Lunches and guest speakers
The club meets each Friday lunchtime and up to twice each month members and guests enjoy a talk by a speaker. Talks cover a wide range of subjects with most being community focussed. Others may cover a speaker's special interests.
Speaker Meetings & Social Lunches
Our social lunches are open to all and we particularly encourage guests to attend our speaker meetings as outlined on the forthcoming calendar. Please contact the Secretary or email PenzanceRotary@gmail.com if you are intending to come along.
Once a month the club also reviews activities at our Rotary Business Lunch, where updates are received on the progress of the club's various initiatives and decisions are taken regarding new and ongoing projects.
Anytime you wish to attend, contact us at least a day before the meeting to check that there is no change to the programme.
Penzance Rotary has an annual tradition of inviting the sitting Member of Parliament, regardless of who it is, to attend one of our weekly lunches and update us on current topics.
Thank you Andrew George (pictured above) — we appreciate your time, your thought‑provoking insights, and your endeavours to serve the many and varied interests of communities here in West Penwith.
Speaking at a Rotary lunch is not an easy task for a politician, given that Rotary is a non‑political, non‑secular organisation and we specifically discourage talk about party politics or religion at our lunches!
Examples of Speaker Topics
Air ambulance operations and emergency response in Cornwall.
International development and grassroots humanitarian projects.
Traditional Cornish crafts and heritage skills.
Local dialect, culture, and Cornish identity.
Town regeneration, funding programmes, and community planning.
Leadership, education, and personal resilience.
Local history, maritime heritage, and West Penwith stories.
Accessible media and community journalism.
Estate management and stewardship of historic properties.
Food production, dairies, and local artisan industries.
Humanitarian medical missions and global health initiatives.
Agriculture and the challenges facing modern farmers.
Environmental conservation and National Trust projects.
Further and higher education in Cornwall.
Sports coaching and community engagement.
Policing and community safety in West Cornwall.
The performing arts, theatre management, and cultural venues.
Charities supporting people with sensory impairments.
Engineering and transport history, including steam vehicles.
Exploration and survival stories from historic expeditions.
Broadcasting and local radio in Cornwall.
Royal Navy aviation and operations at Culdrose.
Mining heritage and the history of Cornish mines.
Local government, civic leadership, and town administration.
International Rotary connections and visiting Rotarians.
Contact Jonathan Symons about this page:
Lunches and guest speakers sub-pages:
Planning for the Future
more We recently welcomed Emily Drew from Paul Robinson Solicitors, who delivered a clear and engaging overview of some of the most important issues in modern estate planning.
Shelter Boots!
more We recently welcomed Dave Foster from the Evesham Vale Rotary Club, who shared his inspiring mission to walk 700 miles in support of ShelterBox disaster relief. His £20,000 fundraising mission for ShelterBox left a strong impression on us all.
Three Decades of Equine Rescue and Care
more Laurie Stephenson highlighted the Flicka Foundation’s long‑standing commitment to rescuing and rehabilitating vulnerable equines.
Speaker Meeting - Cllr Stephen Reynolds
more Penzance Mayor delivers insightful talk on community leadership and regeneration. With warmth and clarity, he shared proud moments, practical challenges, and the importance of representing every resident with fairness and dedication.
Credit Card Fraud Awareness
more Photographed alongside his father, Rotarian Jon Matthews, speaker Kern Matthews delivered an insightful talk on the evolving landscape of credit card fraud and how consumers can protect themselves.
Golowan Community Interest Company
more Mike Ward and Alan Shepherd outlined how Penzance’s cultural profile has evolved, the vital role of Golowan CIC, and the organisation’s recent challenges and opportunities as it secures new premises and seeks support to sustain its work
Housing Leader Shares Insights with Rotary Members
more We recently welcomed Allister Young, Chief Executive of Coastline Housing, for a lunchtime talk that shone a spotlight on one of the most pressing issues facing Cornwall today: the housing crisis.
Morrab Gardens: 18 Years of Community Spirit
more Rotary Satellite Club member Yukari Werrell reflects on Falun Gong practice and its lasting impact on Penzance’s public park.
Tuna Tag Saga!
more The club welcomed Jessica Rudd who gave a fascinating talk on predator-prey dynamics and post-tagging behaviour in Atlantic bluefin tuna - cutting-edge topics that form part of her Doctorate (PhD) research at Exeter University
Cyber Safety Essentials
more We were pleased to host Craig Lang, Cyber Protect Officer from Devon & Cornwall Police, for an engaging talk on staying safe online. His presentation highlighted the Top Twelve Cyber Tips - practical steps everyone can take to protect themselves
Floyd Steadman OBE - a remarkable role model
more Floyd Steadman visited Penzance Rotary to talk about his life so far including the hardship of his early childhood, family tragedy, racism, but above all, about determination and achievement.
Cornwall Rural Community Charity
more We were delighted to welcome Katherine Nissen, CEO of Cornwall Rural Community Charity (CRCC), to our recent lunchtime meeting. Katherine spoke with passion and warmth about her work leading CRCC and shared stories of projects that make a real difference.