THE Santa Grotto at Fermoy’s was a big success, with more than 600 children attending resulting in £2,840 being raised that can be distributed locally in the new year, writes Martin Smith of Newton Abbot Rotary Club.

A busy January with speakers at most meetings, particularly impressive was the talk by Catherine Omanyo from Operation Imprezza who described her resilient journey in educating 320 children in Kenya. 

Rotarians continued their work at Meadowside, where the renovation of the old school hall is progressing well, it is hoped that the Day Care & Respite Hall will be completed by early May.

Speakers for February are Rotarian Richard Morgan Newton Abbot’s international lead who will be continuing the micro finance lending with LEND WITH CARE an initiative where loans are made to third world entrepreneurs often for just a few hundred pounds, typically to buy a cow or seeds to grow crops, over £1,800 has been loaned out and 100% repaid in small amounts then loaned again. 

Other speakers are Devon Carers (21st) and Torbay Prostate Support Association (28th) guests are welcome, contact [email protected]

February started with a bang at an Open meeting at Dainton Park where 28 guests and 30 Rotarians enjoyed each other’s company, and a presentation was made on how Rotary and Rotary Newton Abbot work and serve the local community.

At the meeting a collection was made for the earthquake in Turkey/Syria with £518 donated topped up with a further £400 from members and then a further £1,111 collected at a hastily arranged street collection on Friday – this will be sent to Shelterbox who are already in Turkey.

The expanding membership, now standing at 90, will grow more after applications by new businesses for corporate membership are received this will take our local business representation to 17 businesses. 

New members include The Motorcycle Co and BW Plumbing & Heating Ltd and Charles Darrow.

Membership lead Martin Smith commentated that the corporate membership is more than networking it is an opportunity for local businesses to learn over a relaxed meal from retired and still working Rotarians who have been there and done it and are more than happy to share their knowledge and often contacts. 

The modern way of doing business seems to be social media and emails, ‘old fashioned’ talking directly should not be discounted. 

Not only is Rotary membership good for business it ticks the box for corporate responsibility and the opportunity to help the community you do your business in.