AS 2015 comes to a close, Westbury Rotary Club member Sue Ezra looks back at the last 12 months.
“As usual we have had a busy year raising funds for various charities, overseas and at home. We once again held the Ultra Marathon with the sterling help from Avon Valley Runners. I have to say that none of the members actually ran the course but we were there to provide water stations and jelly babies.
“Members visited our twin club of Laundereau in France and spent a very pleasant weekend with our hosts. We have had various talks from canals to life in the Navy; all very interesting.
“The District again participated in KIDS OUT for the less fortunate within our town. They visited Longleat Safari Park and enjoyed the animals, rides on the train and the usual things that kids really like.
“In raising money for charities, we held our usual Town Quiz and International Cuisine evening with food from around the world. Rotary have organised a Young Chefs and a Youth Speaks Competition at Matravers School as we feel it is important for us to be involved with the local school at all levels.
“We have arranged street collections for Marie Curie outside Morrisons and held our usual carol service in the local church. During the carol service we had two local schools, Bitham Brook and Dilton Marsh, singing and the Bratton Silver Band providing the music.
“We would also like to thank all the companies that have sponsored our various events and we look forward with working with the town and the community again.
“The president’s two main charities are Hope for Tomorrow and Julie’s House; each have been to our meetings to explain how they spend the money raised by local groups and communities.
“They are both very worthy causes but Rotary also collects for Water Boxes and money to erase Polio in the wider world. Rotary has friendship and helping others as its basis for fund raising.
“As the New Year starts we will again be raising funds in various ways to help others that are less fortunate than ourselves. If you are interested in joining us please contact either Jim Heath our president on 01380 830554 or Mervyn Harris on 01225 863440.”
