ROTARY CLUB OF ELY - Mar 2025

On Thursday the 7th January, Elizabeth Felton, together with Terry Bolton and Rose Felton, gave a presentation from Safe Soul Mates which has enabled Elizabeth, previously painfully shy & introverted, to find like minded friends and her place in the world. It began in 2018 with a vision to end loneliness for neurodivergent adults and adults with disabilities, and a realisation that there was a need for a safe service to encourage people to connect in a safe way, free from abuse. Since then they have grown to a community of over 100 members to enjoy friendships, in person meet ups, outings to pubs, bowling, film clubs, theatre, Zoom Meetings & many other activities.  They have safe and inclusive places which they can turn to if they feel scared or intimidated whilst out and about and also work with MIND on suicide prevention. The result of this also has a positive impact on members' families.

BUMPER CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

A storm and heavy rain did not hinder a record collection! What a great response to the Rotary Club of Ely house to house and High Street collections in the run up to Christmas. The collection around the streets of Ely raised £8,004 and the High Street collections on two Saturdays raised £999, in spite of the storm on the first visit, making a total of £9,003. This was again a record for the same collections for at least the past 15 years. The Club is therefore extremely grateful to the householders and those visiting Ely for their great generosity. This amount will be used to support local charities and good causes as well as major national and international disasters.

The organisers wish to express their sincere thanks to Van System Limited & Newmarket Trailers Limited for providing an excellent vehicle to tow the sleigh and Father Christmas around the streets over 12 nights. Also to Cambridge Commodities, Johnson’s Cleaners & EACH Charity Shop for their support. Without this support they would not have managed to reach so many people.

On Thursday 31st January, Julia Herrick and Hilary Gresty gave an insight into the work of the Ely Refugee Resettlement Campaign which was started around eight years ago. It is a registered charity with the aim of supporting refugee families fleeing persecution from areas such as Syria, Ukraine & Afghanistan.  Men from these countries have often put themselves and their families at risk when they helped the Uk army with translating, driving and working as security officers. It is people such as these that the UK government is keen to help.

At the moment, they are desperately seeking a four/five bedroom property in Ely to rehouse one family who are eligible either for the Afghan Relocations & Assistance Policy or the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme. They are guaranteed UK Right to Reside status and have their rent guaranteed. Julia & Hilary would provide a welcome and support with things such as schooling, doctors, dentists, paperwork and English conversation. Anyone who has or knows of such a property is asked to contact Hilary at hilary.gresty@gmail.com and a family will be matched with a property considered suitable to meet their personal needs.

Joining the Ely Rotary Club with the collections were members of a number of Clubs and Charities who will all receive a donation for their efforts, together with individuals to whom they are also most grateful. New members are always welcome to the Rotary Club of Ely. Contact info@rotaryclubofely.co.uk or Facebook: Rotary Club of Ely.