Rotary Club Of Warwick » Blog Archive » Renewing our Friendship with Warwick USA.

May11 - Renewing our Friendship with Warwick USA.

Warwick Rotarians have just returned from a 4 day visit to the Rotary Club of Warwick at City Centre Newport News, in Virginia USA. The American Rotarians came to UK last April to re-establish the friendship first made in the 1970’s when visits were exchanged.

President Jon Wassall, Past President Alan Bailey and their wives, and Jackie Crampton Club Secretary, spent 4 days being hosted by the clubs on the “Peninsula”- Yorktown; Warwick at City Centre Newport News and Hampton.

Rotarians were taken around the historic battlefield of Yorktown where the continental forces defeated the British Army, a turning point in the War of Independence; and visited Colonial Williamsburg – learning how early pioneers lived. After a visit to the Virginia Living Museum a centre for nature conservation established by the club 20 years ago; they went on to “Thrive” a community foodbank and spent time packing bags and speaking to volunteers and shoppers.

A Celebration evening was hosted by President John Meek, joined by the Mayor of Newport News who gave a letter of welcome for Warwick’s Mayor, and was presented with one from Mayor Jackie D’Arcy as well as a print of Warwick Castle. District Governor Pat Edwards joined members of all the local clubs for dinner and gifts were exchanged.

On the final day President Garrick Blount of Hampton Rotary Club took the visitors out on his boat around Hampton Roads harbor, home to the US navy, with close-up views of aircraft carriers and submarines. A final meal at the Bull Island Brewing Company beside the harbor was a fitting conclusion to the visit.

Hosts and guest Rotarians discussed the issues they face, and talked about their projects, and how they could co-operate in the future. Our Rotary motto “Unite for Good” seemed very appropriate as we enjoyed each other’s company and renewed friendships.

Celebrating our Friendship at Warwick Newport News