CONTACT CLUB REUNION 2018

Thu, May 10th 2018 at 4:00 pm- Sun, May 13th 2018 - 11:00 am

22 Members from the Rotary Clubs of Poitiers Futuroscope and Darmstadt Kranichstein joined us at home for the annual Contact Club Reunion.


Led by President Michael Schafer, the German party arrived at Margate Station at 2.30 pm after flying from Frankfurt to London Heathrow. President Michael was accompanied by his wife, Gudrun, Uwe Schneider and his friend Ulrike, Klaus and Immie Willimczik, Martin and Meike Kunkele-Rieken, Silvia Castaner and Monserrat Portell.

Led by President Jossellin Debordes, the French party arrived at Ramsgate Station at 5.30 pm after spending the day sightseeing in London having flown into Stansted from Poitiers the previous evening. President Josellin was accompanied by his partner, Estelle, Jacques and Josette Metais, Emmanuelle and Jerome Bourdeau, Karine and Frantz Thomas, Bernard and Maria-Theresa Coupleux and Elias Rady (whose partner, Cindy, was unable to travel at the last minute).

On arriving at their hosts' houses, welcome drinks were served before everybody made their way to the Westgate & Birchington Golf Club for a very English dinner of Steak & Mushroom Pie and Eton Mess.

On Friday morning everyone met at Quex Park where two groups were created. The first group spent the morning exploring Quex House and Museum and enjoyed the splendid gardens. The second group played Crazy Golf - 18 holes of fiendishly difficult design - which caused almost permanent hilarity!

Lunch was taken in Quex Barn - a splendid concoction of massive sandwiches and delicious chips.

In the afternoon, the two groups swapped activities and then still had time to explore the Farmer's Market in Quex Barn where many souvenirs were purchased.

After a chance to freshen up and change at home, everyone made their way to St Augustine's for the President's Night Dinner and were joined by the Presidents of other Thanet Rotary and Inner Wheel Clubs, and a number of Honorary Members and Friends of Rotary. A traditional menu of Smoked Salmon starter, Roast Beef and Fresh Fruit Pavlova was followed by a first set of songs from "ABBA CHIQUE" who got everyone singing and dancing to familiar ABBA hits. Then came the three Presidential speeches, but unfortunately, President Michael was indisposed and could not attend and so PDG Klaus Willimczik read his speech. After this brief moment of formality, ABBA CHIQUE came back to the stage and continued to entertain the excited throng.

On Saturday morning everyone met in Whitstable and groups explored the boutique shops in the High Street, the oyster bars and the heritage harbour before making their way up the hill to Whitstable Castle for lunch. There was an opportunity to view the interior of the castle and to wander in the beautiful gardens. The visitors from France and Germany were interested to see a Green Bowls Match in full flow.

Martin, Meike, Monserrat & Silvia in front of Whitstable Castle

In the evening, a garden party, Chez Brightling, was planned but, unexpectedly, we entered the monsoon season and there was torrential rain and gusting wind. Undeterred, everyone remembered what Alfred Wainwright said: "There is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing" and arrived fully waterproofed for the festivities. Coming together in adversity, everyone feasted on BBQued steak, lamb burgers, marinated chicken and kentish sausages all washed down with copious quanities of vino.

For the dessert, and much to the surprise of everyone present, a traditional ice cream van arrived at 9 pm and, despite the heavy rain, all the guests trooped out to the road under umbrellas to order their 99's, oysters and cornets. It could only be IN ENGLAND!

The French party had to catch the 8.05 am train from Ramsgate in order to get back to Stansted in time for their flight to Poitiers so everyone was up at the crack of dawn! The German party had a little more time to wake up as their train was the 10.05 am from Ramsgate. Why not Margate?? It was a Sunday, so there were the dreaded "Engineering Works" and "Replacement Bus Service" Good old Southeastern Railway!

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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.

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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

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ROTARIAN PAINTERS AT WORK!

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

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

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Chris Hedges updates the website on a regular basis.

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

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

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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

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

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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.

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Banner of the Rotary Club of Temecula

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

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Mike O'Toole is our Sergeant-at-Arms

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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

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

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

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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.

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

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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"

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

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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!

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

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St Augustine's Chapel

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

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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!!!

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

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

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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

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

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

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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

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

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The planting gets under way

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

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

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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

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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.

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

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A filled Aquabox ready for deployment

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

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

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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

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

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