the boot and shoe industry. Similarly, shoemaking was a key element to the economy of Rushden where two further clubs, Rushden and Rushden Chichele are to be found. Corby has an interesting history, a village until 1939 it rapidly expanded into an industrial town centred on the production of steel and was known as "Little Scotland" because of its Caledonian heritage. There are two clubs here as well, Corby and Corby Phoenix. The pretty market town of Oundle is host to the smallest of the Area's clubs and the eighth club serves the towns of Thrapston and Raunds.

ASSISTANCE WITH COVID 19 VACCINATIONS

Five of the North Northamptonshire clubs, Kettering, Kettering Huxloe, Rushden, Rushden Chichele and Thrapston & Raunds, are collaborating to assist a local surgery to administer COVID-19 vaccinations. Rotarians involved are responsible for all the outdoor activities required to make the operation as efficient and customer friendly as possible. They not only marshal the queues of individuals awaiting their injections, but also undertake traffic management, car parking, helping the disabled and direction of deliveries etc to the Surgery. We have completed the first cycle of vaccinations (principally for those aged over 80 and key NHS/Care Home staff) and are just about to embark on phase 2 for those aged over 75   The Practice Manager has praised Rotarians for their help and willingness to go the extra mile in trying conditions; let's face it, standing outside in the freezing cold and wet is no picnic.  Despite this, we got a full rota of volunteers to assist with the second immunization cycle within hours of the request being made and their enthusiasm to get involved with something of such significant community benefit is commendable.    However, this is just the start of a nationwide process and if anyone is interested in volunteering you can get in touch with Rotary via the contact link.

FOOD BANKS

Without exception, during the on-going pandemic, all the North Northamptonshire clubs have been making generous donations of both food and money to food banks within the area. Rotary has a strong tradition of helping those who are disadvantaged and in need and the manner in which members have risen to the recent challenges is a clear indication that Rotary core values have not been at all diminished by the difficult situation that we find ourselves in.

MAKING PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

We are all too aware of the need for PPE and fortunately supply is now managing to keep up with demand.    However, when the pandemic first reared its ugly head this was not the case.   The Rotary Club of Oundle, the smallest of the North Northamptonshire clubs, reacted splendidly to the advised shortages and took it upon themselves to start manufacturing masks and face shields which they then distributed to numerous health care areas that were in need.   Their purpose and the benefit that it created was matched only by their industry as their team of no more than 12 people managed to produce over 1,000 items of PPE.