DONAGHADEE ROTARIANS PREPARE FOR CHRISTMAS.

As Christmas draws near the members of Donaghadee Rotary Club like everyone else have stepped up a few gears as regards their service to the community as they endorse the Rotary International Theme for this month the "Family of Rotary" On Thursday night at the weekly meeting President Garth Arnold inducted a new member (actually a recycled former member.) David Cochrane.

Deposed Emperor Mark Brooks with his own brand of scintillating sarcasm and rapid repartee proposed David. Mark informed the Club that David had been working for Belfast City Council’s Parks and Cemeteries Section for the last 27 years and was involved in Grounds Maintenance supervision, procurements and, more recently, in co-ordinating the Apprenticeship Gardeners Scheme, including the setting up of more extensive training within the Parks and Cemeteries Section. David was one of the foundation members of Donaghadee Rotary Club, press-ganged by Jackie McKeag in1994. He was Environment Officer 1997-1998 during which time he was involved with the planting of young trees in green spaces around Donaghadee. He was also involved with the Charity Row to Portpatrick in August 1998. He is a married man with 3 daughters. 

After his induction, which took the customary form, David thanked the members for accepting him as a member. David then pointed out that the standard of dress had fallen badly since the formation of the club, and used photographic evidence to prove this. 

After the meeting the club members wrapped some 300 Selection Boxes to be distributed by Santa from his Grotto in the old Post Office Donaghadee over the next two Saturdays.

On Friday evening the Rotary Club assisted the Town Traders with their Donaghadee Town Centre Evening. The club members provided a Santa, a sledge and an American style Secret Service escort for Santa on his tour of the town. 

On Saturday the club members were to be found assisting Santa in his recently constructed Grotto in the old Post Office. Santa will be in residence again on the 15^th and 22^nd Dec. The Selection Boxes will be given to children visiting Santa in the Grotto. All children will be welcome. Any voluntary donations will be given to the Shine- A- Light charity, which helps children with cancer.

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.On Sunday Donaghadee Rotary Club and Donaghadee Male Voice Choir held their 9^th Annual Christmas Service in Donaghadee Parish Church. The club members would like to thank the Male Voice Choir and the Rector Ian R Gamble for their participation in the service. Over £300 was raised for Rotary charities.      

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