'50 years of giving' ends with closure of Rotary Club of Atherstone

TOWN'S PROMINENT COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER UNABLE TO FIND VOLUNTEERS TO FILL KEY POSTS

ORGANISATION CONTINUES TO 'SPREAD A LITTLE HAPPINESS' DESPITE ACCEPTING IT COULD NOT CARRY ON

ONE of Atherstone's most prominent charitable organisations has folded after more than half a century of supporting the local community.

The Rotary Club of Atherstone has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for good causes but faced with an ageing membership and finding it increasingly difficult to recruit new, younger volunteers, it closed its doors last month – just four months short of its 53rd anniversary.

Back in February, members voted in favour of winding up and handing back the charter to Rotary International.

Since then the club has been clearing down the general and charity accounts – donating nearly £9,000 to local, regional and international charities.

Outgoing president Joe Kobrin said: "It's very sad as the club has played an important role in the town and raised a great deal of money over the years for both local and international causes.

"On the club's 50th anniversary it was calculated we had raised over £250,000 for charity over the years.

"We are simply unable to continue, but at least for the last few months we've been spreading happiness around Atherstone, Warwickshire and further afield.

"The hardest thing for members is that we used to meet every two weeks when we had great fun, getting involved in projects and socialising.

"But we still plan to get together as friends when we can.

"I would like to say thank you to everyone that has contributed or assisted us in our work over the past 52 years."

Joe has headed up the organisation three times, but increased work pressures prevented him committing to another term.

And, with 15 of the club's 18 members over the age of 70 – and one in their 90s – finding a new president and secretary proved impossible.

"Many of the members had been very active until quite recently but we've just not been able to find anyone who could commit to the presidency or secretary's role," the 48-year-old told Nub News.

"We had men and lady members who have the skills, but we need people to lead and organise.

"The biggest issue is health and the confidence of being able to remain in office for a year," he added.

The Rotary Club of Atherstone's legacy continues through the Inner Wheel Club of Atherstone, which it has supported with funding to enable its valuable work to continue.

Other organisations supported following the club's closure include Atherstone Sports Club; Atherstone Marching Band – Phoenix Knights; Atherstone Gateway; Shelter Box; Water Aid; End Polio Campaign; Heads together; Kids Out; Polesworth Group Homes; Mary Ann Evans Hospice; Bee Line – local hospital and medical transport; Boudica exhibition in St Peter's Church, Mancetter; Edible Links; and 1st Hartshill Scout Group.