A new kind of Rotary Club
EVERYONE IS FAMILIAR with the Rotary 'wheel' logo, appearing as it does
in so many places from Christmas charity collection buckets to hotel foyers,
but who are Rotarians and what do they actually do?
People who live or work in the North of Cambridge are finding out more, thanks to an initiative to establish a new Rotary group - the fifth in the Cambridge locality.
'Rotary is all about serving the community, with people from all walks of life getting together in a sociable group and meeting regularly to enjoy a meal and plan projects to raise money for charity, or to help others in a multitude of ways,' explains Gordon Hannah of the Rotary Club of Cambridge Rutherford, an established group helping the embryonic club get off the ground.
'Rotary groups normally hold meetings once a week, and members aim to get to two or three meetings a month, where we're likely to have a short talk from a guest speaker over breakfast, lunch or dinner. Members also take part in one of four committees: either developing membership; assisting a local or international good cause; planning interchange visits with overseas Rotaries; or arranging learning visits for foreign students, who are counselled throughout their Cambridge stay by Rotarians. They change annually between committees, to ensure ideas and projects are kept fresh.'
Mike Hellowell, also of the Rutherford club, adds: 'Cambridge's Rotary groups often hit the local headlines. For example, Rutherford recently organised a 'rubber duck race' on the river and Golf Day in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust at Addenbrooke's and the Cancer Help Centre at Scotsdales. We also regularly raise money to supply 'shelter boxes' to disaster areas worldwide, and it is fascinating to note that, over the last 20 years, it is primarily the efforts of Rotary working internationally that have wiped out Polio from most of the world.'
'Every Rotary has a 'home base' and for the new North Cambridge one this is the Holiday Inn at Impington,' says founder member Trevor Kartupelis, who is involved in getting the venture off the ground. 'There is no such thing as a typical member, in terms of age, employment, or interests. The essential thing is to be willing to commit some time and lots of enthusiasm! The Rotary motto is 'Service above Self', and members put this into action in numerous ways, while also having fun and enjoying good company.'
If you are interested in finding out more, call Gordon Hannah on 01223 890654 or email cambridgenorthrotary@hotmail.co.uk