Wokingham Today

Easthampst­ead Rotary

- PETER VON BERGEN

WITH a 25-year career in the Arts, Craig Titley came to South Hill Park nine years ago, and was announced as chief executive last year. Craig joined 25 Easthampst­ead Rotarians via Zoom last week, and spoke eloquently about the devastatin­g effect the Covid19 shutdown has had on the centre.

South Hill Park is the creative heart of Berkshire, hosting more than 300 shows, films and events a year, as well as holding over 250 courses and workshops.

Sir Kenneth Branagh, who is a patron of the centre, said: “South Hill Park has been at the heart of the community in Bracknell for almost 50 years.

“Each year over 200,000 people enjoy all that this Art Centre has to offer, but that could all disappear.

“For so many reasons it’s vital that we do everything we can to protect the arts in our community and to protect South Hill Park.”

Easthampst­ead Rotarians have worked with South Hill Park over the years, hosting the Bracknell Together Walk which supports dozens of local schools and voluntary groups.

Also showing Breathe the film of Polio victim Robin Cavendish, during which purple-themed cupcakes were served.

Rotarians worldwide have been instrument­al in supporting the End Polio Now campaign, together with the Bill and Melinda Gates

Foundation, and the global network of healthcare profession­als and volunteers have succeeded over the years in limiting cases of Polio to just 85 in the year to date in only two countries Pakistan and Afghanista­n.

Just 30 years ago, when the Global Polio Eradicatio­n Initiative began, polio paralysed more than 1,000 children worldwide every day.

Importantl­y, the global Polio inoculatio­n infrastruc­ture is in place for

when a Coronaviru­s vaccine becomes available.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged a total of $250 million toward Covid-19 research, “to support developmen­t of diagnostic­s, therapeuti­cs, and vaccines... and help mitigate the social and economic impacts of the virus.”

Thanking Craig for his insights, recently elected club president, Les Howard said "We look forward to co-operating with South Hill Park on more community projects in the months to come."

Easthampst­ead Rotarians aim to make a difference in the community,

New members always welcome. Post-Covid, we meet most Monday evenings at The Coppid Beech.

Formore informatio­n, call Brian on 07720 321 526.

Check out ourwebsite: easthampst­eadrotary.org

Or follow us at www.facebook.com/ easthampst­eadrotaryc­lub

 ??  ?? Craig Titley and Sir Kenneth Branagh are backing South Hill Park
Craig Titley and Sir Kenneth Branagh are backing South Hill Park
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