A guide to Ningyo

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.

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

We were delighted on Monday evening (10th October 2022) 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.

“Ningyo” is the Japanese word meaning doll or “human form”. This category includes Ichimatsu Ningyo, Hina Ningyo, Daruma Ningyo, Kokeshi Ningyo and Gosho Ningyo.

Hina Ningyo is believed to add protection for young girls in their journey through girlhood.

Ichimatsu dolls would be given to young girls in hopes that they would become as beautiful in later as the roles played by Kabuki actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu (1722-1762).

Kokeshi are miniature wooden dolls, crafted for over 150 years in Japan as a popular children's toy.

Daruma dolls (right) are usually made of papier-mache, are hollow and most notably will instantaneously bounce back up if knocked over. This, in Japanese folklore is supposed to be a metaphor for overcoming adversity and recovering from misfortune.

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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.

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.

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.