Rotary District Governor visits Southampton Club

The Rotary Club of Southampton welcomed Rotary District 6330 Governor Lorna Gunning-Fratschko to the community last evening for a first-hand look at local Rotary projects and a meeting with Club [...]

The Rotary Club of Southampton welcomed Rotary District 6330 Governor Lorna Gunning-Fratschko to the community last evening for a first-hand look at local Rotary projects and a meeting with Club members and guests. President Sylvia Sheard and Secretary Trish Saunders accompanied the District Governor on a tour of Rotary-supported projects across Southampton, including the Jubilee Park Playground and Splash Pad, the Pavilion at Fairy Lake, the GC Huston Dome Room and Playground, Pioneer Park, the Captain Spence Path Bridge, beach Mobi-Mats, the Trail Head, and the Peace Pole and Butterfly Gardens at Perkins Park.

For larger view, click on image Following the tour, the Club’s Board met with the District Governor at Chantry Breezes to talk Rotary’s future, the club accomplishments and challenges before gathering with members and guests at Rotary Hall for a dinner catered by Southampton Thai. Addressing the Club, Governor Lorna shared her vision for the year ahead and introduced the Rotary International President’s message, “Create Lasting Impact.” She also highlighted Rotary’s challenge to grow global membership to 1.25 million members by the organization’s 125th anniversary in 2030.

Governor Lorna also spoke about a personal challenge, together with Rotary International President Olyinka, to raise $1 million for the End Polio Now campaign, beginning in September 2026. The initiative will feature CoCo, an “Ambassador of Impact,” helping to share Rotary’s polio eradication story in a fun and engaging way. So watch out for our Coco during the coming months..!

“It was a pleasure to welcome our District Governor to Southampton and to share some of the many projects Rotary has helped make possible in our community,” said President Sylvia Sheard. “Her message was a timely reminder of the power of people working together to create lasting impact, both locally and around the world.” The visit provided an opportunity to celebrate Rotary’s contribution to Southampton and projects around the world while looking ahead to another year of service, fellowship and Do-Goodery!