General Meeting

Thursday, 15 January 2026
Breakfast meeting
Apologies
- Gerry, Kathy, Lesley, Sue P. Gerry sent he goodbyes in an email message, she is
back in April.
Birthday wishes
- Anne celebrates this week 
- With the loss of Reggie a new responsible person for the birthday list has been
identified. Pete’s wife, Wendy, who is an expert birthday card coordinator has
volunteered her services. Pete has provided her with Pippa’s list and addresses
to assist 
Rev Simon Tillotson
- We all enjoyed Simon’s humorous talk last week. Fiona sent him info on our club
and he is happy to advertise events for us in his communications. He thoroughly
enjoyed joining us.
Harbour Day 15/8
- We need to book a stall for this event by end of January (with a request not to be
next to Whitstable RC ). The majority of those present agreed to support this
event. Its not a money making event but does highlight our presence.
Canterbury Sunrise RC Speaker meetings
- Steve Root has sent an email, forwarded to the club, with details of the above.
Pete is attending next week’s Canterbury Sunrise meeting as part of his getting to
know other clubs.
- In his investigations of local clubs on RC locator showing where and when clubs
meet Pete identified a few issues with our club that David M will rectify.
Canterbury Children’s Festival
The email from Maxine Blades has the necessary information.
1
Pete’s Retirement
- Has been doing a DIY project not just redecorating his study but also getting rid
of superfluous paperwork and a large filing cabinet. He now has a list of projects
to work through…
Grace given by Paul followed by breakfast.
Treasurer
- District grant money has been received and paid out to Open your Hearts to
Bhutan and SERV. Next round will be August/September.
- We have £3K of money identified for use in local charities from the South Africa
gift aid monies.
International
- Walk for Water 20/03, friends and family are welcome, training given on the day. A
venue for lunch will hopefully be arranged.
- TWAM - 18/4 at Chestfield play park. Robert will put a page in the events folder.
Youth
- Some challenges from district regarding communications.
Fundraising
- Car parking 31/01 mostly covered.
- Spring quiz - Awaiting notification of rental costs from Seasalter Christian Centre.
Social
- Bowling - Pat will be booking the Bowling alley and looking at supper at the
Hampton Inn.
- Escape Room - various size group events available, £30. A number of members
are interested so Godfrey will look to arrange in May.
- Lamberhurst Farm - cheese makers tour and ?tasting session. Sue V will look into
organising.
- Pig Racing - Godfrey has a contact who may lend the club the necessary for
holding such an event, he’s awaiting information.
Greetings from other clubs
- Sue V brought greeting from someone at Sandwich RC from car parking.
2
AOB
Almoner
- Marian’s funeral will be held on 30/01 at 11am in the church of Our Lady of the
Immaculate Conception, Northwood Rd Whitstable. Please let Pippa know in the
next 2 days if you are intending to attend and go to the wake as Marian’s son
Gerard needs numbers to identify the venue.
- Reggie’s funeral will be on 06/02 - Pippa has provided this update following our
meeting:
‘I found a tribute page for Reggie this morning and took it upon myself to write a
little something in his memory on behalf of the club. I hope the club members will
not mind me doing so:
“We at Chestfield Rotary Club were all shocked to hear of Reggie’s
untimely and sudden death. He was a popular and well loved member
of our club. In spite of all his health problems, he was always cheerful
and had a smile for everyone. As the almoner for our club, I personally
have got to know Reggie very well and helped steer him through some
of his health and social concerns. We regularly spoke and texted by
phone.
As your funeral is in Hillingdon and it has been requested that only
family and close friends attend, there will be no representation from
Chestfield Rotary Club but you will be in our thoughts and prayers on
February 6th Reggie, you will be sorely missed. May you Rest In
Peace”.’
Reggie’s funeral will be on line on Feb 6th at 1415
htttps://watch.obitus.com
User name: ziyo4583
Password: 612163I
Christmas Meal
Sue V provisionally proposed 18/12 1.30pm at Seasalter and Whitstable Golf Club.
Will be in the events folder for numbers.
Mongolian snow leopard talk by Sue MacKenzie
Robert will contact Sue and discuss with the Monument possibly arranging an extra
evening meeting for Sue’s talk.
Evening Meal 29/01
Menu choices to Robert’s asap.
3
PhysioNet
Spyros has been given a large mobility scooter as a donation.
National Geographic
Spyros has issues from last year for a £2 each donation to charity.
Raffle was won by Maggie, a bottle of bubbles.
Master at Arms
Snow deprived, weather envy, snorting, usual misdemeanours, Gary’s phone!
anticipating breakfast were all causes for a fine.
See attached photo for part one of this morning’s poem.
Final Toast given by Pat.
Next meeting 22/01 7.30 for 8am breakfast at the Monument, could be Kathy,
could be Pete in the hot seat!