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Rotary club reflects on successful year of fundraising

Shetland club president Robert Anderson (far left) with Linda Leith, district governor Graham Leith and Paul Bendix. Photo: Billy Stout

THE SHETLAND Rotary Club is reflecting on Paul Bendix’s year as club president after he handed over the reins to Robert Anderson on 1 July.

Rotary loves to put in an appearance at local shows and Cunningsburgh saw the start of a year of fundraising with a stall and occasionally a dog helping to “man” the event.

In September a MacMillan Coffee Morning was held at Susan and Billy Stout’s home with rotarians, family and friends in attendance. A sum of £400 was raised on this occasion.

November was memorable for the screening of one of Paul’s favourite films – 2001: A Space Odyssey – and for raising money for Prostate Cancer.

The event was also used to raise awareness of the importance of getting regular checks done and explaining that, if caught early enough, treatment is usually successful.

Quiz nights have also been held, most recently at Sandwick Hall. The club said our halls are an asset to our island communities and, following a very successful night, £300 was donated to Dogs against Drugs and another £300 to Sandwick Fun Day.

June saw the club get together with family and friends at the Gurkha Kitchen.

Although a social event, it is still used to raise funds and £400 was raised on this occasion. Over the year the sum of £2,237.79 was raised.

Sadly May saw the loss of one of the club stalwarts, David Anderson. David had beenpresident, secretary and treasurer at various times during his membership of the club.

The club said his charm and good humour enlivened its meetings, and a donation of £600 was given to Prostate Scotland and another £200 to the Overtonlea Comfort Fund in his memory.

Rotary club members with district governor Graham Leith and his wife outside the Lerwick Hotel. Photo: Billy Stout

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Following the start of the new rotary year in July, Robert Anderson took over as president from Bendix.

Shetland Rotary Club welcomed the district governor Graham and his wife Linda who managed to spend a few days exploring Shetland, meeting up with Shetland rotarians and attending one of the club’s meetings.

This was Robert Anderson’s first formal duty after taking over from Bendix, and the club said it was enjoyable to meet a mainland rotarian to discuss rotary issues, as well as sharing their hospitality.

Shetland Rotary Club has encouraged people to come and join them for friendship, fun and fundraising, adding it is “not a secret society” but instead “part of one of the world’s biggest and most effectively run charities”.

It said the club is not exclusively male, with members coming from a variety of backgrounds, and is from ages 18 and upwards.

Meetings are held at The Lerwick Hotel every Wednesday from 6.30pm. Check the group’s Facebook page for more information or ring Billy Stout on 07833 301633 for further details.

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Help keep Shetland’s news open to everyone

Good local journalism takes time, care and people on the ground. Membership helps us keep reporting the stories that matter to Shetland — and keep them free for everyone to read. Members get a weekly newsletter created especially for them, local ads only, and can bookmark stories and join the conversation in the comments.

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