As with a number of groups and organisations, in keeping with Government guidelines and social distancing, Severn Vale Rotary have been able to continue meeting for our fortnightly breakfasts at The Whitminster Inn.
We’ve had great pleasure in welcoming a new member, Helen Wuscher and the privilege of hosting two particularly interesting speakers.
Vicki Young who gave an informative talk on the work of the local hospice, Longfield, their Hospice at Home service and the support for families as well as the patients themselves. She took the opportunity to say how much they valued £15,000 we’ve raised for them via Frampton Open Gardens in recent years.
We also had the pleasure of hearing from Julie who spoke on the work of Guide Dogs for the Blind. Julie was accompanied by her husband Stuart and her five year old Labrador/Retriever and gave a personal account of starting to lose her sight when only seven years old. This led to the loss of all friends in her formative years and was lucky to be referred for a guide dog, since when her life changed for good. She went on to describe the working life of a dog and the trials and tribulations of their training.
At our own celebratory Christmas Breakfast we exchanged humorous token gifts and enjoyed three light hearted festive readings. We also agreed a donation to Hamper Scampers, a Cheltenham based charity supporting individuals and families on the brink of homelessness and struggling to afford food and heating alongside the expectations of the festive season.
Before leaving the subject of Christmas, we would like to thank you for your support of this year’s Carol Float. Whilst COVID meant changes on how it was operated, you were very understanding, greeted us warmly and supported generously in our raising funds for local initiatives. Thank you. We all hope you had a good Christmas with family and friends.
Local ‘hands on’ projects include involvement with the Longfield Christmas Tree collection/ recycling and are pleased to played our part and in helping the collection of 2,700 trees for the Hospice.
Meetings have been arranged with The Spring Centre, Wm Morris and Wick Court to consider how we might help them with practical projects. In fact, the newly appointed manager at Wick Court, Stevie Edge-McKie, will be speaking at a breakfast meeting shortly to update on us on the work of Farms for City Children and their hopes for the future.
Not losing sight of the enjoyment of good company socially, as well as working together in support of local initiatives, a visit to Llanthony Secunda Priory was much enjoyed. While a chilly evening, it was interesting to hear about its history and see for ourselves the progress of the restoration.
For information on events and breakfast meetings, please visit www.severnvalerotary.org.uk or contact keith.rog@hotmail.com
With very best wishes from all members of Severnvale Rotary for a happy and peaceful 2022.
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