Market Drayton could get new Rotary club
A Rotary club could be set to make a swift return to a town after it closed about 12 months ago.
Rotary District 1210 wants to create a new club, or "satellite branch", in Market Drayton.
It comes about a year after the town's previous Rotary club, which was set up in 1959, closed because of difficulties finding someone to run it.
But now Malcolm Hallewell, for Rotary District 1210, believes there should still be a Rotary presence in the town.
He said: "Rotary International District 1210 has set up a team to focus on the development of a new club or satellite branch to ensure that the people of Market Drayton can benefit from the work of the association can be done locally, nationally and internationally.
"There are some 1.2 million Rotarians around the world in 205 countries and regions serving with humanitarian and financial aid to those in need.
"Market Drayton needs a Rotary club. The amount of people Rotary clubs help is wonderful.
"We need a minimum of eight people to start a satellite branch, which would probably be associated with the Newcastle-under-Lyme Rotary Club because its the nearest one.
"If we get 20 people we can start a full club.
"We will now focus on generating interest."
A Rotary introductory and information evening for prospective members will now be held on June 27 at the Festival Drayton Centre, from 6pm to 9pm.
The former Rotary club, which had been very active with fundraising for charity and taking part in community events in the area, started out with about 25 members but had about 17 when it shut.
Speaking at the time, club president Jonathan Butler said he was disappointed that it was closing, but believed Rotary still had a future.
Market Drayton Rotary Club was launched on December 8 in 1959 at a gala dinner held at the Corbet Arms Hotel in the town.
One of the club’s major schemes had been the annual Tree of Light appeal which has seen a giant Christmas tree put outside Morrisons in Maer Lane.
The tradition sees people sponsor a light in memory of a loved one or special cause with the proceeds given to charity.
The campaign has since been taken over by Market Drayton Lions Club.
Rotarians had also been involved in collecting tents at the V Festival at Weston Park, contributed to the local food bank, helped the Royal British Legion sell poppies, planted daffodil bulbs on the Gingerbread Man traffic Island, and provided marshals for the Royal British Legion Parade.
Anyone interested in joining a new Rotary club, call Mr Hallewell on 07917206789 or email lionshome@yahoo.co.uk
