Page 22 - Thrapston Life June 2022

ROTARY CLUB
News from Thrapston and Raunds
The Rotary club continues to meet at the Bell, Little Addington. We continue to have a range of interesting speakers and we have started
to participate in helping other charities in practical ways.
We were recently able to get an update about the Thrapston Community Rotary Shoebox appeal. Despite the challenges of the last few years, and thanks to the support of many people and groups in the local area, over 500 shoeboxes were sent from the Thrapston appeal in 2021 and further support has also been given
to help those who have suffered as a result of the war in Ukraine. As a way of recognizing the superb work done by the local volunteers, Lindsey Burch was presented with a special certificate from the Rotary Shoebox Scheme at one of our May Meetings. We would like to express our congratulations to Lindsey and her team of helpers for all they continue to do for this excellent cause!
Among our recent speakers, of particular interest to those keen to know more about
local history, changes in shoe industry technology and the response to those changes, Ron Whittaker, provided
a fascinating reflection about how
the SATRA Technology Centre had changed from its inception in 1919. Started as the British Boot, Shoe and Allied Trades Research Association,
the present organization has its main base
in Kettering, but also with smaller technical facilities in Europe and China and members in over 70 countries. Despite the decline in shoe manufacturing in this country the centre still continues to be a leading technical authority for footwear and leather and the numbers employed by the organisation have continued to grow. It now also does research, testing and certification for other products including PPE, safety equipment, and furniture.
With the warmer weather Sailability has restarted at Grafham Water, and we are again providing practical support to the Charity. Our members volunteer to help with the launching and return of boats. We provide assistance to those who need help to get in and out of the boats so that they can enjoy their sailing.
With the warmer weather Sailability has restarted at Grafham Water
THRAPSTON & DISTRICT U3A
Our next monthly meeting will be at The Plaza, Cosy Nook, Thrapston on Friday 17th June 2022 at 10.30am when Colin Hill will tell us about his time working as a Royal Protection Officer including working with Diana, Princess of Wales, the Duchess of York and many others in the Royal household. ‘Dancing with Diana’ should be a fascinating insight into the life and times of those who protect the Royal Family.
Members £1, visitors £3 to include coffee and biscuits.
For further information about our meetings and our activity groups please see our website www.thrapston u3a.co.uk.
Further details about our club and Rotary can be found on the club’s Facebook page.
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