Rotary in Cowbridge celebrates diamond anniversary

This week, members of the Cowbridge Rotary Club, celebrate a milestone in the clubs' history.

Set up in 1961, sponsored by their close neighbours Barry Rotary Club, the club formally became members of Rotary International.

We are holding a "Zoom Meeting" to specially recognise this occasion, albeit it is hoped that a more formal celebration can take place later in the year, when face-to-face gatherings are permitted.

Club President Steve Pearce said the celebration was about paying tribute to those who had made the club what it is today.

"Tonight is about celebrating the work of innumerable people over the last 60 years and all the presidents that went before me," said Steve.

"So I get the honour of celebrating it, but I think the real heroes are the president who guided the club through the last 60 years.

"We've had congratulations from a number of sources and those are really welcome.

"Often you don't know how you are perceived so when they tell you, it's uplifting. I'm really grateful to those that have taken the time to congratulate us on our work," he said.

Numerous presentations will be made on the evening highlighting community projects and celebrating the club members, who have worked tirelessly over the years to assist in the community.

The club will also be receiving a message from Alice Thomas, the widow of one of its original members, who still resides in the Cowbridge area.

Over the 60 years the club has been involved in numerous projects which include:

- Organising an Annual Football tournament for Primary Schools, Cookery Competitions for Senior Schools, Music Competitions for all ages, which are part of a wider National Event for the winners.

- Support from Primary and Secondary Schools in providing Shelter boxes for disaster areas.

- Water and Sanitisation projects – Tororo Uganda,

- Support for Dementia activities for Memory Jar Café, Golden Oldies. Dementia-friendly mats for local organisations, fellowship and support to Longmeadow Court.

And of course, our Santa around town since 2007, which this last year brought some much-needed joy to the community.

Rotary gives so much to those who join, by offering individuals with an array of experience, opportunity to give something back, enhancing the lives of others.

Rotary is a voluntary organisation with its fellowship shared by people of different ages. Whilst we have number of younger members two of our current team, Phil Irish and Colwyn Jones have served the club for over 50 years.

There are currently 44 women and men amongst our membership, and we are always looking to involve more, without increasing our team and diversity of skills, we would not be able to achieve what we do.

Should you be interested in finding out more, then please contact our membership team via Club Secretary, Michael Macphail. via [email protected]

or message on Facebook or our website for details.