News archive
World Polio Day
24 October 2017
Since Rotary and its partners launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative nearly 30 years ago, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent, from about 350,000 cases a year in 125 countries to just 37 cases in three remaining polio-endemic countries, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria, in 2016.
To sustain this progress and protect all children from polio, Rotary has committed to raising US$50 million per year over the next three years in support of global polio eradication efforts. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will match Rotary's commitment 2:1. Without full funding and political commitment, this paralysing disease could return to previously polio-free countries, putting children everywhere at risk.
Local Rotarians are among millions across the globe who are highlighting World Polio Day to raise awareness, funds and support to end polio. To mark World Polio Day, Rotarians across Britain and Ireland have lit up iconic buildings purple and held other events for World Polio Day, as part of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland's Purple4Polio campaign.
In Abingdon, Rotarians from the 3 local clubs, supported by District Governor David Pope, have planted 7,500 purple crocus bulbs in Abingdon's Albert Park, which will give a large splash of colour for all to see in the spring.
Offical Charter of Culham Interact Club
02 May 2017
Background
A new Interact Club made up from young people aged 12 to 18 who attend the European School in Culham has been formed.
The Club has been working for the last two years to raise funds to support a school in Nepal, the Gatehouse, a charity for the homeless in Oxford, and the Sue Ryder home in Nettlebed. They are eager to continue with this and to work to help other good causes in the future.
On the evening of May the 2nd, the Culham Interact Club was presented with its formal Charter by Joy Arnott, the District Governor of Rotary International District 1090. This is an important milestone for the club. The Club received its charter certificate, the President, Charlie Sayers, the medal of office, and all members received an official pin badge.
So far the club has raised over £1,000 by holding a number of events at the school, such as cake sales and face painting. It also held a collection at Christmas for essential items such as toiletries and underwear for The Gatehouse, a charity for the homeless in in Oxford. Their next event is at the Culham Festival where they will again have a stall raising funds by selling cakes and face painting.
The Culham Interact Club is supported by the Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper.
The Interact club has 17 members, and they look forward to continuing their events to raise funds for good causes. All of them attend the European School and will transfer to the Europa School in September, where the club will be based in future.
President Charles Sayers said, “It's been a great year. We have had lots of fun, and importantly helped those worse off than ourselves, whilst at the same time we have learnt how to work as a team and get the best from everyone.”
Joy Arnott presented the Charter, supported by David Barnett, President Elect of the Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper, who said, “It's been great to help these dedicated young people learn how to become the good citizens of the future, and to continue to support those who join the club in the future”
The Charter took place in the Schuman Hall at the European School on the evening Tuesday 2nd May, and was attended by members of the Interact Club and their parents, the school staff who have supported the club and Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper and Rotary District 1090. There were around 50 people present.
Interact is an international organisation which brings together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of “Service Above Self”, the motto of Rotarians throughout the world. Interactors discover how serious leadership can be seriously fun.
Rotary Youth Leadership Award
16-23 July 2016
Background
The Rotary organisation is about building a better society both locally and internationally, The Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper actively promotes that principle.
One way that it can help young adults is to promote The Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA), which is Rotary’s way of giving young adults at the start of their careers the opportunity to develop qualities of leadership, team working, initiative, communication and problem solving. RYLA is a week long course that includes activities such as abseiling, navigation, canoeing, sailing, high ropes etc.
Who can take part?
Young adults aged between 18 and 25, with leadership potential, from all backgrounds and experience are welcome to apply. The course is designed to develop the latent talents in candidates and to give them the confidence to contribute and become future leaders. Applications are particularly welcome from those who may not get the opportunity to attend a course such as this.
The course takes place at a specially adapted centre in the Snowdonia National Park, North Wales. The next date is 16 – 23 July 2016.
The cost
There is no cost to candidates as they will be met by the Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper.
How to apply
If you are interested and would like to apply to be considered for a place on the July 2016 course, or would simply like more details, please use the Contact Form to giving brief details about yourself. We will then get back to you. Nominations of suitable candidates are also welcome from community groups and employers.
The closing date for applications is 28th February 2016.
More details can be found here:
- RYLA web site
Barge Trips
11th June to 8th July 2016
The 2016 season of barge trips on the Kennett and Avon canal will be taking place from Saturday 11th June to Friday 8th July 2016.
More details can be found here:
- Barge Trips
KidsOut Day
8th June 2016
The 2016 KidsOut Day will take place on 8th June 2016. Members of the Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper will be teaming up with other Rotary clubs to take children on a fun day out.
More details can be found here:
- KidsOut Days
Photography Competition Winners
Autumn 2015
The Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper held a photo competition for young people living or studying in Abingdon, and entries were judged by local photographer Paul Viney from Paul Viney Photography.
In autumn 2015, the Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper ran a Photographic Competition for young people (aged 7-21) living in or educated in Abingdon, as part of its outreach to youth in the local community. The challenge was to interpret the theme The natural world around us in a maximum of three photographs.
The overall standard of the entries was judged to be impressively high by local professional photographer Paul Viney. The awards made are, in the Junior category 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes to Heather W., Hannah H., and Scarlett A. respectively.
In the Senior category 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes went to Jemima M., Phoebe T. and Isabella P. respectively. Cheques and prize-winners' certificates were given out at school assemblies during February 2016.
Photography Competition
Autumn 2015
The Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper is again holding a photo competition for young people aged 7 to 21 years living or studying in Abingdon-on-Thames. The theme of the competition is “The Natural World Around Us”.
Entries will be judged by local photographer Paul Viney from Paul Viney Photography.
More details, including an entry form, can be found here:
Rotary Dragon Boat Day
6th September 2015
The annual Rotary Dragon Boat Day was held beside the River Thames in Abingdon. Dragon Boat racing, craft stalls, BBQ, beer tent, tea tent, funfair, ... A great day out for everyone!
Visit the web site »
Abingdon Food and Drink Festival
7th June 2015
The second Abingdon Food and Drink Festival was held at the fantastic Miele Experience Centre.
Visit the web site »
Photography Competition
Spring 2015
The Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper held a photo competition for young people living or studying in Abingdon, and entries were judged by local photographer Paul Viney from Paul Viney Photography.
Dress a girl around the world
Spring 2015
Members from the Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper recently donated pillowcases and other fabrics to the Oxford Embroiderers' Guild, to help them make dresses for girls in developing countries. To date, they have made over 150 wonderful dresses for the Dress a girl around the world project.
Chairperson Elaine Steele said that our contribution has made a big difference to the success of this initiative, and has said a big thanks to club members for all their help and support.
These photos show just a small sample of these lovely dresses that were made from donated materials. This is a fine example of when the Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper has worked effectively within the local community to help others.
Visit the web site »
District 1090 Foundation Award
11th September 2014
Valerie Caswell presents President Ann Barnett with the District 1090 Foundation Award.
Rotary Dragon Boat Day
7th September 2014
The annual Rotary Dragon Boat Day will be held beside the River Thames in Abingdon. The aim of the day is to have fun whilst raising money for charity. There will be lots to do for the whole family - Dragon Boat racing, craft stalls, BBQ, beer tent, tea tent, funfair, ... A great day out for everyone!
Visit the web site »
Concert in aid of Shelterbox
22nd May 2014
The 2014 Rotary Scholars organised a concert in aid of ShelterBox at the Holywell Music Room in Oxford.
Photography Competition
Spring 2014
The Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper held a photo competition for young people living or studying in Abingdon, and entries were judged by local photographer Paul Viney from Paul Viney Photography.
The topic for photographs was Abingdon-on-Thames, with an emphasis on the Thames. For example landscape, flora and fauna, people, life on or by the river.
Primary school prizes:
- 1st Prize £50: Melissa Reeves
- 2nd Prize £30: Justyna Majewska
- 3rd Prize £15: Alex Horsham
- Commended. Prize £30: Stan Majewska
Rome Twinning Visit
23rd to 27th May 2013
Members of the Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper, along with members of the Rotary Clubs of Breda Mark & Aa, and Sophia Antipolis visited the Rotary Club of Roma Castelli Romani.
Read more
Vesper triumph again!
24th April 2013
Another successful evening's quizzing for Vesper as our team defended their title at the annual Rotary Quiz Challenge organised by the Rotary Club of Henley Bridge.
Competing against 11 other teams from Rotary clubs across the area, we triumphed in a closely fought competition, coming through in the last round to win by three points.
Ably led by President Elect Colin, the team comprising David and Ann Barnett, Stephen Goss, Linda Staniford, Sulwen Vaughan and Colin's friend, Simon, retained the Henley Bridge tankard which we won last year and have now won four times in the last six years.
Roll on next year - who knows, if we win it again we may get to keep it!
Hand cycle
16th April 2013
Fifteen years ago local resident Trevor Bailey was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) at the age of 29.
Trevor approached The Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper for help in raising funds for a hand cycle and a solid frame wheelchair that could be attached to the cycle that would allow him to go on long bike rides with his family and to increase his independence. The club approved a donation of £750 to help fund this and Trevor raised the balance of the funds through a variety of sources including a sponsored cycle at the local leisure centre.
Trevor visited the club in April 2013 to demonstrate his new purchase and to thank the club for their support.
Planting at Caldecott Primary School
12th January 2013
Abingdon Carbon Cutters (ACC) has been working with Caldecott Primary School and South Abingdon Children's Centre to raise money to develop a stimulating outdoor learning environment.
Thanks to the generous support of Abingdon Vesper Rotary, which paid for essential groundwork at a cost of £1,500, planting began on Saturday, 12th January. With the enthusiastic help of 20 volunteers ranging from parents, teachers and school governors to the Mayor, councillors, Abingdon Vesper Rotarians and members of ACC, a heroic amount of work was achieved in chilly conditions. An orchard, native hedge, trees and a hazel copse were planted in the first phase of this project.
A truly community effort, the project was delighted to receive financial support from the Jubilee Tree Fund through the VWDC. ACC would also like to thank Bunkers Hill Nursery for donating hedging plants and Ringrose Tree Surgeons for a load of wood chippings.
Delivery of matresses to Mubende Hospital
6th June 2012
Delivery of matresses to Mubende Hospital, recieved by the hospital adminisrator in the presence of Rotarians Robert Muyonjo and Noeline Nankabirwa. Three local radio stations represented the media for reporting in the news.
District Governor presents International Banner
1st November 2011
District Governor Rotarian Niall Blair attended Vesper's Club meeting and presented President Chris Le Fevre with this year's International Banner.
Presentation by Judy and Norman Goodall on behalf of Chilton Wives
24th May 2011
Following a presentation by Hazel King to the Chilton Wives on Richard and Hazel's trip to the NID, Chilton Wives chose Polio Plus as their charity of the year. They held a cryptic quiz and quiz evening, raising over £640 for PolioPlus.
Rotarian Andrew Bartholomew presented with a Paul Harris Sapphire
24th May 2011
At tonight's club meeting, Andrew was presented with a Paul Harris Sapphire by President Diane Clarke in the presence of District Governor Elect Niall Blair.
No-one has done more to earn an award like this in our club's history. The work Andrew has done has largely revolved around the villages surrounding Mubende in Uganda. Originally this was the provision of tools for farmers and then goats. He has provided his Happy Animal talks to trainers at Kulika's training centre near Kampala (including on one occasion a group of nuns) and village groups around Mubende.
When our involvement developed into micro credit, he then provided training for them on basic business skills and how to make best use of the loans, linking this to the farming/animal husbandry skills. Every group gets at least three presentations - Happy Animals, micro credit introduction, refresher. He has been back several times to some of the groups.
The contribution Andrew has made to the communities around Mubende is immense and cannot be quantified. His work has led to a huge improvement in the quality of life for so many people by giving them skills and support. It is no exaggeration to say that his work will have helped to prolong and in some cases save lives.
There can be no better example of Rotary's motto Service Above Self and how Rotary changes lives through direct action.
Rotarian Louise Thomas presented with a Paul Harris fellowship
24th May 2011
At tonight's club meeting, Louise was presented with a Paul Harris fellowship.
This was richly deserved for all the work Louise has done as a member of the Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper. Over many years Louise has very diligently helped with organisations such as the local Stroke Club and Helen & Douglas House, given her time judging for the Rotary Youth Speaks competition, coordinated the organisation of the stalls at the club's Dragon Boat Event and helped with many other Rotary activities.
Louise's nature is such that she is always willing to help if she can and is the epitome of the motto of Rotary Service above Self.
The Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper sponsors Reading Quest
February 2011
In a world where reading is not just a way of burying yourself in the newest novel, but also an essential skill needed to gather new information, some of us are left out.
The Oxfordshire based charity organisation Reading Quest, set up 1997 by Penny Tyack, has truly taken on the quest of teaching those children who fall behind to read. Using tried-and-tested methods, Reading Quest helps children who struggle with the early stages of reading. They are given a course of intensive, structured, one-to-one daily sessions in school over a six-week period, and involvement from family and carers is welcomed.
Reading Quest volunteers are thoroughly trained by the former school teacher. They are called in by schools and help the children individually to read, letter for letter, phoneme by phoneme, word by word, sentence by sentence until, eventually, the child masters the text all by themself.
After Penn's speech in 2010, the Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper decided to sponsor training sessions for volunteers.
End Polio Now
February 2011
In February 2011 there will be an appeal for donations to help the End Polio Now campaign. In order to highlight the continued need to raise funds to end the spread of this dreadful disease, blooms of purple crocuses will be on display in and around Abingdon.
This is part of Rotary International's UK initiative and it is hoped that in October Rotarians and helpers will be able to beat the world record for mass planting of bulbs. Over 3 million bulbs have been ordered to meet this commitment.
Pants!
December 2010
Being homeless
is no fun.
Being homeless
on the run?
Being homeless
falling from all walks of life.
Being homeless
painful reasons, trouble and strife.
Being homeless
does anyone care?
Being homeless
no fresh underwear.
Being homeless
Well, Abingdon Vesper care with underwear!
Each Christmas for the last 5 years we've taken pants off our members (fresh clean ones of course!) and given them to O'Hanlon House in the centre of Oxford. Underwear is one of the items of clothing that is rarely donated but always needed so we have focussed on an annual undies collection of pants, bras and socks. With cash donations we also purchase toiletries and items of warm clothing. Whilst our main collection is at Christmas, members support O'Hanlon House with clothing throughout the year.
Christmas Shoebox Appeal
4th October 2010
Abingdon Vesper Rotary Club answered the call for the need to spread a little happiness at Christmas time to the British troops serving out in Afghanistan over Christmas.
There is a requirement for Christmas presents to be sent, these must be gift wrapped and presented in a shoe box and the whole package has to weigh not more than 2kg.
Rotarians from Abingdon Vesper Rotary Club contacted local businesses and informed friends in order to spread the news that they were seeking support. To their aid came some retail businesses in and around Abingdon:
- Outdoor Traders provided empty shoe boxes
- Clarks shoe shop provided empty shoe boxes
- Boots provided toiletries
- Millets Farm Shop provided sweeties
- Frost Garden Centre provided Christmas cards
Thank you to all the businesses that responded so positively. Without their support it would make the job of getting Christmas boxes prepared so much harder for the Rotarians.
Along with this support Rotarians and family members donated of books, toiletries, games, sweets etc, as well as financial donations which were turned into Christmas time goodies.
A massive thank you has to be extended to Mrs Susan Jenkins of Sutton Courtney who teaches at Wycombe Abbey. She and the girls of Shelborne House (aged between 12 and 17) Wycombe Abbey decided that action was required. They baked and sold cakes which raised £200. This kind donation was given to the Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper which was to be used for the Christmas Shoe Box appeal, further purchases of Christmas gifts for the troops was made with the donated money.
In order to ensure that the boxes were ready in time, on Sunday night (3rd October) eight Rotarians and friends gathered at an Abingdon home to prepare and make up as many Christmas Shoe boxes as possible. At the end of the 3 hour stint over 50 boxes had been completed.
More boxes were collected making the total 73 boxes. Ute Liersch and Sulwen Vaughan delivered the Christmas boxes to the Rotary Club of Bourne End and Cookham for onward shipment out to Afghanistan in time for Christmas.
Abingdon Air Show
2nd May 2010
The Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper attended the Abingdon Air Show to promote the club and its activites, and to inform people about forthcoming events organised by the club itself, and by other clubs in the local area.
St George's Day Celebrations
22nd April 2010
District 1090 covers a wide region with numerous Rotary clubs. Therefore it has been necessary to group the clubs into zones to ease the administration and networking of clubs.
Abingdon Vesper is in the Maroon Zone, which is made up of:
- Abingdon
- Abingdon Vesper
- Oxford
- Oxford Isis
- Oxford North
- Oxford Spires
- Woodstock
The clubs within the Maroon Zone work together on some joint projects and an example this year was the End Polio Now appeal in February. All the clubs organised an event to highlight the issue of polio and raise funds to eradicate the virus.
- Visit the Rotary End Polio web site
Not only do the clubs meet to work together for joint causes but there is an element of fun injected into the relationship.
On the 22nd April there was a joint dinner for all the members, 86 members celebrated St George's Day at Wolfson College, Oxford. The guest speaker was Sir Peter Dobson.
Thanks For Life - End Polio Now
27th February 2010
It is over 28 years since the last case of Polio in the UK. In 2010 Polio, a disease for which there is no cure, is still however a harrowing reality for children in 4 countries (Afghanistan, India, Nigeria and Pakistan).
On Saturday 27th February, Abingdon Vesper and Abingdon Rotary Clubs joined forces to collect money outside Tesco Abingdon as part of the ‘Thanks for Life’ project, a project involving the clubs and members of Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland, aimed at helping to eradicate polio throughout the world.
A total sum of £500 was raised, enough to pay for 1400 children to be immunised against Polio.
Christmas charity collections
12th, 19th, 20th December 2009
Father Christmas, assisted by members of the Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper, appeared outside Sainsbury's in Didcot and Tesco in Abingdon to collect money for Rotary Charities. A magnificient total of just over £1250 was raised - thank you to everyone who contributed.
Proceeds from these collections will be used to enable us to continue our work with the disadvantaged in our local community and abroad that is illustrated by other pages on this website.
Life Jackets
19th September 2009
On Saturday, 19th September over 200 people, including users, hirers and donors, attended the launch and blessing of the new Bruce Trust Barge Rachel at Great Bedwyn Wharf.
As part of the celebration Sulwen Vaughan, President of the Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper, officially presented the 34 inflatable life jackets to David Bruce as Chair and founder of The Bruce Trust.
This makes a total of 42 life jackets that Abingdon Vesper have donated to the Bruce Trust.
John May, Abingdon Vesper's Barge Trip coordinator, said “ They were most grateful and many of those present came up to me to say what a wonderful benefit the life jackets would be. We have improved the safety and enjoyment for many, many people on future trips. ”
KidsOut Events
June 2009
The Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper is a keen participant in The Rotary KidsOut National Day Out. This is the largest single day out for disadvantaged children and young people in the UK.
Over 28,000 children from all over the country take part - thanks to over 750 Rotary Clubs throughout Great Britain and Ireland who work with local schools and special groups to make this happen.
ShelterBox Challenge
18th-19th April 2009
For the second year running, The Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper took part in the ShelterBox Challenge to raise money for the ShelterBox organisation.
ShelterBox is an international disaster relief charity specialising in emergency shelter provision.
To date, Team LeFevre has raised around £1600, meaning that another 3 ShelterBoxes can be distributed to disaster areas around the world.
Gardening at Abingdon Community Hospital
10th March 2009
Following on from the work in November, we have started the development of a number of wildflower patches. The first of these is in full view of Ward 2 where we planted some 300 snowdrops, 150 wild daffodils and 50 Summer Snowflake bulbs. Patients and hospital staff should get some pleasure out of this little development this year, but it will grow better and better with passing time.
Meanwhile, we are raising plants (cowslips in particular, but others as well) from seed to provide something colourful for people in Ward 1 to see out of their dayroom windows, and another phase of the wildflower project will aim to provide plenty of colour close to the sitting out area at the end of Ward 2.
End Polio Now
21st January 2009
Bill Gates increases his challenge grant to Rotary by $255 million - a total of $355 million - for the eradication of Polio. See Rotary International web site for more information.
Christmas charity collections
20th, 21st, 23rd December 2008
Father Christmas, assisted by members of the Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper, appeared outside Sainsbury's in Didcot and Tesco in Abingdon to collect money for Rotary Charities. A magnificient total of £1546.50 was raised - thank you to everyone who contributed.
Proceeds from these collections will be used to enable us to continue our work with the disadvantaged in our local community and abroad that is illustrated by other pages on this website.
Gardening at Abingdon Community Hospital
10th March 2009
Braving the cold weather, nine volunteers from the Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper descended on the grounds of Abingdon Community Hospital armed with forks, spades and much enthusiasm. Their aim was to carry out some basic garden maintenance - clearing weeds and fallen leaves, some digging of beds and the planting of Spring bulbs in tubs and beds.
President-Elect Sulwen Vaughan, one of the volunteers, stressed that this will be an on-going commitment as part of the Community Service obligations of the Club.
Teresa Revell, Support Services Manager for the site, was enthusiastic “What a fabulous job the Rotarian gardeners have done! Thank you very much - the tubs look great”
We look forward to a colourful display of bulbs in the Spring which will cheer patients, staff and visitors alike.
Local Family Charity Benefits from Dragon Boat Event
8th July 2008
The Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper recently held a presentation evening at the Four Pillars Hotel following the annual Dragon Boat Race Event, which was held on the River Thames in May. Representatives of the teams who participated were presented with shields and certificates. Many thousands of pounds will be raised in sponsorship by the participants and this will benefit a wide variety of charities both local, national and international.
A raffle was held alongside the Dragon Boat Event and this alone raised £2000 for the local charity Oxford Parent Infant Project, OXPIP. The cheque was presented by Rotary President Richard Benton to the OXPIP Fundraising and PR Manager, Sharon Hylton.
OXPIP (the Oxford Parent Infant Project), a registered charity since 1998, works within Oxfordshire to help parents and babies develop more loving and secure relationships.
OXPIP has now been able to extend its services into South Oxfordshire (based from Didcot). With the generous donation received from The Rotary Club of Abingdon, OXPIP will be able to continue to support the families based in Didcot and work to reduce the waiting list.
- For more information about OXPIP and the work they do, see the OXPIP web site.
Presentation to Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust
24th June 2008
On Tuesday 24th June 2008, Rotarian Diane Clarke of the Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper presented a cheque for £2000 to Carl Undery, Income Development Manager of Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust (TVAC) at the Four Pillars Hotel, Abingdon. This money was raised by the Club selling raffle tickets for the Dragon Boat Event in 2007.
The Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust was launched in June 1999 and flies, on average, four times a day to provide a vital service aimed at getting people treatment within the 'golden hour' - the period of time when people have the best chance of surviving a serious incident. TVAC recently reached a remarkable landmark having flown its 10,000th mission, representing a huge number of lives saved and this is a very humbling thought. But TVAC's service comes at a cost - approximately £1.7m a year. With no funding from the Government, NHS or National Lottery, it depends on fund raising like Vesper's Dragon Boat Event to keep running.
- For more information about TVAC and its excellent work see the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust web site.
Burma cyclone
6th May 2008
ShelterBox has responded rapidly to the need for shelter and water purification for the Burma disaster victims.
Below is the ShelterBox press release - shelter for 6640 people has been sent.
“May 6th - Myanmar (Burma): ShelterBox responds immediately to the devastating cyclone to hit Myanmar. 22,000 lives are reported to have been lost and 95% of houses are destroyed as the cyclone swept in-land after several days at sea. 224 boxes left from the pre-positioned site in Dubai over the weekend, 220 boxes have left from Melbourne, Australia and a further 200 boxes with two tents each were packed this morning at the ShelterBox HQ in Helston, Cornwall. A team of four SRT members are making arrangements to assist with the difficult distribution of vital aid”
ShelterBox Challenge
26th/27th April 2008
Four intrepid members of the Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper undertook the 2008 ShelterBox Challenge on Dartmoor on April 26 and 27. They walked across Dartmoor for two days carrying a 25 Kilo ShelterBox which carried all they needed to survive the Challenge.
The ShelterBox Challenge is in support of a key Rotary charity, the ShelterBox Trust. ShelterBox Trust provides immediate relief for disaster victims all over the world and can get aid to victims within 48 hours.
A ShelterBox is a rugged container that holds a tent and other emergency aid for an extended family of up to 10 people. ShelterBox has so far since 2000 sent boxes to almost 40 countries and provided emergency accommodation for around 500,000 people.
The Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper ShelterBox team have undertaken to raise at least £1,000 in sponsorship money for the event.
Pants for Christmas
22nd December 2007
Oxford has the worst record for homelessness in the UK outside London. Homelessness can arise for many different reasons and can happen to almost anyone. For homeless people Christmas can be pants. Or not as the case may be....
This Christmas the Club supported Oxford Night Shelter - with pants (and socks). In the weeks up to Christmas we ran a pants appeal, as the clothing items that homeless people often need most are fresh underwear and socks and people rarely donate these items. Several dozens of pairs were delivered by Lucy and Steve to the Night Shelter on Saturday, 22 December. See the Oxford Night Shelter web site if you'd like to help the Night Shelter too.
You may think we've finally flipped over the edge this year but at least you now know what to do with those presents from Aunt Mildred that don't fit!
Santa's Sleigh
December 2007
Just before Christmas Abingdon Vesper was joined by Father Christmas and his sleigh outside Tesco in Abingdon. Shoppers were entertained by Father Christmas and carol singing. Over £300 was collected in aid of Rotary charities.
Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar in Abingdon
December 2007
Liana Del Papa from Ramsey, NJ USA was sponsored by her local Rotary Club to serve as a cultural ambassador to the Abingdon Vesper Rotary Club while pursuing a Masters degree in Forced Migration at the University of Oxford.
Trip to Uganda
October 2007
Five members of Abingdon Vesper travelled to Kampala and Mubende in Uganda, visiting projects and renewing friendships with Elijah Kyamuwendo from the Kulika charity and his colleagues. The greater part of our trip was spent at Mubende, a town some 100 miles west of Kampala which has been the centre of our past work in Uganda.