Brief history of Rotary Club of Fareham
from the archives
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Jottings from The Archive
Updated for the
75th Birthday Celebration of The Rotary Club of Fareham
30th September 2021
1946
May/June/July - Interest meetings by invitation only at the Red Lion Hotel. 15th July - First Lunch meeting Holy Trinity Church Hall (4/- each)
INAUGURAL DINNER 16th September 1946 - Harry Sandy appointed first President
The Founder President Harry Sandy presented the President's badge - the design incorporating the Town Crest
Gifts presented by Rotary Clubs; Gong (Gosport); Reading Desk (Bournemouth); Minute & Visitors book (Portsmouth & Southsea); Attendance Board (Winchester); Set of Badges (Ventnor); Two Flags (Southampton).
Container for Gong and Emblems presented by Rtn C Coghlan
Charity Box presented by Rtn G R Evans
CLUB CHARTER SIGNED 22nd November
1947
January - Honorary- Member Cdr J G Ouvry DSO Presented the Club with an Ash Tray made from the first magnetic mine which he had dismantled
Charter Presented by District Chairman 21st February - Celebration Dinner -
(it was noted that several Rotarians had been unable to attend because of Blizzard)
Auditor of Club Accounts for the first year was Rtn Ken Riley
Club Meetings moved to the Masonic Hall
Community Service Cttee aims for the first year were a) To help those who were unable to help themselves,
b) To add a little extra pleasure and comforts to the aged of our town also the young and the sick
1948
June - Building of the Beach Hut had commenced
July - Fareham and Gosport inter-club Golf Cup presented by Pres J M F Peters
Blotter and Writing tablet presented to the RC New York,
made with wood from HMS Chesapeake1 by Rtn G R Evans
1950
£2 19s raised by 'Bowling for a Pig' competition in Fareham Market
1951
Annual Cricket Match with Portsmouth Football Club
September - Garden Party at Home of Founder President Harry Sandy raised £43
December Fareham Inner Wheel club formed
RIBI President visited the Club
1952
April – Fareham Inner Wheel Chartered
1953
Coronation Medals awarded to K Riley, S Wyatt and L Goodall
Club sponsor formation of RC Petersfield. Presentation of a Bell
1954
Swinburne Shield presented by Pres T G Swinburne for an annual knock out Golf Tournament for members
1955
Jubilee Banquet and Ball
Community Services Committee formed the Fareham Cmtte for 'Guide Dogs For the Blind'
December - To mark the Golden Jubilee of Rotary a Clock was ordered for the Town (cost £250)
and a Holy Bible was presented to each of the 28 schools.
1956
Wireless sets provided for aged couples Cricket Matches - Rotarians vs Doctors and Clergy
June 6th - Town clock Presented Appeal for 'Hungarian Relief Fund'
1957
Cup presented for competition at Fareham Music Festival' Two Televisions provided for needy people
1958
Club Territory reduced to UDC of Fareham plus Shedfield, Wickham and Boarhunt.
- Curdridge has been taken over by Bitterne & Woolston Club.
1961
Cup presented for competition at Guide Dogs for the Blind Gymkhana
1962
BBQ at Beach Hut
Ken Riley represents the Club on a TV Programme.
1963
Help given to 'Pestalozzi Village1 and 'Freedom from Hunger' campaign
Easy chairs purchased for St Christopher's Hospital sun lounge.
November - Remarks were made about the length of time taken by the Secretary in making announcements.
1964
Clubs first District Officer -EC Rogers appointed Youth Exchange Officer
Cup presented to Youth Committee for 'Sea Angling' Competitions (provided by Rtn F Hall)
1965 -1966
To commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Rotary
a Kitchen was equipped for Fareham Abbeyfield home (£250)
Formation of local VSO Cmtee sponsored - Rtn Bill Hendry Chairman.
Fareham Town Football Club was top of League Hants Div 1 for 5th year running
- under the Chairmanship of Rtn E R Hills
1967
RC Fareham assistance to 'Guide Dogs for the Blind' reaches £7000 (28 dogs)
21st Club Charter Anniversary Celebration Dinner
1969
The first issue of a Club Bulletin under the title “The Pinion”
The inaugural meeting of Fareham Probus Club
1970
The last surviving issue (No 8) of the original “Pinion” is printed booklet form
1971
25th Club Charter Anniversary Dinner
1973
‘Birth’ of another daughter - RC Locks Heath inaugurated
Revival edition of The Pinion with a major focus on Membership
RI introduced automatic progression to “Senior Active” membership to free up Classifications
Club membership noted as 35 ‘Active’, 25 ‘Senior Active’ plus 2 ‘Honorary’
1974
Europa Evening held at Prices College
Rotaract Club of Fareham founded with 25 members
Autumn Ball held at Prices College
1975
‘International Evening’ event held at Prices College
1976
30th Club Charter Anniversary Ball
1979
Link established with RC Del Amo (USA) by PP Dickie Davis at RI Convention Rome
Club sponsors its first local Foundation Scholar – to study Journalism in Canada
Club visit to The News in Portsmouth
1980
Rotary International 75th Anniversary Dinner held at Meon Valley Country Club
50th Annual District 111 Conference
PP Mike Swinburne appointed District Governor - our 'first and only'
First Club Exchange visits with RC Del Amo
Rtn Stuart Avery leads Burridge Youth Football team on USA tour as Manager/Coach
Fareham Makes Music Charity Concert in aid of QA Hospital Laser Appeal
75th Anniversary of RI celebrated with a ‘Fareham Makes Music Concert’ at HMS Collingwood
Rotary Club of Fareham held RI 75th Anniversary Dinner
Earliest surviving formal photo of all Club members
1981
Birth of another daughter - RC Fareham Meon chartered
Pres John Landaw organised complete refurbishment of Wheelhouse with financial support from
Brian Gudgeon incoming first President of RC Fareham Meon
Rtn Geoff Hillam and co-driver towed donated caravan to Italy to help homeless after earthquake disaster (3000 mls)
Fareham Show inspired and chaired by Pres John Landaw, held at Cams Hall Farm raising money for good causes
1982
RC Fareham was represented at the opening of Ferneham Hall by HRH Duchess of Kent
Club Bulletin was started by Mike Swinburne who went on to edit it for the next 22 years
Fareham Show another great success,
(chaired by Rtn John Landaw for 7 years contributing thousands of pounds to Club’s Community Service funds)
Visually Handicapped Sports in District 111 by Past DG Mike Swinburne
Rtn Brian Evans appointed Counsellor for Foundation Scholar studying at Southampton University
An emergency box was filled and sent to help victims of a flood and mudslide disaster in India
Rotaract Club raise £258 to funds an Eye Camp in India
1983
Rotary Club of Fareham Charitable Trust officially registered
Club visits arranged to local businesses and Services
Club members organise mock interviews to help school leavers seeking jobs
Members shocked at meal price increase from £2.75 to £3.50
Club sponsors local applicants for Foundation Scholarship.
Wykeham House School win the Youth area round of Speaks competition and the Mac Rogers Cup
Fashion show raises £420 for the South Atlantic Fund
Past Presidents Day meeting held in the presence of the Mayor
Local youth sponsored for a 2-week voyage on TS Malcolm Miller
Old Folks supported with Xmas parcels and trip to show at Portsmouth Guildhall
1984
Members continue to support the Fareham Show
Sail-over evening to Royal Corinthian Yacht Club
Presidents Grand Charity Ball with Southampton All-Stars Orchestra held at Ferneham Hall
Grand Charity Auction held at Prices College
President Brian Evans summoned to Canada to organise The Tall Ships race
The club hosts a Delegation of Members and Wives from RC Del Amo en-route to RI Conference
Visits to D-day planning room and tractor ride tour of Rtn Mike Bazeley’s farm
Vice President presides over Welcome Dinner in presence of the Mayor at the Octagon
RC Del Amo present ceremonial gavel to RC Fareham to mark the visit
Grand Charity Auction & rummage sale at Prices College
Projects include Eye Camps and Emergency Boxes; sponsorship of Foundation Scholar candidate
Two-way exchange for children of members of RC’s Del Amo and Fareham
Fareham Show supported
Rotaract organise fundraising Barn Dance at Portchester Community Centre
Trophy donated to D111 in memory of PP Bob Burt – to be an annual award for advancing the 4th Object of Rotary
1985
Rotaract members redecorate Fareham Battered Wives Hostel
Rtns John Landaw and Ben Benstead organise refurbishment of the WheelHouse
Presidents Night at Ferneham Hall dancing to Southampton All-Stars
Rotaract stage a Fareham Pantomime under the wing of Rtn John Landaw
Rtn Alan and Maureen Bowden host Club Barbeque at their home
Members and Rotaractors support Fareham Show
Club Devon Weekend Away thanks to PP Brian and Betty Evans
First Fareham meeting of the Borough’s Service Clubs Organised by the Mayor
Club Seafood Supper at Portchester School thanks to Headmaster Rtn Geoff Forbes
An evening of Fashion and Beauty fundraiser held at Ferneham Hall
Club jollies included progressive supper and Pullman Dinner on the Strawberry Line
1986
Presidents Night at Ferneham Hall
An evening of Fashion, Health and Beauty at Ferneham Hall
International Food and Wine fundraiser at Prices School
40th President Installed
Old Folks outing to Portsmouth Carol concert
President Kendal Ockenden and Marianne launch the tradition of annual ‘President’s At Home’
Club support Fareham Show
1987
Presidents Night held at the Meon Valley Country Club
Youth Speaks – winning team theme ‘Is the age of Chivalry dead’
Rtn John Hall sadly collapses and dies at Club meeting
Club visit to D-day museum. Dinner at RNC and RSYC
An evening of Fashion, Health and Beauty raised nearly £2000 (£500donated to Mayors Hospice appeal)
The club changed venue from The Limes to Maylings Manor Hotel
Gentlemen’s Charity Dinner in aid of Polio Plus Campaign – Guest speaker Brian Johnston
1988
Presidents Night at the College of Maritime Studies Warsash
PP Kendal Ockenden launches the tradition of ‘Annual Past Presidents Dinner‘
Club visit to the Houses of Parliament
(no records available in 1988 after June)
1989
Presidents Night held at Maylings Manor Hotel
Widow of PP Cyril Abinett donated a portable Oxygen Machine to be made available to local people
Club Social events included a progressive supper and a Sports evening with the Swinburne's
Club visits included Smiths Crisps and Gales Brewery
Fundraiser events included a Race Night and a Bike Race
21st Anniversary of the Foundation of Rotaract celebrated (RCF Rotaract formed in about 1967)
Sons and Daughters exchange visits with RC Del Amo
Book Collected locally and delivered by members to Ranfurly Library, London
RI Council on Legislation approved enactment to admit Women to Rotary with a vote of 74% in favour
WheelHouse BBQ to view Cowes Fireworks display
Club dinner at Highbury College prepared by Catering Department students
Club team sent to Caen to find a Club Twinning – made contact with RC Cabourg
WheelHouse flooded by high tide in strong winds
1990
Members (52) fund proposed, £25 per capita, to repair the WheelHouse
Fundraisers included; Evening of Fashion and Beauty,
Two Fareham youngsters sponsored to attend an Activities Week at Fairthorne Manor
Members continue to transport old folk to Darby and Joan Club meetings at the Red Cross Hut
Rotoracters complete Beach clean up. Rtn Jim Burrell made District Interact Chairman
Club visits:- new operating Theatres at St Marys Hospital& Solent Business Park;
Members sourced spare Optical equipment locally for the “ Squint Eyes Clinic” in Gdansk, Poland
Youth Speaks local Cams Hill school team won area round and District Final
Club supported:- Eye Camp, Water Aid & Romanian Children Relief Fund & Assheton Ct “Run Out”
Club Council decide that the WheelHouse should be completely rebuilt.
Members persuaded 8 Local schools to each fill an Emergency box
International Evening organised with 10 international guests working in Fareham
Social events;- Chichester Theatre visit, President Night at Maylings & end of year BBQ at the Bowdens
Informal exchange of Club visits with Cabourg Rotarians and members agree to seek Formal Twinning
Service at Christmas:- Parcels distributed; Assist Kershaw Centre Party; Assheton Court Outing
1991
Wheelhouse replaced with a purpose-designed brick building
1994
Twinning with Rotary Club of Cabourg begins - Declaration of Club Contact signed
1996
The Club celebrates its 50th Anniversary marked by a Grand Dinner at Ferneham Hall
1997
The Swinburne Fellowship Cup was donated and presented for the first time
2000
Club begin refurbishment of Town’s Rotary Clock to mark the Millennium
2002
Restored and re-sited Rotary Town Clock formally handed over to Fareham Council
2003
Defibrillators provided at Fernham Hall, Leisure centre, and shopping centres
in the memory of JVP Pat Newby
Birth of a granddaughter - RC Whiteley sponsored by RC Fareham Meon
2004
First lady member welcomed to the Club - Jill Newby
2005
President Roger Esnault leads TSUNAMI recon team to Sri Lanka disaster area
D1110 starts Tsunami Village project in Partnership with RC Colombo and RC Karrinyup (D9450 W Australia)
Rotary Clubs of Fareham Joint Rotary Centenary Ball
250th edition of Club Bulletin published
Mentors provided for the Youth Enterprises scheme
2007
RC Fareham reaches 60th Birthday
Joint Celebration Dinner with daughter, RC Fareham Meon (aged 25) and grand-daughter, RC Whiteley (aged 5)
£500,000 Tsunami Village Project completed in Partnership between D1110, RC Colombo & RC Whitfords
Rtn Roger Esnault presented with Rotary International's highest award "Service Above Self"
Sister Club declaration signed with RC Karrinyup & RC Colombo
2008
Four electric buggies and two pushing wheelchairs were presented to Fareham Town Mobility Scheme
First Lady President, Jill Newby, takes Office
The club builds tripartite links with Rtns in S Africa and Calcutta to support local PanJazz Education Project
2009
RC Fareham Pledges to raise £4000 towards the Bill Gates Polio Plus Challenge
Rtn Tony Cove becomes District Organiser for Kids Out which gives over 1000 disadvantaged Children a day out
Club Web site is launched www.farehamrotary.com
Rtns Tony Cove, Geoff Hillam and Colin Frampton visit our Matching Grant School project in India
and attend a Polio Immunisation Day
Presidential Citation awarded to PP Derek Woodward
Club Sleigh and Father Christmas attend Hook-with-Warsash school Christmas party
2010
£250 provided to Stubbington Study Centre for Bursaries to enable poorer children to attend
Rotary supported local PanJazz project visit and work in South Africa
PP Derek Woodward made Club’s first Honorary Life member
Members marshal at FBC Triathlon to raise money for the Rainbow Centre
Club visit to Twinned RC Cabourg
Family Bargains Store Fareham, agrees to host Club collection boxes at check-outs
Club purchase internet domain www.farehamrotary.com.
Thanks for Life Purple Crocus planting scheme started in Town
Christmas Collections in Sainsburys and FSC raise £2800
2011
Club Certificates of appreciation awarded to Sainsburys and FSC
Wheel House kitchen fully refitted
Rotary supported PannJazz International Project formally launched at a concert in Ferneham Hall
Presidents Salver renovated by Rtn Gerry Ayres to be awarded annually at the President’s discretion.
PP Peter Brett-Burley made Honorary Life Member
Kids Out Paultons Park – Mayoral send-off. Members assist on-site.
The club adopts a new design for the Club banner featuring the town Viaduct.
RC Cabourg visits us. Chichester Cathedral & Gardens; Fishbourne Palace; Local festivities.
Visitors from RCs Scarboro & Hillarys - Tsunami Project partners. Report that village is thriving.
RIBI President unveils WheelHouse. Plaque marking PP Ben Benstead’s rebuilding leadership & inspiration.
Members Support and Marshall at “Marathon by Instalments” in aid of The Rainbow Centre.
Rotary Awareness Day at the WheelHouse
Club Sale of ‘Rotary’ Tomato Sauce donated nationally by Tiptree raised £71.
Report received from Member serving as Colonel in Afghanistan
Member visits RC Salt Lake City and reports on Partnership School and Hospital Projects in NE India.
The club enters local annual Methodist Church ‘Christmas Tree Festival’ for the first time
Club Christmas Collections at Sainsburys and Fareham Shopping Centre raise £2790
2012
Successful ‘Call Our Bluff’ fundraising Evening held in local School
Mayor re-opens Club’s facelifted ‘Rotary Wishing Well’ in Fareham Shopping Centre
Letter sent to HM The Queen with loyal greetings on her Diamond Jubilee
Members support and participate in Soberton’s Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration weekend
Rotary Day awareness event held in Town Centre in partnership with RC Fareham Meon.
Members collect Supermarket School Tokens and donate them to Portchester School.
Links with RC Meon increased with regular meetings of officers
Kid’s Out at Paulton’s Park, very popular
Over 1000 items were donated for Basics Bank by members and with Soroptimist’s help
Wheelhouse run by Chris Thomas had 140 bookings and was shortlisted for a Queen’s Award for voluntary service.
Visit to RC Cabourg, fascinating visits and great hospitality
Members at wheelhouse for the parade of liners to mark P&O 175th anniversary reviewed by The Princess Royal
Members acted as Stewards for the Olympic torch being run through Fareham
Club Social visit to Leckford (John Lewis), gardens and Farm with lunch in a riverside pub
Stewards at Fort Nelson for a Military tattoo went well and so offered use of the Fort for a Rotary event (see 2014)
Formation of an Interact group at Wykeham House school, led by PE Pam Bryant
President’s overseas project was CURE, a Malawi hospital specializing in treating children with a club foot.
A Magic evening by the amazing Bertie Pearce in Soberton Village Hall, raised £1550 for CURE
The Interact club did a sponsored cycle ride up the Meon Valley railway trail
2013
Christmas collections at Sainsbury’s raised £2790, despite threats of flooding and one-day cancellation by Police
Interact met at the Wheelhouse to learn knitting squares to make blankets for a charity supporting stroke victims –
Club Visit to RNLI at Chichester Harbour with lunch and a talk at Hayling Island sailing club
Rotarail at Fareham College was an outstanding success, raised £700 for club charities
Chris Thomas and President Duncan were invited to Winchester by the Lord Lt of Hampshire
after being nominated for The Queen's Award for voluntary service,
The DG called for clubs to work together at joint dinner with RC’s Meon, Locks Heath & Whitley
The Interact club took part in Dragon boating for charity
Visit by RC Cabourg members, the theme was D-Day, visits to Southwick house and Droxford station
A Global grant was achieved for CURE to treat children disabled by club foot in Malawi, raising $29,000
‘Jim Burrell Trophy’ donated by his daughter and son as an award for ‘congeniality’
Pres Pam Bryant made PHF for setting up the first Interact Club at Wykeham House School
Twinning visit from RC Cabourg. Welcome tea at President’s home
Interact members gave some musicals before presenting blankets to the Stroke Club.
Presidents At Home, held in the garden on a sunny but rather windy day.
Special Rotary Club Showcase & buffet at Fort Nelson attended by more than 70 VIPs
Past Presidents annual dinner held at the Harbour Yacht Club Port Solent.
The staff of the Local company, Dancor, filled Shoeboxes for the annual D1110 appeal.
Interactors entered the Methodist Christmas Tree Festival, in aid of the Philippines Disaster.
Fifteen members embarked on Brittany Ferries for a weekend visit to the Rotary Club of Cabourg.
the first guest speaker was the newly appointed Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire Simon Hayes.
The club joined Hampshire Dementia Action Alliance
Club members organise “Wheelhouse Welcomes” for Dementia sufferers & their carers
to enjoy fellowship, memory boxes, a sing-song and seaside ice cream
Club supported “ The Haven in Wessex” (Breast Cancer) & marshalled for Countess of Wessex opening visit
2015
Money was raised for the Philippines Community Fund to aid Children scavenging on Manila rubbish tips
The first annual Rotarail model railway exhibition was held in partnership with Fareham College
Other fundraising events included several evenings at Antonio’s and a hilarious “Call My Bluff” evening
PP John Gauntlett made Honorary Life Member
RC Cabourg returns visit: Butser Ancient Farm; English Vineyard; a Fish and Chip lunch, and an evening BBQ.
2015
PP Ben Benstead made Honorary Life member
Fundraising Caribbean lunch in support of Clubs efforts to help education for disadvantaged children in Grenada
Club assists St Francis School after it was badly damaged by vandals
Ongoing link strengthened with St Francis Special School for children with severe and complex learning difficulties
2016
Sister Club Declaration signed with RC Hillarys, W. Australia
2017
President raised the issue of Membership and the need to broaden the Club’s age range.
Both Richard Watson and Mike Bazelely celebrated their 90th birthdays.
President’s at home in his garden, just avoiding the rain.
Support, by funds to ShelterBox given to the Caribbean following hurricane Irma.
A Call My Bluff evening provided fellowship and funds for Rotary Foundation.
Hays Travel was given the Rotary Corporate Responsibility Award.
Christmas tree entered for the town’s Christmas Tree Festival.
5th Thursday meal at Fareham College.
Children met Father Christmas at Garsons Garden Centre.
2018
Annual Sainsbury’s collection.
Youth Speaks competition held in January.
Donation to St. Francis school for an adapted minibus. DG presentation of cheque at wheelhouse.
PP Colin White made Honorary Life Member
Past President’s meal at Antonio’s.
Work is undertaken in preparedness for the Data Protection Act.
Another successful Rotarail.
Concert held at the United Reform Church.
2018
Donation to St. Francis school towards the purchase of the adapted minibus. DG Presented a cheque at wheelhouse.
Annual Sainsbury collection.
2019
Rotarail -model railway charitable fundraising exhibition.
Visit to Hampshire and IOW air ambulance at Thruxton and financial donation.
Successful Secret coach day out with lunch and small Foundation contribution.
Bertie magic dinner with the decapitation of President.
First Soberton garden visits in aid of charity.
Finance for Sand dam project (effective water supply to African community almost achieved
PP Linda Ingram made Honorary Life Member
PP Richard Watson made Honorary Life Member
Presidents ‘At Home’ featuring folk music duo at local Workingmen’s Club
Demonstration of 'sign language' by two 12-year olds, our youngest speakers of the year
Club engagement with members & Community Brainstorm – 36 ideas – work in progress
December Sainsbury collection despite the rain, howling gale and news of Covid epidemic from China
2020
President shares with members the healthy, crying phone call of his new-born granddaughter.
The COVID pandemic triggers Lockdown. A decision was taken on March 16th to suspend Club meetings
New Weekly Bulletin for members emerges.
President begins weekly telephone calls to members
In mid-May weekly Club 'Zoom' meetings take off.
Paul Harris fellowships awarded to Chris Thomas and Rebecca Traynor
Shielding Club President has to pass on the Presidential Chain using his 2-meter episcopal crook.
Incoming Presidents focus for the year;- Youth & Young people; The Environment; finding ways of having Fun
Rotary Certificate of Appreciation for Acts of Kindness during Covid epidemic presented to the Basics Bank
Major refurbishment of WheelHouse begun during Covid shutdown
Club Members supported the Christmas Shoebox scheme
Club supported efforts of ‘Team Scrubbers” volunteers to make PPE
Work continues on securing District and Foundation grants towards the Clubs Sand Dam Project
PR Norman Chapman was elected as Area Lay Chair for the newly formed Deanery Synod.
2021
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