The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A new Rotary group and business network is in the process of being set up for Long Sutton, Holbeach and the surrounding area.
The Holbeach and The Suttons Rotary Network is the idea of Mervyn Lawrie.
He wants to combine the community work the Rotary has been renowned for across the globe over the last 117 years and a business network.
The first two meetings have been held, with 28 businesses represented at the most recent held in Churchill’s, Long Sutton, last week.
Mervyn said “We were overwhelmed by the interest in combining the new concept of Rotary and business networking.
“The purpose of the second meeting held on February 16 was to formalise the position, and turn this from an idea into something of value to the members and the community.
“An early adoption of a local project is something that will cement the group into action and avoid becoming a talking shop, and South Holland district councillor Tracey Carter was present to offer some useful suggestions.”
Melvyn, who runs RTGM Business Coaching, says he has the backing of local Rotary district governor David Morris for the project but that this will be different to the usual Rotary group, the Holbeach branch of which closed recently,
“Somewhat ironically what we are doing here, is more like reset,” Melvyn continued.
“Rotary started as a business networking concept, that very quickly realized that being a part of and contributing to the community brought mutual benefits, to the members and of course those that we support and assist.
“How we practically organise this group to meet and operate to a large extent will be determined by the those that participate.
“We are sure that Holbeach and The Suttons Rotary Network will not be what might be thought of as the conventional Rotary Club, it will have new ideas and practices based upon traditional values, which we remind ourselves by comparing what we think, say and do against The Four Way test.”
That created by Rotarian Herbert J Taylor is the principle of the Rotary and states.
Is it the truth?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
The next session is due to be held on March 30 at Churchill’s.
Mervyn said: “We need a minimum of 20 members to form a new Rotary entity, and we have attracted people from local business that were new to learning about Rotary, as well as some that were once members of a Holbeach Rotary Club.
“How the group will arrange to meet and operate is to a large extent to be determined by the those that sign up to participate.
“It has been suggested that we mix the meeting between online and in person meetings once or twice a month.
“Perhaps as business and community service collaborations develop smaller groups meet on pacific projects as required to move those forward.”
To get involved you can contact Mervyn on Mervyn@rtgm.com or contact 07935 230837.
