Members of the Rotary Club of Congleton, together with their families and friends, enjoyed a garden party at the home of Rtn Ian Robinson and his wife Heather on Saturday, August 22nd.

The visitors enjoyed a sunny afternoon of traditional games, including an hysterically funny ‘Human One Armed Bandit’ with three people performing the fruit machine function by selecting fruit at random, sight-unseen from individual boxes.

Biddulph Rotarian and assistant district governor, Mark Bailey, who holds the franchise for catering at Congleton Town Hall, delivered a barbecue with huge burgers and hot dogs and, partnered by Rtn Sharon Ingham, provided a full bar. Members and their partners provided a delicious selection of imaginative desserts prepared with great care to avoid any issues with allergies. Rtn Richard Lingard came with his disco equipment. The star performers were Danny Robinson (Ian’s son) on guitar and accompanied by Eleanor Dean (Heather’s niece), who came together as an impromptu duo and delivered a programme of professional entertainment.

Rotary-Congleton usually raises money in Congleton with events for the benefit of local charities and good causes. The Garden Party had a different objective. Host, Rtn. Ian Robinson is Rotary-Congleton’s International Lead. Rotary International initiated a global campaign to inoculate children against the scourge of poliomyelitis. Since 1985, clubs throughout the world have contributed almost $3bn to the campaign, currently running at $50m a year, which is now match-funded 2:1 by Microsoft founder, Bill Gates. The Garden Party is expected to raise around £1,000 for the campaign. A working ‘Iron Lung’ reminded visitors that a small number of these dreadful contraptions are still in use, keeping long-term polio sufferers alive.