Evensong in Rochester Cathedral

A party of Rotarians and members of Inner Wheel attended Evensong "Celebrating Rotary" in Rochester Cathedral on Sunday 17th February 2013

Twelve Rotarians and Inner Wheel ladies from Westgate & Birchington attended a special Evensong Service at Rochester Cathedral to Celebrate Rotary in District 1120.

The service began with the Cathedral Choir singing the introit "Cantus Missae" by Joseph Rheinberger leading a procession of the Clergy into the Quire.

The Dean of Rochester, The Very Rev. Mark Beach welcomed everyone to the service and then the Precentor and Choir sang the Opening Responses to a setting by Peter Nardone.

The congregational hymn "To God be the glory" was sung to thundering organ accompaniment and then the Choir sang Psalm 119 to a traditional chant.

The 1st Reading from Jonah, chapter 3, was read by a Rotarian from Rochester and then the Choir sang The Magnificat to the setting by Francis Jackson in G.

The 2nd Reading from Luke, chapter 18, was read by the District Governor, Stewart Grainger and then the Choir sang the anthem "Ne irascaris Domine satis" (Be not angry, O Lord) by William Byrd.

Our very own Reverend Rotarian Jan Dash then gave a refreshing and encouraging address from the pulpit - a rare opportunity for her to preach in the Cathedral.

The Rotary Hymn was followed by prayers led by Past President David Howells which took as their theme the Object of Rotary.

Following the final hymn, "Guide me, O thou great Redeemer", the Dean gave the blessing.

The recession of the Choir and Clergy was accompanied by the organ voluntary: "Prelude & Fugue in E minor (BWV 548) by J S Bach.

The congregation then moved to the Lady Chapel to enjoy refreshments and a cake sale organised by the Rotary & Inner Wheel Clubs of Rochester.

The collection taken during the service will be given to the Rotary "End Polio Now" campaign and funds raised from the sale of cakes and refreshments will be given to the Rural Community College of Karanai Village, Chennai, South India.

'What We Do' Main Pages:

House

Mick Stokes is our Dining Steward and is charge of arranging our venues and gourmet refreshment.

Foundation

The Foundation Committee seeks to raise awareness of Rotary's own Charity, THE ROTARY FOUNDATION, and organise events to raise funds for the projects undertaken by the Rotary Foundation.

President Chris & Hazel Hedges visited the Rotary Club of Temecula, California

Successful RYLA candidates,Elizabeth Irvine and Emily Robertson report on their experiences at the Arethusa Venture Centre

Sergeant at Arms

Mike O'Toole is our Sergeant-at-Arms

Adrian Bawtree, Tessa Read, Roger Newman MBE, Chris Hedges, Derek Brown & Richard Parkin

A "Sing For Your Life" "MUSIC BOX" has been handed over to East Kent Independent Dementia Support (EKIDS). From left: Adrian Bawtree, Tessa Read, Roger Newman MBE, Chris Hedges, Derek Brown & Richard Parkin

International

The International Committee is responsible for coordinating the Contact Club arrangements with the Rotary Club of Poitiers Futuroscope and the Rotary Club of Darmstadt Kranichstein. The Committee also seeks to support overseas charities with fundraising

Membership

We are always delighted to welcome guests to our meetings who may be considering joining the Rotary Family. Please contact our Secretary, Dave Alker to enquire about booking in.

Banner of the Rotary Club of Westwood Village, Los Angeles

President Chris & Hazel Hedges paid a visit to the Rotary Club of Westwood Village, Los Angeles

Community Service

Community Service Committee is responsible for organising fund-raising and social events, community service projects and recommending payments to external charities.

Website

Chris Hedges updates the website on a regular basis.

Youth & Vocational

The Rotary Clubs of Thanet are committed to providing opportunities and support for young people.

Westgate and Birchington Rotary Club Funds Improvements at Christ Church Community Hall in Westgate

CLUB NEWS AND ACTIVITIES

Here is an archive of news and activities over the last 10 years

Inner Wheel Club

The Inner Wheel Club of Westgate & Birchington is a close member of our Rotary family. Its members are predominently relations of Rotarians but membership is open to any lady who is sponsored by an exisiting member.

Club Council

Club Council normally meets on the last Monday of every month at Church House, Birchington at 7.00 pm.

CHARITIES WE HAVE SUPPORTED

In recent years we have supported a wide range of local, national and international charities

Ian Sharpe & Victoria Lawrence dance the Foxtrot

The "Strictly Come Rotary" Dance Competition was staged on Saturday 13th April 2013 at The Winter Gardens in aid of "Alfie's Trust"

The winners of the Young Photographer Competition were presented with their awards by the Editor of The Isle of Thanet Gazette, Rebecca Smith

YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHER COMPETITION 2014

An excellent portfolio of entries was received from competitors in the 2014 Young Photographer Competition. Very well done!

President-Elect Tony Orpwood & Christine; President Chris Hedges & Hazel; Assistant Governor Jan Dash; Past President John Hawkins & Margaret

A superb FUN, FELLOWSHIP & FOUNDATION Conference in Lille!

A Musical Soiree was held in the Chapel at St Augustine's to raise funds for the charity "Sing For Your Life"

To coincide with St Valentine's Day, an "Italian Masked Ball" was held in Kearns Hall.

Communications

The good news is YOU ARE ON OUR WEBSITE!! Please visit it regularly to find news of our latest efforts to serve our community. MEMBERS - PLEASE CHECK THE HOME PAGE EACH WEEK!!!

Sheila Minhinick, RIBI President John Minhinick, Hazel Hedges, President Chris Hedges, Sheila Grainger, District Governor Stewart Grainger

RIBI President John Minhinick and his wife Sheila attended a Dinner and Presentations for Rotarians in East Kent on Tuesday 4th September 2012

A Tour of the Cape Wine-lands

Memebers enjoyed a comprehensive wine tasting experience and dined in style.

Christmas Collections & Events

Santa's coming!! He'll be coming to a street near you in December" PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY TO SUPPORT OUR CHARITIES!!

Rotary Schools Prom 2013

The Joint Rotary Clubs of Thanet together with Kent Music presented the seventh annual Schools Prom at The Winter Gardens, Margate

Rotarians from Darmstadt-Kranichstein, Poitiers-Futuroscope and Westgate & Birchington in Auerbach Keller, Leipzig

A party of Club Members and their partners travelled to Leipzig for the annual Contact Club Reunion with the Rotary Clubs of Darmstadt-Kranichstein and Poitiers-Futuroscope

Chris Hedges's President's Night Dinner Dance was held on Friday 7th June 2013 at St Augustine's, Westgate-on-Sea

Members constructed a raised garden area for the students at the Hearing-Impaired Unit with matched funding gained from a District Grant of $1000.

President Tony prresented cheques to the Woodford Foundation and "Blood Runners"

Following the successful bid for a District Grant, a Sensory Garden, adjacent to the Hearing Impaired Unit at Hartsdown Academy, was constructed by Rotarians. The "Oasis" was formally opened by Past President Chris Hedges on Friday 27th September

Sport

The Club enjoys a number of sporting activities in conjunction with other Rotary Clubs, including Bowls and Golf competitions. The Sports Coordinator is John Hawkins.

Shop

Rotarian Allan Harris is our Club shop manager and arranges for members to purchase Rotary regalia, clothing and jewellery.

The children at St Crispin's School, Westgate-on-Sea, filled seven Aquaboxes.

President Chris & Hazel paid a visit to the Rotary Club of Beverly Hills.

Christmas Dinner & New Member Induction

A large gathering of Rotarians and guests enjoyed the annual Christmas Dinner which was made more special by the induction of Christine Laming and the award of the Moulsdale Trophy to Eddie Doody

A party of Rotarians and members of Inner Wheel attended Evensong "Celebrating Rotary" in Rochester Cathedral on Sunday 17th February 2013