For over a hundred years, the Rotary organisation has celebrated its New Year in July, and Kingsbridge Estuary Rotary is no different.

The reason for this has become obscured over time, but for Rotarians everywhere it is an opportunity to take stock of the past twelve months and to look ahead to the coming year.

Reflecting on his year as President, Chris Miller said “On behalf of everyone at Kingsbridge Estuary Rotary, I would like to say an enormous ’thank you’ to the people of Kingsbridge and its surrounds.

“There are many individuals, businesses and other organisations who, through their support and generosity, have helped Rotary to make a positive difference over the past year.

“Most people, if asked what Rotary does in Kingsbridge, might initially think of Santa on his Christmas Sleigh surrounded by ’elves’ in yellow tabards shaking collecting tins. However, this is just one of our several fund raisers.

“Together with the Charity Golf Day and ’Swimarathon’ competition, these fun events have helped to raise more than £20,000 this year. This is why Kingsbridge Estuary Rotary wishes to say thank you.”

This money has been used in large part to benefit the local community. Substantial donations have been made to specific charities such as St Luke’s Hospice, the Peninsula Medical Foundation, the Freya Foundation and Shared Lives.

In addition, a Community Grant Scheme has distributed £250 awards every month to assist schools, sports clubs, scouts/guides and other volunteer/care organisations with specific projects.

To complete the picture, add in contributions to international projects including Rotary’s own ’End Polio Now’ campaign - every pound is matched twice over by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mercy Ships - providing essential eye surgery in developing countries, the East Africa Famine Appeal and Chernobyl Children’s Life Line.

In all, thirty different organisations have benefitted from charitable donations over the past year.

“Kingsbridge Estuary Rotary carries out a number of community service activities as well”, added Chris Miller. “We provide free emergency life-saving training through our Heartstart Scheme, affiliated to the British Heart Foundation. Earlier this year we celebrated our 1000th trainee since the scheme started.

“Then, together with Kingsbridge Rotary Club, every year at the beginning of Kingsbridge Fair Week, we organise ’Rotaproj’ with David Rowland’s Fair. This event enables people with additional needs and their carers, about 500 in all, to enjoy all the fun of the fair followed by lunch and entertainment at Quayside Leisure Centre.

“Also, let’s not forget our Christmas Lunch for the Blind, held at the Thurlestone Hotel, with funding from the Kingsbridge Feoffees”.

Chris has just handed over to his successor, Steve Kerr, the incoming President of Kingsbridge Estuary Rotary.

Looking ahead, Steve observed “We shall have a busy time over the coming year. This October will see the 20th anniversary of ’Swimarathon’ and we will celebrate this with an ambitious programme including a guest appearance by one of British Swimming’s top competitors. Home-Start South and West Devon will be one of our nominated charities this time.

“We also have a full social programme with guest speakers, visits, sports competitions and exchange links with Rotarians in France and Austria.

“We are keen to attract new members. Those who join us do so for various reasons – the opportunity to contribute to good causes both locally and more widely, the fellowship of other like-minded people and to have some fun at the same time!

“Please get in touch with me if you would like to learn more about Rotary, we need plenty of help. And in the meantime, may I wish you a ’Happy New Year’ – Rotary New Year, that is!”

Contact details and more information about Kingsbridge Estuary Rotary can be found at www.estuaryrotary.org.uk