Rotarians in appeal for advice

Coatbridge, Airdrie and Monklands Rotary Club is looking for the public’s help and advice on how the organisation can “change with the times and keep up to date”.

The club’s new session is due to get underway next month – with meetings taking place remotely on Zoom.

And Monklands Rotarians have emphasised that the organisation is “open to anyone, no matter what age, religion, gender or line of work”.

A spokesperson for the club said: “In the past, Rotary was often thought of as a club for businessmen; but those days are long gone.

“We need to connect with the public and raise awareness of the kind of work we do.

“We don’t just raise funds; an important part of Rotary is for members to have fun while doing good work and giving back to the community.

“To achieve this, we often have quiz evenings, visits and other activities such as ten-pin bowling or nights out.”

Like everyone else, the Rotary club has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, which has forced members to come up with creative ways to stay connected with each other and continue to serve the community.

The spokesperson explained: “Rotarians are volunteers who help where they can in the local community as well as the wider world.

“We raise funds for charities through various events and evenings.

“Normally, the club meet at the Tudor Hotel in Airdrie every Monday evening for a meal and a chat, along with some business and occasional guest speakers.

“All of this has been greatly affected by the current pandemic but we have still been providing help with the local foodbanks and conduct our weekly meetings through Zoom conferences on our computers or mobile phones.

“There is also the option of a Rotary E-club, which is entirely online.

“It has been a challenging time, but our members all deserve immense credit for how they have handled it – and supported each other.”

To mark the start of the Monklands club’s new 2020- 2021 session on July 6, when president George Lindsay will hand over the role to Willie Devoy, it is asking for support from the public – and suggestions on how the organisation can progress.

The spokesperson said: “We want people to tell us what they think we should be involved in and what would attract them to join us.

“We’re looking to find out how the club can change with the times and keep up to date.

“People are welcome to come along to one of our information evenings when lockdown is over, or restrictions are suitably eased, to pass on their suggestions.

“The club is also open to new volunteers; this would be anyone willing to give up the odd hour or two now and again to help a local charity or group.

“You don’t need to become a Rotary member to volunteer for some community work.”

The spokesperson added: “Any community groups, local charities or care homes who need help with things like repairs or a garden or building project can get in touch with us.

“We want to know how can we help our community outside of raising funds for good causes.”

Anyone looking to pass on feedback and information to the Coatbridge, Airdrie and Monklands Rotary Club, or organisations seeking support with projects, can email Natalie Pendrey at NPendrey@btinternet. com.

Information about the club is available from www.coatbridgeairdrierotary.org.uk; the dates and times of future, post-lockdown, information evenings will be posted on the website and at www. facebook. com/ RotaryCAM.