Some of our recent activities
PINK & BLUE – won’t go through’
During the winter of 2010/11, 2 people died as a result of fires caused by faulty electric blankets. As a result, a team came together during October to offer elderly and vulnerable people the chance to have their blankets tested for free.
The team was drawn from The Electrical Testing House, Oxfordshire Fire Brigade, Trading 
Standards Community Support Team, Age UK, West Oxfordshire District Council & the Rotary Club of Witney.
The testing took place at West Oxfordshire District Council Offices near Wood Green and during the full day of testing 96 Blankets were tested of which 25 failed the test for various reasons including age, Pink & Blue*, insulation breakdown, controls worn out & other electrical failures. All failed blankets were removed for destruction by the Fire Brigade
The owners were not left empty handed, as they received vouchers offering a substantial discount on a new blanket. Those who were unable to afford a replacement due to hardship were given a new blanket sponsored by the Rotary Club of Witney through their fund raising efforts for the benefit of the local community.
*’Pink and Blue’ refers to the wiring colours used so long ago that the blankets wired this way were not allowed to go through the testing procedure and were therefore classed as ‘failed’.
Forest Fair 2011
The annual Forest Fair, arranged by the Friends of Wychwood Forest, again proved a most enjoyable occasion. The Witney Club had two stands – our beef and venison burger outlet and the erected tent from a ShelterBox with displayed contents inside. We also had a gazebo with ShelterBox and Rotary membership information.
After a dry start to the day, persistent rain few for the next couple of hours meant visitors were few.
Fortunately it then dried up and a constant stream of visitors in the afternoon enjoyed the tasty burgers, prepared by Patrick and Sue Strainge and served by Rotarians, and the stall sold out!
In parallel we collected for our Pakistan Flood Appeal showing interested visitors the merits of the ShelterBox for use in such disasters.
Golf Day Raises £1,500 for Charity
Twenty Two teams of 2 players enjoyed this year’s Charity Golf Day held on the hallowed turf at Burford Golf Club. This year’s competition comprised one round of 18 holes with players teeing off from just after midday after enjoying a welcome bacon butty and coffee. Although the rain fell quite heavily before and after the competition it was bright if a bit windy during the afternoon.
In the prestigious team competition Trevor Hing and Nigel Barry came third on 45 points, Maurice Robinson and Mike Tuckwell second on 46 points narrowly beaten on count back by Chris Watson and John Binder also on 46 points.
Overall a most enjoyable fun day, which raised £1500 for charity.
Witney Seniors Enjoy a Trip on the Thames
It was to be the hottest day this year when 10 clients with 2 carers left the Elms Centre in Witney for a morning out on the Thames, followed by lunch by the river. At the time of planning we didn’t know that the sun was going to shine so clearly on the event which was a real bonus. The Minibus arrived at Eynsham Lock and after reversing past the lock and down the tow path a short way, without falling in, the clients embarked ready for the trip up river to Bablock Hythe. For more, click here…
New Eynsham Club Chartered
Over eighty Rotarians and Guests celebrated as District Governor Laurie Cunningham presented Founder President Philip Spencer of the newly formed Rotary Club of Eynsham with its Club Charter.
Presenting the Charter DG Laurie welcomed the twenty new Rotarians and stressed the importance of the occasion. “You have chosen to accept the invitation to become members of the Rotary Family. In making that decision I hope you will continue to work together to make the new Rotary Club of Eynsham happy and successful”.
Laurie went on to congratulate the new club “The local community have already benefitted from a number of successful projects you have arranged, I am confident you will continue this good work. But above all remember that Rotary is fun”.
And from previous years
Christmas Lights 2010
The Witney club launched its new colourful marquee on the occasion of a Pig Roast in support of the ‘Switching On’ of the Christmas lights in Witney. The ceremony was performed by the Prime Minister and Witney MP David Cameron, who is also an Honourable Member of The Rotary club of Witney. On a cold crisp, but dry, evening business was brisk as thousands of people flocked into Witney Market Square to witness the event and enjoy the many attraction on show. Pictured, the Rotary team are making the final preparations before selling commences.
Local round of ‘Youth Speaks’ Competition
A very close-fought battle in took place in both the Intermediate and the Senior sections of the local heat in the competition to represent West Oxfordshire in the next round of the Rotary National Youth Speaks Competition. After much deliberation the winners were judged to be…for more click here
‘Focus on the Crocus’
A team of eight Rotarians planted the flowers on a grass bank alongside Thorney Leys. When they bloomed in March the flowers formed a 9ft diameter cog wheel. Purple was chosen because it is the same colour as the indelible mark daubed on the hands of those who have been vaccinated during a National Immunisation Day when up to 80 million children…. for more click here
Adult Literacy Support
Thirty copies of the Usborne Illustrated Dictionary have been presented by the Club to Abingdon and Witney College to assist with adult literary teaching. The picture shows Clare Chandler (left) with students and helpers, together with Patrick Strainge (Vocational Committee Chair) and Keith Crawford (President 2009-10)
Rotary Environment Day
As part of a national Rotary Environment Day, the Rotary Club of Witney held a ‘litter pick’ in Witney Town Centre in conjunction with West Oxon District Council. A dozen club members turned out to clear ten bags of litter from areas around Church Green , The Leys, Witan Way and adjoining pathways, whilst WODC supplied the equipment (gloves, bags, etc.) – as well as some manpower.
Rotary Clubs across Great Britain and Ireland were supporting their local communities on the same day. Bulb planting, litter picking and tree planting took place throughout the country, ensuring Rotary Environment Day made a big impact.
Club Bulletin – Best in District
News that the Witney Club Bulletin had been judged as Best in District 1090, beating those submitted by the remaining 60 clubs, has been welcomed by members. Bulletin Editor Carl Evans (on left), seen here receiving the District Shield from President Keith Crawford, said “I am touched to receive the award but feel it is appropriate to thank all club members who regularly support me in the production.
The Bulletin quality is a reflection of the club as a whole. The quality of articles, photos and funnies as well as the regular inclusions of the Presidents words, club diary etc. all adds to our club winning the award”
Witney Club Bulletin is published ten times a year and is plays a major role in the communication within the club. It has also played an important part in welcoming and informing the many new Rotarians to the club during the recent unprecedented recruitment drive.
Visit of Group from South Africa
The Witney Club were pleased to receive the Group Study Exchange Team from South Africa as their Guests at the end of March. The team, four young professionals led by a Rotarian Team Leader, were spending four weeks in the Rotary District to further their professional and cultural knowledge.
During the team’s visit they were hosted by four different Clubs in various parts of the District. While in Witney the team learnt of our history before being shown many of the buildings connected to the blanket industry. A guided tour of the Nuffield Health Centre and the Community Hospital gave an insight into the NHS and an opportunity to discuss the differences in health care here and South Africa. Despite the cold weather a walking tour of Oxford, a visit to Christchurch Cathedral and a performance of Handel’s Messiah at the Sheldonian Theatre were enjoyed by all.
Other activities included a minibus tour of the Cotswolds, a guided visit to the Wychwood Brewery, including an opportunity to taste the beer, and an introduction to the local game of Aunt Sally.