Rotary Club Reading Maiden Erlegh

THE Rotary Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh has welcomed two new members ahead of its annual art and craft fair.

Alpesh Patel and Mahadev (Sam) Semwall were officially welcomed at the club’s business meeting last week, held at St Nicholas’s Church Hall in Reading.

Club president Mike Phillips presented Alpesh and Sam with their Rotary lapel badges and expressed his enthusiasm for their timely arrival. He said: “They’ve joined just in time to help with the busiest season of the year when we have our annual art and craft fair and all our Christmas activities on top of our ongoing work helping young people and the disadvantaged in our community.”

The fair will take place at Leighton Park School from October 24 to 26, supporting two vital causes – Feeding Communities, a local initiative aiding food banks and food share groups, and the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

Both new members shared their excitement about joining the club.

Mr Semwall said: “I am very much looking forward to working on various projects with the team.” Mr Patel added: “I feel honoured to be part of such a great team.”

Their addition brings the club’s membership to 35 active members, all committed to making a difference in the community while enjoying strong social bonds. The Rotary Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh was founded in 1989. Since its inception, the club has raised more than £750,000 for local and international causes and meets on Tuesday evenings.

Colin Moir