ROTARY in the SEVERN VALE
We are so glad to have been able to continue with our fortnightly breakfasts at The Whitminster Inn and have enjoyed some exceptional speakers.
In just the last few weeks we have enjoyed the knowledge and experience from newly appointed manager Stevie Edge-McKie of Farms for City Children about the work at Wick Court, the inside track on Fraud Investigations from local man Mike Hodge, the fascinating history of metal detecting by enthusiast Ian Walkley and most recently, from Peter Wood, the history and post BREXIT challenges of elvering in Gloucestershire.
Along with their enthusiasm for their work came some fascinating history and a number of highly amusing anecdotes. Among these, as I’m sure you can imagine, were a number on the topic of fraud and some very interesting and surprising insights to metal detecting. To compliment these was the fascinating history of elvering and it being a lifeline to many in Gloucester Docks during slack times along with various entertaining tales of international trade. These ranged from those countries that proved to be straight forward with honest traders paying on time, whereas some other countries were, shall we say, less so. On occasion, corrupt from the bottom up, with nothing done without bribes at every level.
It is impossible to share all of these with you and can only suggest that you come along, enjoy a traditional English breakfast, good company and hear from such speakers for yourself . . . you can be sure of a warm welcome too.
Speaking of a warm welcome, members of Severn Vale Rotary were well received by Tesco’s and customers 5th March when we held a bucket collection for the Red Cross in Ukraine. People were very pleased to make donations and more than £2,700 was collected. Many thanks to all who contributed.
With thanks in mind, we must take this opportunity to give you a warm thank you. Your support for our January computer collections contributed to over 100 computers and laptops and more than 80 flat screen monitors going to IT Schools Africa, the Cheltenham based charity, Your support is very much appreciated. As, indeed, it will be for our Quiz Night at Elmore Village Hall Friday 29th April. We look forward to seeing you for what promises to be a fun evening.
With regard to local projects, while Frampton-on-Severn Community Orchard can’t be progressed before Autumn, we await information on hands-on projects at Wick Court together with a possible litter pick in Frampton. Meanwhile, planning is in hand for this year’s Frampton Open Gardens for Longfield, our local hospice, Friday 29th May. This year we are also holding a ‘Gathering on the Green’ of old and interesting cars . . . . be sure to make a note of the date.
As usual, we have not lost sight of our enjoyment, along with our breakfasts, of social get togethers. Currently, a visit to Road Green Vinyard at North Nibley is being looked into and another to Stroud Brewery for local ales and a wood fired Pizza . . . . . could there be a theme emerging here ?
For information on events and breakfast meetings, please visit www.severnvalerotary.org.uk or contact keith.rog@hotmail.com
With best wishes from members of Severn Vale Rotary for a happy, warm and sunny Spring 2022