The Burn’s Night celebration took place in January and after President Allan had stabbed the “beast” to death members enjoyed a starter of haggis, neeps and tatties (below). The pints and poems and fellowship that followed were enjoyed by all.
referred to the Rotary motto of Service above Self and stressed that this was the forefront of the club’s activities in the Pontypool area. “We wanted to be in a position of promoting by greater advertising the involvement of the club in the various activities in Pontypool, which would include fund raising activities for local causes. “By this promotion I hope that membership will continue to increase in order that the work of Rotary in Pontypool, started so long ago can move forward and continue to support those in need for years to come.” She is pictured talking to Princess Anne at the RIBI National Conference in Torquay.
like this remind us that we can still perform valuable service by choosing projects wisely, despite funding constraints.
RHONDDA
For over twenty years, Rhondda Rotary has arranged its popular Nativity Scene Christmas Collection in the main streets of the valley and more recently at the major supermarkets and stores in the Rhondda and beyond. It is the club’s main source of revenue and Rotarians and ‘buddies’ brave the winter weather in a well organised rota to fundraise for local and national organisations. The traditional carols and music are always welcomed and help to engender the Christmas spirit. Club President Susan Morgans said: “the Christmas collections have been organised for many years with ‘military precision’ by Rtn Gwyn Rees, who continued his efforts again in 2017. Christmas 2016 resulted in a record collection, but 2017 surpassed that with another record totalling £8,330, helped by the favourable weather”.
The St. David’s Day Concert was scheduled to take place in the new Islwyn High School but unfortunately had to be cancelled due to heavy snow. Members and partners met at Blackwood Cricket Club for an International evening which included a quiz, cheese tasting and an Easter Bonnet competition for both ladies and gents. Youth activities have again played a major role in the club’s programme. The start of the Rotary year saw year 11 pupils competing in the School’s Technology Competition. In September 204 year 6 pupils from six local primary schools were presented with dictionaries. The presentation included an interactive talk on the work that Rotary does locally and in the world. Youth competitions were again supported with pupils from two local schools taking part in Youth Speaks and competitors from four schools entering the Young Musician competition. The club organised and ran the Area 5 Young Musician final which was held in the new Islwyn High School.
The annual skittles match against Newport
St. Woolos was a great night of sport and fellowship with our club again coming second, we look forward to revenge next year. The Annual Boxing Evening is planned for May 11th and we will again join other clubs from East Wales on the annual Kids Out Day at Barry Island on the 13th of June.
PONTYPOOL The first lady President of Pontypool
Rotary, Rtn. La Bessa Warren has looked back on her year in office and confirmed that she was proud, honoured and yet excited to lead the club this year. During the year, the club has increased membership by 33%, with more members in the pipeline and currently has four lady members. She emphasised the importance of the work undertaken by Rotary Clubs throughout the world and that to be the first lady Presi- dent of a club formed so long ago was a true honour and “I hope that I have undertaken my duties and responsibilities in the same manner as Presidents before me,” she said. Speaking about her year of office, she
During the year, a Race Night raised over £900 for polio eradication. A concert by the Arianne String Quartet raised £600 for ALL- HIM ( Abundant Life Living Hope Interna- tional Missions).There is also a concert by the Blaenavon Male Choir scheduled for 18 May. We have seen joint fellowship meetings with other clubs, regular guest speakers and are hoping to take part in obtaining a global grant to help a hospice in Swaziland. In addition we have helped to raise funds for a treatment room at St David’s Hospice.
SWANSEA
In January Swansea Rotary Club played host to 109 pupils and supervisors from Sea View Community Primary School, each holding a tube of Smarties and wearing party hats. They were attending a matinee performance of Aladdin at the Grand Theatre. The club has organised such events for several years, each year choosing a different school where most of children have not been to the theatre before. Kevin Johns, as Widow Twanky, gave the school a special mention, commenting on their distinctive head wear. The Headteacher reported to us that the awe and wonder on the childrens’ faces was a sight to behold.
Photograph shows club members collecting at Sainsburys Pontypridd.
The club introduced a Community raffle in 2016 and due to its success held another in 2017. The winning tickets were drawn in December 2017. President Susan Morgans said: “Over 15,000 tickets were sold at £1 each, by 45 participating organisations. With the club covering the cost of prizes and printing of tickets the value of the tickets sold by the participating organisations was given back to them, helping them raise funds to support their operations within the local community”.
A few days later the club received a charm- ing letter from the head boy and girl. They said that their top funny moments were the flying carpet that took off like magic, seeing Wishy Washy fall off the stage and having toilet rolls thrown at them. They also thanked us for the chance to get out of school! Letters
Rhondda Rotary is proud of its membership diversity, with 30% being female. The current Rotary Year saw Sue Morgans become the club’s first female President. Taking over the chain of office in 2018-19 is Alyson Furlong, with Ann Balby becoming President Elect, “Girl Power” for sure!
photograph shows the ‘Presidents’ at the
Club’s recent Charity Lunch, left to right Alyson, Ann and Sue.
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