BLR Member Profiles
Rich Brindle
Hi, I'm Rich, a fifty something father from Basingstoke.
I became a Rotary member back in 2022 after being introduced to the charity and club, by a friend.
I think if I had to sum up Rotary and why I joined, I would say, its not what everyone thinks! Its not a male only club & its not just for retired people.
Rotary is a great way to meet new friends, create new relationships, both professionally and socially and learn new skill sets, whilst helping others less fortunate than me in the local community and further afield.
Rotary is for all ages, genders and especially for those who can spare some free time every now and then. We meet twice a month at Bartons Mill Pub and we only volunteer at events when we can, there are no 'Must Do's' or set agendas, you help when and how you can, that's it. You would be surprised at how much a small amount of time and effort can make a massive difference.
I would urge you to come along and learn more about the work we do in the community, who we help, how we help them and what you can do to help others with very little effort.
Margaret Macklin
My name is Margaret Macklin.
I joined Basingstoke Loddon Rotary in the year 2001…….25 years ago…wow!
My husband had suddenly passed away a year before.
My children were at school and I was working full time.
I saw an article in the local paper promoting Basingstoke Loddon as a new Rotary club in the area.
Until then I knew very little about Rotary and had the same assumption as many others that Rotary comprised of mainly, if not all, older men. I was pleased to see that the president of the club was a woman!
I’m glad to say our club members consist of a mix of both men and women and of all ages.
I searched online to find out more about Rotary and became vey impressed with all the projects and activities in both the UK and worldwide.
At the time I was a little concerned if I could commit to going to all the meetings and events. Back then we met every Monday evening. Then, as now, there is no commitment to attend every meeting or event and therefore even busy people can join and enjoy the club’s activities without feeling any pressure. We currently only meet every second Monday evening at Barton’s Mill and the meetings are typically around an hour to an hour and a half in time.
…….and so I became a member of Basingstoke Loddon Rotary in 2001.
Below are some of our projects and activities:
Christmas Shoeboxes
Charity Meals
Speakers
Quizzes
Running or helping with setting up charity stalls for both Rotary and other local charities
10 Pin Bowling
School and College Student Competitions
Environmental projects – clearing ponds, helping wildlife, preparing ground (typically digging!)
Purple4Polio: Since 1988 Rotary and partners have immunised over 3 billion children worldwide against polio in 122 countries, I believe, but unfortunately it remains endemic in Pakistan and Afghanistan and therefore remains a risk to all children. Rotary clubs plant purple crocuses each year to raise awareness of efforts to end polio. Basingstoke Loddon Rotary have planted crocuses in various parts of Basingstoke over the years.
Rotary clubs help to plant
Why not come along and meet us and perhaps you too could become a member of Basingstoke Loddon Rotary.