ROTARY CLUB KEEN TO TEE-UP NEW MEMBERS
HIGHLAND Rotary Club members have launched a recruitment drive.
The East Sutherland Rotary Club, which is delighted to enjoy support from Royal Dornoch Golf Club, is keen to recruit new members, associates and Friends of Rotary.
Going forward, the Rotary Club will meet in the clubhouse on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month, gathering at 6pm for a 6.30pm meal.
Club president Michelle Johnstone said: “I’m sure there are locally based members of Royal Dornoch who would enjoy the social side of Rotary – and like to play a part in the contribution which the club makes to life in the Highlands.”
Traditional fundraising was forced to go on hold during the pandemic and Michelle admits membership dropped off after meetings were restricted to Zoom calls.
That has prompted the recruitment drive to ensure a club founded 35 years ago, welcoming members from a wide area of East Sutherland, including Helmsdale, Brora, Lairg, Rosehall, Golspie and Dornoch, enjoys a bright future.
“As with so many other groups, the pandemic temporarily put paid to the social side of our fundraising for local, national and international charities,” said Michelle.
“But I’m glad to say that is all behind us and we want to encourage new members, along with others who might want to be associates or Friends of Rotary helping at events ranging from barbecues and garden parties to beach tidy-ups at Golspie and Brora.
“Recently, a writing competition held in tandem with local primary schools and backed by the Dornoch Bookshop proved very popular.
“Our recent focus has been on organising the popular Classic Car Tour which takes place on Saturday (May 18) and we are looking ahead to the Sutherland Show in July and the Helmsdale Highland Games in August.”
The coast-to-coast rally has been a fixture on the Rotarians’ fundraising calendar since 2014, with thousands of pounds generated every year.
This year’s event, featuring around 60 vehicles of various vintages, is supporting Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance, Assynt Mountain Rescue and various Rotary charities.
The scenic circular route from Dornoch town centre takes in Gairloch, via Strathpeffer.
“We are keen to bring in fresh blood to support our current members and ensure our full and varied programme of fundraisers continues for the benefit of good causes at home and abroad,” said Michelle.
For further information on joining the East Sutherland Rotary Club contact rotaryclubofeastsutherland@gmail.com
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