The Rotary Club of Westbury had a busy, eventful year with plenty of local, national and international involvement.
The annual Imber Ultra Marathon (34 miles around Salisbury Plain) in March had the largest entry yet, raising funds for our chosen charities of Julia’s House children’s hospice in Devizes and Dorothy House.
This is a 32-mile run around Salisbury Plain. This year was the fourth event and, with the assistance of the Avon Vale Runners, we attracted nearly 150 runners from around the West of England. As Rotarians, we manned the water/check points stations and also cheered on the runners
We also celebrated our 60th anniversary with a well attended dinner at the Barn in Capps Lane.
Unfortunately we then lost two greatly respected, hard working members to higher service, both after tragically short illnesses.
The majority of the members and spouses enjoyed a hectic weekend as guests of our linked club, Landerneau, in Brittany, in May, then we hosted 12 Rotarians from New South Wales in June and enjoyed sharing our beautiful locality with them and they stayed with various Rotarians in the Westbury area. Whilst they were with us, we took them on the canal at Bradford on Avon followed by a lunch and a walk round the interesting places in the town. They visited Bath on the Saturday and then played skittles in the evening.
The annual Rotary District Kids Out at Longleat was a rewarding experience for our 22 young guests from Westbury Junior and Infant schools. They all had a wonderful day enjoying the Safari Park and all the various animals and attractions.
The Rotary year ended in June with the outgoing President, Sue Ezra, handing over cheques to the value of over £4,000 to various charities.
Although we did not meet formally throughout the summer, President David Perkins hosted a lively garden party at his Edington home. The very popular International Cuisine Evening (ICE) was a sell out almost before tickets were printed and several loyal supporters were disappointed as the event was up to its maximum capacity. Likewise the annual carol concert in Trinity Church in December had standing room only.
The club has engaged in many other activities, such as the Rotary Young Chef competition and street collections to support disasters around the world, as well as some interesting speakers and outings. Plans for this year are well in hand for yet more worthwhile projects. Please Google ‘Westbury Rotary Club’ to see more of what we get up to.
The Rotary Club of Westbury meet at the Chalford House Hotel on Wednesday evenings. During the meeting, we enjoy the fellowship of the members and guests and plan various activities or projects for the coming months. The club has a feeling of open and friendliness towards all our guest and prospective new members. Why not come along and meet us, look on the website or call David Pike on 01380 830055.
David Perkins & Sue Ezra
