ELLESMERE Rotary Club welcomed representatives from two local charities which will benefit from the Regatta on the Mere later this summer.

Our Space and Flamingo Lounge attended the meeting which took place last week and took the opportunity to talk about their work in the community.

Rotary president, Derek Clifford also spoke about the work in the Ellesmere Youth Project which it organises and he handed out coronation mugs.

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A Rotary spokesperson said: "Our Space is situated in Trimpley Street, Ellesmere, where the charity Bethpage run a community hub.

"Manager Rachel Davies outlined to members the many activities that the hub supports, including the library, food sharing scheme, and a varied programme of events and skills that promote the well-being of those who visit the daycare centre.

"Assistant manager Mike Grierson then went into greater detail about the activities for those with learning disabilities and dementia problems, exploring the question as to what makes a town ‘Dementia Friendly’, and how Our Space seeks to help create a community that supports and is inclusive of those suffering with dementia here in Ellesmere."

Border Counties Advertizer: Chair of Ellesmere Rotary Regatta, Geoff Corfield and Derek Clifford with Flamingo LoungeChair of Ellesmere Rotary Regatta, Geoff Corfield and Derek Clifford with Flamingo Lounge (Image: Ellesmere Rotary Club)

The spokesperson added: "Flamingo Lounge is a community interest company (CIC) founded by Louisa Bottomley in 2019, for the purpose of promoting inclusive events and activities for people with learning difficulties.

"Directors of the CIC include people with learning difficulties and events are organised by and for those with disabilities.

"Louisa was accompanied by the ‘Flamingo Gang’ of Richard, James and Caroline, who described what they enjoyed doing as members.

"There is a disco at the Comrades Club in Ellesmere on the first Friday of every month and the CIC owns its own mobile disco on which a number of members have become proficient.

"Karaoke and birthday celebrations are always favourites.

"Members and their carers are enabled to participate in night-time culture and therefore stay connected with community life at all times.

"Activities have involved linkups with the Cunliffe Day Centre in Wrexham, Maesbury Metals in Oswestry and the Derwen College, Gobowen, where a Halloween party was especially enjoyable.


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"There have also been Zoom linkups to daycare centres in North America and Africa.

"Members design their own posters and logos for shirts and hats.

"Geoff Corfield, chair of the Regatta Committee, reported that preparations were going well and encouraged any more crews who intend to compete on Sunday, July 2 to submit their entry forms in the near future.

"Contact can be made through admin@ellesmererotary.com or tel: 01939 270313."