Stonehouse, Severn Vale and Dursley Rotary Clubs offer their thanks

Each year in the run up to Christmas, the local Rotary Clubs get together to collect money for a variety of good causes.   They are assisted in this endeavour by Father Christmas, who takes time out from his busy schedule, to ride round the district on his Carol Float.

Sometimes he pulls up outside many of the local supermarkets.

His preference however is touring the streets at nighttime, to the delight of the many children who wait up to see him.

Happier Tales

More often though it is a good story, of the many kind folk who give so generously.

Like a certain gentleman in Kings Stanley, who donated a year’s worth of small change practically filling a demijohn. It was so heavy, Santa almost had trouble carrying it.

On another occasion, a lone customer in the Three Horseshoes Pub delightedly made a generous donation for the privilege of taking a ‘selfie’ with Santa on his float. His donation was matched by the barman.  There are many other similar stories.

Then we have tothank Mark Cummings of BBC Radio Gloucestershire, who regularly broadcasted our schedule on his early morning breakfast show.   

One evening in the Bell, the ‘Shedders’ happened to be having their Christmas party.

Apart from very generously buying drinks for Santa and his thirsty helpers, they added a substantial donation to our evening’s collection

Funds raised and distributed

Altogether a total of £9,955 was collected.

This sum was distributed between the three Clubs in proportion to their manning of the Float. That way each Club could donate to their chosen Charities.

The main beneficiaries this year from the three Clubs, are two Air Ambulance Services, Gloucester Young Carers, Riding for the Disabled, Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA),  the Holly Gazard Trust, LINK and the Stroud Door Project.

At a cheque giving ceremony on Wednesday 13, donations from Stonehouse Club’s share of the FIVE VALLEYS FIREWORKS event were also made to three further charities, Itchy Feet, Psalms and the Shrubberies School.

Eastington Helpers

This article provides a snapshot of Rotary Clubs activities before Christmas.

Unfortunately, the Carol Float and Father Christmas do not visit Eastington for logistical and resource reasons. We acknowledge the support from three ECO members as well as three Severn Vale Rotary members living in Eastington.

Stonehouse Rotary President John Morris is pleased to receive enquiries.

To find how you can help with the Rotary Carol Float or to about other Rotary activities and please contact John  on 822353.