The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Life is fun and games with Rotary
Where there are fun and games Rotarians will not be far away! The Waterwheel Challenge is a fantastic day of partnership working with Nene Outdoors, The Yorkshire Building Society, Vivacity Adapted Cycling and of course Sailability.
Each group brings its own experience and enthusiasm.
The days are so much fun and generate lots of very large smiles.
This year, Ortons Rotary provided the BBQ, cooking on each of the two days.
Help was at hand from Rotaractors, Rotarians and their families.
Newly elected President of the club Dave Pennell said: “When I went along to Nene Park to see the Waterwheel Challenge last year I came away touched by the joy on the faces of the participants and their clear sense of achievement.
“I was inspired by the work of Sailability and other organisations that designed and ran the event.
“It was magic, and I was determined to be there this year.
“I made it but did not see as much racing, as this time our club was responsible for the BBQ and my view was spoiled by the clouds of smoke that burgers produce when you cook them!
“Never mind, it gave me a chance to meet lots of participants, carers and helpers.
“It was a great day and I felt privileged to be a part of it all and contribute something.
“Listen for the date in 2019, come along to what I reckon is the most touching and inspiring event of the year.”
Football supporters know the road to Wembley is long and involves a host of clubs.
For some it is the taking part that counts, others hope to end up with the trophy.
Rotary has its own competition called Minor Sports, played on a knockout basis.
Games can include Connect 4, dominoes, bagatelle, skittles and many more.
Clubs play at home or away, meeting other Rotarians anywhere from Lincoln to Towcester.
Most declare they are not bothered about winning, but secretly their ambition is not to lose.
Though a small club, Werrington Rotary has previously won the trophy twice.
This season the semi-final draw created a clash between the giants of Leicester and the minnows of Werrington.
Playing long alley skittles (a favourite Leicestershire game), the last player from Werrington needed to knock down four skittles to force a draw, five to win.
Three balls remained. The first two missed completely. Leicester started to celebrate but the final ball knocked down five skittles. Werrington was on the road to the final against St. Neots Rotary.
After the agreed hour of battle the scores were tied at 16-16. Should they play on? Nobody wanted to lose, so a draw was declared. Thus Werrington became three-time winners, a fitting end to the life of a club that sadly closed last month. Some players have taken a free transfer to other local clubs.