Club splashes the cash for its centenary

The Portsmouth & Southsea Rotary Club, which was the second in the country to 
be established, is marking 
its 100th anniversary by offering grants to youth organisations and projects across the city.

The club has made £20,000 available and organisations can apply for grants of up to £4,000.

The project is the brainchild of the club’s community and youth service committee Rotarian Bernard Parsons.

He said he wanted to build on the club’s established programme of supporting organisations that provide services for young people in Portsmouth.

He said: ‘It is our centenary and we thought a logical thing to do would be to distribute some assets.

‘We wanted to make £20,000 available to any suitable youth groups.

‘Hopefully we will get a few requests and we can pick a suitable winner.’

He encouraged groups in Portsmouth to get in touch.

Mr Parsons, who has been a Rotarian for 30 years, added: ‘It could be for a successful club, or a group that supports disadvantaged children.

‘It could be used to fund anything for any organisation which makes available activities that support youth in the city.’

Fellow Rotarian Brian Hall said the club wanted to build on its existing activities.

It already takes groups to Paultons Park and supports reading and speaking programmes, as well as getting involved in YMCA activities, plus more.

Mr Hall, a Rotarian for 18 years, said: ‘Young people are the future, we have had a particular focus on schools but that’s not all.

‘We have focused on public speaking, writing, photography, all sorts.’

Applications need to be submitted by May 1.

To enter call Mr Parsons on (023) 9225 5472 or email [email protected].