Looking forward to 50th anniversary of local branch

Limavady Rotary clubs.

This event was combined with a Rotary Bike ride, with 16 Ballymoney members and friends cycling from Ballymoney Rugby Club to Dunluce Castle, arriving in time to enjoy the wonderful hog roast and afterwards the family games.

The three other clubs also had riders converging from other locations.

All funds raised by sponsorship and entrance fees will be donated jointly by the four Rotary clubs to Prostatic Cancer Research at a joint meeting.

This was a very enjoyable event and despite indifferent weather conditions a great day of fellowship and craic was had by a large number of people. The groips are grateful to Ernie Bustard and his team for the delicious meals served and all the other participants who helped make the day a great success.

The ’first’ of July was Gordon Robinson’s ‘last day’ as President of Ballymoney Rotary Club.

Gordon thanked everyone for their support and efforts throughout the year which had been an enjoyable and successful time.

He then presented Past President John Pinkerton with the Jack Pinkerton Award. This had originally been presented 25 years ago in memory of the late Jack Pinkerton, who was the inaugural President of the club 50 years ago in 1965.

It was awarded to honour John for his civic contribution as Past President of the Law Society of Northern Ireland, President of the Ballymoney branch of the Royal British Legion, Her Majesty’s High Sherriff of Co Antrim and Member of Board of Robinson Hospital.

The Club Annual Pitch and Putt competition was held for the last time at the “Korea” par three course at Royal Portrus Golf Club.

This course in now being incorporated into the Valley course as part of the changes being made at Royal Portrush Golf Club in preparation for the proposed British Open Competition in 2019 or 2020.

Host for the evening, as usual, was Ian Simpson and his wife Wilma.

A fun competition for golfers and non golfers, this was greatly enjoyed by all before adjourning to RPGC for a meal.

After the meal Gordon Robinson presented Ian Simpson with a Paul Harris award, for his many years as an active Rotarian, many years as treasurer and current auditor as well as his years of active participation and contribution to the game of rugby in Ulster.

Ballymoney Rotary Club’s new President for the year 2015 - 2016 is David Simpson, who is Practice Manager in Ballymoney

Health Centre.

David has the honour of leading the club during its 50th year anniversary, with a celebratory Presidential Ball to be held in the Lodge Hotel on 21st November.

“During our 50th year we intend to continue to provide help and funding to those in need locally and internationally, through our Rotary projects,” said a club spokesman.

“Anyone who is interested in helping out or joining Rotary please check out our website - www.ballymoneyrotary.org or speak to any of our members.

“You will be made most welcome.”

Rotary is an organisation of business and professional person united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill and peace in the world.