The Community Committee focuses on how Club members might support community events, whilst raising funds for local charities.
We personally get involved in a number of events within Retford, e.g.
Retford Charter Day – The Club always supports this occasion by having a stall. The Community Committee will take responsibility for part of the stall and will organise a fund raising opportunity which might be a game for the children, a raffle or tombola. The raffle is particularly popular as it often includes a hamper full of chocolate.
Retford Christmas Market – As with the Charter, the committee will again participate in the stall but with a more festive theme. Many of our members are only too happy to dress in a variety of Christmas outfits, all of which adds to the occasion.
Street Collections – At least once a year the Club will hold a Street collection in Retford and are always overwhelmed with the amount of support from our local community. Our Christmas collection has become a highlight, as we have been fortunate enough to be joined by some reindeer, kindly given by Jennie Woodcock of Haughton Park Farm. This obviously causes great excitement amongst our youngsters.
Currently, we should be actively planning our involvement in the Christmas activities, but will have to be cautious in view of the guidance relating to COVID19. Already we know that we will not have the reindeer this year, but promise that they will return next year.
We have also been pleased to support other organisations, e.g.
Daneshill Sailing Club –We have sponsored two days each summer for two schools to experience sailing under the strict guidance of the local sailing club, which is a Royal Yachting Association training centre.
Sturton Stride – We have provided Marshalls to support the many entrants to this annual 5k run around the village, raising funds for their local community.
Royal British Legion – We have been privileged to join the teams of poppy sellers at a number of the supermarkets in the town. We have also organised, for a number of years, an annual Festival of Remembrance, just like that held each year at the Albert Hall in London.
The Little Theatre – For a number of years, we have taken some local pensioners to the Pantomime at the Little Theatre.
Retford in Bloom – It is wonderful to see how our town can look by the wonderful flower displays placed along the main roads and walkways. We have been delighted to support this venture.
As stated above it is currently difficult planning any events in view of the restrictions relating to people grouping together and so we are now giving some thought to what can be achieved in 2021, when we hope that things will be back to normal.
Mary Saddington (Chair)