ROTARY Club of Evesham President Hein van der Steen has urged Vale residents who want to help make a difference to the town and numerous good causes to consider becoming a member of the popular group.
Speaking to mark 70 years of Rotary in Evesham, Mr van der Steen highlighted the various local causes backed by the club and extended an invitation to the informal meetings to all those thinking of becoming a member.
A lot has changed since the club was established in July 1948 as a type of ‘male only gentleman’s club’ representing the different professions in town.
Over the years the club has raised funds in a variety of different ways to support the service it gives to the community. Intriguingly, for example, one of the fund-raising events was a ‘sunflower growing competition’
During the first 50 years many community projects were carried out with support for the local hospital, the elderly and other groups.
Women became members in the 90s and today make up nearly one third of the membership and take part in leading and important roles.
“We are proud that Evesham had a lady President as early as 2001 and provided the first female Rotary District Governor in 2013,” Mr van der Steen said.
In the past two decades, the ‘Tree of Lights’ project has been very important. The iconic tree of lights at Workman Bridge is an integral part of Evesham at Christmas time. It allows people to remember loved ones during this period and it raises funds that are used to support charities, community groups and projects such as the Toy library.
Youth projects have become more important with Interact groups at the town’s two high schools, Rotary competitions such as ‘Young Chef’ and ‘Young Writer’ and support for several youth groups in Evesham.
The ‘Bridging Generations’ project with Evesham College gives students a hands-on experience of working with older people who themselves participate in an enjoyable event.
With focus on challenges and opportunities for young people, an ageing population, living with dementia and loneliness, there is a lot of scope for supporting the community for many Rotary years to come.
“The club is now a lot more informal and anybody who supports the objectives of ‘fellowship and friendship’ and ‘serving the community’ is welcome, either by joining the existing club, the new satellite club or Friends of Rotary,” Mr van der Steen added.
“We are always pleased to welcome people from all sections of the community to help in the many local projects we run, which you can find examples of below and on our website.”
Visit www.therotaryclubofevesham.org.uk for more.
