Club News

Monday the 18th May was a special meeting. Two of our members, Ken Neame and John Blackford joined our club 50 years ago and tonight we celebrated their rather special commitment to our club and Rotary International. We were joined by our District Governor, Penny Spiller, who presented their long service awards and both John and Ken provided us with anecdotes from their 50 years in our club. This rather special evening was shared with some of our past members, partners and our club President, Clarissa Hanna.

Congratulations to Ken and John for a very special achievement.

Last weekend (25th April) we were visited by two of our 'Contact Clubs' from Harderwijk in Holland and Soest-Lippstadt in Germany. Every year we catch up with our European friends and this year it was their turn to visit us in Faversham. The weekend started on Friday evening with a game of Bat & Trap at the Market Inn, Faversham, followed by a 'behind-the-scenes' visit to Macknade Farm Shop on Saturday morning. Saturday evening we celebrated our annual President's Gala Dinner at Faversham Golf Club where we were entertained by Cameo Opera. On Sunday morning we all gathered at Creek Creative for coffee and cake before our visitors departed for the long journey home. It was great to catch up with old friends and welcome new friends.

It was wonderful evening when Faversham Rotary met up with fellow Rotarians from several of the Cinque Port Clubs in the comfortable surroundings of Faversham Golf Club.

We are grateful to David Simmons who invited Jonathan Neame, current High Sheriff of Kent, and his wife Lucie to attend as our honoured guests.

After dinner, the High Sheriff, resplendent in his ceremonial attire, addressed the audience of Rotarians, Honorary Members, Friends and partners. They were treated to a most informative and entertaining talk as Jonathan Neame described the fascinating history of his role. He talked with passion and humour about his year as High Sheriff, during which he had been fully supported by his wife and a small team of unpaid assistants. He then answered questions from the audience.

Club President Clarissa said “I would like to endorse Jonathan’s emphasis on the importance  of forging active connections within and across our communities, something which I believe is a significant aspect of being Rotarians.”
The links that Faversham Rotary has established with the Cinque Ports Rotary Clubs have grown closer and we look forward to continuing that relationship in coming years.