Devizes Rotary in Action – the past 6 months
A couple of weeks ago Devizes Rotary invited representatives from each of the organisations we’ve supported over the past 6 months to a review meeting where we could hand over any donations to be made to them. We were delighted that the following people were in attendance to recognise the terrific work that we have done together:
- Gianni Campanella: Dolcipani
- Catherine Newman: Brighter Futures
- Emily Knight : Dorothy House
- Emma Booth : Devizes Opportunity Centre
- Graham Mitchell: Julia’s House
- Rachel Lambert: Rowdeford School
- Sheila Ashley: Alzheimer’s Support
- Louisa Bruce: Springfields Academy
- Roger Stratton: Lions Club of Devizes
- Hellie Franklin: CaneHill Countryside Centre
- Andy Weeds: Open Blue Trust
- Nigel Carter: Mayor of Devizes
In addition, a number of the Friends of Devizes Rotary Team were there to enjoy a lovely buffet at The Crown in New Park Street while I went through the following presentation, which summarises the work done with and for each group:
I again stressed that, over my year as President, Devizes Rotary have worked closely with a number of partners to help the people and communities that together we support, and I would personally like to thank them, the Devizes Rotary membership and the Friends of Devizes Rotary for helping to make my year as President so enjoyable and a lot of fun!
Below are a number of ‘photos from the evening:
Following the above review, I handed over the presidency to Alan Martin, wishing him all the very best for the coming year.
Fantastic Food at the Devizes Beer Festival
On Saturday 1st July it was the 18th Devizes Beer Festival, which is the biggest event that’s held at The Wharf, and the largest unsubsidised event in the town. Once again the Devizes Rotary Cooking Team were there in force, together with a number of Friends of Devizes Rotary who helped to put on a feast for the assembled festival goers. This year we partnered with the Guides to form a very impressive Food Court to raise money for the Guides and other local charities.
We also had help from 3 members of the Lions Club of Westbury, who were learning the ropes so that they can do some outside cooking at their own events.
It was all hands to their cooking stations as we got the Foodcourt ready to sell Burgers and Hot Dogs (the Guides took care of those), Roast Potatoes, Chicken and Quesadellas, plus of course Colin’s famous Beef and Vegetable Chilli.
After a cloudy start the sun came out as almost 2,000 people attended the festival, drinking around 10,000 pints of beer and 1,500 pints of cider and perry. not to mention eating many hundreds of hot dogs, quesadellas and chillis!
Thanks to all the hard work that went into planning the event and to the terrific support provided by the Team on the day, all the different types of food on offer food went down very well, and a good time was again had by all!
Paella Party in support of The Springfields Academy
Back in February, Sprngfields Academy held a fund raising evening (click HERE for details) when Devizes Rotary donated a Paella Party Voucher for inclusion in the auction. This was won by a lady called Jull Church, and, a couple of weekends ago, Jill invited us to her beautiful house to cook paella for over 40 guests. It was a glorious sunny day which helped to create a wonderful Spanish atmosphere, and, most importantly, Jill managed to raise a further £1,420 to add to the £300 already paid at the auction, all of which will be donated to Springfields.
Below are some ‘photos from the event to help you dream on long summer days .. 🙂
Best wishes,
Cliff
And finally, a lovely note of thanks from Jill:
Hello Cliff,
Hope you have all cooled down after all your hard work yesterday.
Devizes Rotary certainly gave us value for money! You were so well organized and the paella was quite delicious. Your attention to detail was amazing, and we really appreciated all the trouble you went to with vast array of salads – if it hadn’t been quite so hot we would have finished those too!!
You will be pleased to know that we raised an incredible £1,250, which together with the gift aid will be almost £1,600, not to mention what you have already given from the Promises Auction. Springfield will be thrilled.
Please pass on our thanks to your hard working team, particularly Colin – maybe we should do it again!!
Very best wishes to you all
Jill
Devizes Rotary helping out at Rowdeford School Fete
Last Saturday we were delighted to be able to go along and help out at the annual Rodweford School Fete raising money for the School Minibus Fund.
Firstly we sold burgers and hot dogs (even hotter given the scotching weather we had!) which went down a treat, and secondly the kids had a lot of fun playing the with the Devizes Rotary Rotathalon Games.
Below are some ‘photos from the day, plus some lovely feedback from Rachel Lambert, the school’s Business manager. and Ingrid Sidmouth, the school’s Headteacher. Seeing the smiley faces on everyone involved was a delight … 🙂
Best wishes
Cliff
Devizes Rotary Food Stall
Hello Cliff
The Fete was a resounding success. To date, we have raised just over £2,000 and I know there is more to come! Thank you for your support and to the other Rotarians who attended. I would be grateful if you would pass on me deep thanks to all concerned.
Kind regards
Rachel
Business Manager, Rowdeford School
Devizes Rotary Rotathalon Games
Dear Geoff,
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing you and your fellow Rotarians at the Fete yesterday and spending time together on the Rotatahon, which is such fun for the children.
Thanks so much to you and your colleagues for the huge amount that you did to make the Fete so successful.
You are an inspirational group of people!
With very best wishes,
Ingrid
Headteacher, Rowdeford School
National Rotary Kids Out Day
Every June, the Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland together with KidsOut take over 25,000 disadvantaged children on a fun day out. As usual District 1200 clubs chose to take kids from their district to Longleat Safari and Adventure Park, and below is a report by Geoff Collins who attended the event with fellow Devizes Rotarian Alan Truscott.
What a lovely day it turned out to be for “Kids Out” last Wednesday. The day had been organised by District 1200 Rotarians from Selwood, Frome, Bath West and Bathavon for a days visit to Longleat for over 800 children from mainly special needs schools in District 1200. Each child was given a “Kids Out” T Shirt and a Blue baseball Hat.
We at Devizes Rotary organised for some children from our two special needs Schools Rowdeford and Downland to attend.
Alan and myself met up with Rowdeford school and we spent most of the day escorting them and theire teachers around the park. We went on the Boat around the lake, and were able to introduce the children to the oldest Gorilla in captivity before giving them the opportunity of feeding the Sea Lions. Both the Hippo’s were obviously tired of visitors and were having a sleep.
Before collecting their lunch, soft drink and ice cream, we wandered around the Safari Park. After lunch we visited more animals, fish etc before finishing up eating donuts while watching the Penguins being fed.
The children had a wonderful day which was enjoyed by all.
