President Dan’s Update
Five months completed, and I am still in one piece! I can’t say it has been a rough ride, but it has had its ups and downs. All in all, with all your support, it has been a pleasant journey.
Where did the summer go! I can remember a few sunny afternoons when we played bowls, and thanks to Chris’s strict training programme of “cakes and beer,” we managed to reach the Finals at Edgmond. Unfortunately, we came away with Silver, but a good time was had by all, followed by an excellent buffet at the local pub.
Val, a few members, and I attended the “Last Night of the Proms” hosted by Telford Centre RC, the Wrekin RC Charter Evening, and the Mayor of Wellington’s Charity Curry Night, all of which we enjoyed immensely – especially the fish and chips in a basket after the Proms.
Not to mention our own “Brass and Voice” event in October, which, thanks to Phil and his team of helpers, was a great success. We managed to raise a substantial amount for Man in Place and Home Start.
In November, there was a good turnout for the Remembrance Day parade. Five of us marched (only one in step!!) while other members distributed the programmes. I had the honour of laying the wreath at the church, which was donated on behalf of the Club.
The Club has received two certificates in the past few months: one from the Lingen Davies Sunflower Appeal, in recognition of becoming a founder member of the Lingen Davies Cancer Support’s Sunflower Appeal, and one from The Rotary Foundation, as a certificate of appreciation for our financial support of the End Polio Now Countdown to History Campaign to eradicate polio.
The Club has also been active in supporting Wellington Town Council, helping with marshalling at the Summer Scarecrow Fair and the Christmas Lights switch-on, which, thanks to Vic’s organisational skills, went smoothly.
I would like to mention that, with the help of Rob Parker, who stepped in to organise the Shoebox Appeal this year, we managed to donate 17 boxes and £155 in cash – well done!
Ken and Paula have been extremely busy and have secured a fellowship visit to Hereford RC, which will include ten-pin bowling, city tours, a Cathedral visit, and dining. This will take place on 23rd–24th April 2026 and promises to be an excellent opportunity to socialise with another Rotary Club combined with a few days away. Please support this event, and if you have not already done so, give your name to Ken to help make it a success.
It was with great sadness that I announced the passing of Ish Davies on 3rd November; this was an immense shock to everyone. His funeral took place on Thursday 25th November at the Telford Crematorium. Val, I, and other members of our Club attended, along with approximately 350 of Ish’s close friends and family. He was certainly a very popular and much-loved man. One of his very close friends, who knew Ish from school days, gave a moving eulogy. I would like to end with his closing remarks: “When you go home tonight, look into the night sky, and when you see the shiniest star, Ish will also be there with his little screwdriver, trying to make it even shinier.”
Have a wonderful Christmas, everyone!.
Dan.
December 2025
Additional styles of membership
Did you know that Rotary is looking to return to its roots as businesses and other organisations become Corporate Members? A business/organisation can join as a member of an existing club or several in a community may choose to form a new club.
One individual of the business/organisation becomes a full member of the club and up to three others from the business/organisation can also enjoy the fellowship of the club and participate in all club events.
Individuals who do not feel that club life is for them are able to join the Rotary family as a Direct Member. Direct Members will be registered with a District Hub. The Hub will keep them informed of projects and events in the local area being run or assisted by Rotary which they can choose to participate in.
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Wellington Rotary meets at The Pheasant Inn at Admaston (TF5 0AD) for its weekly Friday lunchtime meeting at 1pm.
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Friday 20 February – The Pheasant @1300 – Sally Grant’s Job Talk
Friday 27 February – The Pheasant @1300 – Jim Hawkins from Age UK – Wellbeing
Friday 6 March – The Pheasant @1300 – Tarrah Lewis – Shropshire Person Centered Advocacy and Support
Tuesday 10 March – The Pheasant @1600 – Club Council
Friday 13 March – The Pheasant @1300 – Business and Information meeting
Friday 20 March – The Pheasant @1300 – Steve Arnold – West Midlands Search and Rescue
Friday 27 February – The Pheasant @1300 – TBA
Good Friday 3 April – NO MEETING
Friday 10 April – The Pheasant @1300 – Annual General Meeting
Tuesday 14 April – The Pheasant @1600 – Club Council
Friday 17 April – The Pheasant @1300 – Business and Information meeting
Thursday/Friday 23/24 April – Club visit to Hereford
Friday 24 April – NO MEETING – Visit to Hereford
Friday 1 May – The Pheasant @1300 – Craig McWha – Shrewsbury Ark
Friday 8 May – The Pheasant @1300 – TBA
Tuesday 12 May – The Pheasant @1600 – Club Council
Friday 15 May – The Pheasant @1300 – Business and Information meeting
Friday 22 May – The Pheasant @1300 – TBA
Friday 29 May – The Pheasant @1300 – Chris Hill – Telford Street Pastors
Friday 5 June – The Pheasant @1300 – TBA
Tuesday 9 June – The Pheasant @1600 – Club Council
Friday 12 June – The Pheasant @1300 – Business and Information meeting
Friday 19 June – The Pheasant @1300 – President’s Swansong
Friday 26 June – The Pheasant @1300 – Presidential Handover
As Past President Tom Farmer always used to say the club diary “is subject to alteration without notification” !