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!

Roaring 20s Summer Ball

This will be one very special night!

 Have fun with the dress code - help us bring a bit of 20's glamour to Ballycastle! Tuxedos not necessary but be dressed to impress! Tickets are limited.

Van Morrison at Dunluce - 2 x VIP tickets

We have been very generously given 2 VIP tickets for the upcoming Van Morrison concerts at Dunluce Castle. We are auctioning these to raise funds for Rotary charities.

What the auction is for:

2 x VIP tickets (unreserved seating)

Friday 7th June 18.00 OR Saturday 8th June 16.00 - your choice!

These tickets are worth £220 including fees. HIGHEST BID SO FAR IS £160.

http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Van-Morrison-to-play-historic-concerts-at-Dunluce-Castle-A3602

This will be a spectacular event in a stunning location. All bids should be sent to ballycastlerotary@gmail.com or sent by PM to us through Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ballycastle.rotary  including your name and contact number. If you are the highest bidder we will contact you to let you know and arrange payment and ticket delivery.

Good luck!

Spirit of Moyle Awards 2013 - Information

It is with great delight that the Rotary Club of Ballycastle is launching the 2013 “Spirit of Moyle Awards” sponsored by Solar Power NI. The thinking behind the awards is to recognise some of those unsung heroes within the local community who have gone that extra mile to help make it a better place.

There are three categories as detailed below:

1.       Young Carer (must be age 18 or under on 31^st May 2013)

To recognise someone who has acted as a carer within the community.  They may care for you or for someone else within the wider community.

2.       Young Volunteer (must be age 18 or under on 31^st May 2013)

To recognise an individual who has volunteered in one or more capacities where their input has helped make a difference.

3.       Community Champion (all ages)

To recognise an individual who has done something special in some form within the community. It is open to all age groups and hopes to recognise someone who has excelled within the community to help make it shine.

Who can nominate?

Nominations are open to everyone.  We may need to get in touch with you so please provide your contact number and address with your nomination.

Who can I nominate?

Anyone you feel fits the category – you can nominate more than one person in each category if you know more than one person who deserves that award.  We may need to contact the nominee so please provide a contact number and or address for them or their parent or guardian if they are under 18.

How do I nominate?

Nomination forms can be found online HERE or you can send us the information as detailed below.   You will need to send the information detailed below for each nomination indicating the category you wish to vote in.  You can submit completed nominations:

·by post to Ballycastle Rotary Awards, c/o 10 Main Street, Armoy BT53 8RQ

·or by emailing ballycastlerotaryawards@gmail.com

What happens after I nominate?

A panel will consider all nominations carefully and whittle the nominations down to a final three in each category before deciding on the winners of the 2013 awards.  If you have nominated you may be contacted and asked to provide further information and nominees may be contacted to ensure they are happy to be considered for the award. The decision reached by the Panel will be final.

When do I have to have my nomination in by?

The closing date for entries is 31^st May 2013 and the winners will be presented with their awards in June 2013.

INFORMATION REQUIRED

Name of the category you are voting for

Your name & contact details

Nominee’s name & contact details

Nominee’s age (if applicable)

Why does this person deserve this award? (using 200 words or less)

Anything else? 

You can find out more information on our Facebook page. 

Breakfast Time Again!

Rotary Club of Ballycastle - Charity Breakfast

The Rotary Club of Ballycastle is hosting its third Charity Breakfast this Saturday to raise much needed funds for local organisations – Good Morning Ballycastle and Ballycastle Community Rescue Service. Both groups have become an integral part of the local community and the Rotary Club of Ballycastle is delighted to be supporting them through the charity breakfast this year. 

Breakfast will be served from 8am to 11am on Saturday 20^th April in the Central Wine Bar, Ballycastle with minimum donations of £10 per adult and £5 per child being sought.

What better way to start the day than to sit down to a delicious breakfast while helping local causes in the process! More information on the Club’s events at www.facebook.com/BallycastleRotaryClub and you can also "friend" us on Facebook or "follow" us on Twitter.

An update from us...

Over the past few months we have been busy gathering bikes and books to send to Africa as part of the Jole Rider project.  Thanks to the support of family, friends and the local community we gathered a staggering number of them to send off in a container to Gambia.  We held a Burns Night to help raise funds for their carriage and some of our very brave members are taking part in a “Paddy Ride” this weekend to raise a few more ££s to make sure the bikes and books go safely on their way.  The “Paddy Ride” is a sponsored cycle between Dungannon and Cookstown and while seasoned pro Peter Dallat is taking part, Angela Bonnar, Gemma McHenry and Brenda Caher are a little more nervous about the challenge!  Donations can be made to any member of the club or there is a sponsor sheet in the Central if you have a pound or two to spare to support them!

On the horizon we have lots of other things coming up:

• Pre Grand National Night at the Races on 5^th April
• “Connect4Peace” - our ery first peace event at Corrymeela on 10^th April
• Charity Breakfast on 20^th April and
• President’s Night on 21^st June. 

We will also be launching the Spirit of Moyle Awards again shortly and might have another event or two up our sleeves.

We’ll keep you posted!

Books, Burns and Bikes!

In an effort to maintain the tremendous momentum generated by the Jole Rider project, The Rotary Club of Ballycastle will be offering the chance to win some wonderful prizes in the run-up to Christmas.

The generosity shown during the collection of books and bikes for Africa has been overwhelming and allied to a genuine willingness by individuals to become involved, the outcome has been nothing short of phenomenal.

The next stage of the process is preparing the items for shipment to their African destinations. To assist with the financial demands of this task, Ballycastle Rotary Club will be selling raffle tickets up until December 23^rd – proceeds of which will cover the cost of ensuring each item is fit for purpose and ultimately that they arrive where the need is greatest.

With countless books and over 100 bikes in store, such an undertaking will be no mean feat but the Club is confident that, as always, the local community will support the venture to its completion.

 In keeping with the two-wheeled theme, all who purchase tickets will be in the running to win either an adult’s electric scooter courtesy of Sheskburn Garage, a child’s bicycle, kindly donated by Julie and Damian Martin (Ardclinis Outdoor Centre) or a Christmas hamper from the Rotary Club.

Tickets will be on sale December 4^th, available from all club members. We are very proud to be associated with the Jole Rider cause and your continued support can make a world of difference to disadvantaged children.

***

Looking further ahead, Ballycastle Rotary Club extends a warm invitation to toast that “Great Chieftain O’ The Puddin’ Race.

Friday the 25^th January 2013 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 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.

Tickets will be available from all Club members, priced £25 each – 4 course dinner, entertainment and toast inclusive. 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, don’t be a “wee timorous, cowerin’ beastie,”- buy your love “a red, red rose,” and join us as we wish Rabbie a Happy Birthday!

 

Youth Leadership Competition 2012

For the second year running the Rotary Club of Ballycastle is taking part in the Rotary Youth Leadership Development Competition.  Members of the club interviewed candidates in Ballycastle High School and Cross and Passion and one pupil from each school was taken forward and again interviewed a couple of weeks ago.  Alice Mee from Cross and Passion and Emma McCook from Ballycastle High School faced another interview panel where Emma McCook was ultimately chosen to go through to the Area Final of the Rotary Youth Leadership Development Competition which will be held in Larne later this month. 

 

Shorna Meggitt from Ballycastle Rotary Club commended both girls, “I feel that both of the girls are winners and it was a very difficult decision we had to make.  We have high hopes for Emma and will do all we can to support her through the rest of the competition.”

 

Good luck Emma!

 

L-R Malcolm Rankin, Shorna Meggitt, Emma McCook, Alice Mee, Angela Bonnar, Diana Evans

We need your bikes and books!

For many African children, the journey to school each day is one undertaken by foot, often in searing heat.

Not only do these youngsters arrive late, they also begin the school day exhausted.

Bikes 4 Africa and Books 4 Africa aim to change lives through education and as flagship programmes proudly sponsored by Rotary International Britain and Ireland, they present themselves as easy to engage with projects targeting poverty and improving literacy and learning.

Bikes 4 Africa refurbishes donated second hand bikes and delivers them to African schools, whilst Books 4 Africa supplies suitable story, textbook and reference publications in support of the school curriculum.

With every bike received, £10 shipment funding is also required to ensure their passage to Africa – for the books; this translates into 50p per title.

Over the past few weeks, members of the Rotary Club of Ballycastle have been actively endorsing this very worthy campaign and to date have amassed some 60 bicycles in addition to countless books.

Project leaders, Gemma McHenry and Peter Dallat are delighted with the response. “We would continue to urge the local community to give the matter some serious thought” states Gemma, a sentiment echoed by Peter who is certain that there remains plenty of unused bikes and books in the locality  - each one with the potential to change a life.

“There has been a terrific groundswell of support and as Rotarians we are well aware of the generosity the people of Moyle demonstrate”.

For those who cannot donate a bike or books, monetary contributions are equally acceptable, going in no small measure towards the cost of delivering our items to their intended destination. For more information please contact Gemma on 07739405543 or Peter on 07764221099.

With Christmas just around the corner and the possibility of Santa delivering a new bike why not do your part and spread the spirit a little further this year?

 

Red Bay Lifeboat

Earlier this year the Rotary Club of Ballycastle went over to Red Bay Lifeboat station to find out more about the work they do there.  We were so impressed by what we found that we donated some money to them this summer. 

 

On Tuesday Danny and John came along to our meeting and gave us another talk on the work they and the RNLI do. We were delighted to hear that our money helped provide them with the very modern new life jackets they received this week.

The purpose of the RNLI is to save lives at sea. The RNLI is independent of the government and as such relies massively on donations. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboats, and since 2001, its lifeguards, have saved more than 139,000 lives. This is a phenomenal achievement and the effort all the volunteersput in is something very special indeed.

To find out more about the RNLI visit their official website
And for Red Bay Lifeboat visit this site

President's Night & Spirit of Moyle Awards

On Friday the Rotary Club of Ballycastle held its first President’s Night.  Not only was it an event to mark the end of a busy first year for the new Club but it saw the handover of some funds to some very commendable causes including  Good Morning Ballycastle, Redbay Lifeboat and Friends of the Cancer Centre.  The night also provided a platform for the presentation of the Spirit of Moyle Awards.

The focus of the night was on the awards and the winners themselves.  President Brian Jamieson explained the awards were something discussed very early on in the formation of the Rotary Club and were heavily backed by all the members. The thinking behind them was to have annual community based award where people who “went that extra mile” for the area were given some recognition.  Jim Boylan from the Club was charged with overseeing the awards and began the presentation on Friday night by clarifying the rationale behind them.  Jim explained, “Our President Brian got the awards up and running.  In its initial year we decided to create three categories to get things started. Thankfully we received a lot of help from a wide range of local organisations and the press to get the awards some publicity and much to our delight we received some fantastic nominations.  I, along with the rest of the panel, had the daunting and ultimately humbling task of picking the winners. Overall, the standard of the nominees was incredible.  After much deliberation the panel felt three very worthy winners stood out and we were over the moon to find out that they were happy to accept their awards and receive a little recognition for the fantastic work they do.” 

This year’s winners were:

Scott Horner – Young Carer 2012

Scott is described as a wonderful young man who has quietly been caring for his mother and father over the years while still fitting in all the other day to day activities he has to do.  He has tirelessly been by their sides, helping where he can and it is something his parents are both very proud of him for. He has also achieved very well at Ballycastle High School and has excelled in sports as a boxer, hockey player and captain and member of Ballycastle Rugby Club.

James McVicker – Young Volunteer 2012

James stood out to the panel as someone who has been involved in a vast number of groups and organisations including Exodus, Mencap, Spirit of Enniskillen and Greenlight Gateway in a wide variety of volunteering capacities.  He has time and time again went out of his way to help others and given up his own time to help others and again manages to fit it around his busy school work and social life.

Martin McGuile – Community Champion 2012

Martin is a familiar face within the town and his volunteer work with young musicians is something that a lot of people are not aware of.  He has spent a lot of time working and mentoring people young and old, helping them become and better themselves as musicians.  He has nurtured their interest in music and given them something to focus on.  Like the other winners he too has done this for a long time and just “gets on with it”.

Jim also noted, “What stood out in all three winners was that the work they do tends to go on without there being much spotlight on it.  They quietly go about their lives carrying out these admirable works without complaining or seeking any special attention and that is exactly what we hoped to recognise.”

The Club would like to thank all those who helped with the Spirit of Moyle Awards including all those who took the time to nominate, the independent judge Patrick Casement and of course the nominees and winners themselves.  Winners of the Young Carer and Young Volunteer were presented with certificates, cinema vouchers and a glass plaque each while the Community Champion received a certificate, glass plaque and a special cup donated by President Brian Jamieson. The Spirit of Moyle Awards 2012 were sponsored by Choices International Properties, the certificates were kindly printed by Causeway Volunteer Centre and the glass plaques were designed by Kingfisher Designs.

Check out our Facebook for photos of the night!
https://www.facebook.com/ballycastle.rotary
https://www.facebook.com/BallycastleRotaryClub

What is it?

Rotary International

Rotary International is the world's first service club organisation, with more than 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs worldwide. Rotary club members are volunteers who work locally, regionally, and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace, and eradicate polio under the motto “Service Above Self”.

The Rotary Club of Ballycastle

The Rotary Club of Ballycastle was chartered in 2011 and became the 75^th Rotary Club in Ireland. So far through a variety of fundraising events we have made sizeable donations to Good Morning Ballycastle, NI Cancer Fund for Children and the Ballycastle MS Centre. New Generation competitions such as the Rotary Youth Leadership programme has helped highlight some fantastic young talent in the area.

This year we hope to raise even more money for causes local and further afield and have received several expressions of interest from local causes we hope to help.  So far in 2012 we have hosted a Night at the Races and a Charity Breakfast.  We have been involved with Greenlight Gateway in conjunction with their Jubilee Garden and we had an evening in the Concern shop where our members donated some items for the shop.  We also initiated the Spirit of Moyle Awards and in this, its first year, we are delighted by the response. We hope to announce the winners in the next few weeks.

The Club depends on community support to help make each of its fundraising events a success and is always open to new members who think their input could make a difference. Our meetings are friendly and reasonably informal. Generally a mixture of club business with occasional guest speakers, project planning and of course a social aspect as well! Meetings are held at 7.30pm on Tuesdays in the Central Bar, Ballycastle. If you feel that Ballycastle Rotary Club could benefit from your input, then please come along and join us.