Press Releases 2026

Quick Jump to:
January 2026 – February 2026 – April 2026 – May 2026 – June 2026 – July 2026
August 2026 – September 2026

September 2026

Channel Rotary Welcomes 50 ‘Friends’ as
Membership Initiative Flourishes
(Press Release 10th September)

Channel Rotary is celebrating the success of its “Friends” membership initiative, launched in January 2025. In just 18 months, the club has welcomed 50 people from a wide range of backgrounds, professions and ages—reflecting the strength of the local community and the growing appeal of Rotary’s mission.

Many have already contributed time, skills and energy to club projects and committees, bringing fresh perspectives, specialist knowledge and renewed momentum to Channel Rotary’s service activities.

Channel Rotary’s committees, each with a distinct purpose, remain central to the club’s community impact:

• Community Service — supporting vulnerable groups, local initiatives and practical projects that make a visible difference.

• Youth — working with schools and young people to inspire confidence, opportunity and ambition through programmes, competitions and support.

• Fundraising — creating events, campaigns and ideas that generate funds for the club’s charitable work.

• Fellowship — organising gatherings, outings and activities that strengthen friendships and keep members connected.

• Public Image — promoting Rotary’s work and encouraging wider community engagement.

Committees report regularly to the club council, helping members and “Friends” feel involved, valued and part of a shared purpose.

One example is Krisztina Milak, an economist whose expertise has strengthened Channel Rotary’s Media & Communications team. Her contribution has improved the club’s social media presence, broadened its community reach and raised the visibility of Rotary’s work across the district. Her professional experience in HR, Wellbeing and Environmental education also brings valuable skills to the team.

Channel Rotary encourages anyone wishing to support deserving local causes—through professional skills, practical help or creative ideas—to become a “Friend” of Rotary. “Friends” can take part in projects, join committees, attend social events and contribute in ways that suit them.

To express interest, visit www.channelrotary.co.uk, speak to a Channel Rotary member, or contact club secretary Bill Flavell at bill.flavell@channelrotary.org.uk about attending a meeting or social event. The “Friends” pathway offers a flexible, welcoming introduction for people who want to make a difference without the full obligations of traditional membership.

 Recent Friends introductory Event

August 2026

Rotary Gives Local Young Carers a Memorable Day
at the Rare Breeds Centre
(Press Release 31st August)

Young Carers from across Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh enjoyed a memorable day out last week thanks to the continued support of local Rotary clubs. Each year, Rotary clubs in the district come together to give Young Carers a much needed break from their daily responsibilities, offering fun, friendship, and a chance to simply be children for the day.

The initiative is organised in partnership with Imago Community, a respected social action charity providing dedicated support for Young Carers under 18 across Kent. Imago helps children and teenagers who shoulder caring responsibilities at home, supporting family members who are ill, disabled, or living with mental health or addiction challenges—to balance their caring role with their own wellbeing, education, and social development.  Four Rotary clubs, Folkestone, Folkestone Channel, Hythe, and Romney Marsh ,work together under a long standing community youth programme that delivers a calendar of enriching events throughout the year. Their shared commitment ensures Young Carers receive recognition, encouragement, and opportunities that many would otherwise miss.

Last week’s outing took the group to the Rare Breeds Centre in Woodchurch, a working 100 acre farm and popular Kent visitor attraction. The Young Carers enjoyed a full day of hands on experiences: meeting native livestock breeds, exploring the adventure play areas, cheering on the famous pig racing, and discovering the rhythms of life on a real farm. Laughter, fresh air, and new friendships filled the day from start to finish. Transport was kindly provided by the Hythe Community Minibus, and Rotary volunteers ensured everyone was well looked after, including providing lunch and refreshments.

The accompanying photograph shows Rotarians from clubs in Hythe, Folkestone, and Folkestone Channel and Imago staff at the Rare Breeds Centre, celebrating another successful and heart warming day of community partnership.

Rotary continues to champion local Young Carers, recognising their resilience, supporting their wellbeing, and helping them create joyful memories that last far beyond the day itself

Channel Rotary Welcomes Voco The Clifton Hotel
as its Newest Corporate Member
(Press Release 19th August)

Channel Rotary is delighted to announce the induction of voco The Clifton Hotel, represented by General Manger Mr Neil Lomas, as the club’s newest Corporate Member.

This partnership marks an exciting step in Channel Rotary’s growing engagement with the local business community. voco The Clifton Hotel, a long established and much loved part of Folkestone’s hospitality landscape.

Corporate Membership offers organisations a meaningful way to contribute to local good causes while providing their teams with opportunities for fellowship, leadership development, and community involvement. For voco The Clifton Hotel, this membership opens the door to:

1. Active participation in Channel Rotary’s service projects, supporting young people, vulnerable families, and local charities.
2. Networking and relationship building with leaders across the district who share a commitment to making apositive difference.
3. Opportunities for staff engagement, enabling employees to attend meetings, volunteer at events, and represent the business in community initiatives.
4. Enhanced local profile, including the presentation of a Channel Rotary Corporate Member plaque, proudly displayed at the hotel’s entrance to signify its commitment to service and partnership.

Neil Lomas, who will serve as the hotel’s representative, has an enthusiasm for community engagement and his professional leadership at voco The Clifton Hotel promise to bring fresh energy and ideas to the club’s activities.

Channel Rotary continues to expand its network of corporate partners, recognising the vital role local businesses play in strengthening community resilience and supporting charitable initiatives. Corporate Membership is designed to be flexible, accessible, and rewarding — offering organisations a chance to contribute meaningfully while enjoying the fellowship and reputation that Rotary is known for.

As Channel Rotary looks ahead to an ambitious year of service, we hope that voco The Clifton Hotel’s example will inspire other local businesses to explore the benefits of joining us. Together, we can achieve even more for the communities of Folkestone, Hythe, and beyond.

For enquiries about Corporate Membership, please contact Channel Rotary website http://www..channelrotary.co.uk .

Lifetime Honour Award Celebrates Two Pillars of Channel Rotary
(Press Release 5th August)

Courtney Collins with Mike Eaton & wife Janet and with Peter Sprinks & wife Anji 

Two of Channel Rotary’s most respected long standing members , both distinguished retired figures in the local property and construction world and both past presidents, have been rewarded with Lifetime Honorary Membership of the club. This rare honour marks a combined legacy of 77 years of dedicated service to the community in which they were born, raised, and have contributed so profoundly.

Peter Sprinks, whose family’s Hythe based construction company has served the area for over a century, devoted his professional life to building and supporting the local area. Throughout his Rotary years, Peter has been a constant source of practical help at events, always stepping forward with wholehearted commitment. His involvement has never been anything less than total, and the club remains deeply indebted to the major contributions he has made over many decades.

Michael Eaton served for many years as Club Secretary and eventually became President.  A former Chartered Building Surveyor providing advise on numerous local building projects. In more recent years, his expertise has guided countless homebuyers through surveys across the region. Michael’s passion for local history , especially Folkestone , is well known, and his dedication to the Rotary movement has been unwavering.

Although both gentlemen have now stepped back from day to day Rotary activities, their influence, respect, and example continue to shape the club’s spirit. It was especially fitting that Channel Rotary current President Courtney Collins, a retired Chartered Quantity Surveyor, who has known both men both professionally and in Folkestone Round Table and Channel Rotary for around fifty plus years, was able to present their proudly deserved Honorary Membership Certificates in person.

This is a moment of genuine celebration in Channel Rotary and a tribute to two remarkable members

July 2026

Channel Rotary pays tribute to founding President David Jarvis
(Press Release 31st July)

Founder of Channel Rotary Club remembered for a lifetime of service, kindness and commitment to young people

Channel Rotary Club is deeply saddened to announce the death of its founder President, David Jarvis, at the age of 89.

Formed in 1980, Channel Rotary was brought into being through David’s vision, determination and ability to inspire others. He not only masterminded the creation of the new club and helped find its members but also went on to serve as its first President.

Born in Waltham Forest, David spent his early years in the area and excelled at school. He became School Vice-Captain and Captain of the Essex Junior Cricket Team, later going on to play for the county side’s second eleven.

After completing National Service and trying several early roles, David joined Lloyds Bank, where he remained until his retirement. He became manager of the Folkestone branch in 1978 and, by the time he retired in 1991, had risen to a senior manager working in the City of London.

David married Doreen in 1963 and had three daughters: Dawn, Heather and Harriet. He was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and his family remember him with great affection for his kindness, care, humour and steady guidance. “He taught us love & understanding, honesty and an open heart. He would go the extra mile for anyone” are just a few of the words from his daughters at his recent funeral. Perhaps the fact that there were some 200 people in the church says everything.

He was also a dedicated and hard-working trustee of the St Clement Danes charitable trust for many years.

Within Channel Rotary, David dedicated himself to the club’s many charitable activities and was a keen, reliable supporter of its fundraising events. He was especially valued for encouraging others in their efforts and became a champion of the club’s work with young people, including liaison with five local schools and organising the Rotary Young Artists Competition.

One of David’s key Rotary youth initiatives was the Life Education Centres project, which he led for many years. The project used a mobile classroom to visit schools in the Folkestone area, providing primary health and drug-prevention education for children.

He also chaired a sub-group of the four Rotary clubs in the area supporting local youth initiatives, including work to help young carers enjoy time away from their domestic responsibilities.

David will be remembered as a devoted family man and as a gentleman in both his business and charitable work. His caring approach to everyone he met reflected the understanding, warmth and generosity that marked his life.

The Rotary object “the application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business and community life” just sums up David Jarvis for all who knew him

Channel Rotary Invites you to the “Open to All”
Adventure Golf Championship
(Press Release 12th July)

Folkestone, Kent — Channel Rotary is inviting individuals, families, workplaces, golf clubs and community groups to take part in its Adventure Golf Championship at Folkestone Harbour on Friday, 24 July, from 2pm to 8pm. 

The event offers a fun and accessible way for everyone to enjoy a taste of competition during the Open Golf week. While few can match the professionals competing at The Open in Scotland, players of all ages and abilities can test their skills on Folkestone Harbour’s picturesque 12-hole adventure golf course. 

Participants can enter as individuals, as part of a four-person team, or both. Work outings, family groups, local golf clubs and veterans’ teams are already expected to take part, bringing a friendly but competitive atmosphere to the seaside course. 

All equipment will be provided on the day, with refreshments available on site and a wide range of food options nearby around Folkestone Harbour. 

Entry costs just £10 per person, with all proceeds going to local charities supported by Channel Rotary. 

“This is a great opportunity for people to enjoy a relaxed summer event, have some fun with friends, family or colleagues, and help raise money for good causes in the local community,” said Colin Tomson the Channel Rotary spokesperson. 

The championship trophy will be awarded on the day, giving one individual or team the chance to take home the prize and earn local bragging rights. 

Event details: 
What: Channel Rotary Adventure Golf Championship 
When: Friday, 24 July, 2pm to 8pm 
Where: Adventure golf course, Beach Side, Folkestone Harbour 
Entry: £10 per person 
In aid of: Local charities 

Photos Show

The Winners “ Claret jug” and Course Pictures

CHANNEL ROTARY PRESIDENTIAL HANDOVER
(Press Release 6th July)

Channel Rotary marked its annual presidential handover this week, a milestone for any Rotary club, but, true to form, this came with a twist. Instead of one incoming president, three members will share the helm this year, and their introduction was delivered not through solemn speeches but via a light hearted sketch that had the room laughing before the formalities even began.

The celebration took place in the newly refurbished Sene Valley Golf Clubhouse, spectacularly perched above the English Channel with panoramic views across the course. After a warm reception on the terrace, around fifty members, guests and ‘Friends of Channel Rotary’ enjoyed an excellent dinner prepared by the club’s appointed caterers, The Truffle Pig.

The ceremony saw outgoing presidents Howard Cocker and Colin Tomson, supported, as ever, by the indefatigable Gary Calver, pass leadership to Courtney Collins and Edwin Beddy, with Gary once again stepping in as the ever reliable third man. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie, humour and genuine pride in the club’s achievements.

Guests were treated to a lively review of the past year: the fundraising events that have supported a wide range of worthy local causes; the community initiatives that make a tangible difference; and the many moments of fellowship enjoyed along the way, from speaker evenings and outside visits to informal gatherings at favourite venues across the district. Channel Rotary continues to prove that service and enjoyment are not mutually exclusive.

This year also celebrated the success of the club’s new Friends of Channel Rotary initiative, which has already attracted enthusiastic supporters. Several Friends joined the evening, and the event included the induction of Neil Lomas as a corporate member representing voco The Clifton Hotel, fittingly, the venue for many of the club’s regular meetings.

Overall, the evening showcased everything that makes Channel Rotary such a rewarding organisation to be part of: a commitment to raising funds for local causes that might otherwise slip through the cracks, a spirit of fellowship that brings people together, and a warm, inclusive culture that welcomes full members, corporate partners and Friends alike.

Channel Rotary enters the new Rotary year with energy, humour and purpose, and with three presidents ready to lead the way.

Channel’s next fundraiser is the annual Adventure Golf Championship at the Beachside by the Harbour Arm on the 24th July, see website for details http://www.channelrotary.co.uk

Photos Show

Colin Tomson past President with the team for the new year Courtney Collins, Edwin Beddy and Gary Calver; passing over the chain of office to Courtney Collins, induction of new “corporate member” Neil Lomas from socoThe Clifton, General view of the event

June 2026

OBITUARY – ROTARIAN BRIAN BARNES (1935–2026)
(Press Release 28th June)

Rotarian Brian Barnes, who has died at the age of 91, was a much‑loved and long‑established figure from Saltwood near Hythe, Kent. Having made the village his home for the latter half of his life, Brian devoted himself to an extraordinary range of local, sporting and charitable endeavours. His legacy is one of steadfast service, quiet leadership and a generosity of spirit that touched countless lives.

Brian and his wife Sylvia moved from Hertford, Hertfordshire, when he accepted a new senior business appointment in Folkestone. From the moment he arrived, he threw himself wholeheartedly into local life. He became an active member when in the early 1970s he transferred from Ware into Folkestone Round Table and, in 1980, was a founder member of the newly formed Channel Rotary Club. His enthusiasm for fellowship and service was matched by his love of sport: he was a keen playing member of Saltwood Cricket Club and a founding member of Etchinghill Golf Club, where he later served with distinction as Captain. His administrative contributions to both clubs were as valued as his sporting prowess.

During his remarkable 46 years with Channel Rotary, Brian served as Secretary on three occasions, became President in 1984, and undertook responsibilities at district level. His commitment to helping others was evident from the very beginning. Among the many community projects he supported were:

• transporting members of the local Stroke Club to and from their regular support meetings
• assisting with an international relief mission that purchased and delivered a caravan filled with blankets and essential supplies to victims of the 1980 Italian earthquake
• helping to provide replacement kitchen and cooking equipment for residents affected by the 1996 East Folkestone floods
• supporting numerous local groups and charities, including those assisting young carers, many of whom continue to benefit from his early efforts

Beyond Round Table & Channel Rotary, Brian’s other great passion was the Scouting movement. Having been a scout from a young boy, he led the local troop for many years and later became District Commissioner, guiding generations of young people with his characteristic patience, humour and steady, reassuring leadership.

Professionally, Brian moved to the area to take up the role of Production Director at Carter‑Wallace (now Church & Dwight), a position he held with distinction until his retirement in 2000. His colleagues remember him as a man of integrity, calm authority and unwavering commitment.

Amid all this, Brian and Sylvia somehow found the time and energy to raise six children, and he took immense pride in being a devoted Grandad to eighteen grandchildren. Family was at the heart of everything he did, and he delighted in their achievements and company.

Brian will be deeply missed by his family, friends, fellow Rotarians, residents of Saltwood and the many people whose lives he enriched. He will be remembered for a life lived fully and generously, a life defined by service, kindness, and an enduring commitment to the wellbeing of others.

Charity Adventure mini golf competition at Beachside by the
Folkestone Harbour Arm – anyone could win
(Press Release 25th June)

Will a veterans team win the Adventure Golf Team competition?

Back for the second year on Friday, the 24th of July from 2 pm to 8 pm the Channel Rotary adventure golf competition takes place at Beachside Folkestone Harbour arm. This is an intriguing putting competition round a tricky course – not a fairground minigolf but one with bunkers and undulating greens

This is fun for everyone but you will need some skill and of course a little bit of luck  Anyone can enter individually and/or as part of a team of Four. The best individuals to compete in a final at the end.

Teams can be from golf clubs, businesses -just nip down after work ,or a family group. Mixed teams are welcome.

Rotary organiser Colin Tomson believes that a veterans team has a good chance of winning even against a group of low handicappers. He says “ Many veterans have steady nerves and after years of practice can be very competitive. I hope my Club Sene Valley will put in a number of teams“.

Adventure Golf has a UK and world championship with serious prize money and the top competitors are handicapped just as in regular Golf. So why not start local, you never know where it might lead.

The attractive 12 hole beachside course provides fabulous views, all equipment and refreshments are available on site. Entry costs just £10 per person and anyone beating the target score of 26 can compete in the individual final at around 7 o’clock.

For more details please contact colin.tomson@channelrotary.org.uk or visit the website www.channelrotary.co.uk

May 2026

Channel Rotary Celebrates Surge in “Friends” Support
with Packed Harbour‑Side Social (Press Release 3rd May)

Channel Rotary’s fast‑growing network of registered “Friends” reached an exciting milestone this month, as more than 70 supporters, members and guests gathered at The Sailbox on Folkestone’s Harbour Arm for the inaugural Friends of Channel Rotary Social Evening on 22 April.

The lively event brought together a broad mix of local people keen to learn more about Rotary’s work, enjoy a relaxed evening of conversation, and hear updates on Channel Rotary’s current fundraising and community projects. Guests also explored new opportunities to volunteer and support initiatives across the district.

The Friends of Rotary model—now being adopted nationally—offers a flexible way for people with limited time to engage with Rotary’s mission without the commitment of full membership. The approach is already proving highly successful in Folkestone, with Friends contributing meaningfully to community events, project teams and local causes.

Channel Rotary President Gary Calver praised the momentum behind the initiative, saying: “This growing wave of enthusiasm and new energy is helping to bring a fresh perspective to our wider activities. Tonight shows exactly what can be achieved when community groups collaborate. Together, we can focus more effectively on the needs of those less fortunate than ourselves.”

Channel Rotary’s next Charity Event is the Annual Cycle Ride and challenge around Romney Marsh on 5^th July – 30, 50, 80 mile options and family Treasure Hunt of just 10 miles. Just go to www.channelrotarybikeride.org.uk  for all the details

Those interested in becoming a Friend of Channel Rotary or learning more about upcoming projects are invited to get in touch with membership@channelrotary.org.uk

Friends & Members at The SAILBOX Folkestone Harbour

April 2026

CHANNEL ROTARY HELPS FOODBANK COLLECT ION
(Press Release 27th April)

Channel Rotary have supported the Shepway Foodbank run by the Rainbow centre for many years. This month Channel Members, Friends and their partners were at Tesco Cheriton to encourage customers to give to the Foodbank. Each year the amount given is a wonderful sign of people’s generosity, it never fails to amaze everyone taking part how generous people can be. Some just dropped off a couple of items, others gave a whole bag full and in one or two cases even a trolley load. As you see from the photos, even little children wanted to get in on the act!

The customers are so supportive and some even remember how grateful they were in the past when the Foodbank and all the other Rainbow centre services helped them and now just want to give something back.

Channel Rotary and the Food bank are really grateful for the publics’ magnificent support. Which this time generated over one ton of groceries

The aim of the Trussel Trust Shepway operation is to make sure that no one in the local community has to go hungry, and it’s the help from people like Channel Rotary that makes this happen.

Wendy Lehnert from the Rainbow Centre was delighted with the result.” Thanks to your tremendous tenacity, we successfully collected an astounding 1,043.5kg of much-needed stock. This phenomenal achievement—surpassing the one-tonne mark—will directly benefit five of the Rainbow Centre’s essential services, including: • Breakfast Club • Homeless Support Services • FoodStop • Foodbanks • Pantries Your hard work ensures that we can continue providing vital nourishment and support to the most vulnerable members of our community. We are deeply grateful for your time, energy, and the spirit of service you brought to the event”

Channel Rotary member Derek Harris alongside one of the cages
loaded with things for the Foodbank & Children helping

Why not come and support Channel Rotary’s next Charity Event- the Annual Cycle Ride and challenge around Romney Marsh on 5^th July – 30, 50, 80 mile options and family Treasure Hunt of just 10 miles. Just go to www.channelrotarybikeride.org.uk  for all the details..

CHANNEL CHARITY CYCLE CHALLENGE
(Press Release 4th April)

A date for your diary – Sunday 5th of July.  Channel Rotary’s cycle ride on Romney Marsh has been going for over ten years and this year will be starting and finishing at Haguelands Farm, Burmarsh.

The Channel Challenge is riding circular flat routes of either 30, 50 or a really good cycle challenge of 80 miles around the picturesque Romney Marsh, either as an individual, team or family. Entrants can time themselves for the ride or take as leisurely pace as they wish – riding solo or as a Family, Club or Work Group

For the second year there is the new family Treasure Hunt, just 10 gentle miles and the chance of cracking tricky clues and learning more about smugglers, wildlife, and the fascinating history of Romney Marsh. Starting and finishing at Haguelands farm gives you the added possibility of visiting the Marsh Maze and the Fun Yard with its summer playground, castles and games – and get a certificate at the end.

Food and drink for all the family is available on site at Haguelands  https://marshmaze.co.uk/

A range of local Charities will benefit this year including the expanding work of the Rainbow centre to help the homeless get back to normal life.

The idea is to simply enjoy the ride and have fun raising money for charity.

Just go to www.channelrotarybikeride.org.uk   and find out all about it

February 2026

CHANNEL ROTARY RUNS KENTS BIGGEST QUIZ
(Press Release 12th February)

Winning team with President Colin Tomson and some general views

144 contestants came to the Harvey Grammar School in Folkestone to raise money for Folkestone Channel Rotary’s local charities.

Channel Rotary has been running their Wine & Wisdom evening for over 30 years and this year it was a sell out! Lots of familiar faces and some new ones. Quizmaster Derek Harris did his best to keep it lighthearted, but there was plenty of banter as contestants challenged some of the answers. A good one was “which King in a pack of cards does not have a moustache”, leave you to consider that!

The 36 teams had to tackle a whole range of questions from science to sport whilst enjoying a ploughman’s supper and some good wine, all in the price of the ticket.
Colin Tomson, The President of Channel Rotary said “It was a fantastic evening with excellent support and a really fun atmosphere – what an easy and enjoyable way to raise charity funds”.

As its such a regular feature you often see the same teams winning. This year it was a pleasant exception with a new winning team – Nichola & Roger Earle, Garry Smith and Mike Gerken, who managed to win by just two points

Some £2000 was raised to support local charities.

It was so successful that as people were leaving they were asking when are you going to do the next one – next year for sure.

CHANNEL ROTARY FOLKESTONE
(Press Release For Go Folkestone Magazine 5th February)

As a key participant in the life of Folkestone it is good to have a chance to talk to the Go Folkestone followers.

We are a group of people who try to live up to the ideals of Rotary International a club with over a million members worldwide all dedicated to serve their local community. Not everyone is aware of the breadth of Rotary coverage. For example there are some 120 clubs in Kent & Sussex and thousands worldwide. We all have the same ideals to serve our local community to help make it a better place, a value that we know is at the heart of Go Folkestone ethos.

Not only do we support our local community but clubs throughout the world contribute to Rotary Foundation which is there to support major international causes. The fact that there are now only a few case of polio in the world is down to Rotary International which for more than ten years has led the drive to eradicate this terrible disease.

Closer to home Channel Rotary has raised over £1million for local charities with all kinds of events. This year for example we have just held what we believe to be Kents Biggest Quiz with some 150 contestants, raising over £2000. The next event is our Annual Golf Day at Sene Valley Golf Club on 8^th May. In the summer there will be the Annual Cycle Ride around Romney Marsh, a fun adventure golf day at the Harbour Arm,. followed by a wine tasting in the autumn. These are all designed to raise money for charity and give the residents of our great town the chance to take part in an enjoyable event.

Whilst we often give part of the proceeds to a significant charity we make sure that there are plenty of funds to help all kinds of local causes. We are strong contributors to several local schools hardship funds, and the homeless as well as the Rainbow Centre Foodbank. We support many smaller charities in the area, such as the Fifth Trust, Baby Basics, Headway and Hi Kent. In recent years we have given funds to bigger charities including South Kent Mind, Age UK and the Air Ambulance. For example last year The Pilgrims Hospice was one of our lead charities.

We have a particular emphasis on youth in the area which as well as helping and supporting schools along with the other three clubs in Shepway we run competitions for the young covering Artists, Chefs, Writers and Youth Speaks. This is a National Rotary competition which allows local winners to progress from local to regional and ultimately to national level

A while ago we identified that there are far too many Young Carers in this area so during the year we try and put on events to give them a break from their chores. Visiting local parks and museums plus of course the annual visit to the pantomime.

None of this is possible without the energy of our members. We are always looking for like minded people, contrary to opinion men & women. All you need is certain level of enthusiasm to help with all our activities but also the desire to have fun and fellowship at the same time. We don’t take ourselves too seriously and believe strongly that we can work to help others and at the same time enjoy ourselves.

So alongside the serious activities we like to have plenty of social events and also get interesting speakers along to entertain the members.

TREE PLANTING WITH CHANNEL ROTARY & GO FOLKESTONE
(Press Release 3rd February)

Go Folkestone a volunteer organisation that protects heritage, greening spaces, and championing projects that make Folkestone thrive are linking up with Channel Rotary in the town to help with projects that suit both their philosophies. Channel has been in the town for 45 years and spent hundreds of thousands supporting all kinds of ventures, from Schools to the elderly and especially the underprivileged. The environment has always been a focus at the club and they were pleased to be involved with Go Folkestone in planting a new cherry tree at the cemetery to add to those planted to mark the Queens Jubilee in 2022.

Here you can see Will Foreman from Channel and Richard Wallace from Go Folkestone getting stuck in. Tony Quarrington Chairman “ We were pleased that we were able to get a further grant from FHDC for this project and very pleased that Channel Rotary wanted to be involved. We expect more strong liaison in the future”

January 2026

KENTS BIGGEST QUIZ?
(Press Release 15th January)

Channel Rotary Folkestone have been running their celebrated “Wine and Wisdom” quiz evening for over 35 years. It brings around 150 quizzers who fill the hall at the Harvey Grammar School Folkestone. It makes for a really fun evening with teams of four all getting a ploughman’s supper and a free bottle of wine per table at just £15 each.

Channel Rotary have raised tens of thousands of pounds for numerous local charities at this event which this year is on Wednesday February 11^th 7.00pm. To be sure of getting a place just contact wineandwisdom@channelrotary.org.uk

Peter Godden organiser “ We always enjoy putting on this event because we know we can guarantee everyone leaves smiling. I promise that this year’s questions will be no harder than before, which will cover half a dozen subjects and range from the easy to the difficult as usual.  Enough to stretch anyone’s knowledge”

So this looks like a good date to put in the diary

CHANNEL ROTARIANS RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
(Press Release)

Founder Member Hugh Barker handing over the award to Ray Beaglehole and Nigel Hart

Two members of the Channel Rotary Club Folkestone have been honoured with the movements highest accolade – the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship.

Ray Beaglehole and Nigel Hart were recognised for their outstanding contribution to Rotary service. Here they are being presented with the award by the club’s founder member Hugh Barker.

Ray joined Rotary in 1986 when serving in the Army at Shorncliffe Barrack Folkestone. He remained in touch when posted both abroad and on retirement he became a director in the Guardian News Paper Group and moved to Folkestone. This enabled him to take a more active part in Rotary activities becoming President in 2005

Nigel, a former Project Manager and latterly a Tour Operator in New Zealand is now retired. He joined Channel Rotary in 2000 and is Chairman of Channel’s Public Image Committee and has been responsible for media in the Club for fifteen years.

The Paul Harris fellowship is named after Paul Harris. A Chicago based businessman and one of the founding figures of the worldwide rotary movement. Harris’s vision of promoting peace, understanding and community service, continues to inspire Rotary members around the globe today.

The fellowship itself is a highly regarded honour within the Rotary community.  Bestowed sparingly to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to service beyond the ordinary.

The accolade is more than just an award, it embodies the spirit of rotary and its mission to make a difference in society through service, fellowship and understanding.