Shrewsbury Rotary club welcomes new member after open evening

Shrewsbury Severn Rotary has welcomed a new member following its first open information evening, which attracted 26 guests.

The event brought together 46 members and visitors to learn more about the club's work in the local community and its plans for the future.

The new recruit means the club now has three women members, the highest number in its nearly 40-year history.

Club president Johnathan Callwood said he hoped the event would encourage more people to get involved, adding that three other women who attended had expressed an interest in supporting the club's forthcoming Santa sleigh fundraising project.

He told guests that the club aimed to make a difference locally by supporting organisations and community projects, while also helping with international disaster appeals, including ShelterBox.

The club is also working with Shrewsbury College and other corporate members. This collaboration has helped it sponsor a student on a Rotary Youth Leadership course.

Mr Callwood said future plans included a terrace garden project for critical care and oncology patients at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

The club is also preparing for its Santa sleigh campaign and is looking for extra volunteers to help.

He said: “We have some great plans for the future, including a critical care and oncology terrace garden project at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, as well as other activities which we shall be promoting and announcing.

“We do need additional support so if prospective members think they want to get involved – talk to us.”

Presentations at the information evening were given by vice-president Joycelin Hoyland, Gemma Wasteney, John Yeomans, Gareth Watkins and Fred McDonogh. Rotarian Ray Walker organised the event and acted as master of ceremonies.

Anyone interested in finding out more about Shrewsbury Severn Rotary can email [email protected] or [email protected].