Last month we lost one of our valued WGC Rotary members. James Coldrey. A member of the club he was quiet, soft speaking but with many interesting stories to tell about a varied life and career.

He had been a loyal and enthusiastic member of WGC Rotary for 14 years and would, despite his advancing years regularly turn out with a collecting tin or in the days of the famous Rotary Walk, happily man a checkpoint with his cap, scarf and flask. Just a regular bloke. The ladies loved him!

So what is it about Rotary that attracts? Is it an outdated organization or is there something in it for you?

Today’s world brings with it hardships financially and shortage of time to ourselves, family commitments and all manner of time consuming pursuits within a digital background.

Along with it emerge so many needs for both our local community and globally. You can, of course , donate to the odd charity to make you feel better and help out at the school fete but think how much more you could help the world around you if you joined up with a group of similarly like-minded people.

Rotary’s mission statement is: "Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves."

When the WGC club raises funds it is for Rotary charities, local causes which we feel need some support.

This year’s dedicated charity is Hertfordshire’s Admiral Nurses who provide dementia support.

Since this time last year our club has supported ‘SPACE’ , providing mental health support for teenagers, also ‘JOCA’ another mental health support group for men. ‘Herts Young Homeless‘ ‘Turning Point’ specialising in drug and alcohol addiction and related problems, ‘Resolve’ , ‘Riding for the Disabled’, ‘All Aboarders’, Welwyn Garden City Station Gardening Group, ‘Rotary Bedford Trust’ , ‘Willow Foundation’ making precious moments for the seriously ill, ‘Cards for Bravery’, ‘Pets in Need’ and ‘Music 24’

We’ve collected for Ukraine and supported projects abroad such as ‘Red Rubber Ball’, an education project in Kenya, and “Village Water’ who dig wells in Tanzania.

Funds going to Rotary Foundation go towards the larger global projects, End Polio for one.

And for all that aid, a WGC Rotarian at £120 year’s membership, can have a say, a point of view within a group of people who will probably become good friends and who offer new viewpoints and perspectives.

And whilst we do our fundraising we work within a team and get to know each other enjoying each other’s company. Two of our weekly get togethers each month involve eating and drinking!

We lunch once a month on a Tuesday at Hakalok where Choon Teoh, owner and fellow Rotarian, puts on a wonderful Malaysian Feast or Fish and Chips.

We like to dine locally and support ‘The Red Lion’ Digswell Hill, ‘The White Horse’ Burnham Green , ‘The Cowper Arms’ Letty Green and Digswell, ‘Terranova,’ ‘Cote’ and ‘The Sun’ in Lemsford. How fortunate we are to have such wonderful local hospitality.

I mention these venues because a latest thought to inform local folk to our club is to have a closer relationship with such organisations and with small businesses to support them and for them to support us, with maybe an honorary membership to create a useful relationship for both parties.

We are always looking for new members to help in a variety of ways, giving just a little of their time and bringing their own skills to help would be greatly appreciated.

Should you want to take a more active interest in the club do get in touch at www.welwyngcrotary.org.uk or drop into Campus West where some of us meet at 11.00am on the third Tuesday of each month, come and talk to us. Alternatively come and chat when you see us about town.

WGC really needs you!