A Rotary black tie dinner on Zoom attended by 60 people has been declared a huge success and an innovative first by many of the attending guests. Hosts were Rotarians Margaret and Ron Simpson BEM (pictured). Ron is President of Rotary in Uppingham until July 2020 and Margaret was event organiser.
Guest speakers included the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland Dr Sarah Furness PhD, the High Sheriff of Rutland Richard Cole, former Oakham Town Mayor Adam Lowe, Diocesan President of the Mothers’ Union Jill Cannings, and Rotary District 1070 Governor Rotarian Rodney Spokes of Leicester. Musical entertainment was provided by the Roamantics. A closing raffle raised over £1000 for local charities. Toward the close of the evening Paul Harris Fellowships were awarded to the Lord Lieutenant, Dr Furness, and Robert Wills (posthumously) for their outstanding public service to the Rutland community.
A four course meal for the evening was provided by a volunteer staff team from The Falcon Hotel and delivered to guests homes in advance. Giving feedback on the occasion guest comments included:-
“What a magical evening. It will go down in our book as the best evening of Covid. The food was delicious.” “Excellent and groundbreaking. An absolute triumph and a truly fantastic experience under such difficult circumstances.” “Congratulations for taking the risk and trying something innovative and for bringing it off.” “We can’t tell you how good that was. Well done.”