Apologies to our faithful users/supporters of the paper recycling skip located at Discover Downham.

The skip was run under a scheme organised by Norfolk County Council to benefit charities.  A third party provider supplied and emptied the skips.  We received notice two weeks ago that the scheme was ending and that the skip would be terminated 'in three months time' which would have made it September.  Much to our astonishment the skip disappeared during the week beginning 15th June and, I fear, in spite of our best efforts, we are unlikely to see it back.

This is very disappointing, not only for our loyal users over the years, but also for our Charity support funds which, although receiving less and less from the scheme as time has gone on, has provided a steady income flow enabling us to support local good causes such as the Food Bank.  The reasons cited by the scheme providers are that fewer and fewer people are reading newspapers in printed format and the quantities being left have shrunk considerably rendering the scheme unviable - principally because, understandably, people are using their home recycling bins rather that being bothered to cart the papers to the skip.  They also said that the skip was being abused with non-recyclable materials being disposed of.

So I'm afraid that's the end of that.  The sudden removal is a complete surprise to us and prevented us from organising an orderly wind down of the scheme.  Our apologies for this but I'm afraid it's totally beyond our control.  Thank you for being such a loyal supporter.

We were delighted to financially support Alive Leisure for their Drowning Prevention Week as part of the Royal Life Saving Society's Drowning Prevent Week.  

Over the last 5 years 22 people have drowned in Norfolk. Apparently men are 3 times more likely to die from drownings than women.  Norfolk fire and rescue service attended over 200 incidents related to water safety over the last 5 years and unfortunately 22 resulted in fatalities.

Alive Leisure were able to allocate free swimming lessons during the Royal Life Saving Society's Drowning Prevention Week because of our donation.

A heart felt thank you to everybody who stopped by and donated to our collections at Morrisons and Tesco on the 6th, 7th, and 14th December.  Your generosity is much apreciated and will help us to continue to support some of the local good causes you will find on our Good Causes page.

Another successful Technology Challenge was mounted at Denver Church of England Primary in November.  The project was for the pupils to design and build a model bridge to enable wildlife to transit over a road or public footway between two part of a nature reserve.  The structure had to be able to support a certain weight, had to be high enough (to scale!) for people to walk under it, had to withstand gale-force winds (courtesy of an office fan!), and had to 'fit' in with the environment.  The pupils had to use the materials presented to them.  The whole project was approached with great enthusiam and it was extremely difficult to come to a decision on the winners with so many successful structures presented for judging.

A fantastic Burns Night evening marvelously organised and present by Rotarian George Morton was held at Ryston golf club on Monday 22nd January.  Some 60 guests enjoyed the festivities and had a very jolly evening.  Thank you George!

Downham Dementia are now recruiting volunteers for their new Sitting Service.

They are delighted to announce the introduction of their much awaited "Sitting Service " and this is your chance to be involved at the beginning of their new venture. The service is designed to help the carers that go to the dementia cafes to get a much-needed break for a couple of hours each week.

Volunteers will sit with the person who is living with dementia in their own home so that the carer is able to leave for a couple of hours and get some respite.

If you are interested in helping with the Sitting Service, please telephone Debbie, Dementia Project Manager, or Amy, admin assistant.  Their telephone numbers are: 07514 698126 and 07856 836945

Application Forms can be found on Downham Demetia's website:  www.downhamdementia.org

Downham Dementia is a charity dedicated to supporting people living with dementia and their families in the Downham Market area. "We provide assistance and support services, as well as volunteer opportunities for those interested in helping out."

Well done Mr Bird from Southery for winning our Halloween Hamper raffle at Denver Fireworks on Saturday 30th October.  What a great evening and thanks to all of you who purchased raffle tickets or donated money.  This will go towards the campaign to eradicate polio.  Bill Gates, through the Gates Foundation, donates an additional £2 for every £1 we at Rotary can raise helping us to achieve the end of polio in our world.  We're nearly there!

At our Zoom meeting on 12th July members approved the continuation of our financial support for Downham Market Food Bank until the end of 2021.

 Winners of the 200 Club draw for July

£30 - Ian Hudson, £20 - John Eales, £10 - Michael Coles, £10 - Sofia Olive

For the Rotary year 1st July 2020 to 30th June 2021 our President is

 Howard Phillips, and President Elect is Kay Lincoln.