The Rotary Club of Halesowen and Rowley Regis has closed after more than 90 years of fundraising and supporting its local community.
More than 50 people came together to celebrate the work of the Club recently at a special event at Halesowen College.
Past Presidents Steve Jones and Dave Poston shared some of the key highlights and achievements of the Club, including how it how was instrumental in setting up the local BID and Halesowen as a Dementia-Friendly Town.
Rotarian Sue Hannaford said: “Thanks to the dedication of our membership, we were able to keep the club running for about three years longer than when closure was first considered. This enabled us to celebrate our 90th anniversary and complete our final community project .
“However, it was not possible any longer to fill the administrative posts required to keep the club active.
“It was with great regret therefore that a resolution for closure was passed unanimously. However, this is not the end as those of us dedicated to Rotary have transferred to direct membership and will still be active in the community.
“After 91 years of service across the Black Country, nationally and internationally it was always going to be a sad occasion, but all those of us who were there, were determined to celebrate the club’s achievements.”
Projects also included. . .
• The Mushroom Trail through the town to the pixie door in the cage;
• Schools Orchestra concerts at the Cornbow Hall, with Windsor School;
• Mock interviews for school leavers at Windsor and Leasowes;
• The Young Chef of the Year at the Halesowen College;
• Youth Speaks in conjunction with several schools around Dudley;
• Support for the Special Needs Football tournament;
• Supply of TV sets and gift parcels for children at Blackheath Women’s Aid refuge;
• Support of the District initiative Kids Out;
• Sponsorship and assistance with the then annual Holiday in Mablethorpe for deprived children (they sponsored 10 each year);
• Shelter Box, Water Aid, Sight Savers and Mercy Ships;
• Halesowen in Bloom;
• Special projects such as the Kitchen in the Hasbury Community Centre and the toilets refurb at the Abbey Road Allotments.
Presentations were made to President Pam Arrowsmith, who had saved the Club from closure three years ago and steered it through a series of crises including saving the Santa Sleigh tours. Sue also encouraged the various initiatives designed to give the Club new life, including the introduction of The Halesowen Rotary Phoenix Business Forum.
Also to vice President Matt Hickenbottom who was rewarded for his IT advice and experience which had ensured the club maintained a high profile.
Recognition was also given to father and son Ian and Dan Heaford who acted in partnership to support the Club’s various activities and hosted meetings at their business premises in Cradley Heath; Steve Abraham; Steve Roberts and Nathan Wheeler.
The club also marked its success by handing out several Paul Harris Fellowships, presented by DG Jonathan Wilding and local MP Alex Ballinger. The Fellowship, named after one of the four Founding Fathers of Rotary, recognises extended effort and commitment in supporting the community, locally, nationally or internationally.
To find out more about Rotary and its work and community impact, visit: www.rotarygbi.org