The Rotary Club of Church Wilne welcomed Lydia Brown & Matt Buhagiar to its recent speaker evening, they gave a fascinating and heart felt talk on their trip to the Philippines and the legacy of Typhoon Odette. https://redcross.org.ph/odetteph/

Back in 2020 Lydia and Matt were travelling around the Philippines visiting Port Barton. Such a diverse country, 186 languages, 7640 islands with more volcanoes than towns. Traditional industries being logging, fishing and pearl farming. Tourism has become more important to this part of the world: Hostels, Restaurants & Bars, Boat Trips and Tours.

Lydia & Matt were staying at the Jeno Tourist Inn run by Butch & Moises, enjoying Snorkling and Swimming, when the Covid pandemic struck, ending their trip and sending them home after a couple of weeks. Then in December 2021 Typhoon Odette hit, flattening many homes and businesses. Lydia & Matt supported Butch & Moises in rebuilding their lives and raising funds through the Red Cross Philippines to help support those who also suffered.

For more information on Rotary, our speaker evenings, events and the main activities organised by our club please contact our Secretary, David Hewitt at: rccw1220@gmail.com.

Dr John A Cook
For Church Wilne Rotary