Rotary funds are music to their ears

In recent weeks members of Peterborough’s Memory Cafe have enjoyed a wide variety of music and even learnt to play the ukulele! Crocus Cafe members enjoyed their first coach trip, a special treat made possible by a generous donation from Peterborough Minster Rotary Club. Their members gave £1,000 of the money raised by Firework Fiesta to support our Rotary pledge of helping individuals living with dementia in Peterborough and surrounding areas. Our coach from Peterborough headed east to Burtey y Fen. After a warm greeting we settled down to listen to music c played on the mighty Wurlitzer. The organist interspersed his repertoire with interesting facts about the history of the organ and demonstrated how it can operate a wide range of other instruments. After a hearty ploughman’s lunch the afternoon was nicely rounded off with more rousing music played on the wonderful Compton Cinema organ. A fabulous day out – thank you Minster.

At a recent meeting, mem- bers of Crocus Cafe were entertained by a Rotarian from the Rutland Club and two of his friends who sang and played their ukuleles. To the delight of everyone, a whole set of ukuleles appeared! He taught members to play two chords so they could accompany his group. The power of music.

The Peterborough Special Olympics Swimming Group (PSOSG) received £900 dona- ted by Peterborough Rotary Club to further their activities. The PSOSG provides yearround training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Swimmers are given conti- nuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy. They share gifts, skills and friendship with their families and other Special Olympics athletes within the Peterborough community. Some of their team of 24 swimmers have been selected to represent the Eastern Region at the GB National Special Olympics Summer Games to be held in Sheffield in 2017. Members train at the Regional Fitness and Swimming Pool in Peterborough and enter local and national swimming galas. PSOSG has links with Inspire Peterborough helping those with learning difficulties get started or developing their swimming skills ready to move onto training for competition. The organisers encourage lifelong fitness, social skills and independence through the sport of swimming. Another truly deserving cause.