WELCOME TO THE ROTARY CLUB OF BANBRIDGE

Jake McCourt, a year 13 pupil from New-Bridge Integrated College, and holder of our district's, 2023, Youth leadership Award, was chosen as one of four group leaders, at the outset of his all expenses trip.  The five day Leadership experience began in Belfast, where the twenty-four Irish recipients, visited Belfast City Hall and Stormont, meeting The High Sherriff, Sammy Douglas, and DFM, Emma Little-Pengelly.  They were joined by District Governor Kenny Fisher.

On day two, there was a visit to The European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin and The Dáil Éireann, where Jake met TD Micheál Martin.  It was on to Frankfurt, the next day, and a coach trip to Strasbourg.  Time was then spent preparing for the Parliamentary event.  On day four, the groups attended The European Parliament, ready to deliver speeches, in front of an audience of 800!  Jake believes that speaking here was 'the highlight,' of the 'experience of a lifetime.

David McKay (Tesco Community Champion) is a great supporter of our club, assisting us with in-store collections and events serving  the community.

He recently joined us for dinner and shared some of his excellent work within local communities.

VP Tanya recently started craft sessions with our friends at Spelga Mews (a local residential home for those living with dementia.)

The theme for the next few sessions will be Autumn 🍂 

Rotarian Hatem recently kindly donateda cheque to Treasurer Jenny for The Rotary Foundation.  They are joined by Rotarian Barry.

The Rotary Foundation transforms gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world.

Rotary Ireland Annual Conference 2024,

Hosted by The Rotary Club of Wicklow.

Theme: Sustainability

Venue: Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire 

President Gerry, VP Tanya, PP Louis, PDG Frank and guests, attending this wonderful event, were inspired by the many local and international project presentations, such as ShelterBox emergency disaster response.

The new DG Seamus Parle and his team welcomed us and laid on an excellent 3 day programme of activities, the grand ball being one of the highlights for Rotarians and guests.

There was great fellowship and networking between clubs, including planned visits from current club presidents.

For us, it was extra special to watch our zone 3 winner of the Youth Leadership Development Competition, Jake McCourt, discuss his experience at The Dail, Stormont and The European Parliament, earlier this year.

He shared the stage with two other amazing zone winners.

And on the subject of youth, Alex McEleney's cancer journey, from 11 years of age to present, and the importance of The Cancer Fund for Children's short break centre, Daisy Lodge, was humbling.

Alex is one of their ambassadors.

Rotary Ireland will be supporting the building of a second short break centre.

There was also the opportunity for Rotarains to attend District Conference, with an update from DG Seamus on possible years for hosting the Rotary International Conference!

Fab Food, Fellowship, Fun and Fame!

What can we say about the charity breakfast, other than it was a huge success.

Thank you to the inspirational, Olympic Rowing Medal Winner, Dr. Philip Doyle, his uncle  Rotarian Barry and Gene Fitzpatrick, for a great morning's entertainment.

The Belmont House Hotel did us proud with an excellent breakfast and themed room.

And finally a huge thank you to you, the public, Rotarians and friends alike for supporting us, in raising a super sum for Cancer Fund for Children therapies at their new facility, and Rotary Charities.

PP Louis and VP Tanya carried out interviews for this year's Youth Leadership Competition, at New-Bridge Integrated College in mid November.

The winning candidate, Micah, was up against stiff competition at Zone 1610's final, the following week.

Well done to the five students who made it to the final and to the winners Lucy and Ella.

Once again, we are so thankful for the generous, charitable giving of local and shoppers from further afield, at Tesco at The Boulevard.

This has become a great weekend of fellowship and giving, the first weekend of December.

It's a great way to connect with locals and visitors to our town, Banbridge, and to share the work of the club.  We are also hopeful of engaging prospective members too 😀.

We could not do this collection without the great support of David McKay, Tesco Community Champion.