At a time when all voluntary service organisations are facing challenges in maintaining their numbers and activities, it’s pleasing to report that Westbury Rotary Club has enjoyed a rewarding year.
Mervyn Harris from the club reports, “Membership has increased, and engagement in activities, local and international, has been maintained. Club members have also enjoyed the benefits of fellowship and participation in a wide range of Rotary interests.
“The Westbury Rotary Imber Ultra Run is firmly established in the local calendar. Run in March over 33 miles, the course is around the edge Salisbury Plain, starting and finishing at Leighton Park Sports Ground. It attracts runners from all over the south west of the UK and further afield.
“Rotary Kids Out is a national Rotary event. Our club, along with others in our district, takes children for a day out to Longleat in May. They come from Westbury Junior and Infant Schools. It’s a day that is highly rewarding for both children and helpers.
“In 2018, our club was very involved in organising the cleaning of the Westbury White Horse. We regard this chalk carving as the emblem of Westbury, as do many local businesses and organisations. More work needs to be done, so we continue to liaise with the town council, English Heritage and other organisations to ensure a proper and enduring work/maintenance programme is put in place to preserve this emblematic monument.
“International Cuisine Evening. This annual event in the Laverton is a gastronomic delight, offering three-course meals from four corners of the world. Tickets sold out again this year. Proceeds will be shared between Breast & Prostate Cancer charities and a Ugandan Water Project.
“Our Rotary Carol Concert in All Saints Church Westbury, ends our year of activities. Pupils from Bitham Brook, Dilton Marsh and Matravers schools, perform festive music in the parish church. It is a free event and is always an enjoyable event for all who attend.
“Our club donated £2,000 and £1,200 earlier this year to Julia’s House and Dorothy House respectively. Donations to other charities will follow.
“If you would like to see and learn more about our club, or want to consider joining us, please visit: www. Rotary Club of West bury Wiltshire and click on “Photos”.”
Jan – Burn’s Night
Feb – Ist Aid tuition; Fellowship w’end in New Forest
Mar – Rotary Imber Ultra Run
Apr – School in a bag & School in Nepal talks
May – French visit to Westbury. Defibrillator demo
June – Kids Out. White Horse Cleaning
July – Westbury Street Fayre. Bratton Fete
Aug – no meetings
Sept – Rotary Quiz Night
Oct – Uganda Water Project. Heritage Centre visit
Nov – International Cuisine Evening. Remembrance Day
Dec – Carol Concert All Saint’s Church, Westbury. Xmas Party
