The Watford Club had another very successful Christmas collection during December with their recently refurbished Santa Claus Float. Over eight evenings they travelled more than twenty miles through the streets of North Watford. They also spent 7 days collecting with the float outside Watford’s Sainsbury, Asda and Tesco Supermarkets.

Organiser Allan Packham said “The reception from the public was even better than previous years and they all gave us a warm welcome despite the weather”. Children were delighted to see the brightly painted sleigh with its reindeers and elves carrying Santa past their doors. The club has been running the Christmas collection for some thirty years and many residents look out for the float with children and grandchildren ready at the door.

Altogether twenty five members and friends of the club volunteered to take part in the collection. The final amount raised was £7,836.36 which will all go to Rotary supported charities local, national and international.

Club President Peter O’Connor said “We are very grateful for the help from our sponsors, Scottall (Watford), Kings Langley Building Supplies and Taylors Tools; and to The Harlequin who allow us to store the float in their basement during the event”.

By Peter Clark

Watford Rotary Club

http://www.rotarywatford.org/

Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland (RIBI) and Pudsey Bear are all set for this year’s BBC Children in Need to help disadvantaged children across the country.

Clubs work tirelessly, throughout the year, to help young people fulfil their potential. To give Pudsey a boost, clubs are pouring energy into all sorts of great activities including meet Pudsey days, quiz nights, kids days out and there’s even a friendly boxing match. Be part of the fun by getting involved and you will help make a positive difference to a youngster.

Rotarians have the opportunity to become local Leaders - a programme being launched by London 2012 to invite the nation’s organisers, planners and doer’s to get ready for the Games. Across the whole of the UK, millions of people will be part of the celebrations. And at the heart of every celebration will be the one person who makes it happen. The person who makes a difference and just gets stuff done. If this sounds like you, why don’t you sign up to be a London 2012 Local Leader?

Being a Local Leader is simple: all you need is an idea of how you will celebrate the Games and then get organising. Local Leaders can create their own events or get involved with the some of the ideas communities across the UK have suggested to London 2012. From Gardening for the Games to planning a Sports Quiz or an Opening Night In, get your friends, family and neighbours ready to celebrate.

When you sign up you will get hints and tips to help you plan your celebrations, plus access to exclusive toolkits as we get closer to the Games.

Join thousands of others around the UK to organise events to make the Games local. Sign up at www.london2012.com/localleaders

• Over 95% of the population will be within 10 miles of the Olympic Flame    
• Over 1,000 communities will have Torchbearers carrying the Olympic Flame through their streets
• Every county in England and every Local Authority area in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales to welcome the Olympic Flame