Welcome to our Monthly News!

Preparing to welcome International Rotary Delegations in May

Penzance is preparing to host an international celebration of Rotary friendship this spring, as President Giovanni Perialie’s long‑held vision of strengthening cross‑border connections becomes a reality. Over the first three days of May, twenty‑one visitors from Rotary clubs in France and Italy — linked symbolically by the line of St Michael — will arrive in West Cornwall for their first joint International Friendship Visit.

President Giovanni praised the “remarkable generosity and enthusiasm” shown by local members who have stepped forward to host guests, provide transport, and accompany the visiting Rotarians on tours and events. Special thanks were extended to Alan Wilson and Sue Home for their extensive preparation and coordination in the lead‑up to the visit.

The programme will culminate in an International Friendship Dinner at the Tregenna Castle Hotel in St Ives, which will also serve as the 2026 Penzance Rotary President’s Night. Distinguished guests include the Mayor of Penzance, Rotary District Governor Sam Cross, and Assistant District Governor (IPDG) Tony Williams. President Giovanni said he is “very much looking forward to a great evening celebrating fellowship, service, and international goodwill.”

Senior Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) 1175 Update

Following last month’s report, three potential candidates for the RYLA 1175 programme have now been identified. Members have agreed in principle that Penzance Rotary will contribute up to £500 per candidate toward the £795 course fee.

The Club is now inviting the three prospects to formally put their names forward. Subject to Club Council approval, brief details of the candidates will be presented at the upcoming Business Meeting before applications are assessed by the RYLA team.

Each approved applicant must raise a minimum of £295 themselves before the end of May for their application to proceed. This year’s course runs from 28 June to 3 July at Brimpts Farm on Dartmoor.

RYLA remains one of Rotary’s most transformative youth programmes — an immersive week of leadership development, outdoor challenges, expert speakers, and teamwork designed to build confident, capable young adults aged 18–30. It is endorsed by local employers and offers lasting benefits for participants, Rotary clubs, and the wider community.

Penzance Rotary’s past RYLA successes include:

• Derek Thomas — who went on to become the local MP.
• Lottie Allen — horticultural student who became head gardener on St Michael’s Mount and later moved to Hidcote Manor.
• Kate Jamieson — local entrepreneur and artist.

Recent Speakers and Club Events

Thanks were offered once again to Nigel Rudd for arranging a series of engaging lunchtime talks.

Emily Drew of Paul Robinson Solicitors delivered a highly focused and well‑received session on wills, powers of attorney, and estate planning — rarely have members been so attentive to every word.

After the Easter bank holiday break, Nigel hosted a light‑hearted Easter Trivia Quiz, which proved surprisingly educational for many members.

Most recently, Laurie Stephenson spoke about the heartwarming work of FLIKKA, the donkey rescue centre near Mabe, highlighting the charity’s dedication to animal welfare and rehabilitation.

Nominations Open for 2026 Senior RYLA Programme

Rotary clubs across District 1175 are reminded that nominations are now open for the 30 places on this year’s Senior Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA). Running 28 June - 3 July, the week‑long residential course on Dartmoor offers 18 - 30‑year‑olds an immersive leadership experience featuring expert speakers, outdoor challenges, and team‑building activities. The programme is endorsed by leading employers and is widely recognised for developing confident, capable young leaders. Read more

Club Speakers Highlight Fraud Awareness and Civic Leadership

Thanks to the work of speaker coordinator Nigel Rudd, members recently heard from Kern Matthews, who delivered an eye‑opening session on credit card fraud, sharing both alarming statistics and practical advice. Read more

On 13 March, the Club marked its 103rd anniversary by welcoming the Mayor of Penzance and newly appointed Honorary Rotarian, Stephen Reynolds. The Mayor reflected on his three years in office and joined members in celebrating the Club’s historic charter date. Read more

Major Healthcare Advancement for Cornwall

Penzance Rotary is celebrating news that the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust has secured approximately £2 million in NHS England funding for a Medtronic Hugo™ Robot‑Assisted Surgery system at Treliske. The achievement follows extensive fundraising and advocacy led by Falmouth Rotary, supported by surgeons, MPs, patient groups, and contributions from across District 1175. Read more

Club Consolidation Continues to Strengthen Rotary in Penzance

As the Rotary year draws to a close, the President praised the success of the consolidation of Penzance’s two former Rotary clubs. Membership bonds continue to grow, new members are joining, and the unified Club is now positioned to expand its community impact.

Members are encouraged to reflect on future priorities ahead of the Club Assembly on 19 June, where President‑Elect Derath will outline plans for the coming year. Ideas for continuing, reviving, or launching new initiatives are warmly welcomed.

A Splash of Colour Thanks to Community Volunteers

We extend heartfelt thanks to the Newlyn Community Flora Group and the Penzance Community Flora Group. These wonderful volunteers continue to find fulfilment, friendship, and purpose through their work planting, tending, and brightening our public flower beds.

This season, our donation of crocus corms has once again burst into bloom, adding early colour to the town. Beyond their beauty, these crocuses also carry a deeper meaning: part of the funds from Rotary’s purchase of corms through the ‘Purple for Polio’ scheme supports Rotary International’s mission to End Polio Now.

In October, the resale of a quarter of the corms to members raised an additional £100 for The Rotary Foundation—a small effort with meaningful impact.

Weathering the Storms Together

It has been a month of seemingly endless storms, and we sincerely hope you have come through relatively unscathed. Some members experienced temporary loss of utilities, and it’s in these moments that the strength of Rotary shines. Your fellow Rotarians are always ready to help—sometimes all you need to do is ask.

A special well‑done goes to Helston Lizard Rotary Club, whose members stepped up to help operate a bottled water station after Storm Goretti caused major disruption to water supplies. Their swift action exemplifies Rotary service at its best.

Extending Honorary Membership

Following last month’s visit from Rtn Martin Straus (Taunton), who shared his experience of receiving Honorary Membership as Mayor of Taunton, we are pleased to announce that an offer of Honorary Membership has now been extended to the Mayor of Penzance, Cllr Stephen Reynolds. Stephen previously joined us to present an award to Rtn Des Hosken in recognition of his remarkable fifty years of Rotary membership.

A Busy 5th Friday and Growing Membership Elsewhere

The 5th Friday in January brought a flurry of interest from neighbouring clubs. Although limited space meant we couldn’t welcome everyone, we were pleased to host President Nick Wills and Chris Butterill from Helston Lizard. Their club’s success in recruiting 18 new members (net 14) in the past year—largely through word of mouth—is an inspiring reminder of the power of personal connection.

Looking ahead, our next 5th Friday gathering will be in May, and we are grateful to Hon. Rtn and Past President Anita George MBE for agreeing to facilitate a Charity Lunch at The Logan Rock Inn.

International Fellowship for Peace

A small sub‑committee led by Rtn Alan Wilson continues to prepare for the upcoming visit from members of three French Rotary Clubs and two Italian Clubs. With invaluable support from Hon. Rtn Sue Home, the itinerary is taking shape for this early‑May gathering, which aims to promote world peace through fellowship, cultural exchange, and shared service. Rotary worldwide remains committed to addressing the root causes of conflict—poverty, discrimination, intolerance, and lack of education.

Youth Competitions: Successes and Setbacks

Youth Speaks was a great success, despite fewer entries this year. Congratulations to Mousehole School, who narrowly edged out St Just School. Both teams now progress to the area round. Huge thanks to Rtn Zena Muth and the Youth Service team for their dedication.

Unfortunately, the Young Artist competition had to be cancelled due to last‑minute school withdrawals. Our thanks go to local artists Richard Sorrell and Sarah Bell, who generously offered their time as judges and remain willing to support a future competition.

Returning to The Queen’s Hotel

Our winter residency at The Fishermen’s Arms in Newlyn has now concluded, and we are pleased to be back at The Queen’s Hotel. Lunchtime talks have resumed, beginning with an informative update from Rtn Mike Ward (St Austell) and community organiser Alan Shepherd, joined by Nadine Tonner and Martin Venning, on the current situation of the Golowan Festival CIC. With the change of ownership at the Barbican and the loss of their long‑standing workspace, the future of the festival has faced uncertainty—but the team continues to work tirelessly to secure its continuation.

A Festive Finale: Christmas Lunch 2025

Our Rotary Club Christmas Lunch proved to be a wonderfully convivial way to round off another year of fellowship, service, and good humour.

Held at the Queens Hotel, the event brought members together for an afternoon of laughter, conversation, and seasonal cheer. The lunch itself was traditional Christmas fare and as ever, it was the company that truly made the occasion.

A highlight of the event was the Christmas raffle, expertly organised by Nick.

He was joined by Alan Thomas, who took on the rather unconventional role of selecting which prize each winner received. Odd though it may have seemed, the system worked remarkably well and certainly kept things moving at a brisk pace!

The proceeds from the raffle (an impressive £220) will go to the President’s Charity for the Year: Cornwall Hospice Care (St Julia’s Hospice). A heartfelt thank‑you to everyone who contributed so generously.

It was, all told, a warm and spirited end to the year — a reminder of what makes our club such a special community.

Supporting Local Students Through Mock Interviews

As in previous years, Penzance Rotary was delighted to support both Mounts Bay Academy and Humphry Davy School in preparing their Year 11 pupils for the next steps in their lives.

Our annual Mock Interview programme has become a valued fixture in the school calendar, offering young people a safe, supportive introduction to the world of work and further education.

This December, Rotarians were joined by local business professionals to deliver a full day of practise interviews, helping students gain confidence, refine their communication skills, and better understand what employers look for in real‑life situations. The enthusiasm and maturity shown by the pupils made the event a pleasure for everyone involved.

What Are Rotary Mock Interviews?

Rotary mock interviews are community initiatives designed to bridge the gap between education and employment. By simulating job or college interviews, we give students the chance to:

• Practise presenting themselves professionally

• Receive constructive feedback on their CVs and interview technique

• Explore how to articulate their strengths, interests, and ambitions

• Build confidence when speaking with unfamiliar adults

For many pupils, this is their first experience of a formal interview setting—an invaluable step as they prepare for college applications, apprenticeships, or part‑time work.

How the Programme Works

1. Partnership with Schools – we work closely with Mounts Bay Academy and Humphry Davy School to schedule interviews and prepare students for the day.

2. Student Preparation – Pupils create CVs and complete application forms, encouraging them to reflect on their achievements, hobbies, and future aspirations.

3. The Interview – Rotarians and local business volunteers conduct short, focused interviews—typically 15–20 minutes—mirroring the style and structure of real recruitment conversations.

4. Feedback & Guidance – After each interview, students receive personalised feedback on their communication, presentation, and ability to discuss experiences such as teamwork, leadership, and problem‑solving.

Key Benefits for Students

• Real‑world practice in a professional interview environment

• Confidence in meeting new people and expressing themselves clearly

• Skill development, including how to highlight achievements and handle challenging questions

• Career insights into what employers value and how to prepare for future opportunities

Teachers regularly tell us how much the pupils grow from the experience—and how it helps them approach their post‑16 choices with greater clarity.

What Interviewers Look For

• Preparation – Has the student thought about their next steps and what their chosen path requires?

• Self‑awareness – Can they identify their strengths, interests, and relevant experiences?

• Communication – Are their answers clear, thoughtful, and free from unnecessary filler or rambling?

These are skills that develop with practice, and the mock interviews give students a valuable head start.

A Big Thank You

Penzance Rotary extends sincere thanks to the staff at Mounts Bay Academy and Humphry Davy School for their continued partnership, and to all Rotarians and local professionals who volunteered their time. Your support helps equip young people with the confidence and skills they need to thrive in the next stage of their lives.

Supporting the GOFA Charity

The Rotary Club of Penzance with Mounts Bay is proud to have supported Good Old Furniture Available (GOFA), a much‑loved local charity dedicated to helping disadvantaged households. GOFA provides recycled household items to families and individuals of limited means, ensuring that essential furniture and appliances find a new home where they are most needed.

Last year, the Club provided funding to assist with the cost of new decals for GOFA’s box van. This vehicle, a familiar sight across the community, plays a vital role in collecting and delivering items to households in need. Thanks to the grant, the van now proudly displays the Penzance Rotary with Mounts Bay logo, symbolising the Club’s ongoing commitment to supporting local initiatives that make a real difference.

By partnering with GOFA, Rotary continues its mission of service above self — helping to strengthen community ties and improve lives through practical support.

Hardship Grants Bringing Relief to Local Families

One of the recent highlights for the Club has been the launch of the latest round of Rotary Hardship Grants. This initiative is distributing up to £13,000 in total through local schools, providing much‑needed support to young families facing financial strain.

Teachers, who are uniquely placed to understand the challenges within their school communities, are helping to identify those most in need and to devise practical ways of delivering assistance. While modest in scale, these grants offer a welcome boost to families struggling with everyday costs, ensuring that help reaches where it can make the greatest difference.

Through the Hardship Grants programme, Rotary continues to demonstrate its commitment to service and community care, standing alongside families during difficult times and offering hope through tangible support.

Paying Tribute on Remembrance Sunday

This year’s Remembrance Sunday was a solemn and moving occasion, as the Rotary Club of Penzance joined the community in honouring those who gave their lives in service. President Jon said it was a privilege to lay a wreath at the Penzance War Memorial near Battery Rocks.

Rotarians across the world pause on this day to remember and honour the service and sacrifice that has enabled the people of Europe to live in freedom and democracy. In Penzance, Cllr. Steven Reynolds, Mayor of Penzance, led the town’s tribute to our servicemen and women, while our Vice President Derath conducted the public Service of Remembrance on what proved to be a wet and windy seafront.

The ceremony also brought to mind our late friend and Rotarian Jack Dennis, the last of our members to have served in the Second World War. Jack was a proud member of the 7th Armoured Division of the British Army — The Desert Rats — and his memory remains an inspiration to us all.

Our Rotary wreath, together with many others from service organisations across Penzance, is on display at the Chapel in the Memorial Garden adjacent to Penlee House, Morrab Road.

Providing New 24/7 Defibrillators for Penzance

We are delighted to announce that plans are now in place for the installation of two new defibrillators in Penzance, ensuring round‑the‑clock accessibility for the community.

The decision, taken in November, reflects Rotary’s commitment to enhancing public safety and wellbeing. Currently, many defibrillators in the town are located in venues that are not accessible “out of hours.” These new units will be positioned in locations where they can be reached at any time: * Outside the Queens Hotel * Outside the Rotary Shop.

Each defibrillator represents a vital, potentially lifesaving provision and the devices will proudly display the Rotary rondel.

This initiative is a significant step forward in community care, and once installed, the defibrillators will stand as a visible reminder of Rotary’s dedication to service and saving lives.

Inspiring Young Voices and Creativity in the New Year

Arrangements are now underway for the Club to host two exciting opportunities for local primary schools in the New Year: the Youth Speaks competition and the Young Artist competition. Both events are designed to encourage confidence, creativity, and self‑expression among young people in our community.

Youth Speaks

The Youth Speaks competition gives children the chance to develop their public speaking skills. Participants prepare and deliver a short speech on a topic of their choice, learning how to express ideas clearly, engage an audience, and build confidence in presenting. It’s a wonderful way to nurture communication skills that will benefit them throughout their education and beyond.

Young Artist

The Young Artist competition invites pupils to showcase their imagination and artistic talent. Working to a theme set by Rotary, children create original artworks that reflect their interpretation of the subject. The competition celebrates creativity and provides a platform for young artists to share their vision with the wider community.

Both competitions have long been popular in schools across the country, and we are delighted to bring them once again to Penzance and the surrounding area. They highlight Rotary’s commitment to supporting young people, helping them discover their potential, and giving them opportunities to shine.

We look forward to seeing the inspiring speeches and imaginative artwork that our local pupils will produce in the months ahead.

The Penzance Rotary Club continues to thrive through service, fellowship, and community impact. Members look forward to another month of meaningful activity and shared purpose.

Empowering Youth Through Mock Interviews

On 24th September, the Club’s Youth Service Team, led by Zena, successfully delivered the first round of Mock Interviews at Humphry Davy School. These sessions offered valuable real-world experience to students preparing for higher education or entering the workforce. The Club extended its gratitude to Friends of Penzance Rotary - Sarah Shaw, Floyd Steadman, Nigel Walker, and Mandy Duncan - for their generous support.

Member Spotlights: Lunchtime Biographies

Alan Wilson and Graham Calderwood captivated fellow Rotarians with their lunchtime “mini-biography” talks. Their stories highlighted the diverse and often surprising backgrounds within the Club, reinforcing the richness of experience among its members.

Marine Biology Talk by Jessica Rudd

Jessica Rudd, a PhD candidate in Marine Biology, visited the Club to share insights into her research on tuna tracking off the Devon coast. Her presentation on data capture and movement monitoring was well received. The Club thanked Nigel Rudd for arranging the visit from his niece.

Rugby Legends Evening and Upcoming Hospitality Event

Several members attended the Pirates Rugby Club’s fundraising event, “Rugby Legends,” featuring John Inverdale, Phil Vickery, and Andy Powell. Inspired by the evening, the Club is planning to reserve tables for the hospitality lunch ahead of the Pirates vs. Ampthill match on 24th January. Interested members and guests are encouraged to contact Nigel Rudd.

Anita George MBE JP Honoured at Women of the Year Awards

Past-President Anita George MBE JP was nominated for the 2025 Women of the Year award, joining over 400 celebrated women at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. Anita’s decades of service to charities, education, and Cornish cricket were recognised at the event. The Club congratulated her on this well-deserved honour and looks forward to seeing her again soon at The Logan Rock Inn.

Rotary Welcome Stone Restored

Thanks were extended to John Lloyd and Immediate Past President Nigel Clark for professionally cleaning the Rotary “Welcome” stone at Eastern Green. Originally installed in 2005 to commemorate Rotary International’s Centenary, the granite monument remains a proud symbol of Rotary’s presence in the community.

Club Leadership Confirmed for 2026–27

At the Club’s Special General Meeting, held in accordance with Rotary bylaws, the leadership team for the 2026–27 Rotary year was confirmed. The following members will serve alongside incoming President Derath Durkin:

President Elect (Vice President): Alan Wilson
President Nominee: Nigel Rudd
Executive Secretary: Hugh de Robeck
Club Secretary: Peter Johnson
Honorary Treasurer: Alan Thomas
District 1175 Voting Delegates: John James and Del James

World Polio Day and Purple 4 Polio Campaign

In recognition of World Polio Day on 24th October, the Club has acquired 4,000 crocus corms through the Purple 4 Polio appeal. These will be planted around Penzance and Newlyn with support from local Flora groups. The initiative aims to raise awareness of Rotary’s global effort to eradicate polio. Special thanks were given to Chris for organising a collection day at Morrisons to support the cause.