Dukinfield and Stalybridge Rotary Club describe themselves as “a bunch of like minded individuals who spare some of our own time to raise funds for local good causes and International Projects.” They are actually so much more than that. Rotary have been involved in so many community projects and helped so many individuals over many years and deserve much respect and credit.
My earliest personal memories of Rotary are of the sleigh at Christmas. Every year seeing Santa coming around the estate and hearing the music that accompanied was part and parcel of the whole occasion of Christmas. I didn’t know then, however, what fantastic work they were doing in fundraising for local organisations and good causes. The last tour of Santa around the towns raised nearly £6,000 on its own.
The money raised all year round goes to projects, organisations and individuals on a local and international level. Only last month Rotary sponsored local girl Georgia Kinder to compete in the ISKA World Amateur Kickboxing Championships in Stuttgart where she won the silver medal. They have also recently supported West Hill Schools international charity expeditions. On an international level their work, along with other Rotary groups around the world, have had a major hand in virtually eradicating polio in children across the globe.
Rotary are always on the lookout for new members who can support their work. They meet once every two weeks and attend local events to both support and fund-raise. I called into Cheetham Park on Carnival day and Rotary were there as they are every year come rain, hail or shine. I spoke to Mr Roy Pickersgill, long-term member and once president, about the club and their achievements. He told me “We are always striving to get involved in the community wherever possible and we are always looking for new members to keep the valuable work going.”
If you are interested in joining Rotary and getting involved, get in touch. They are well known for for organising fund raising events in the local community. They are also involved with many other local and international projects and enjoy a wide variety of social events including barbecues, theatre trips, meals out etc.
Membership is open to males and females of any age so if you want to have a hand in serving the local and world communities ring Roy Pickersgill on 0161 308 3244. A
lternatively go to their website at www.dandsrotary.co.uk and fill in the contact form. You could also search Dukinfield and Stalybridge Rotary on Facebook and leave them a message.
