Lockdown could not stop Rotary

June 21 was pencilled in as ‘Freedom Day’, how wrong we all were. Peterborough Rotary had organised two events. Midsummer Magic at Peterborough Lido had to be cancelled. However, on June 21, as it was outdoors, the annual charity golf event could go ahead. Masks were worn in the club house and golfers arrived ready to play.

With initial temperatures of 11C, only rising to 16C in the early afternoon, a speedy tour of the course was only interrupted by the need to hit the small ball into a little hole. There was elation for some despite enduring a strong north wind on the course at Peterborough Milton.

Despite Covid restrictions, it was still possible for participants to order a meal, warm up and find out who had won a raffle prize. Prizes included an environmentally friendly bird box as well as a generous number of bottles. Keen golfers waited for the grand prize presentation.

The event, supported by

Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall, generated much interest, with 28 teams of four players.

Nilash Patel from the local charity came along to welcome the first team on the tee and watch battle commence.

With handicap competitions for individuals and teams, also a nearest the pin competition at holes nine and 16, there were many happy prize winners. Happiest

of all was the Peterborough Rotary Club who, including generous sponsorship, raised just in excess of £4,000 for the charities they support, including Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall.

Stamford Burghley Rotary also beat the Covid blues by staging a schools cricket festival. Together with the Cricket Society Trust and Rotary International, they sponsored a day out for students of Park House School Thorney, a specialist therapeutic school. It took place by kind permission of the Uffington Park Cricket Club on July 6. All students were invited. Together with key workers and teachers, a total of 30 attended.

“Team L’Manberg” posted a score of 104, a record in this type of match, and the “Four foot 11 team” were unable to match the score. The result was of no consequence. The importance was that the first outing by the school since Covid-19 made sure all the students had a good time. All members of the teams were given participation medals and the students voted to award all teachers a medal as well.

Adam Sampson, a key worker at the school, observed: “Our first event out of school since Covid. Cricket being a team game has enabled us all to bond together.”

Kat (demon bowler) Foster, a teacher at Park House, noted: “So nice having Park House participating in the event, all the students, key workers and the teachers thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Steve Alan, Rotary Club of Stamford Burghley, said: “To put on such a wonderful fun game, with so much enjoyment makes all the hard work worthwhile.”