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Rotary Club of Guildford Wey has donated £250 to the Shelterbox initiative supported by Rotary international. The monies were specifically to be used for relief required as a result of the Myanmar earthquakes of the 28th March & the 13th April

That the process for importing material aid into Myanmar has its challenges. There are few organisations set up to do it, and those that are don’t necessarily have the capacity or experience to cover large volumes.

We are working with Rotary colleagues and partners to overcome this, and we are exploring all avenues.

It appears that most organisations here are in a similar position. There is a great deal of collaboration, and information sharing taking place to enable all actors to implement projects.

for more information on Shelterbox CLICK HERE

Schools Got Talent 
Was held this year on the 13th March 2025

This year’s schools were Christ’s College, Prior’s Field School Duke of Kent School and for the first time  Ash Manor School joined us,

It was a great evening of musical entertainment provided by the extremely talented young people from all four schools.   
The schools rehearsed during the day and then each performed for half an hour in the evening. 

This was a brilliant event of which we are very proud and if you would like to be involved in any way, in our next event on  10th March 2026, including advertising in the programme, please contact: Jane Hindley on 07979933363 or janesjh@hotmail.com.

Now that final accounting has taken place the schools are receiving the monies resulting from their ticket sales as noted below

President Michael Ramcharan presents a cheque to Head of music at Christ’s College, Liam Forrister. Toby & Layla represented the pupils

President Michael Ramcharan presents a cheque to the Head of performing arts at Prior’s Field School,Ian Maynard together with L-R Zoe Ireland (Head Teacher), Zhanna and Bibi

FB extract : We were delighted to welcome Michael Ramcharan, President of the Rotary Club of Guildford Wey, to School so he could officially hand over the cheque for the proceeds from last term’s GLive concert. Michael was hosted by our head girl Daisy R and head boy Isaac P and caught up with Mr Rye about next year’s concert! #TheDoKWay #GLive #RotaryClubofGuildfordWey #SurreySchool

See here for original Post & Pictured of event at Schools Got Talent 

The Rotary Children’s Fun Day is a National annual event aimed at providing disadvantaged children with a day of joy and adventure. Rotary Clubs representing the towns and villages covering Aldershot, Camberley, Farnborough, Farnham, Fleet, Guildford, Hook, Odiham and Woking entertain over 850 disadvantaged children and approximately 680 teachers, carers and parents. This year’s event was held on 11 June 2025 at the Army Rugby Football Stadium, Aldershot. Attractions free to attendees included a fairground, birds of prey, face painting and transfers, animal petting zoo, inflatable slides, circus activities, a balloon race plus burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and snacks followed by the visit of three ice cream vans.   Rotary Club of Guildford Wey are part of the team helping to run the event. This included running the “splat the rat” sideshow.  A great time was had by all!

Just to make it all worthwhile this is an extract from a Parent of one of the children who enjoyed the day.
” I would like to share my appreciation and to say thankyou for giving Luke, Benji and I the opportunity to go to the children’s fun day.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable day with just the boys and a nice experience to be with parents and children all unique in their own way with m a safe space full of people alike who “get it”.

The group who organise and help were all amazing, kind, tolerant and accommodating. We met tinkerbel, peppa pig and a funny clown- who Luke really took a dislike to, HA!

We spent lots of time with a petting farm please take a look at the photos attached where Benji was very zen with a ginormous cockerel – who knew big birds like the fuss?! Luke spent alot of time with the goats which was lovely to see him so comfortable with them and seeking them the best blades of grass and happily fed them. I have to say my favourite were the five week old piglets – super cute and grunty! They also had ducks, chickens and donkeys. We have been to a farm many a times however yesterday really sat differently.

The boys had so much fun but the highlight has to be seeing them both hold an OWL called Luke.

Wouldn’t have ever imagined I would see the day and I am so proud of them that they did. Luke the owl even allowed us to stroke him, he was very soft.

There was so much to do, fair rides, inflatables, activities, circus acts, Punch and Judy, disco, sensory play, crockery smash, crazy gold, tattoos and a team of fire fighters brought their fire engine to show off.

Squash stations were all around, picnic bags or bbq were the lunch options with 2 ice cream vans for the afternoon, smashing day, very grateful to have the opportunity for a 2nd year and as a family we experienced crossing new boundaries and having a fabulous day together so thankyou very much. ….“

Once again the weather was kind and we had a good representation from local and national Charities who entered sponsored teams for our annual Big Charity Walk.

President Michael Ramcharan invited Guildford Mayor, Howard Smith, to start the enthusiastic walkers on a warm and sunny day.

All monies raised went to the Charities involved.

Should you have a Charity that you would like to raise funds for, please look out for our event in 2026 and register you interest now. To do this now please contact peterj.okeefe@btinternet.com

For more photographs of the event CLICK HERE

Rotary in Guildford funded a VE DAY Lunch at Wood Street Village School for villagers who had lived during WW11
The children sat around small tables eating fish and chips as the old folk shared their experiences. Member Ali arranged for the fish and chip van to come and he cooked up the lunches .. our donation covered the cost of the meal.

We had a good turn out for this month´s gardening at Gosden House School, which was just as well, clearing an area for a rabbit run.

The main challenge was to remove a three quarters of a ton concrete roller which had been buried in the area we had to clear !

After much levering and effort the roller surfaced and was dragged to one side.

Any one got a tractor to haul it away !?

The Mayor of Guildford’s Diversity Show held at Holy Trinity, Guildford, is a triumph

The evening was supported by The Rotary Clubs of Guildford Wey & Chantries and Guildford Inner Wheel.

An audience of nearly 200 people attended The Mayor of Guildford’s celebration of inclusion and diversity on Saturday night (5 April). The Diversity Show, held at Holy Trinity Church in Guildford, highlighted the richness of cultures, talents and voices in our community.

Nineteen exceptional performers and groups, from different cultures, took the audience on a rollercoaster journey of emotions. The performances showed when people from different backgrounds come together in an environment where they feel valued and heard, we create opportunities for everyone to thrive.

The Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Sallie Barker MBE, in her welcome speech paid tribute to last year’s Mayor, Cllr Masuk Miah, who had the original idea for organising the show:

“This event brings to life Guildford Borough Council’s corporate strategy and one of the key priorities within it – for Guildford to become a more inclusive borough. One where we share a vision of a community where everyone belongs and can thrive, and in which we create an environment where every resident feels valued, respected, and heard.

She went on to say:

“I hope this show will be a living testament as to what we can achieve when we celebrate our differences, rather than allow them to divide us, and it will be a powerful reminder of how diversity enriches us all.”

A shadow puppet performance, set to original music and song by young asylum seekers, was particularly moving and received a standing ovation. Surrey Arts and Big Leaf Foundation had spent the day working on the project, called Music Connects. This brings young unaccompanied asylum seekers together with the community.

Surrey Arts, Inclusion Manager, Jim Pinchen, said: “It’s been really joyful to work with the young people today, breaking down barriers through the medium of music and art.”

Kayte, The Programme Manager at Big Leaf Foundation, added: “The courage of these young people in sharing their story so honestly and with such craft, was truly rewarded in the compassion, acknowledgement and warmth that was shown to them on the night.”

Big Leaf Foundation will receive around £4,000 raised by the show.

The evening was supported by The Rotary Clubs of Guildford Wey & Chantries and Guildford Inner Wheel.

Guildford Borough Council is committed to creating an inclusive borough and an environment where everyone has a voice. Sentiments echoed by MC, Nick Wyschna, as he closed the evening, saying: “Let’s continue to champion diversity and make a meaningful impact together!”

More Photos Click here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/xpXxUXDUpMVTdvKv7

Our ‘Schools Got Talent’ event on the 13th March once again proved to be an amazing display of the young talent at our local Schools. The Finale brought all 4 schools together for an amazing rendition of ‘Hey Jude’

The packed theatre certainly loved it. !!

Guildford Borough Council guildford.gov.uk/newsroom Follow us @Guildfordbc 04 March 2025   Rotary in Guildford presents cheques totalling £4,700 to Mayor’s chosen charities   Last Thursday (27 February) representatives of Rotary in Guildford presented the Guildford Veterans Hub and The Matrix Trust with cheques totalling £4,700. The money was raised at the Mayor of Guildford’s Christmas Concert, organised by Rotary in Guildford, and shared with projects chosen by the Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Sallie Barker MBE. The annual concert is a popular and well supported event that has been a significant fundraiser for the Mayor’s charities for many years. The latest concert, performed by Vivace Chorus, raised £3,500 for the Guildford Veterans Hub and an additional £1,200 through a retiring collection for The Matrix Trust.  ‘Making connections for the wellbeing of our communities’ is the mayoral theme for this year. Sallie chose these projects to benefit from the Christmas Concert because of a strong personal connection with their aims and objectives.  Having served nearly 20 years in the Territorial Army, Sallie recognises the tremendous sacrifice and service of the Armed Forces community. The Guildford Veterans Hub, based at Guildford Fire Station, provides invaluable support to both active and former military personnel by offering a safe and welcoming environment where veterans can gather, build friendships, receive advice, and access various services. With eight years of experience as a teacher, Sallie is deeply committed to making a positive impact on the lives of young people, particularly those who are vulnerable and at-risk. The Matrix Trust excels in this area by establishing long-term relationships with young people and providing activities that nurture, inspire, connect, and empower them. The Rotary Clubs of Guildford Wey & Chantries said in a joint statement: “We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to all our supporters and attendees for their generous contributions. We are especially grateful to our event sponsors, AJ Bennewith & Co and the Guildford Butchery.” The Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Sallie Barker MBE said: “Rotary in Guildford has a magnificent history of supporting the Mayor of Guildford’s initiatives. I’m truly grateful for all they do.  “The Vivace Chorus delivered a wonderful performance that brought joy to the audience and will leave a lasting legacy through the money gifted to The Guildford Veterans Hub and The Matrix Trust.” The special presentation took place at Guildford Fire Station. Cheques were presented to The Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Sallie Barker MBE, Pat Sheridan of the Guildford Veterans Hub, and Dan Setterfield of the Matrix Trust by Rotary Wey Club Vice President, Andy Bowen-Ashwin, and Rotary Chantries Club President, Trevor Perrott, on behalf of Rotary in Guildford.  Also present were members of the Guildford Veterans Hub, Dennis Booth, Veterans Hub Chairman, the Rotary Concert team, Chris Shorter, Chris Hodgson, Andrew Jackson, (Rotary Guildford Wey) and the Chairman of the Vivace Chorus, Richard Dacey. The next Mayor’s Christmas Concert is scheduled for 7pm on Sunday 14 December at Holy Trinity Church. Please mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information later this year.   Notes to Editor Rotary in Guildford contact:  Rotary Wey Club Vice President, Andy Bowen-Ashwin Photos supplied:  *Rotary in Guildford presentation at Guildford Fire Station *The Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Sallie Barker MBE, and Andrew Jackson of Rotary Club of Guildford Wey, charity fund treasurer, holding a cheque for £3,500 raised from the Rotary in Guildford Vivace Christmas concert 2024   *The Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Sallie Barker MBE with Dan Setterfield of the Matrix Trust  ​ Press contact: Beverley Stonehouse – e-mail Beverley.Stonehouse@guildford.gov.uk