Eshowe: the return!


Drogheda goes continental


Rtn Glenn supervises cement mixing


Avid COGS readers may recall the first visit to Zululand by members of Limavady Interact and Rotary Clubs


In August 2009, following a US$48,000 grant‑aided project in the township of Eshowe, representatives from Limavady travelled to S. Africa and established a close relationship with Zulufadder, the organization that cares for AIDS orphans. Limavady Interact members “adopted” an orphan named Acouna and, likewise, Limavady Rotary Club “adopted” Sam. Both boys will be sponsored until their 18th birthdays.


The Clubs pledged to return to Eshowe in 24 months and build houses for the two boys. Now, please read on:


The team comprised Rotarians Greg Heaney and Glenn Reilly, their wives Alayne and Ivy, Past Interact Chair Bob Goodman and 14 Interactors from Limavady High School, Limavady Grammar School and St Maryʼs High School. The teamʼs primary mission was to build new homes for 7‑year old Acouna and 14‑year old Sam. The houses were block‑built, 2‑room dwellings with corrugated‑iron roofs that, hopefully, will provide both boys with secure shelter for many years to come


As well as the construction work, the team established contact with local schools, meeting the children, playing with them and painting and revamping some of the school buildings. A visit to a local hospital brought the difficult circumstances faced by medical staff, in the area, into sharp focus. The visit proved to be challenging, thought provoking and emotional but ultimately rewarding for those involved and created close bonds between the pupils from the different Limavady schools. Rtn. Glenn, a former headmaster, said: “To see all these pupils from Limavady working together was simply amazing. Not only did they endure very hard, physical work but they gelled as a team and saw the project through to the end. They were a fabulous group of young people and are to be commended for their relentless work and determination.”


The teamʼs work began months before the visit when they began raising awareness of the difficulties faced by those residing in the Zululand region. Determined fundraising efforts followed – fundraising to cover the expense of building materials, furnishings for the houses and gifts for all of the children in the orphanage. Local residents and businesses responded magnificently in support of the teamʼs efforts and Limavady Rotarians supplemented the sponsorship. Rtn. Darren Mornin, worked tirelessly in planning and preparing the project.


Drogheda Rotary Club members Robert Berney, Lorcan Murphy, President of Chateau ‑ Thierry Club Thierry Hennequart receiving a Paul Harris Fellowship from Drogheda Club President Paddy Prendergast, and Vice President Tom Eustace at the 50th anniversary celebrations in France.


The Rotary Club of Drogheda (District 1160) recently joined members of clubs from Germany, Holland, Belgium and England to join in the celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Chateau ‑Thierry Club (District 1670) in France.


President Paddy Prendergast, who has just handed over the chains of office to President Elect Donagh O¹Brien, lead a delegation of Vice President Tom Eustace, Lorcan Murphy, Robert Berney and their respective wives to the stunning French location, together with the most important member of the party Lorcan's daughter Ruth who is fluent in French. 'We had a fantastic three days in France. as one of five clubs hosted in Rotarian¹s houses for the weekend,' said President Paddy. 'They had a great programme planned for us, with a day long trip to Paris on the Friday, starting with cultural walkabouts and finishing with a view of Paris from the Seine, while enjoying the food, vino and of course the champagne.'


Saturday started with a reception in the town hall, and in the afternoon a picnic with spit roasted lambs vino and champagne. Robert Berney, with a borrowed guitar, led a singsong which involved the entire group and eventually had to be asked to leave singing 'Show me the way to go


Dublin Central handover


President Martin Molony (2011‑2012), past president Alva Hope‑Ross and their two boys Jack and Ross.


10 home'!


The highlight of the trip was a Gala Dinner for over 150 people with many speeches from visiting clubs.


'We presented The Chateau‑Thierry Club with a Paul Harris Certificate which was introduced in French by Ruth and was very much appreciated by them, and we must say a big thank you to Lorcan for suggesting and sourcing the award,' added Paddy.


'On Sunday, they hosted a lunch for the Irish on their own (we arrived late and left late) and on the way to the airport, we visited Forest Glade of Compiegne where the signing of the Armistice between the Allies and the Germans took place.' Overall, it was a hugely enjoyable trip, and the continued flourishing of a relationship that was forged in 2003. Chateau ‑Thierry Club made a very successful and enjoyable visit to Drogheda in 2010, and will return in September 2013. Meanwhile on their return, new President of Drogheda Rotary Club Donagh O¹Brien received the chains from outgoing President Paddy Prendergast. A member of the club since 1996, Donagh is manager of the West Street branch of Permanent TSB, and says he is looking forward to the challenge ahead, and many more members coming on board to continue the good work of Rotary in the town.


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