Granddaughter visits Malcom's Soup Kitchen

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'.

Granddaughter visits Malcom's Soup Kitchen - The group that created the Umtha Welanga initiative, Late Malcolm Brook on the right.

Granddaughter visits Malcom's Soup Kitchen - Location in Western Cape

Granddaughter visits Malcom's Soup Kitchen -

‹ › ×

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'.

'Malcolm's Soup Kitchen' or Umtha Welanga (Rising Sun) was set up in the township of Khayelitsha in Western Cape in South Africa. 2000 by Kitty's late husband, Rtn. Malcolm Brook and a group of local Community and child care workers.

Much more than a soup kitchen, the aim was to provide psychological, spiritual, and above all, food and medical support for women and children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

Today the initiative acts as a social services provider for the township and

Recruits and trains prospective foster parents
Provides parenting skill sessions to those parents who’s children have been removed from their care due to child abuse.
Facilitates after school activities to help with homework, assignments and life skills training
Runs School holiday activities to teach life skills, reproductive health and HIV testing
Facilitate group sessions to men, women and children and provide support groups for individuals and families affected by Gender Based Violence.
Runs Malcolm’s Soup kitchen: offering a cooked hot meal twice a week to the unemployed and latterly providing education regarding Covid-19 and helping the community register for vaccines.

Kristina and Akeem visited Khayelitsha last year and witnessed the growth of the township and the increase in demand for the services provided by Umtha Welanga.

Members donated their normal meal costs to Rotary International's Foundation Charity.

'What We Do' Main Pages:

Club Dinner

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

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!

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.