ROTARY CLUB OF KENILWORTH

Club Service Committee Report 2004/05

We have had another busy year with the main event – the Two Castles Run – still to come.

The year began with the Art Exhibition.  This is always a popular event and very much appreciated by local artists. It gives Rotary a presence at the Town & Country Festival and is very worthwhile. We are grateful to David Bracegirdle for co-ordinating the event and are pleased that David Zane-Morris has willingly stepped into his shoes for this years’ show.

The Tin Rattle was held on 25 September. On this occasion we were not permitted to collect in Talisman Square as the owners had arranged for another organisation to be there, but nevertheless we were able to collect a meaningful amount in the town which was donated to Acorns Children’s Hospice.

Following last years’ first attempt, the Tree of Light was again held in Talisman Square in conjunction with Warwick Avon Rotary Club. We did not attract the same level of revenue this time around and feel that much more planning is needed to increase awareness and encourage support. This is potentially a good source of income for the Club as well as providing an opportunity for the people of Kenilworth to remember their loved ones.

As usual our Easter activity involved the Grocery Grab. We collected for three days at Warwick and the same at Kenilworth compared with five days at each store last year. Surprising the takings were almost exactly the same, giving a net take of about £1400.

Recently the Spring Concert was held which again proved successful despite a slow take-up of tickets it was well attended on the night. We must particularly thank Howard Burgess for organising the event, which fits nicely into our busy schedule. Next years’ Committee may well consider moving it to a less congested time.

It is pleasing to note that the President’s Night was re-introduced this year on 16 May. Former Presidents and ex-members were advised of the function, as were neighbouring clubs and members of Inner Wheel. I am pleased to report that 95 people attended and very favourable comments have been received regarding the event.

Our major fund raising event the Two Castles Run is still to take place.  Fortunately we have an excellent team organising the event: Richard, the three Davids, Mike and others have been working hard planning the event for months in fact they hardly stop to draw breath between one race and the next.  This year the race will be held on Sunday June 12^th and we are prepared to accept up to 2500 entries. In view of this increased number of runners a few changes have been necessary involving alterations to both the starting and finishing points.   Obviously a great deal of help will be required on the day of the race and I would ask all members and their families to offer the maximum level of support to what has become our flagship event attracting runners from a wide area.

The Centennial Sub-Committee hoped to sponsor an Annual Youth Concert of Kenilworth Schools. Upon detailed examination this proved to be a venture that could cost the Club £2000 with little prospect of breaking even. It was therefore reluctantly abandoned. Instead to mark the Centenary of Rotary it was suggested that some form of floral display in the Town be supported by the Club and negotiations are ongoing with the Kenilworth in Bloom Committee to achieve this. As such matters are now the subject of commercial considerations, a personal approach is being made to the Town Mayor and to the Chairman of Warwick District Council in an endeavour to have the matter reconsidered.

As another busy year draws to a close I wish to thank members of Club Service Committee for their support and also thank all Club Members who have contributed to the success of our activities.