Latest News - July 2026

President Derath Durkin’s Report

This inaugural report is the first of two summer updates. The next will follow in early September, and thereafter reports will be issued monthly.

I began my year as President on 3rd July. That evening I drove to Dartmoor to attend the RYLA end‑of‑course dinner to support Alex Farrell, our RYLA candidate this year. He was one of 27 young men and women taking part in this excellent leadership programme. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening, with course members providing after‑dinner entertainment through sketches, songs and routines that brought much merriment.

Alex has now delivered his talk to the club, sharing his experiences on the course, the people he met, and the impact the programme has had on him. It was a pleasure to hear his reflections.

This event was quickly followed by what has become our Annual Classic Car Rally on Penzance Prom. On Sunday 5th July we welcomed 125 spectacular cars and a handful of motorbikes, enjoyed by enthusiasts and curious visitors alike as locals and holidaymakers flocked to the prom to join in the fun.

The weather was incredibly hot, and Sally in the Ice Cream Van was doing a roaring trade as people queued to cool off! Many thanks go to Paul Durkin and the team of Rotary volunteers who ensured a safe, successful and thoroughly enjoyable day. We were also delighted to welcome the newly elected Mayor of Penzance, Cllr Andy Law, who joined us during the afternoon.

Newly elected Mayor of Penzance, Cllr Andy Law, with our also very newly elected President – both enjoying the sunshine.

The following day, Monday 6th July, I formally welcomed the incumbent of the Penlee Cluster on behalf of the club. The cluster comprises four churches in Penzance and the surrounding area: St Mary’s Penzance, St John the Baptist Penzance, St Peter’s Newlyn and St Pol de Leon in Paul village. Other local groups joined me in welcoming Revd. Jacky, including the Mayor, the Head Teacher of St Mary’s and Madron Schools, and a representative of the Arts community.

Later in July, on Tuesday 21st, I had the privilege of presenting the Matt Martens Award for Outstanding Achievement at St Mary’s C of E School in Penzance.

Many of you will remember Matt, a member of Penzance Rotary Club and a former President (2018–19). After his death, Matt’s mother Helga wished to honour his memory, and so an annual award (funded by Helga) was created for a pupil who not only strives to do well themselves, but also encourages and supports their fellow pupils.

Now in its third year, the award consists of a shield engraved with the winner’s name and displayed in the school, a personal trophy for the pupil to keep, and a small gift card. This year’s winner was chosen by the Head Teacher and all school staff — with one exception: the Assistant Head Teacher, who is also the pupil’s father! He was very surprised (and very proud) that everyone had managed to keep it secret from him.

The award went to Isla King, a Year 6 pupil. These are just some of the reasons she was chosen: Isla is one of those remarkable people who quietly gets on with things, always giving her best. She is consistently ready to help others, has enthusiastically taken part in a range of sporting events, represents the school with pride, and is a wonderful friend to others.