Current News
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 £467.68 was raised, enough to pay for 2338 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.
Dragon Boat Day 2009
10th May 2009
On Sunday 10th May, the Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper held its annual Dragon Boat Day fund raising event alongside the River Thames in Abingdon. Eighteen teams took part to raise money for charity and to have some fun on the water!
The Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper would like to thank Achilles Information Limited for sponsoring this year's event.
Congratulations to the Feelgood Fitness team, winners of Dragon Boat Day 2009.
The Smurfs, representing Charlton Day Centre, Wantage, won the Fancy Dress competition.
The eldest competitor Betty Collins, 78 years old, from The Smurfs, received a special prize from President Richard Benton.
- See more pictures in the Dragon Boat Day 2009 photo gallery.
- See the race results in Dragon Boat Day 2009 race results.
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.
Team LeFevre joined a total of 38 teams and 152 contestants in the fourth annual Dartmoor Challenge. The Challenge involved navigating a 30 mile course carrying a 40kg ShelterBox containing everything needed to complete the course and survive and camp overnight on the moor (tent, food, cooking equipment, etc).
To date, Team LeFevre has raised around £1600, meaning that another 3 ShelterBoxes can be distributed to disaster areas around the world.