ROTARY CLUB OF AYR
FUN & FRIENDSHIP WHILE HELPING OTHERS
Gill Sherry
Christmas time is, of course, the season of goodwill, and when it comes to goodwill, one organisation in particular springs to mind: Rotary.
First established in Chicago in 1905, there are now over 45,000 Rotary clubs across the world, one of which is the Rotary Club of Ayr. Formed in 1933, it can boast a healthy membership of 46, including current President, Howard Stevenson.
“I’ve been a Rotarian for about 12 years now, the last three or four here in Ayr.”
Howard begins by telling me about the Tree of Remembrance.
“We work with South Ayrshire Council to do this fantastic thing where we put a Christmas tree up in the town. Over a period of about ten days, people come along and write a message on a gold-coloured ribbon… a message to somebody they have lost during the last year, just to remember them. Then just before Christmas when the event stops, the tree is fluttering with all of the messages.”
The festive event raises money for three local charities: Ayrshire Hospice, Whiteleys Retreat, and Ayrshire Cancer Support.
“The most poignant thing, for me anyway, is the conversations you have. Christmas is a difficult time for a lot of people, but they do like to remember folk at this time of year. When you see the spectacle of the tree with all those gold ribbons, all with a personal message… for me it’s one of the most powerful things that we do as Rotary.”
Of course, Rotary’s goodwill extends way beyond the festive season with fundraising continuing all year round for a number of different charities and community projects. Douglas Haddow, Public Image for the Rotary Club of Ayr tells me more:
“We make money through various events. Our annual golf day is a big money spinner. We give half of the money to a designated charity – this year it was Dementia Scotland – and the other half we distribute throughout the year. What’s very important is that we should not have money in the bank. The money should be out in the community, working and helping.”
Whilst most of the money goes to local beneficiaries, Rotary Club of Ayr is also involved in a project which benefits communities in Africa. By supporting a Scottish charity known as Malawi Fruits, it helps women in rural areas of Malawi set up their own farms by providing polytunnels and irrigation systems.
“The whole idea,” Howard informs me, “is that they then sell the produce and use the money to send their kids to school. It’s really empowering them.”
The biggest fundraiser for this particular project is the Ayrshire Alps Challenge, a cycle challenge of varying lengths which took place in September this year.
“It attracts between 100 and 150 people,” says Howard. “It starts at Turnberry and goes up in different distances. It’s a fantastic event.”
“Another thing that we do on a regular basis,” adds Douglas, “is the Treasure Chest. We get applications looking for funds and we give £250 at a time. We have just donated £250 to Street Pastors. We’ve also donated to Kincaidston School and Infinity Allstars, a wee cheerleading group.”
But it’s not just money that Rotary donates, it’s time. For instance, it organises an annual Careers Fair specifically for the students of primary schools in the poorer areas of Ayr.
“We run it at Ayr Town Hall,” Howard confirms. “We have almost 200 P7 pupils come in with 35 different careers on show. The people that come to talk about their careers are people who love what they do. It’s not about telling the pupils what grades they need, it’s about sharing their enthusiasm.”
Another event is the School Technology Tournament which takes place at Belmont Academy and which Howard describes as “a brilliant initiative” with five secondary schools participating.
One of the biggest local causes supported by Rotary Club of Ayr is the Newton Primary School Foodbank and Living Essentials Hub. It’s a scheme Howard and his fellow Rotarians are particularly proud to assist with.
“Fiona McAvoy MBE is an inspirational headteacher who does so much to support the local children and their families.”
I suspect the list of projects could go on and on (Beach Clean, Poppy Appeal, Shred Skatepark, Aquabox…) so I ask about membership. After all, these events don’t organise themselves, it takes a dedicated team of volunteers to bring them all to fruition. I’m told there are currently 46 members and that meetings take place every Tuesday evening from 5.30pm at Savoy Park Hotel Ayr. There is also an informal breakfast meeting on the first and third Thursday of each month at Café 51 in Beresford Terrace from 8.30am to 9.15am.
Although the membership is a healthy one, Douglas confirms they’re always happy to welcome newcomers.
“We’d be delighted to see you! Anyone can join. Any age, ethnicity, gender… Although, we are really trying our very best to increase the number of ladies in the club. We are very male dominated so we’re actively seeking to bring ladies to the club.”
For those who may be interested but are unable to commit to meetings during the week, there are Saturday Rotary Meetups held at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway – so don’t be put off!
“We find,” says Douglas, “that when we ask people why they’re interested in joining us, what they want to do is contribute to the community. This seems to be the driving force for so many members. We offer people that opportunity as well as the camaraderie. We’re a big, friendly club!”
And it’s their mission to enjoy fun and friendship while helping others.
They’re also open to new ideas.
“If anyone has an idea,” Douglas continues, “they can put it to the club, and if people think it’s a good idea, we’ll run with it. The Careers Fair, for example, that was Howard’s idea. We think that’s one of the reasons why people are keen to join us. We make sure they feel welcome.”
Contact details can be found on the website (www.rotarycluborayr.org) along with confirmation of upcoming meetings and events.
“Pop along and have a chat!”
