For nearly twelve months now the pandemic that has engulfed the world has disrupted everyone’s lives. And I do mean everyone’s. From major national and international events through to special birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and wakes, all have had to pass by without the hint of a proper memorable celebration.
Not being able to meet safely with our fellow human beings to celebrate or mark major life milestones has been heart-breaking for many. Even just meeting with friends or relatives for a coffee in a café or a beer or glass of wine in a local pub has been off-limits for so long.
Part of being a Rotarian is the enjoyment of meeting regularly with like-minded, generous, caring people who wish to do good. Prior to the lockdown, if you had popped into the Holiday Inn in Shepperton, either on a Monday evening or a Wednesday morning you would have found fifty or so dedicated and sociable, local residents who loved meeting either for dinner or a cooked breakfast. A meal has always been a key focus of Rotary get-togethers before we then go on to the business of discussing and planning our next fundraising or social event.
There is nothing Rotarians love more than putting on a range of events, bringing friends togeth-er, having a good time and, most importantly, raising funds for good causes.
Both the Shepperton Aurora Club and the Shepperton and Sunbury Club, over many decades have raised huge sums of money to help needy causes throughout the world and, more im-portantly, locally right here in Shepperton and Sunbury.
When Covid 19 came along, the breakfasts and evening meal meetings had to stop, but it didn’t stop the members of both clubs continuing their good work.
Still meeting via Zoom and Skype on a weekly basis, both clubs have managed to raise vital funds in the tens of thousands of pounds and have focussed very much on helping local good causes. Since last March we have donated funds to help families in need identified through our local schools, assisted those with dementia and their carers, supported new mums, run art competitions for children and the elderly, supported those with housing needs and supplied literally hundreds of bags of food for our local food banks and provided them with financial help and support.
It takes a lot to stop determined Rotarians do-ing the good things they do – even a world-wide pandemic hasn’t done that.
However, we couldn’t do any of the things we’ve done with out your generous help and donations.
If you feel like joining us for friendship, camaraderie and helping those less fortunate than yourself we always welcome new members, even on Zoom. For further information just visit one of our websites – www.sheppertonaurora.org.uk or www.sheppertonandsunbury-aurora.org.uk