Presentation Evening on 24th June 2026

Presentation Evening on 24^th June 2026

The idea of the evening was to invite people from different organisations who had given presentations to us over the past year, as well as representatives from Guston School, which we have supported.  All have been given financial donations or, in the case of Guston School, have benefited from District Grants.  As this was President Peter Sherred’s last meeting as President he gave a brief review of our achievements in the past Rotary year.

David Walton from the Steam Tug Servia Preservation Trust said that they were grateful for our donation which was used to repair part of the deck.  They aim to conserve this historic steam tug which is currently moored in Ramsgate Harbour.  They are always looking for volunteers and need someone with expertise in applying for lottery grants.

Dawn Butcher from the Dover SmArt Project told us how they were now helping 325 young carers and that their SmArt Schools’ Project had enabled them to give training and development to staff in five local secondary schools.  Their aim is now to do the same in all local primary schools, as the earlier they can intervene to help young carers the better the outcomes. The donation from the club was used to help pay for a Well-Being Coordinator.

SERV (Services by Emergency Response Volunteers) Kent volunteer and fundraiser, Trevor Sayer, gave an update on the service which has over 200 volunteers.  They support NHS hospitals and the Air Ambulance; they collect blood samples from dialysis patients at home and deliver them to the Kent and Canterbury Hospital, and also deliver donated breast milk for premature babies.  Theirs is 24 hours a day operation.  They have 6,200 calls a year in Kent, and are completely reliant on donations from organisations like Rotary.

Debbie Day, Head of Guston School, with Sashia Gifford who has been responsible for their Forest School, were grateful for the 'mud kitchen’ and ‘bug hunting kits’ that were purchased with the help of two District Grants of £300 which were secured by our club Environmental Lead, Janet Dagys. The club have also paid for a half-day session with pupils about the oceans given by Gloria Barnett, as well as providing some of Gloria’s books.  Janet plans to apply for another District Grant soon.  The club has been happy to support the school; it was President Peter who initiated the link as he knew the school from organising Christmas Carol Services for some years.

In reviewing the year Peter mentioned the success of the Club’s 40^th Anniversary Celebration at the beginning of June, which was attended by nearly 90 friends and supporters.  The examples above indicate that the club has been outward looking in supporting the local community.  It welcomes partners and friends as part of a wider base than just members. This will continue in the new Rotary year.

The Handover from President Peter Sherred to President Elect Jim Gleeson will take place at a lunchtime meeting at Cullins Yard on Wednesday 8^th July.