Club News

At one of the Club’s July meetings, members enjoyed an interesting and informative talk about the work of the Strode Park Foundation, presented by Louise Topping the Fundraising, Communications & Events Manager for the Foundation and Claire Dante the Registered Manager for Lady Dane Farmhouse, the Foundation’s residential home in Faversham.

Next year the charitable Foundation will celebrate its 80th anniversary, having been founded in 1946 with the aim of providing permanent homes for young adults with physical disabilities, at the same time offering meaningful occupation, independence and opportunities.

The mission remains the same today, supporting 165 residents with wide-ranging needs in four care homes across Kent.

Lady Dane Farmhouse is home to 14 residents whose ages range from 24 to 65 years and who have a range of physical and learning disabilities, including some residents who are non-verbal. The home encourages people to live as independently as possible and provides a sensory room, an activities room and an outdoor area. Residents’ families also receive the support they need as well.

Claire and the residents and staff team have some great ideas for transforming the outdoor space with wheelchair-accessible planters and a calming sensory garden that will promote well-being for all the residents.

To find out more about the Strode Park Foundation and Lady Dane Farmhouse, or how you can help with fund-raising or volunteering please visit www.strodepark.org.uk

In his last official act as club President, David Kirsch-Mills presented Dave Darby with a Paul Harris Fellowship, one of Rotary’s most prestigious awards.

Paul Harris founded Rotary in 1905 and the award that bears his name was created in 1957 to recognise exceptional service to Rotary and the wider community. Recipients embody “Service above Self” the principal Rotary motto.

When presenting the Fellowship David said “Dave embodies service above self in spades. Whenever something needs doing, he’s there – organising events, liaising with the local council and primary schools, running the carol tour – and I’ve lost count of how many times he’s chaired the community committee.”

“But Dave’s service doesn’t stop there,” David continued. “He’s heavily involved with local scouting, is a trustee and an active member of the leadership team and is head chef for their annual family camp. Dave is also an active member of the group which looks after the Cooksditch Stream.”

Finally David said “Somehow Dave also finds time to be a dedicated husband, father, grandfather – and golfer!”

David then presented Dave with his Paul Harris Fellow certificate and pin.

It’s that time of year when Rotary Club Presidents around the world hand over their regalia to a new President.

At a garden party on a delightful summer’s evening, outgoing President David Kirsch-Mills presented the chain of office to incoming President Clarissa Hanna.

David mentioned some of the highlights of his year, including a very successful Carol Tour and the Family Bike Ride which attracted more riders than ever. The Community Chest initiative continued to support many local organisations in need. In January the club welcomed a new member, Lin.

Internationally, the club helped to fund the building of latrines in Taonga School in a very deprived area of Zambia and there was continued support for small businesses around the world through Lend with Care. There was also a wonderful weekend of fun and fellowship with our contact club friends in Soest-Lippstadt, Germany, where we were joined by our friends from Harderwijk in the Netherlands.

David concluded by thanking members, partners and friends for their efforts throughout the year to effect changes in their local community and internationally.

Incoming President Clarissa Hanna shared her thoughts for the coming year. 
"I am determined that together we will sustain a successful, friendly Club where Friends feel they play a valued part in several of our activities. I am keen to strengthen collaborative relationships with other Rotary clubs and local community organisations. Recruitment of new members remains vital to building a vital, dynamic Club and I am optimistic about our search for an enthusiastic corporate partner. 
Above all I understand the importance of Rotary in enabling us to engage in warm fellowship based on key values of caring, sharing, showing respect and good humour in the way we interact as Members & Friends and in our empathy towards others in need.”