Tavistock Rotary Round-up

Our Golf Day was a brilliant success. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Cox, Staple, King and Pew Tors, a day of gorgeous sunshine gave our 25 teams the perfect opportunity to play great golf. Some of them even managed it! Putting on the tournament takes huge effort from our Rotary team of Tony Sherlock, Gail Reed, Chris and Nigel Ellis, and what’s more, Gail was declared ‘ladies champion’ as well, while Kieran Hancock won the men’s individual championship. The winning team was Apps Angels, consisting of Dawn Phillott, Helen Heywood and Mike Apps and at the award presentations I was very proud to say: “In 2016, we accepted a challenge from the Plymouth and District Leukaemia Fund to raise £10,000 over two years – enough to buy 5 state-of-the-art chemotherapy pumps for Derriford. With the money raised by this brilliant day of golf, we have now provided all 5 pumps. What’s more, we are also presenting over £1,200 to the Tavistock Triangle Centre.”

We couldn’t raise this amount of money without tremendous support from local businesses and individuals and we have published our thanks to them on our Facebook page and website. However, I just have to mention our platinum sponsors: The Original Pasty House, The Whitchurch Inn, Hansford Bell, Smokey Joe’s and Tavy Links – they have been fantastic sponsors over the years.

As if the Golf Day wasn’t enough, our Young Tavistock Art Exhibition was a triumph! Tutored by Whitchurch artist Annette Sharpe, 33 year-5 pupils from Tavistock’s four primary schools displayed their talents splendidly in an exhibition that exuded colour, life and fun. Opening the exhibition in the newly-renovated Butchers’ Hall, Tavistock Mayor Paul Ward praised the children’s talent and thanked the schools, Tavistock Rotary and the town council officers for such a wonderful project.

That was the last event of my year leading Tavistock Rotary, and it really was a high note to end on. Looking back, I’m delighted with Rotary’s work with young people – Young Photographer, Youth Speaks, Rotary Young Leaders, Junior Life Skills and now Young Tavistock Art. But, if I had to choose a highlight it would be Christmas Day. We had great fun in the United Reformed Church, singing, eating, laughing, giving out presents, watching the Queen’s speech - I wouldn’t miss this for the world! Top tip – if you are going to be alone on Christmas Day, come and join us – it’s great fun, and it’s free!

If you would like to get involved in any of the activities of Tavistock Rotary, or if you would like to help with any of the fundraising activities, please contact Graham Parker on 07545 075942 or email grahamparker1@me.com

Graham Parker