Carnforth Rotary Club Christmas Sleigh 2014

The club hosted their annual Christmas sleigh with Father Christmas visiting the Carnforth and the surrounding districts between each night bewtwween 6 - 19 December.

The generosity of the residents of the villages visited by the sleigh is astounding and despite the economic situation that currently exists in the country people donated about 5% more this year than in 2013.

President Bill reading would like to thank everyone who donated and the money raised is used in the local area for various identified needs, President Bill would also like to thank all Rotarians, Inner Wheelers, Police cadets and any other helper who gave up their evenings in all weathers to make this collection such a success.

Carnforth Rotarians Have Fun at Their Annual Christmas Party - 18 December 2014

Carnforth Rotarians together with some from Lunesdale had a great time celebrating Christmas with our partners and friends. Some 40 Rotarians, partners and friends came together at the Silverdale Golf Club for our Christmas Party.

One extremely funny game involved trying to keep a hat on your head when the music stopped. All the different hats used can be seen in the group photograph. We tried to get the ladies to play the game but they did not want to spoil their hair!


We were able to spend some quality time with the other table quests and share in a few more games and dances. We look forward to other Fellowship Events we can share.

Carnforth Rotary Club 2014 Christmas Sleigh Programme

Carnforth Rotary Club will be hosting their annual Christmas sleigh with Father Christmas visiting the Carnforth and the surrounding districts on the following dates and start times: 

Saturday 06/12 (11.30am)  Morecambe Festival Market

Saturday 06/12 (3pm) Bare Lights Switch On

Saturday 06/12 (5pm) Bolton-le-Sands (North)

Sunday 07/12 (5.20pm) Bolton-le-Sands (South)

Monday 08/12 (6pm) Carnforth Brow & Carnforth South

Tuesday 09/12 (6pm) Slyne with Hest

Wednesday 10/12 (5.30pm) Mill Head & Warton West

Thursday 11/12 (6pm) Burton Central & Kings Arms

Friday 12/12 (5.30pm) Crag Bank

Saturday 13/12 (5pm) Halton

Sunday 14/12 (5pm) Hest Bank

Monday 15/12 (5pm) Nether Kellet & Over Kellet

Tuesday 16/12 (6pm) Carnforth Council Estate

Wednesday 17/12 (6pm) Silverdale

Friday 19/12 (5.40pm) Warton Central

BBC Radio Lancashire Rotary Funded Defibrillator Interview with Sally Naden - 30 July 2014

On Wednesday 30 July Past DG Kevin and Carnforth Rotarian PP Mike Craddock drove to Clitheroe for an interview with Radio Lancashire’s Sally Naden which was broadcast live on the last 10 mins of her 11.00 -12.00 radio show. 

Kevin and Mike were part of a group that comprised a local Rotarian; members of the Town Council and one of the First Responders team who had been responsible for training many of the 1000+ local community via the Heart Start initiative.

The interview took the form of a chat forum with all invited to make comments throughout the interview in approx.3 x 5 minute sections.

Sally introduced the group and made a short film for her Facebook page. She talked with the Council about the purchase of an old Telephone box for £1 which was then refurbished and fitted with a digital lock. A Rotary funded Defibrillator was installed

Members of the public on placing a 999 call could then be given the digital code by the Ambulance service to get access to defibrillator and hopefully SAVE A LIFE.

Sally asked Mike about how access to a defibrillator 3 years ago at the Sands Centre, Carlisle saved his life when his heart stopped and he effectively would have died had it not been for two unknown ladies who first administered CPR prior to to the use of the Sands Centre's defibrillator to restart his heart.

Mike was with his wife Gwyneth at the time and she now runs the First Responders group in Bolton-le-Sands.

The interview then turned its focus to the establishment of RotaKids groups within primary schools throughout Cumbria and Lancashire. Through the fundraising efforts of Carnforth Rotary Club sponsored Arkholme School RotaKids the children raised enough moeny to purchase a defibrillator for their village.

Past DG Kevin has secured funding for the purchase of more defibrillators. Each unit costs £800 with another £800 required for the housing. Matching funding from Rotary Clubs throughout our district will enable the purchase of double the number placed.

The use of defibrillators in emergencies is not limited to older people. The life of an 18 year old girl at school was saved by the use of one of these machines. She is now a very keen first responder. Defibrillators have recently been placed along the sea front in Blackpool and there are now three in Clitheroe increasing the chance of saving the life of someone suffering a heart related problem.

Carnforth Rotarian PP Dave Johnson Called to Higher Service - 26 July 2014

It is with great regret that Carnforth Rotary Club lost another of its long standing members on Saturday 26th July, Honorary member and Past President (1996-97) Dave Johnson. 

Retired signmaker, Dave was rushed to hospital in Blackpool the previous day for an operation to remove an aneurysm in his groin. Following surgical complications both his legs had to be amputated and he later died while still sedated. A great loss to all who knew him. Dave is survived by wife Pat and a son and daughter.

Arkholme Primary School RotaKids Raise Funds for Mary's Meals - 24 July 2014

Arkholme Primary School Rotakids have raised nearly £300 in support of the Mary's Meals project at M'bawa Primary School in Africa - enough to feed 25 children for a whole school year.

Tilly, Annie and Niamh, three Arkholme pupils raised £116.61 by holding an afternoon tea party. This simply goes to show what a group of young people can achieve to help those less fortunate than themselves.

Carnforth Rotary Raises Funds at Carnforth Carnival - 5 July 2014

Immediate Past President Malcolm Watkins and fellow Rotarians ran a charity stall where members of the public were invited to try their hand at Sjoelen (Dutch shuffle board) attempting to get 30 wooden discs through slots at the back of the shuffle board at £1 a go. 

The stall was one of approximately 15 to 20 located in and around the Carnforth War Memorial Gardens as part of the Carnforth Festival of Art and Fun. 

The event was organised by the Chamber of Trade and opened by Town Mayor, Cllr Ken Bond. Just over £60 was raised by the club to be donated to local charities.

St Luke's C of E Primary School, Slyne with Hest support Mary's Meals Backpack Project - 4 July 2014

Ninety-nine backpacks fully laden with educational needs – pencils, notebooks, even clothes left St Luke's Primary School, Slyne with Hest this morning on their long journey to a village school outside Blantyre, Malawi.

The newly formed RotaKids Club, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Carnforth, masterminded the project which is a lifeline for the poverty stricken children in that area.  They collected items from parents and friends, then with the help of younger children sorted and packed the backpacks, all achieved in a very short time.  

The backpacks were carried away in larger white bags to Stoke-on-Trent and from there to a Glasgow centre before their long voyage to southern Africa. We look forward to receiving news of their safe arrival.

Long Standing Carnforth Rotarian Cliff Wilkinson Succumbs to Cancer - 3 July 2014

It is with great regret that we have lost another long standing Carnforth Rotarian, Cliff Wilkinson died aged 78 years on Thursday 3 July following a prolonged battle with throat cancer. He was made an honorary member of the club last year ans is survived by his wife, Pauline. Cliff joined Carnforth Rotary Club in March 1978 and will be sorely missed by all that knew him.

Bill Reading Takes the Helm of Carnforth Rotary Club - 3 July 2014

On 3rd July, Bill Reading took over as President of Carnforth Rotary Club from Malcolm Watkins for the Rotary year 2014-2015. Ian Bradley has become President Elect and Past President John Blowes President Nominee. Malcolm Watkins has agreed to become club's the International Committee Chairman.

Music For a Summer Evening - 27 June 2014

Talented young musicians from the Carnforth Young Musician Competition that was held last March performed a variety of musical and vocal pieces at St Mary's Priory, Lancaster which was  introduced by Geoffrey Reed from the Royal Northern College of Music.

The performers chose the Westmorland Music Council for Tuition Grants, a charity focused on helping young people to benefit from the concert profits.

St Luke's C of E Primary School Tea Party - 25 June 2014

On Wednesday 25th June, Slyne with Hest St Luke's Primary School RotaKids Club organised a Tea Party. to raise funds for the provision of a defibrillator to be sited at the Memorial Hall in Slyne. 

The school hall was laid out with tables and chairs, cafe style on which table settings decorated with flowers were ready to receive the customers. The children were allowed to be out of their uniform and dress for the occasion. 

From the opening at 1.45 pm until 3.45 the children were kept busy taking orders and serving cakes and

sandwiches. The adult helpers in the kitchen were on hand making the sandwiches, teas and coffees. 

During the afternoon customers were entertained by the school musicians including some enthusiastic singing by the school choir.  The well organised event was well supported and will have raised a good amount of money towards the purchase of the defibrillator. 

2nd Annual RotaKids Conference - 20 June 2014

Following the successful inaugural Rotakids Conference at Lancaster University last year, the second followed a similar format, the emphasis being on “fun”.

Carnforth Rotary Club currently sponsors two RotaKids Clubs located at Arkholme Primary School and St Lukes C of E Primary School, Slyne with Hest.




The Bowland Centre provided the intimate atmosphere well suited to interaction between the children, teachers and Rotarians. Rotary 1190 District Governor Kevin Walsh welcomed the schools and Margaret Lund, district organiser then ran through the programme of workshops that comprised African drumming, sowing seeds; painting flower pots; a beetle drive to link with Age UK; beadwork for another African project which provides proper sanitation in schools; Sand Dams where the children mixed different coloured sand in a bottle and an appreciation of the Aquabox charity.

Our newest RotaKids Club at St Lukes School was chosen to bring the conference to a conclusion with a very well prepared power point presentation involving the whole team.

Carnforth Rotary Purchases Play Kitchen for Slyne with Hest Pre-School - 16 June 2014

Carnforth Rotary Club received a request from the supervisor of Slyne with Hest Pre-School to fund a new play kitchen.

Slyne with Hest Pre-School was opened in 1969 and is registered on the Early Years Register. The Pre-School is managed by a voluntary committee and located in the village of Slyne in Hest Bank, operating from the memorial hall.

Our Rotary Club visits Slyne each December with Santa's sleigh to raise money for local charity.

The play kitchen has now been purchased and is set up in the Hall. It comprises a number of sturdy wooden units which the children can use in imaginative play. Club President Malcolm met some of the Play Leaders and the children. He was presented with a picture to thank the Club signed with hand prints

Carnforth Rotary Sponsors New Playground Hide & Slide Unit - 11 June 2014

A hide and slide unit  for the Bolton le Sands Playground Project has been purchased by a joint donation of £3000 from Carnforth Rotary Club and a Rotary International Foundation grant. The unit is now installed and complete, forming part of the larger project which will be opened on the 28 July 2014.

The Playground Project has been organised by the Bolton-le-Sands Parish Council Fundraising Group lead by Cllr Linda Leak. Once the playground has been opened, the Parish Council will be responsible for managing the security, annual safety inspections, insurance, and provision of the Safety Inspection certification of the playground. Carnforth Rotary Club and the district grant from The Rotary Foundation will be recognised by a note on the funding board to be positioned at the playground entrance and a plaque on the Hide and Slide unit.

Cheque Presentation to Donna's Dreamhouse - 13 May

President Malcolm Watkins accompanied by Chris Maddox visited Donna’s Dream House in Blackpool to present a £500 cheque to the charity on 13 May.

Donna's Dream House is a charity providing free holiday experiences for children and teenagers with life threatening illnesses and their families. Founded by Len and Barbara Curtis, parents of Donna their only daughter who died of cancer at just 20 years old.

Holidays are also given to recently bereaved siblings and their families. The team who look after all aspects of the Dream House are all volunteers (a specific wish of Donna's) who give of their time, expertise and enthusiasm to ensure that the families have a holiday to remember.

The Dream House brings a sense of wonder, adventure and laughter into the lives of the whole family at a very difficult stage in their lives. All the children who visit are amazed with the house itself and the thoughtfulness of all those who give support throughout their stay. The entertainment centres in Blackpool ensure that the children and their families receive an amazing holiday, by giving of their services free to all who stay in the Dream House.

Whilst the voluntary team of Donna’s Dream House provides the expertise, enthusiasm and administration, it is the generosity of many companies, organisations and individuals in raising and donating money that makes it possible to bring not only sunshine and fun into children’s lives, but a sense of wonder, adventure, laughter and a much-needed holiday in Blackpool for the whole family. Website: www.donnasdreamhouse.co.uk.

Music For A Summer Evening - Lancaster Priory - 27 June 2014

Talented young musicians from the Carnforth Young Musician Competition are performing for your enjoyment, and to raise funds for a Charity focused on helping young people. Introduced by Geoffrey Reed, Royal Northern College of Music. Refreshments available.

Tickets £7 adults (children free) available on the door or can be reserved by email music@carnforthrotary1190.org.http://www.carnforthrotary1190.org/MFSE-27Jun14.pdf

Rotarian Trevor Wood - Called to Higher Service - 1 June 2014

It is with great regret that long standing Carnforth Rotarian, Trevor Wood died aged 73 years on Sunday 1 June following a prolonged battle with Leukaemia.

Trevor joined the Rotary club of Carnforth in 1994 after being introduced by PP Glyn Thomas, and initially became involved with Community Service projects.

He was especially keen on the Sports evening that we used to organise every other week during the summer for The Leeds Children’s Home at Silverdale.

During his time as Chair of the Community and Vocational committee, Trevor led the annual Tin Collection which involved the whole Club. In simple terms we collected food tins from households throughout the Carnforth area and then spent a morning sorting and packing to produce about 250 “Goodie Bags” which we distributed to the over 75s. More recently he served on the Youth Services Committee

Trevor never wanted to be President but he always gave full support to who ever was in that Office. As a keen sportsman he was always involved in Snooker, Bowls and Grey games. This continued until his death.

He was a keen and very knowledgeable Fell walker and together with Jim Atkinson, Ken McGrath and Frank Rycroft was part of the Premier Walking Group of Carnforth Rotary Club. After Jim’s death the name changed to “Last of the Summer Wine”!

Trevor had a partnership in a Graphic Designing Business and was happily married to Mary. They have 2 sons and 4 grandchildren. His love affair with Morecambe FC (The Shrimps) started when his grandfather took him to Christie Park and to continue the tradition he has recently been taking his grandson, Cameron, to their matches at the Globe Arena.

He was diagnosed with Leukaemia in 2004 and this developed into Non Hodgkin Lymphoma. He had many treatments including Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy and was always positive but realistic about the inevitable end game, which came when he developed acute pneumonia.

Truly a Top Man in every sense of the definition.

Swing Commanders Charity Concert - 31 May 2014

The Rotary Clubs of Carnforth, Lancaster, Lancaster Loyne and Lunesdale joined forces with Unique Kidz and Co to host a charity concert performed by the Swing Commanders and GI-Jive at Morecambe Winter Gardens on Saturday 31 May 2014.

Unique Kidz and Co provides specialist services for disabled children and their families. The charity was founded in 2009 by two mums of disabled children unable to find suitable childcare or social activities for their children. Unique Kidz and Co now support over 120 children with a range of disabilities.

An audience of over 200 people many in period 1940s costume enjoyed an evening of Swing music and dancing amidst the former splendour of the Winter Gardens which is undergoing restoration by an enthusiastic group of volunteers.

Lead organiser, Keith Simpson President Elect of Lancaster Rotary Club, assisted by Lancaster RC Treasurer Bevis Mulhollland and the President Elects of Carnforth Rotary Club (Bill Reading), Lancaster Loyne (Peter Wiltshire) and Lunesdale (Peter Irving) worked closely with Denise Armer, Jane Halpin and Ellen Smith from Unique Kidz & Co.

Together with a raffle (£280) and bar profits, over £2000 was raised for the charity which has also benefited by increased awareness of the extraordinary service provided to disabled children and their families.

Carnforth RC Annual Car Boot Sale - Ryelands Park - 5 May 2014

Fantastic result for our annual car boot sale at Ryelands Park, Lancaster on Bank Holiday Monday 5th May with proceeds of £7993 for distribution to local causes. A very long day for all of our members working in shifts. Many thanks to lead organiser Ian Bradley, Carnforth Inner Wheel, Police Cadets and everyone who contributed to the success of the event.

Kentmere Walk - 8 April 2014

On Saturday 5th April, 8 "hairy hikers" (John Blowes, Anthony Chick,Alan Fleming, Geoff Parker and his brother David, President Malcolm Watkins, Alan White and George Wilson) from Carnforth Rotary Club took part in the Kentmere Walk organised by the Rotary Club of Kendal South Westmorland. Following registration at the Mill Yard, Staveley, the 8 intrepid walkers commenced at 9.15am on the 10 mile Blue route "Kentmere Canter".

The weather was slightly drizzling as they made their way along Kentmere Valley Road onto Brow Foot Lane crossing over Ulthwaite Bridge onto Croft Head. After walking about an hour they stopped for a short tea break. By now the weather had closed in and it was raining heavily. Trudging up to Meadowplatts plantation en route to Checkpoint 2 manned by 2 quite miserable looking Rotarians sheltering in a gazebo on the hillside. While checking in, a local farmer arrived on his quad bike together with 3 sheepdogs greeting them by saying "Grand day for it lads" before going off to gather his sheep.

Progressing towards Kentmere village, the farmer was spotted gathering sheep although one dog was having a problem with a ewe and its lamb which was refusing to move. The farmer in frustration came bounding down the hillside and nearly went "arse over tip" but moved the sheep along.

Arriving at Kentmere Village Hall which was Checkpoint 4 for hot drinks, a snack and the toilets, the walkers were informed by the steward that their registration forms should have been signed at Checkpoint 3, even though their route didn't pass through Checkpoint 3! At this point it was discovered that two of the party were missing. Alan White and David Parker had been 50 yards behind the main group prior to entering the village hall. The Checkpoint team were informed that two people were missing from the group and the 6 walkers set off to look for the other two. After half a mile walking towards Kentmere reservoir the two missing walkers were spotted trudging towards them having passed the village hall without stopping before discovering their error!

Panic over for the main group and after a further half mile they stopped for an early lunch as the rain had eased a little. Fully recharged the group headed over a wooden bridge and started the steep climb over stone walls and eventually onto a Tarmac road and through a gate onto Green Quarter Fell. The going became bad underfoot with the rain pouring down and at 1500' the conditions were unpleasant! The route took them past Birk Rigg, Staveley Head Fell and then descended down a tarmac road at Park House.

By this time the motley crew had spaced out somewhat, and the advance party stopped at Barley Bridge by the weir to wait the arrival of the stragglers. On regrouping the wet and dishevelled walkers made their way back to Mill Yard completing the walk at 2.55pm.

Carnforth Rotary Welcomes Peter Lambson

Carnforth Rotarians would like to welcome Peter Lambson as our newest member to the club following his induction on Thursday 3rd April. His classification is Secondary Education and he has been sponsored by John Blowes. He will serve in the Youth Service Committee and will be mentored by Ken McGrath. Peter's wife is Linda and we look forward to having her join us at various events throughout the year. As is tradition with the newest joining member, Emma Robinson was quick to hand over the duty for the weekly wine raffle drawing!

The Rotary Club of Carnforth Giant Car Boot Sale - 5 May 2014

The Rotary Club of Carnforth annual Giant Car Boot Sale will take place at Ryelands Park, Lancaster, Bank Holiday Monday 5^th May 2014 from 8am to 4pm.

Come and be part of one of the largest & best Car Boot Sales in the North West – now in its 24^th year! Over 500 stalls last year, thousands of visitors.

Car Booters:  Cars £10   Vans/Car & trailer £15  Trade stands £25.   Access available to set up from 7am

Food & drink sales - strictly by prior arrangement with the organiser.

Free entry for the public. Car Park:  Loads of parking available on site, disabled parking area. £1 donation per car.  Enquiries to:  carboot@carnforthrotary1190.org

Carnforth Rotarians Raise Funds for The Bay Prostrate Cancer Support Group

Carnforth Rotarians manned a stall from 9.30am to 4pm at Booths Supermarket, Carnforth on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 March to raise funds for the Bay Prostrate Cancer Support Group and The Rotary Foundation. Approximately £612 was raised from generous public donations , three-quarters of which will be donated to the Support Group www.thebayprostatecancersupportgroup.co.uk/

Lancaster Area Rotary BAE Systems Technology Tournament 2014

On Friday 14 March, Lancaster Rotary Club was the lead organiser for the Lancaster area Rotary BAE Systems Technology Tournament that took places at Lancaster Boys and Girls School on Dallas Road. Twenty- two teams took part from local schools competing at either Foundation, Intermediate or Advanced level.

The task for all 3 groups was to design and construct a gripping device using the materials supplied that was operated by mechanism such as a trigger or lever.

The device was to be used by one team member to safely remove a "radioactive meteorite" (represented by a tennis ball) contained in a plastic box with an front opening that varied in width according to the group level from a distance of 1.5m.

There was a time limit of 30 seconds to remove the object from the box and then place it on the designated target aea.

The competition commenced at 9.30 and the teams were required  to consider two solutions and justify the final choice of solution. Each team had to produce a portfolio detailing the design analysis and construction of the device together with the team management. Marks were awarded for the portfolio, use of materials, quality, accuracy of construction and completion of the task within the allotted time.

All team members received a certificate of attendance and trophies were awarded to each winning team by the Mayor of Lancaster, Coun June Ashworth.

Carnforth High School entered three teams (two at Foundation level and one at Intermediate level), but regrettably none of the teams were in the top three places. Carnforth Rotary Club were privileged to provide the majority of the judges. The winning teams were: Advanced - Lancaster Girls Grammar School; Intermediate - St Aidans School and Foundation - Morecambe High School.

Carnforth Rotarians Enjoy The District 1190 Conference in Newcastle

A group of Carnforth Rotarians together with their partners attended the District 1190 Conference in Newcastle last weekend, arriving back home on Sunday evening after an incredible three days with Rotary in Lancashire and Cumbria.

The Conference highlights were:-

The Juniper Trust a small local charity helping the impoverished to build schools and provide clean water and solar lights in Asia,Africa,and South America.


Incredible Edible which promotes the increase of growing more of our food locally.

How the integration of new and diverse groups into our Communities can enrich the lives of everyone in our Communities. Above all the contribution of young people to our Society was demonstrated through RotaKids, Peace Scholars, Exchange Scholars and Rotary led programmes such as Youth Speaks.

30 years ago Rotary promised the youth of the World we would eradicate Polio we are so very close.

If you want to know more or help us please contact our Secretary, Cliff Randall secretary@carnforthrotary1190.org.