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 Facebook just search "Thatcham Rotary" Here is the LINK for the Santa Run Facebook Page

Speakers

Most months we have a guest speaker covering informative, interesting, and often entertaining topics. Visit our What We Do (Visiting Speakers Page)

OCTOBER BREAKING NEWS - Something Else Happened On Polio Day

Thatcham Rotary, Newbury Rotary and Hungerford Rotary launched a new collaboration under the banner Kennet Valley Rotary Clubs – KVRCs.

Each club will retain its own identity, independence and strong links with its local community. But by working more closely together, the clubs believe they can increase what they are able to achieve across the Kennet Valley.

The collaboration will allow the three clubs to support one another's events and initiatives, share ideas, experience and resources, and create new opportunities to raise funds for local charities and community organisations.

Rotary clubs organise events, support community projects, volunteer their time and raise money – not for their own benefit, but to support charities, good causes and people who need help.

Three clubs, Three Communities. One shared ambition: making an even greater difference across the Kennet Valley.

Read the full statement in the What We Do Section

24th Oct Polio Day

Today is World Polio Day, and a chance to reflect on just how far we’ve come, and to look ahead with renewed optimism.

For decades, Rotary members around the world have united behind an extraordinary ambition: a world free from polio.

That goal is closer than ever, thanks to the determination, generosity and commitment of Rotary members here in Great Britain and Ireland, and across the globe.

As we mark World Polio Day, we celebrate that remarkable progress of reducing cases by 99.9%, recognise the work still to be done and remind ourselves of what is possible when Rotary comes together behind a shared purpose. Find Out More Here

Duck Race Sep 26
 

Duck Race Winning Numbers

1st 1036 

2nd 1750

3rd 1182 

The Annual Duck Race has become a much loved tradition. Thank you for all your support and for making this such a wonderful event. The event made over £2,750 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
• Kennet Radio
• Newbury Canoe Club
• The Rowbarge Inn
• Camp Hopson
• Wasing Estates & Woolhamptom PC
• Thatcham Photographic Club
• and of course all our supporters.

The Thatcham Photographic Club (visit their website) kindly arranged for some of their members to take photos on the day and we have put them in an Album and can be viewed by clicking this link.

Car Show June 26

What a wonderful day with both vehicle owners and visitors arriving in high numbers making it a successful family event. Compared with a few days earlier the weather was very pleasant, although a little breezy at times which prevented us using our traditional "Welcome" arch.

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 vintage tractors. 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 6th Sep 26 by the Rowbarge, Woolhampton.

Last but not least: - Best In Show Winner 

Congratulations to Ray Partner owner of the VW Golf GTi 16v for receiving the judges Best in Show. The judges theme this year was Originality and Quality. 

The car has appeared on Top Gear, Fifth Gear, and Ch 4's Pulling Power so no stranger for being noticed as a special car. Well done Ray

Others winning Best Reserve or Commendations including for the first time a 2 wheeler!!

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!

Fund Raising Update