Back in December, Rotarian Bill Honeywell saw a piece on BBC North West Tonight with Furness Rotary volunteering at Barrow and immediately thought “We could do that in Clitheroe!”
Bill Honeywell and Jenni Schumann, president of Clitheroe Rotary
Dr Russell Robb, the doctor in charge of vaccinations at Clitheroe Health Centre, was delighted with the offer of help. Rotarians were asked to help and responded magnificently.
By the end of the project, the Clitheroe team had more than 220 volunteers, many members of the public who were keen to help.
Bill, along with Clitheroe Rotary President, Jenni Schumann, worked on planning and logistics.
Volunteers at Clitheroe Health Centre ready to vaccinate the public.
The programme started with 16 marshals per shift as vaccinations got underway.
At the end of almost five months and over 6,200 hours of marshalling, more than 20,000 patients have been given the vaccine.”
Jenni, furloughed from her full-time job, immersed herself in the programme, discovered the online scheduling system ‘Sling’, and put in hours of hard work. She was subsequently awarded the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship for all the work she has put in on this project.
Clitheroe Rotary were joined by Rotarians from Ribblesdale. And both Clubs have recruited new members from the team of helpers, with many more offering their services as future friends of Rotary.
At the end of almost five months and over 6,200 hours of marshalling, more than 20,000 patients have been given the vaccine.
Rotarian and Clitheroe town Crier Roland Hailwood
Town Crier, Rotarian Roland Hailwood, was out and about in Clitheroe, giving a special ‘Cry’ to mark the landmark event.
David Bleazard from Clitheroe Rotary said: “The fun, the fellowship, the sheer enjoyment of meeting so many people, the satisfaction, the knowledge that everyone has been part of a great worthwhile effort, the raising of Rotary’s profile – all these have combined to produce one of the best things we have ever done as a club.
“And the after-effects will be long lasting too. Rotary also now has a group of new supporters and friends it hopes to call on to get involved in future community projects.
“People know us now as People of Action and facilitators of volunteering in our wonderful community.”
