Programs & Projects
It is neither a steel and concrete structure nor a cyberspace creation,
but as the name implies, it just as certainly bridges the Atlantic Ocean
to a like minded group of Rotarians.
Created in 1982, this special relationship between Rotary Districts
1030 in England and 7230 in the U.S. (the Rotary Club of Peekskill is
in this district) has resulted in numerous close friendships among Rotarians
from both countries and the successful implementation of joint service
projects that reach far beyond mutual borders.
Former U.S. Rotary District Governor Joseph Fontana, an early proponent
of the bridge, said, “The advancement of international understanding,
good will and peace through a world fellowship of business people and
professionals, united in the idea of service, has found fulfillment in
the Atlantic Bridge.”
The Rotary Clubs of Peekskill and Bromsgrove, England, became the most
committed clubs on each end of the bridge. A significant project supported
for more than a decade by these clubs along with Rotary International
was “Operation Milk Flow.” Partnering with a Rotary club
in India, this effort substantially increased milk production for small
farmers in India through cross breeding of British and Indian cattle.
In 1997 the Bromsgrove and Peekskill clubs agreed to annually exchange
a young person in a specific profession who would benefit from visiting
professionals in the same or similar fields in the other country. Called “The
Alf Spears New Generation Fellowship,” this scholarship
was initiated by Dr. Roger Swanson of the Peekskill Rotary and bears
the name of Alf Spears who, as English district governor, led efforts
to create the Atlantic Bridge.
|