George Jones

On Saturday 18^th September 2021 a plaque was placed on the Telly-Go-Round in memory of George Jones and Barrie Smith.  

Sadly, Barrie died back in 2013 and George died earlier this year with very little fanfare due to Covid restrictions, his son Chris Jones requested a memorial event at the Telly-Go-Round. We were happy to facilitate and took the opportunity to mount a plaque to celebrate and recognise both George and Barrie’s achievement. 

George and Barrie were members of Rotary Herne Bay and have had a major impact on the club, Barrie joined back in 1957 & George joined two years later in 1959. 

These immensely talented men, working together for Rotary & the community, created the Telly-Go-Round; we at Herne Bay Rotary will never underestimate that achievement and will always be thankful for their vision & accomplishment, it’s an example of the right abilities coming together and making things happen. 

It is not the only attraction Barrie & George created with John Fitt & Terry Meehan.  Back in 1967 they created the first of Rotary Herne Bay’s seaside attractions, a lighthouse... as time went by, it morphed into the Lighthouse Mark II with Wally the Whale and then to the Telly-Go-Round in 1984.  

Barrie came up with the plans and with his artistic talent many of the puppets; George’s electrical genius created the internal workings that made the magic happen... John Fitt donated the chassis, built the display housing (amongst other things) and all members of the club helped in any way they could.   

It is a perfect example of what Rotary means and is about. Supporting the community, raising money for charity and creating joy.  

There have been a few updates of course, but essentially it is the same machine and concept that they made 37 years ago. We the Rotary Club of Herne Bay would like to thank them.  The Telly-Go-Round is unique, and we are very proud of it.   

Their legacy continues to bring in around £6,000 a year (Covid willing) for us to give to charities, a not insubstantial amount. 

Both George and Barrie received Paul Harris Fellowships for their achievements, the highest accolade we can bestow as a club on a Rotary member. 

A great quote by Paul Harris is:

"Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves."  

I think that perfectly represents their achievement as Rotary members. They ARE greatly missed. 

The plaque was placed to say THANK YOU and to show that they will never be forgotten, by our club and all who love the Telly-Go-Round. 

Mary Pole, President 2021-22

(For a history of how a lighthouse morphed into the Telly-Go-Round please see main item)