About Thatcham and District Rotary

We support Local, National, and International charities, by involving ourselves in fundraising projects, and other not-for-profit organisations whilst having fun and making new friends. 

The purpose of our website is to introduce ourselves as to who we are, what we do, and provide information on our forthcoming events.

We hope you find it informative and will encourage you to support our various events.

If you like what you see, and what we do, (view our Flyer) you may be interested in helping, or even joining us? If so and would like more information, please use the contact link at the bottom of the page. 

You can follow us on Instagram at @thatcham_rotary 

Or on Facebook from the link at the bottom of this page. 

Mar 26

Did you notice the purple crocus displays around Thatcham? We planted these (about 5000) a number of years ago to to highlight the Rotary Work in eradicating Polio around the world, more details can be found HERE

Young Chef Updates (Nov 25 & Feb 26)

Local Round

In Nov we held the local heat of the Rotary Young Chef Competition which is a national competition for young people between the ages of 12 to 17. There are 4 rounds, Local, District, Region, and National.

The Winner and Runner up of each round progresses to the next.

The Local round was held at the Newbury College who kindly made their catering facilities available. The event was sponsored by Newbury Race Course and Levy Uk & Irland.

The winners were Cymbeline Atterwatter from Downe House School, and runner up Francesca Dance from St Gabriels.

      Winner   Runner Up

District Round

The District event this year was organised by Thatcham Rotarian, Ron Howard. Newbury College once again made their catering facilities available, and Newbury Racecourse and Levy UK & Ireland provided valuable sponsorship.

There were 5 competitors from 4 Schools in the District, Downe House, St Gabriel’s, John Hampden Grammar, and Princes Risborough

The judges commented on the high standard achieved by all the competitors and advised that only one point separated the winner Cymbeline Atterwatter a Downe House School pupil, from runner up Maisie Madelin a pupil from Princes Risborough School. Both progress to the Regional final.

Our thanks go to Newbury College, and Newbury Race Course and Levy UK & Ireland.

A big thank you also go to the judges Anthony Million Catering Lecturer at Newbury College, and Local Chef and Businessman Ian Alexander, who both gave invaluable feed back to all the competitors.

Santa Run Dec 2025

It was wet, so were the runners, spectators, and the camera!! Well done all who took part and those that came to support them. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed it, in spite of the conditions.

Go to Detail page for info of the day, and here is the LINK to this years photo album

We had a great time!!

Singing and Dancing in the rain!

Nov 25

Earlier in the month we had a very interesting talk from Mike Green a local Professional Commercial Photographer and Model Plane Enthusiast. In order to be able to explain how some of his photos have been taken, Mike gave a quick lesson on the relationship between camera aperture and speed settings and demonstrated the difference it can make to a photo, and treated the audience with a few tips on making a better photo.

There were some truly stunning photos both commercial and of course some flying models.

Mike Green a local Professional Commercial Photographer and Model Plane Enthusiast.

 I tried one of the tips with my iPhone and this was the result - more practice required?!!

Did you know 24th Oct was World Polio Day.

Find out more on End Polio Now Campaign.     

Quiz Night Oct 25

What a great night, a mixture of question topics for everyone, and a good fund raiser for Daisy's Dream Charity. (Over £1,800 with match funding by The Good Exchange)

Well Done The Winners

Duck Race Sep 25

What a great turnout even a light shower could not dampen the enjoyment of those who attended. 

 The winning duck numbers: - 

• First Place - 4671
• Second Place - 2048
• Third Place - 4338

We took quite a few photos of the event and placed in an Album (Click on link).

The Annual Duck Race has become a much loved tradition. Thank you for all your support and for making this such a wonderful event, we made just over £3,500 that will go to our selected charities, the main beneficiary being Swings and Smiles.

These events do not just happen and could not take place without support so would like to say a big thank you to:

• HCA Business Support Services who for the third year were our main sponsor.
• Kennet Radio for providing the pre race entertainment and commentary
• Newbury Canoe Club for marshalling the ducks and making sure we didn't lose any on the way.
• The Rowbarge Inn for all their assistance.
• Camp Hobson who for some years now have stored the ducks between races
• Wasing Estates, Woolhampton PC, and Thatcham Town Council for agreeing and assisting with preparation of additional parking area.

     and of course all our supporters.

Go to Event Details page to read report of the day. 

Car Show June 25

What a wonderful day with both vehicle owners and visitors arriving in high numbers making it a successful family event.

We had a vast variety of vehicles: - cars some vintage, and some not so old but enthusiastically modified. There were motorcycles and trikes, and a number of larger exhibits. Don't take our word for it take a look at the album of the day. (Album)

A big thank you to all who exhibited and those that came to view. Hope to see you at our next event - Duck Race 7th Sep 25.

Last but not least: -

Congratulations to owners of the Chysler Newport and the Austin Metropolitan for receiving the judges Best in Show. and Reserve Best in Show Awards. The judges theme this year was Originality and Quality. 

 Best In Show Winner: - 

Fund Raising Update