There were a number of visitors at last week’s meeting of the Rotary Club of Ardrossan and Saltcoats.

Two guests from the Community Led Action and Support Project (CLASP) and several members of Ardrossan Castle Curling Club (ACCC).

The occasion was the presentation of a cheque to CLASP for £600 raised at a joint BBQ of Rotarians and Curlers at the end of August.

There to present the cheque was Gail Milne, President of ACCC, Frazer Erskine, Vice President of ACCC, and chef at the BBQ. Receiving it on behalf of CLASP were Helen Bruce, Chairperson, and Emily Skimming, Team Leader.

After a relaxed meal Helen gave a presentation about CLASP.

CLASP was established in Hayocks, Stevenston in 2000 to provide a local base for confidential access to information on a wide variety of subjects. These include advice on Benefits, Welfare Reforms and Welfare Rights.

The welfare rights team consists of trained advisers and experienced volounteers.

In addition to providing basic welfare rights advice they also assist in form filling and maximising income and can carry out benefit checks.

These services are available at a number of surgeries in Ardrossan, Saltcoats, Stevenston, Kilwinning, Irvine, Springside and Kilbirne.

Helen explained that they also offer a work search support service.

With internet access to Jobcentre Plus and other websites they can help with application forms and CV preparation.

The Community Learning Support team focus on improving literacy.

They can help individuals improve reading, writing, numeracy and computing skills.

One of their most recent additions is HOPE – Helping Older People Evolve. To quote from their mission statement: “The HOPE Project provides a wide range of services specifically for over 50s within the local community and throughout North Ayrshire.

Our main aim is to help older people remain independent within their own homes for longer and to help them enjoy life in the company of others.” This is achieved through weekly lunch clubs, social outings, health and fitness classes, one to one befriending and an information and advice service.

This is only a brief summary of what CLASP has to offer. To learn more log onto www.clasps.org.uk or call 01294 602711.

The speaker on Thursday, October 16 will be councillor Jim Montgomerie. Jim has raised money for charity from taking part in ultra-marathons both at home and abroad, including such places as New York, the Great Wall of China, the Sahara Desert, the North and South Poles, Rio de Janeiro and Sydney and was a professional boxer until 1995.

The Rotary Club of Ardrossan and Saltcoats meets in the Lauriston Hotel, South Beach, Ardrossan, on Thursday Evenings at 6pm for 6.30pm.

If you would like to come along on any evening contact Alex Blair, secretary, at alexblair1230@btinternet.com or call on 07971 617 909.

The club is also in the process of setting up an associate member option for individuals who cannot commit to full time membership at present.

If you want to find out more about this, Rotary or the club checkout the following web sites: National Site at www.ribi.org, West of Scotland at www.rotary-ribi.org/districts, the local club at three-towns-rotary.info.