The Rotary Club of Wellington (Somerset) continues to meet every Monday morning using Zoom video conferencing. Members welcomed Commander of St John Ambulance Somerset Gerry Webb, who gave an interesting talk about his involvement with the organisation in Somerset, how it all began and something of his working career of 19 years as an officer in the Royal Corps of Transport.

Gerry explained how he worked at Rossholme Independent School for Girls where his wife Judith was headteacher until 2005 when an increase in school academies and a drop in student intake eventually forced the school to close. It was there that Gerry became involved with St John Ambulance, teaching first aid to students and, with taking further exams, not only drove a St John Ambulance but rendered first aid to patients.

Gerry also spoke about the establishment of the St John Ambulance Brigade in England in 1877, which coincided with the Industrial Revolution when many factory workers suffered injuries and needed first aid, and about the work of the St John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem with its expansion into Palestine, near the Gaza Strip, and into its surrounding communities. He concluded by reminding Rotarians that the establishment of St John of Jerusalem began 1,000 years ago when the Brother Knights of St John cared for travelling pilgrims to the Holy Land, aiding the sick and the poor.

To find out more about Rotary in Wellington, call the secretary, Mike Parsons, on 01823 252635 or e-mail [email protected]

Rotarians, whilst restricted to the medium of a Zoom meeting, appreciated all that Gerry was able to share and expressed their thanks in the usual way.