General Meeting - The Heron Herne Bay

Thursday, 19 February 2026 Breakfast meeting at the Heron, Herne Bay Apologies- Sheila, Sue P, Sue V, Maggie, Lesley, Elaine, Gerry. Guests and visitors- Maxine, ADG, and Loren Regan from Demelza Children’s Hospice. Bowling- 12 playing and 11 eating. Walk for Water- Lunch after the walk potentially at the Hare at Blean, menu on folder. Maxine, ADG- Second round of visits to clubs- 2/5 District Assembly, Graham Forster DG elect will be setting his vision for the next year.- A number of local events: - well being day at the Beanie in Canterbury, - Canterbury City show in July,- Silent walk recognising violence against women and children in September- Heritage expo, Westgate Hall in September,- Canterbury duck race, September. Grace provided by Paul, followed by breakfast. Loren Regan, area fundraising manager for Demelza in Kent- Children’s hospice for ages 0-18, supporting transition to adult service up to 25.- 2500 children being supported, with improvements in medicines children are surviving longer. 1 - The hospice has nine bedrooms, but also supports children and families at home, in hospital and school. Pets can visit.- Assist with travel to appointments enabling parents to focus on child.- Counselling for parents, child, siblings, other family members.- Art and music therapy enabling children to express their feelings in a supported environment.- A pool for therapy and pleasure.- End of life care and bereavement support at home and in the hospice. There are bereavement rooms with ‘cold cots’ that enable time with the child following death. Help with funeral arrangements.- It costs £18 million, only £1.2 million is government funded, to run these services. Charity shops really help with this so please use. Pete informed Loren that Demelza will be one of the charities we will be supporting in his year. Greeting from other clubs- Dave attended Thanet Rotary for a repeat performance and brought back greetings. AOB- Guardian Angels, Pete’s other charity for his year, are holding a quiz night on 24/2. More details from Pete.- Sue P is hoping to be back soon but is still suffering and awaiting appointments. Pat hopes to see her tomorrow. Raffle was won by David M. M@A- Fines were issued and collected for lost keys, the usual, being behind bars, loosing the way in and profiteering!- And again Google failed to find the poem! A young TV star from Jamaica Final toast given by Pat.  Next meeting Thursday 26/2 at the Monument, 7.30 for 8am for breakfast.