Seaford Rotary A Golden Rainbow Walk
At the end of the Rainbow the true Pot of Gold we discovered was not just the money the event will raise for deserving causes, but the feel-good factor which it engendered. Rotarian Jean Cash’s brilliant idea, The Over The Rainbow Fancy Dress Walk in aid of The Mayor of Seaford’s Charity Initiative on Sunday 20th June, occurred in a glorious weather window after several days of unseasonable rain and gloom – and before a vast deluge the day after. Perhaps the sun does shine on the righteous after all! There was a parade of colour along Seaford Seafront as walkers wore bright, outlandish outfits on their journey between Splash Point and the Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club – and back again. There was no rush, with the chance to stop off for a drink and a breather, but there was fun and laughter all the way from Superheroes, Wise Owls, Colourful Councillors, pushchairs, trikes and wheelchairs, and Town Crier Peter White. Family groups, businesses, clubs, and societies were involved, most of them seeking individual sponsorship for their own choice of charity and wielding their collection buckets. People gave amazingly generously. Now the word has got out, we will be aiming for a real extravaganza next year because this simple format means practically everybody can take part. Covid-19 restrictions involved limiting the number of walkers who could set off at any one time, though the ideal is a mass start, when all the colourful costumes and happy smiling faces of the walkers can be seen all together. It was great to see the effort many teams put into their Rainbow outfits, some carrying collections buckets which were kindly filled by people out for a Sunday stroll and a cup of something from the kiosks. The sum raised by individuals and teams who took part for their nominated charities exceeded £3,000. Eleven charities will receive donations from the individuals and teams. In addition, approximately the £700 in registration fees raised by Seaford Rotary will be passed to The Mayor of Seaford’s Charity Initiative.
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Particular mention should be made of a 9-year-old boy who has autism and type 1 diabetes, who completed the walk. His target was to raise £150 for the National Autistic Society – he raised £735! It really was a great day with a great future.
Presidential Handover On 30th June, President Martin McGill relinquished the Presidential chains of office to incoming President Mike Ogilvie. As last year, due to Covid-19 restrictions, it was still not possible for the Club to hold face-to-face meetings, including the traditional handover meeting at which the outgoing President reviews the past year, and the incoming President looks forward to his year in office. So, for the second time, the couriering of the regalia was repeated this year, and they magically appeared during a Zoom handover meeting. In his Presidential address President Mike Ogilvie acknowledged Immediate Past President Martin McGill’s contribution to managing the club during this time of national crisis. He continued: ‘It is a considerable honour for me to take my place as the next President of this wonderful club which has such a history and reputation of serving the community.’ Seaford Rotary welcomes new members. For more information contact us on www.seafordrotary.org.uk/contact.php. Photos from top: The Superheroes sponsored for Seahaven Storehouse; The Wise Owls sponsored for St Wilfrid’s Hospice and the colourful Wacky Warriors with Jean Cash 3rd from left; Mike Ogilvie.
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