Christmas Greetings from Royal Leamington Spa
Here’s an endorsement of Isobel and Mark’s joy in visiting a Rotary Club whilst travelling the world!
How do you arrive in a town anywhere in Australia, or the world, and be greeted with warmth, friendliness, and welcome, by likeminded people unknown? Be a Rotarian! Wherever we are, locally, nationally, or internationally, we pop into a club meeting whenever we can. It’s the best way to see your locale through the eyes of a local, make new friends and expand your Rotary knowledge.
On Tuesday night we joined the Satellite Club of Leamington Spa in the presence of Satellite members and two mentors from the “mother club”. The Satellite club meets fortnightly in the evening, after dinner, for an informal chat, planning, and update session over a drink, accommodating those still working and those with an appetite for a more informal way of “doing” Rotary. The Rotary Club of Leamington Spa meet on the alternate week over a formal gongs, ceremony, and guest speaker lunch, with members of the Satellite club attending when able. It’s a win win. Unfortunately , the president, Barry, reported the traditional club is literally dying as members die, so the satellite is breathing new life and sustainability into this time honoured club.
Both arms of the club work together to strengthen projects. They currently have a decorated tree in the local cathedral as part of the annual Christmas tree festival. Various voluntary organisations donate and decorate a tree, filling the cathedral with some 60 trees, for the pleasure of the viewing public. The entry fees are donated to a charitable organisation similar to Casey North Community Information and Support Service, then, on Monday, the trees are “undressed” and donated to less fortunate families. A joint venture for Rotary Leamington Spa. This weekend is their annual photo with Santa and child gift giving. From 10am till 4.00pm on Saturday and Sunday, Rotary Santa and his Rotary elves, are at the town Christmas tree offering free photos with Santa and giving away 400 gifts valued at AUD$6.00 each to local children. Another joint venture. President Barry makes the perfect Santa while young Linda from the Satellite club, a pilates, gym, well being specialist, makes the perfect elf!
How do they attract members? A young Turkish Rotaractor who transferred to Leamington Spa for work, came to the club via social media. A potential new member attended last night’s meeting, having picked up a club brochure at the Christmas tree festival. Their biggest challenge? Getting people to know what Rotary does. Just like us!
We were made to feel incredibly welcome and were both asked to share membership trends and success strategies, and our Rotary Club of Berwick. We felt proud to represent you and share our club’s great work!
In the days when club attendance was recorded, these visits were called a “make up” for the meeting you missed at home. When you travel, do yourself a favour and do a make up! You will be the winner.
PS Did I mention the sensational venue? A retirement village!
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