Club reaches21st Birthday (From Gazette Series)

Club reaches21st Birthday

COTSWOLD Tyndale Rotary Club is celebrating its 21st birthday.

The club, which was chartered on October 1, 1984, was formed by Dursley Rotarians in response to the need for a club to meet in the evenings. At that time, Dursley Rotary was a lunchtime club.

Cotswold Tyndale was founded with 33 members and during its 21 years it has maintained its membership at and above this level. Eleven of the founders are still club members.

Based in Wotton-under-Edge and meeting weekly at The Royal Oak, the club serves the communities of Wotton and Dursley and their outlying districts.

The motto of Rotary International is Service above Self, and Cotswold Tyndale is proud of its achievements.

Fundraising projects include the Waterside Walk, collections at Michaelwood Services on the M5, promise auctions, race nights and silver band concerts with some £150,000 being raised for local, national and international causes.

Last year alone the club made donations to Dursley Arts Centre (Kingshill House), Jenner Museum, Leukaemia Research, the Nelson Trust, RAFA Dursley, the Royal British Legion, the Samaritans, Shelter Box, the Tsunami Appeal, Winston's Wish and Woodchester Mansion.

The club also supports local aspiring Olympic cyclists Jo Tindley and Tom Price, the Open Door and individuals with special needs.

But activities are not confined to the raising and distribution of money. The club enjoys a close relationship with Katharine Lady Berkeley's School, Wotton, where it promotes and supports the Rotary Young Innovator scheme, public speaking and debating.

It is particularly proud of the mock interview scheme where each November, pupils have the opportunity to be interviewed in a realistic environment. The interviewing Rotarians use their professional skills and experience to assess and advise pupils on interview techniques. More than 2,000 pupils have already taken advantage of this on-going service.

From time to time Rotarians respond to needs for hands-on resources and both North Nibley School and Yercombe Lodge have had assistance with redecoration.

Cotswold Tyndale Rotary Club is always keen to attract new members who want to give Service above Self within a good social environment. Contact club president Richard Belliss on 01453 543945 for further information.