Social and Club Events

Friendship, Fellowship and Enjoyment

Active, Social and Full of Character

Our pétanque evenings are a much-loved feature of the summer months, running from late April through to early September and expertly organised by our “sports master” Bob Bacon. Held twice monthly at The Sydney Arms in Old Perry Street, they combine light-hearted competition with plenty of laughter and good company. The season concludes with the prestigious Roy Packman Trophy, while individual evenings offer prizes ranging from a well-earned bottle of wine to the famously appreciated CHUNKY KitKat, a reminder that enjoyment matters just as much as winning. For the more enthusiastic, a spirited New Year’s Day challenge also adds a winter highlight.

The club’s long weekend walking programme is a long-standing tradition dating back to 1980, with biannual spring and autumn walks now spanning more than four decades. What began with just a handful of members has grown into a much-anticipated tradition, now regularly bringing together a large and enthusiastic group of walkers, including friends from across the UK and Europe. With routes designed for all abilities, the walks balance energetic exploration with gentler strolls, followed by shared meals, evening entertainment, and plenty of time to relax together. The UK map below shows the many places we have visited on our walks between 1980 and 2026, from the South Downs to the Lake District. Beyond the UK, our walking adventures have also taken us to France, the Netherlands and Germany.

Special Occasions and Shared Experiences

Each June, the summer function provides a highlight of the Rotary year. These memorable outings combine visits to places of interest with guided tours, followed by a relaxed and enjoyable dinner. Past venues have included Leeds Castle, Eltham Palace, Southwark Cathedral, and St Martin-in-the-Fields, with this year’s event set at the beautiful Riverhill Himalayan Garden in Sevenoaks.

In March, the President’s Weekend brings members together for a short hotel break featuring sightseeing, walks, and evening entertainment. Recent destinations have included Winchester, Cambridge, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Battle, and Norwich, each offering a rewarding mix of history, culture, and good company.

Community, Learning and Engagement

Our commitment to the local community is reflected in our long-standing support for the Sidcup Community Garden at Sidcup Place. Since its beginnings over a decade ago, members have contributed both financially and through hands-on volunteering, assisting with planting and maintenance in all conditions. The garden has flourished, achieving “Outstanding” status in London in Bloom and receiving awards including “Best Community Garden” from both Ruxley in Bloom and the London Gardens Society.

We also enjoy a lively series of quiz nights, jointly hosted with our sister organisation Inner Wheel. Held at Sidcup Sports Club, these well-supported evenings are great fun while raising valuable funds for our chosen charity of the year.

A programme of educational visits further enriches club life, offering opportunities to explore places of historical, cultural, and technical interest. Recent visits have included Crossness, Titsey Place, Great Comp Garden, Cory Riverside Resource, Greenwich, Biggin Hill Air Force Museum, Westminster City Hall, and the Prince Philip Maritime Museum.

Together, these activities reflect what Sidcup Rotary is all about: friendship, service, discovery, and enjoying time together in great company.