Visit to Amiens - Anzac Day

Tue, Apr 24th 2018 at 8:00 am- Wed, Apr 25th 2018 - 6:00 pm

Remembering The Australian Soldiers Who Gave Their Lives in WW1

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A few members of the the Rotary Club of Ashford were honoured to be invited to attend the Anzac Centenary Commemorations at the Australian National Memorial (ANM) in Villers-Bretonneux, northern France on 25th April, attended also by Prince Charles and the Prime Ministers of France and Australia. The ANM contains the names of nearly 11000 Australians who died in France during the First World War and have no known grave. Ashford Club President, Steve Parkin, commented "the visit was a great success. We were humbled and honoured to know that we were some of the very few English people to be invited to the Australian Commemorations. The only issue was that we had to get up at 2.00am, as the ceremony commenced at dawn - 5.30am."

The whole visit actually lasted three days and took in the French Rotary District 1520 conference, meetings and celebrations with their twin club of Amiens and the Rotary International President, Ian Riseley. Steve commented - "Ian is a very down-to-earth Australian, east to speak to, who is happy to join in with anything and everything relating to Rotary. Even though the few days were very hectic, they were also very enjoyable and enlightening. We would also like to thank the members of our twin club of Amiens for all their hospitality during the three days. As I said before, we felt honoured to have been invited to be involved in all of these events".

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Fundraiser success

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.

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

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.