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News from the Rotary Club of Greater Bargoed
News from the Rotary Club of Greater Bargoed
20/01/2010 12:00:00
The Rotary Club of Bargoed had a number of varied activities while supporting the objects of Rotary both within the area and Rotary worldwide.
Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI) www.ribi.org is an association of Rotary members, clubs and districts. It is part of Rotary International, a worldwide organisation with 1.2 million business professionals and community leaders in over 200 countries and geographical areas.
The worldwide organisation is over 100 years old and, since its humble beginnings in Chicago in 1905, is internationally renowned for improving the lives of millions of people in local communities and around the world.
Rotary clubs are based in local communities across the world with its members meeting on a regular basis for fun and friendship, and to plan projects that will benefit the lives of others.
Rotary Club of Bargoed’s activities have included:
Bucket collection at the Blues v Munster Magners league game.
Not wanting to miss out on a chance to see the game, enjoy some excellent match hospitality from Cardiff Audi and have an evening out in Cardiff a strong contingent and some hangers on from Bargoed made the trip down the Valley. Our efforts and the generosity of the supporters resulted in £1,116.47 being raised for LATCH. Pictured discussing tictacs and the hospitality arrangements are Past President John Edwards and Rotarian Craig Walters.
Sportsman’s Evening
In June our 12th Annual Sportsman’s Evening was held at the Maes Manor Hotel Blackwood.
The evening, in the company of football legend Bruce Grobbelaar and comedian Chris Golledge was a great success. Bruce spoke about his long footballing career and how he came to be goalkeeper at Liverpool despite the efforts of HM Immigration. He also spoke with great humour about the controversies surrounding his court cases.
LATCH was the main beneficiary and during the evening a cheque of £2600 was presented to the organisation. The Rotary Club of Bargoed’s charitable funds also benefited significantly from the generosity of the guests.
The continued kind sponsorship of McBurney Civils Ltd is appreciated.
Harvest Supper
President David Price arranged a Harvest Supper at Cartref. The Cottage Loaf Bakery provided the barley loaf and the principal guest was Mayor of Bargoed Dianne Price.
Former deputy head teacher Cyril Thomas accompanied by his wife Brenda was the guest speaker and he talked about the tradition of the Harvest Festival while Sue Price prepared a Harvest Quiz.
Over 50 people attended enjoyed an excellent buffet and raised £300 for the “Air Ambulance Wales” which is President David’s nominated charity.
Sponsored Walk
Rotarian Richie Perry at the last minute deciding that the Indian Summer should not pass without members enjoying a walk through the pleasant scenery of the Bargoed and Deri valleys. Starting near Pengam the walk meandered through the Woodland Park into Bargoed and then up the Darran Valley to Deri.
Keith and Sean Murray arranged for a very enjoyable lunch at journey’s end in the Darran public house run by Keith’s daughter Cheryl. Despite the impromptu nature of the event a further £300 was raised for “Air Ambulance Wales”.
Keith Murray
Sadly the walk was the last occasion that we would spend with Rotn Keith Murray as he suddenly and unexpectedly passed away on the 8th October. Keith’s contribution to Rotary was significant and in the case of Foundation will endure for many years.
The family which Keith headed own 2 public houses and 2 night clubs and in one of the pubs he would put on various events such as karaoke and Mario Kart racing to raise funds. His generosity extended to also donating the profits on the bar takings to Foundation. The evenings ended with a superb Thai Buffet. From nowhere on two occasions Bargoed Club were the 2nd highest contributors to Rotary Foundation in the District. 2 years ago Keith relinquished his role to his son Sean who carried on the tradition.
In addition to his Rotary commitment Keith was involved in many activities in the community and he will be greatly missed.
Another Bucket Collection
The Club quickly made contact with the new Sainsbury store organising a bucket collection which took place in early Dec when £273 was raised in a very short time for the Air Ambulance Service. Pictured is 9 year old Phoebe Walters doing all the work while her Uncle Craig Walters and David Baseby discuss whether it’s time for a coffee!!!
Other activities have included:
· A day at Ffos Las Racecourse
· Golf Day at the Celtic Manor
· Fireworks Evening
· Quizes.
· Ten Pin Bowling
· Attendance at the Rotary Conference in Torquay
The Rotary Club of Bargoed positively tries to support activities in the Greater Bargoed community, welcomes new members and meets on Wednesday’s weekly at 6:30pm in the Maes Manor Hotel.
Further details of the Rotary Club of Bargoed and its activities can be obtained from the Secretary, Hugh Thomas 01443 814161 or email hugh@tsedwards.co.uk