Diamonds are Forever!

“Diamonds are Forever” sang Shirley Bassey in the famous 1971 James Bond theme — and for Pershore Rotary, the sentiment could not have been more fitting as members and guests gathered to celebrate the club’s 60th anniversary on Sunday, 10 May 2026.

The Diamond Anniversary Lunch, held at the Vale Golf Club, brought together 73 guests for an afternoon of friendship, reflection and celebration. Among those attending were the Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire Mrs Beatrice Grant, District Governor Anne Bartholomew, District Governor Elect Lucy Thornton, representatives from Rotary clubs across the region, Pershore’s Mayor Cllr Julie Hemming, Rev Canon Claire Lording, local business and community leaders and many friends of the club.

Although the sunny weather had clearly attracted enthusiastic golfers to the Vale, creating a challenge for anyone hoping to park close to the clubhouse, spirits remained high as guests arrived and were warmly welcomed by Pershore Rotary President Lynne Raymer and her consort for the day, brother-in-law David Raymer of Redruth Rotary Club.

A sparkling drinks reception at 12.30pm gave everyone the opportunity to mingle in a dining room decorated with Rotary banners collected during six decades of friendships and exchanges with clubs near and far. The colourful display had been lovingly restored by Jan Crouch and Mina Crisp, who washed, pressed and repaired many of the treasured banners especially for the occasion.

At 1.00pm, guests were invited to take their seats for lunch. Following a welcome from President Lynne, Rev Canon Claire Lording said grace before everyone enjoyed a traditional Sunday carvery. The celebration cake was then ceremonially cut by Past District Governor Ken Corrigan, whose enthusiastic style prompted more than a few smiles from those imagining a dramatic “Address to the Haggis” performance!

After the cake-cutting, President Lynne reflected on the history and achievements of Pershore Rotary since its charter in 1966. She spoke of the club’s longstanding commitment to serving the local community and highlighted several significant projects undertaken over the years. These included helping to build a school in Nepal alongside neighbouring Rotary clubs, supporting the creation of a Rotary family suite at St Richard’s Hospice in Worcester, contributing to Rotary International’s global campaign to eradicate polio and more recently providing humanitarian aid for refugees from Ukraine.

Closer to home, she praised the club’s continued support for young people, local charities and Pershore Foodbank, as well as the success of the annual Tree of Remembrance Appeal and concerts held in Pershore Abbey.

Looking to the future, President Lynne thanked everyone for supporting the anniversary celebrations and expressed confidence that, while Rotary continues to evolve, the club’s spirit of service would remain strong for many years to come. Guests were also presented with a commemorative book, The Rotary Club of Pershore 1966–2026: The Diamond Years, edited by Peter Gardner and featuring anecdotes and memories from former presidents and members.

The Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Beatrice Grant, then addressed the gathering. She explained her role as the King’s representative in Worcestershire and spoke warmly about the importance of volunteers in community life. Praising Rotary’s contribution locally and internationally, she described volunteers as “the beating heart of this country” and commended the dedication shown by Rotary clubs across Worcestershire.

Meanwhile, throughout the afternoon, an energetic team led by Carole Hecht worked tirelessly selling raffle tickets in aid of Pershore Foodbank. Thanks to generous prize donations from local businesses and individuals, the raffle raised an impressive £420 — enough to provide food for around 12 or 13 families for three days. Special thanks went to ticket sellers Lesley Faulkner, Carol Rosier, Sylvia Fletcher, Jan Crouch and Eve Ellen.

Bringing the formal proceedings to a close, District Governor Anne Bartholomew offered the vote of thanks to the Lord-Lieutenant, expressing appreciation for her warmth, encouragement and commitment to recognising volunteers across the county.

She concluded by reminding everyone of Rotary International’s enduring motto, “Service Above Self”, a principle that has guided generations of Rotarians since 1950.

Finally, with a toast to “Rotary Around the World” proposed by incoming District Governor Lucy Thornton, Pershore Rotary’s Diamond Anniversary celebrations came to an end — and guests began the final challenge of the day: the long walk back to their cars!