Alan Salmon, President of the Rotary Club of Clacton on Sea, decided to set out on a charity walk in aid of the Little Haven Children’s Hospice with his Son Keith on the Isle of Man. The route chosen is known as “The Raad ny Foilan” or “The way of the Gull”. Going in May because it is said the weather is better than most other times. However it proved to be a cold, wet windy eight days. The elements proved almost harder to conquer that the walk itself. All the B&B’  booked in advance were very helpful with hot showers and overnight drying  facilities for their clothing as well as hearty meals. With slippery slopes, visibility down to often less than 50 metres the climb of 300mtrs in under a mile was hazardous to say the least. The highest climb was 606 metres, Snaefell, which the weather made worthwhile giving them stunning views of up to 12 miles.  From one point they could see the Scottish coast and another time they watched the Gannets diving for fish from a height of at least 70 feet at considerable speed. At this time of year the wild flowers were in profusion and the bird life could be seen at close quarters. A welcome break meeting the President and members of the Ochan Rotary Club who gave a donation to the charity as well as encouragement for their task! Alan estimates that because of diversions due to land slips and finding good viewing points they walked nearer 130 miles than the planned 105 in the eight days. But it was all worth it when the final amount raised by them was £3752, which was added to the other events, the cycle ride, profit from the coach trip and collecting boxes together with donations. Alan, with amusing assistance from Jimmy Cricket, the comedian at the Summer show in Clacton, who was the Guest Speaker at the luncheon, presented a Cheque to Patricia Norris, County Fund Raiser for the Little Haven Children’s Hospice for £4460 which was immediately increased to 4500 by a guest present. Gift aid of course increases this even more. The members applauded the President on his and Keith’s effort appreciating that they did it in the name of Rotary.

Luncheon Meetings

Members enjoyed listening to Ian Tyler, the guest speaker at last Thursday's luncheon meeting. Ian is a member of the team who cares for and exhibits the Clacton Queen Steam Road Roller. He outlined the history of this ancient machine and how important it is to maintain in its present road worthy condition as it appears at many the leisure and social events in the area. It is now being fully serviced to comply with all the rigid safety requirements of a steam engine and will be seen around Clacton again in the near future. The thanks of the members were expressed to Ian, for his informative off the cuff talk, by Past President David Porter, a steam railway enthusiast.
  It was reported the arrangements for hosting the District Conference in Clacton at the end of the month are well in hand. In excess of 500 Rotarians and their wives are booked to attend all or part of the three day event. Details can be obtained from Clacton Club secretary, Derrick Norman on 01255 672956.