Hosted by Rotarian Howard Llewellyn, in attendance were a number of Rotarians together with invited guests representing local and national charities and potential new members.
Rotarian Barbara Rumbold, Chair of the Youth Committee explained about the various competitions hosted by Rotary for the local school students including - Young Musician, Young Photographer, Young Chef, Youth Speaks, Sounds Fantastic.
Rotary sponsors two secondary school students each year to attend RYLA – Rotary Youth Leaders Award – a week on an outward bound course exploring some tough physical challenges and encouraging the development of leadership potential.
Rotarian John Hughes presented Narberth and Whitland Rotary’s fundraising exploits including musical events such as ‘Sunday Night Fever’, and musical extravaganzas at the Follies Theatre in Begelly featuring nationally known acts such as Rhydian, Richard and Adam, Brotherhood of Man and ‘That’ll be the Day’ performing alongside some of the best of our home-grown musical talent.
Additionally, the Rotary Club has hosted other fund-raising events such as Dragon Boat Racing at Llys y Fran reservoir, the annual ‘Il Giro di Pembrokeshire’ cycle ride, and the Christmas Santa Run.
At the end of his talk, John and Rotary president Elaine Bradbury presented a cheque to Mr. Rhys Watkins, a volunteer with Wales Air Ambulance who had been the main charity supported by the Richard and Adam Concert.
Rotarian Nigel Towns explained the workings of ‘Foundation’, Rotary International’s own charity plus other international good works that have been supported by Narberth and Whitland Rotary such as ‘Shelter Box’, ‘Smile Train’, Roko 2000, plus sponsorship of students in India and Sri Lanka.
Rotarian David Haward summarised the events of 2021’s ‘Il Giro di Pembrokeshire’ before presenting a cheque to Ms Jayne Lewis, fundraising manager of British Heart Foundation (Cymru), the main charity supported by this years’ ride.
Rotarian Mary Adams, a former Narberth and Whitland Rotary president and future Rotary district governor gave a presentation explaining involvement in local charitable bodies.
In particular she talked about the Narberth Living Memory Group, a local organisation to help support sufferers and carers for those with dementia or who are elderly or disadvantaged and in need of a shoulder to lean on and some friendly social interaction.
She then presented a certificate of thanks to Narberth’s very own ‘rainbow fairy’ artist and teacher Diana Brook, representing Redhill School in recognition of their efforts in raising money to help end world polio, a major campaign for Rotary International.
Other local and national charities that Rotary have supported include Sandy Bears; Paul Sartori Foundation; Pembrokeshire MIND; St Johns Ambulance (Cymru); British Heart Foundation; and Wales Air Ambulance to name but a few!
Rotarian Chris Williams, himself a former District Governor of Rotary talked about ‘Tenderfoots’, a local group that helps people with disabilities train for and partake in competitive sporting events.
All in all, it was a very successful and informative evening, helping to promote Rotary in the community and hopefully encouraging new members to join and help support Rotarians in their endeavours to help ease suffering and provide aid for those in need both at home and in the world-wide communities.
Further information on the Rotary Club of Narberth and Whitland can be found at: www.nwrotary.co.uk