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. 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.

Fun filled fundraising - a great day out for the whole family! ‘Support our Seaford Charities’ - an event for the ‘Mayor’s Charities Initiative’. Sunday 5 September on the Martello Fields

10am to 4pm and then music beside the ‘Tavern in the Tent’ into the evening. Free entry

The central arena will present music and dance performances by local choirs, singing groups and young people. We also look forward to contributions from the Seaford Silver Band and Sunshine Strummers. There will also be sports demonstrations including women’s football, rugby minis, the ‘toddle bubble mini marathon’ with other sports to be announced later.

Many local charities and ‘not for profit organisations’ are adding to the fun with their family activity fundraising stalls. There will be face painting and a family picnic area. The ‘Tavern in the Tent’ will be there with local businesses providing a range of food stalls.

Local service organisations are planning and running ‘Support our Seaford Charities’Martello Rotary, NP&S Lions, Seaford Rotary, Seaford Bonfire Society and the National Coastwatch Institution.

For further information please email the organisers seafordcharities@gmail.com

The charities and not for profit organisations taking part, as well as having a free of charge stall, will each keep the money their stall raises on the day so please do come along and support your charities.

Seaford Rotary