I was asked to propose a toast to Ilfracombe Rotarians past and present on their 100 year anniversary.
The Ilfracombe Rotary Club was founded in 1926. There were 14 founder members of which the first President was H M Johnson. I wonder would he have anticipated this wonderful celebration 100 years into the future. It’s impossible to list all the fundraising events that went on over the years, but three projects stand out to me, firstly was the restoration of the St Nicholas Chapel and that is still raising money for community causes today. Next was Bicclescombe Mill that was derelict and restored into Tea rooms and a craft centre. And finally, it would be remiss of me not to mention the now legendary Star Trek, which was a logistical feat second to none!
As I consider the present, Ilfracombe Rotary provides an immense amount of support within our community which is ever present in functions and projects within the town, as well as within the greater Rotary world nationally and Internationally.
