YOU would be forgiven for thinking that a Powys Rotary club has gone barking mad, after members proudly welcomed their newest recruit at a recent meeting – a golden retriever.

But, when you think about the remit of Rotary clubs UK wide, to make a difference in their communities, then Farley the dog’s induction makes perfect sense.

Farley is a guide dog and has made a huge difference to the life of his visually impaired owner, Heather Gethin, whose husband Nigel joined his local club in 2022.

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The couple have been heavily involved with fundraising for Guide Dogs for the Blind, so much so that Rotary club member Richard Davies suggested he and his colleagues welcome a new four-legged friend into their ranks.

“Richard told me he was chatting with Heather after a previous meeting and Farley came to him and lay across his feet,” said senior Rotarian and the Builth club’s press officer, Ian Baxter-Wild.

“Richard suggested that Farley should be conscripted into the ranks of the club, as an acknowledgement of Nigel and Heather’s dedication to the charity, and the members were quick to get behind the idea.”

Richard said: “Farley fixed me in his gaze and the thought came to me, why don’t we induct Farley to be an honorary member of the club?

“We can further support the Guide Dogs and Farley would be a great representative for the Rotary, as this would be a unique event.”

Farley was inducted into Builth Wells Rotary Club as an honorary member at a recent meeting, fittingly held at the Greyhound Hotel, which is the club’s headquarters.

Presiding over the event was Rotary resident Ciaran O’Connell, who presented Farley with his certificate of honorary membership and a Rotary badge to be proudly worn on his harness.

“Farley has quite a fan club in Builth, and when we go out people stop me and say what a beautiful dog he is,” said Heather.

“He does his job well and I wouldn’t be without him for the world. He can wear his badge with pride.”

Guide Dogs Cymru representative Ruth Evans, the community fundraising relationship manager for Wales, was also present and received a cheque for £500 from the past president Baden Powell. 

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“Rotary club members pride themselves on making a difference in their community, and guide dog Farley has certainly made a huge difference to his owner, Heather,” said Ruth.

“Guide dogs are loyal and loving and can transform the life of someone with sight loss, giving them independence and confidence.”

Ruth delivered a talk describing the work of the charity, revealing that the cost of training one guide dog is over £54,000.  

Guide Dogs Cymru provides life-changing mobility services to adults, children and young people throughout Wales, who have sight loss. Ruth thanked Builth Wells Rotary Club for their support in this important work.