President's Rock 'n' Roll 1950's Night

What a difference a year makes! Twelve months ago the Rotary Club of Ballycastle were celebrating the ‘Roaring 20s’.

President’s Night 2014, will witness a time-shift of some 30 years as members pay homage to the ‘Fabulous Fifties’

It was a decade that witnessed the establishment of the European Common Market, the invention of the video recorder and the production of a vaccine for polio (a disease, which through Rotary’s efforts is almost eradicated).

From Cadillacs to Chuck Berry, Teddy Boys to Teenage heart-throbs, the 1950’s proved to be a period of unrivalled variety and optimism. This buoyant cultural experience was of course epitomised in the emergence of one Elvis Presley and no Rock’n’Roll night would be complete without an appearance by the Graceland legend!

Intermingled with the end of year celebrations will be several donations to local charities, and the announcement of our Spirit of Moyle winners - Rotary’s way of recognising those who greatly enhance their communities and the lives around them through tireless, voluntary efforts.

Entertainment, 4 course themed meal and reception cost just £30 per person. There will also be some great raffle prizes on offer – including one for best dressed girl and boy! So, this June 20^th, get those quiffs gelled, the petticoats starched and jive on down to the Central Restaurant. The diner opens 7.30 for 8pm. Tickets are available from Gemma McHenry on 07739405543.

Young Photographer and Young Writer Competitions Launched

Following Emma Orr's fantastic success in the Rotary Youth Leadership competition, the Rotary Club of Ballycastle is keen to unearth some of the other young talented people who are in the local area.

Entries are now being sought for "Young Photographer" and "Young Writer". Information as per the posters. Contact Brenda for further details!

Burns Returns!

                                                            BURNS RETURNS!

Following last year’s initial and very successful Burns Night, Ballycastle Rotary Club once again extends a warm invitation to toast and indeed, more importantly, sample that “Great Chieftain O’ The Puddin’ Race.”

Friday the 24^th January 2014 will be a must for lovers of Haggis, Tartan and Rabbie.

Billed as a ‘Burns Night Social’, patrons can dine, dance and delight in celebratory acknowledgement of the famous Scottish wordsmith’s life and work.

Complete with Piper, Caller (Mayor of Coleraine, Mr David Harding) and the obligatory Ode to the Haggis, those in attendance will experience first-hand the elements which combine to make this date such a memorable occasion. Rumour has it there might even be a song or two and as always, contributions from the floor are more than welcome.

Priced at £25 each, tickets can be purchased either through the Central Wine-Bar (07739405543) or from all Club members. Patrons will enjoy a 4 course dinner, entertainment and complimentary dram. For one night only, the Central Wine Bar will be transformed into a little piece of Scotland. Tartan-clad lassies and true Scotsmen a pre-requisite!

So why not blow away those January blues in style and join the Rotary Club of Ballycastle as we salute the “Plough-man Poet”

Quiz Night - 5th December

The disaster which is currently unfolding in the Philippines has undoubtedly touched the hearts of many people. Rotary International has had a huge part to play in the relief efforts with the deployment of Shelter boxes. Complete with tents (often seen in T.V. footage) and general utensils for everyday use, these life-saving containers are an integral part of Rotary’s aid programmes. 

However in times of great need, the sheer volume required can be quite a challenge and as a result, Ballycastle Rotary have decided to acquire a second Shelter Box in a bid to provide some little comfort to those so terribly affected.

As such, a festive Quiz will be held in the Central Restaurant on December 5th at 7.30pm, with all proceeds directed to the purchase of this remarkable kit. Coinciding, as it does, with the switch-on of the Christmas lights, members hope that revellers will extend their stay in the town and support this event (there might even be a wee mince pie or two!) 

Get your December activities off to a great start with Ballycastle Rotary’s Shelter Box appeal.

Membership Evening

AN INVITATION IS EXTENDED TO JOIN CLUB MEMBERS ON 12^TH NOVEMBER TO LEARN FIRST-HAND WHAT THE ORGANISATION HAS TO OFFER. AMONGST OUR VARIOUS DISPLAYS, WILL BE THE SAND-DAMS PROJECT, WHICH WE HOPE TO SUPPORT THIS YEAR.

ANYONE WISHING TO FURTHER THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF ROTARY WILL BE MADE MORE THAN WELCOME. 

AN INFORMATIVE AND ENJOYABLE EVENING IS PLANNED WITH PLENTY OF FOOD AND FRIENDSHIP FOR GOOD MEASURE!

VENUE: CENTRAL RESTAURANT

TIME: 7.30PM

DATE 12^TH NOVEMBER 2013.

THANK YOU.

BRIAN JAMIESON,

MEMBERSHIP CHAIR

New Rotary Year

New Year, New President for Ballycastle Rotary Club

As the new Rotary year commenced in July, the outgoing President of The Rotary Club of Ballycastle, Angela Bonnar, passed the reins on to incoming President Jim Boylan. The 2012-2013 year was an exceptionally busy year for the club and Jim takes on the role with much trepidation:

“This is only the third year for the Rotary Club of Ballycastle and Past President Angela and Brian Jamieson before her have set the bar very high. I hope we can continue to build the club and look forward to some exciting things we have in the pipeline already. On behalf of the whole club I would like to thank Angela for the excellent work she did and the dedication she showed throughout her time as President.”

The Rotary Club of Ballycastle meets most Tuesday evenings in the Central Winebar at 7.30pm and new members are always welcome. For more information contact the club through Facebook, Twitter or ballycastlerotary@gmail.com.

 

Mobsters, Molls, Flappers and Fedoras!

On Friday 21^st June, The Rotary Club of Ballycastle turned back the clock with a 1920’s themed President’s Ball. For a few hours the Central Restaurant had the undeniable feel of a Chicago speakeasy with the ladies looking every inch the stylish, confident, liberated individuals so typical of the period whilst the men would have had no trouble passing for Capone’s side-kicks!

However, aside from the jovial nature of the event, it was an opportunity for President Angela Bonnar to highlight the continued fund-raising efforts of the Club. Before a crowd of visiting Rotarians, friends and family, cheques were presented to NSPCC, Meningitis UK, PIPS, Ballycastle Community Rescue Service, Good Morning Ballycastle and Solas. Two weeks prior to this a significant amount was handed over to the Jole Rider project, capping a very fine effort which saw Ballycastle Rotary emerge as the leading collector of bikes in the province.

As with last year, the event provides a platform to reward our spirit of Moyle winners. Thanks to sponsorship from Solar Power NI. and public nominations, three very worthy candidates emerged to claim the titles of Young Carer, Young Volunteer and Community Champion. For Daniel Stewart, Joshua Hutchinson and Catherine Sands respectively, the awards are justly recognition of all the work they carry out for the betterment of family and community life. Certificates have now been distributed to all who were nominated. Thanks to everyone who contributed in any way.

Proceeds from a very well supported raffle boasting some wonderful prizes have been ear-marked to assist the Friends of the Cancer centre in their wonderful work and will be donated with the family’s wishes in memory of Callan McErlaine.

Best dressed Male award went to William Cross, Larne President, whilst the title of best dressed female – and there were many, belonged to his partner Tedi. Larne is obviously a very fashionable club!

Entertainment for the evening was provided by Carole-Ann Carlisle, a young lady who seamlessly transported guests to a time of soulful elegant songstresses whilst DJ Rory Patterson brought us back to the present with his lively set.

As with all Rotary gatherings, the whole evening was conducted in a spirit of friendship, fun and above all the knowledge that once again Ballycastle members were gathered to rightly celebrate another super year. Thanks to all who supported the event and to the Central for their wonderfully creative decor and deliciously themed meal – Al would have been proud!