Awareness event sheds light on the work of the Midhurst and Petworth Rotary Club

He opened by summarising the club, its service commitment in the community and wider international aspects.

John Barrett developed the Youth projects in which young people take part including Youth Speaks, Young Chef, Young Writer, Youth Leadership, the always popular Youth Music Festival and Young Photographer in which a pupil from Midhurst Rother College went right through to win the Rotary national final.

Community Projects were introduced by Nigel Goodenough explaining the Rotary motto ‘Service above Self’ is evident in a lot of the work in the local area – such as providing tubs with flowers by the war memorial, assisting with road closures during town events and organising games for children at Christmas and the Carnival. To enable help to be given to both individuals and ‘aspiring’ groups money needs to be raised. This is done by Rotarians organising events such as a charity golf day, food evenings and racing events.

Bev Tinson from ‘4-Sight’ gave a presentation about the work her group do for the partially sighted and how Rotary had assisted with their work around the Midhurst area. Toni Holloway talked about ‘Mind’ and the increasing need for support in a period of declining funding for mental awareness charities.

The role of the Rotary Foundation (which celebrates its 100 year centenary this week) and International projects were covered by Peter Nightingale who highlighted the worldwide campaign that Rotary is involved in particularly with the final eradication of polio.

MC for the evening, Rotarian Tim Melville-Walker-a solicitor in Midhurst and the youngest club member encouraged like-minded business people to consider joining the club. Helen Chapman talked about the many advantages of being a Rotarian especially the fun and friendship she has enjoyed while being a member.

Students of Midhurst Rother College who are raising funds towards a trip to Borneo provided tea andcoffee before the audience were served with a cabaret by 11 members of the Midhurst Players. Yvonne Warren both wrote and performed a hilarious ‘Je ne regrette rien’ which will have everybody chuckling when they next go on holiday and hear a flight safety announcement.

Members thanked the South Downs Centre for use of the Memorial Hall and all the visitors who came along.

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