On Thursday August 7 the president of Quota, Leonie Benson, welcomed a large group of people to join together for a meal. Members from four local clubs, Apex, Rotary, Lions and quota sat down together for a night of fellowship and laughter.

The ages varied from somewhere above 80 to somewhere in the twenties. Wow! People from all walks of life sat side by side. Each table talked of many and diverse topics. Perhaps it was because of this vast range of ages, interests, occupations and experiences that the night was so enjoyable and interesting.

When it came time for each club to recite their objects the overall unity became very obvious. Every club listed “service to their community “ as a basis for their existence. Every club cited “international understanding” as an aim. “Enduring friendship” was another common theme. Many other themes were repeated . . . ethical standards and mutal understanding. So it seems that despite many differences we all had basically very similar ideals.

Quotarian Barbara Read welcomed the guest speaker Mr Keith Timperley who spoke on behalf of the group, Helping Hands for Hillcrest. Many people in Gloucester have already been associated with Hillcrest in some way and are fully aware of the wonderful service Hillcrest provides our community of Gloucester. The new group is aiming to improve facilities at Hillcrest. It will need the support of local clubs, help from various fundraisers and the generosity of all the local community.

The night was a success. All proceeds went to the Helping Hands committee.

For many it was occasion to meet new people, for others it was a chance to catch up. Thank you to the young Apexians, the Lion’s Club, the Rotarians and the Quota Club for a pleasant and rewarding evening.