Photographs - Ashford Rotary Club

The Market Town of Ashford Kent

Photographs - Ashford Rotary Club - Kevin Fielding, who spoke on 29th Nov on

Photographs - Ashford Rotary Club - President Amanda welcomes new member Reuben

Photographs - Ashford Rotary Club - Jonathan Watts soke to the Club on 23 August on

Photographs - Ashford Rotary Club - As explained to the Club his amazing history and life as an award-winning Restaurateur

Photographs - Ashford Rotary Club - Former President Lester presents a cheque from the Club to representatives of 'HomeStart', a local charity.

Photographs - Ashford Rotary Club - Amanda welcomes New Member Carl

Photographs - Ashford Rotary Club - Linda's Florist hosted a 'Make a Christmas Wreath' course Dec 2021

Photographs - Ashford Rotary Club - Patrick Tootall OBE DL on 6th September who told the Club about the

Photographs - Ashford Rotary Club - Member Bryan Strange entertained the Club with the History of Ashford's High Street

Photographs - Ashford Rotary Club - Liz is forthcoming President, followed by Renate

Photographs - Ashford Rotary Club - Nick entertained the Club with an account of his rich and varied life

Photographs - Ashford Rotary Club - Proudly show off the new Rotary Sign and the Elwick Club

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Ashford

Ashford is a town in the county of Kent, England. It lies on the Great Stour river at the south edge of the North Downs, about 61 miles southeast of the central London and 15 miles northwest of Folkestone.

Ashford began as a Saxon village but in the early 13th century it grew into a small market town. In 1243 Ashford was given a charter document granting the people of Ashford certain rights. The charter was renewed in 1348 and 1466.

As well as the weekly market Ashford was allowed an annual fair. From 1348 Ashford was allowed 2 fairs. In the middle ages Ashford was a busy little market town although it would seem tiny to us today with a population of no more than 1,000.

During the reign of queen Mary (1553-1558) Protestants were persecuted in England. At the time 5 men from Ashford were executed at Canterbury while 2 more from Tenterden were executed in Ashford in 1557.

Ashford Grammar School was founded in 1635. During the civil wars of the mid 17th century Ashford was in parliamentary hands and so did not witness any fighting.

By 1801 Ashford had a population of 2,151. However in the 19th century Ashford grew rapidly especially after the railway works opened in 1847. By 1851 Ashford had a population of 5,000 and by 1901 it had reachaed nearly 13,000.

From 1845 Ashford had gas street lighting. Victoria park was opened in 1886 and a sewage works was then opened in 1889. In 1894 Ashford gained a district council. However Ashford had to wait until 1926 for an electricity supply.

During the Second World War 83 people were killed in Ashford by German bombing. At the end of the 20th century the Channel Tunnel opened and it spurred the growth of Ashford again.

Today the population is more than 120,000.

'What We Do' Main Pages:

President's Handover meeting

REnate hands over to incoming President Alan and wishes him well

President Renate welcomes incoming President, Alan

Loren Regan Regional Fundraiser accepts donation

Loren Regan Regional Fundraiser presented with a donation cheque

Bryan, Mark, Carol Ann are congratulated by Renate at the close of the event.

Charity Concert success as 3 top musicians entertain an excited audience in Ashford's St Mary Church

President Alan Jose welcomes new members Delphine Stewart and Wilfred Mwiti

We will move our meetings to The Ashford Holiday Inn North from 25th March.

The 'Rotary and Friends' team prepared boxes for distribution by Ashford Food Bank, as usual, this week. Well done!

12th August saw members enjoying a convivial evening after President Alan Jose showed us round the Charing Crematorium.

Bryan Gipps, Director of Music, St Mary’s Church, Ashford, is presented with a cheque by Sue Brown from London Beach Hotel Tenterden, with Rotary President, Alan Jose. This donation will go towards the Church Organ Restoration Fund.

The Mayor of Ashford with President Renate

Mayor Larry Krause told us about his early life in Australia and how he now supports local Charities: 'The Friends of William Harvey' and 'Men in Sheds'

President Renate and member (and Treasurer) Stuart McRae

Member Stuart McRae tells the Club abut his life and the lucky breaks that have helped him and his wife through a successful and happy life.

The Mayor of Ashford, Cllr Callum Knowles, Ashford Rotary President, Amanda Cottrell and Leader of the Council, Cllr. Gerry Clarkson open the shelter

The Rotary Club of Ashford's Community Shelter at Conningbrook Lakes Country Park was opened today.

On Monday 10th January, following a frugal supper, PP Kitty Brook, her granddaughter, Kristina, and Kristina's partner, Akeem, gave a talk on 'Malcolm's Soup Kitchen'.

John Harris spoke of the work of the CWGC

Rtn Peter Gammon spoke on Criminal Law

On Sunday 26th June we ran a Charity Cream Tea Party for around 100 people in aid of President Liz's chosen Charities -'Canine Helpers' and 'Kent MS Therapy Centre'. Thanks to all who helped make it a memorable afternoon.

The Club learnt of the support given to the hearing impaired by HI Kent

President Liz Stuart-Smith received a cheque for £600.00 from the Ashford Muslim Association

The Rotary Club of Ashford join partners to collect for earthquake victims

The new Interact Club of Towers School is now up and running.

Paul Mott of McArthurGlen, Rotary President Renate Beerling, and the Mayor of Ashford, Larry Krause. Over £1,000 was made for Charity.

McArthurGlen Management teams up with the Rotary Club of Ashford to raffle prizes freely donated by many retailers at the Outlet Centre.

Lilia with some of her collection and President Liz Stewart-Smith.

We were delighted on Monday night with a talk by 12 year old Lilia who explained the meanings of Ichimatsu Ningyo, Hina Ningyo, Daruma Ningyo, Kokeshi Ningyo and Gosho Ningyo; various forms of Japanese Doll.