ROTARY members from Newton Abbot have stepped in to organise a Summer Fayre to replace the charity day normally held during the town’s carnival week.

Rotary Newton Abbot is due for a busy few weeks – It is organising on Saturday 26th August in partnership with Newton Abbot Town Council the summer fayre on Courtenay Park.

Rotary stepped in when it was decided that the carnival was not going ahead this year.

It took some time for a decision to be made for various reasons before Rotary was given the go ahead to put on the event.

Rotary President Nick Richards was very keen that Newton Abbot had a memorable and fun community event in the summer as well as giving local charities an opportunity to raise both funds and awareness.

Rotarian Jane Camp is the event coordinator and with a team supporting her is determined that it will be a family event in the tradition of long-ago Rotary Summer Fayres.

Jane reports: ‘Despite having little time to put the event on, we already have over 15 stalls, a bouncy castle and fun run, some trade stalls, a circus performer as well as local food concessions – of course we will also be staging the ever-popular wheelbarrow race.’

Rotarian Martin Smith is organising the wheelbarrow race again and is appealing to local organisations, charities, and sports clubs to enter a team – he can be contacted via email – [email protected]

If you would like information on how to be involved in the day contact Jane Camp via email [email protected]

As well as this event Rotary are volunteer marshalling at some local events including Widdicombe Fayre and Party in the Park.

A project that Rotary have been very involved with is the renovation of a hall in the grounds of The Meadowside Charity in Highweek Road – The Meadowside Coronation Hall is aiming to open its doors to independent carers looking for a half day or full day respite. More details will be released, and a confirmed opening date will soon be announced.

Any expressions of interest should be sent initially for the attention of the hall coordinator Kerry Stevens at [email protected]

We are also pleased that the Rotary organised Santa’s Grotto will again be operating in conjunction with Fermoy’s Garden Centre from early December.

Finally Rotary Newton Abbot is always open to new members despite it continuing to grow to over 100 members including 16 local corporate business members – for more information contact Bob or Nikki at [email protected]

Golf day

On September 15 the 16th Rotary Autumn Golf day will take place at Dainton Park Golf Club, raising funds for local good causes, last year 24 teams took part it is hoped many or more will support it again if you would like to enter a team or sponsor a hole contact Martin Smith.