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Prestatyn Rotary Club Christmas donations 

The Prestatyn Rotary Club Santa Float has played a big part in Christmas celebrations since the 1950’s and in that time has raised many tens of thousands of pounds for good causes. The generosity of the public throughout the 2024 collection has again resulted in a sizeable donation to each of the recipients chosen by Club President Huw Ellis-Williams.

At the presentation evening held on March 31st at The Beaches Hotel, President Huw handed cheques of £2,000 to Sian Golding, representing Tŷ Gobaith Children’s Hospice, also to Toby Fagan of Work in Progress, and to Andrew Hall from the Alzheimer’s Society Wales.

Huw thanked the public for giving their support despite difficult financial times, and paid tribute to the Rotarians and volunteers who work hard to make the float run a success every December.

Sian Golding thanked Prestatyn Rotarians for their continued support of Tŷ Gobaith, which began in 1998 when a team of Rotarian golfers played 4 rounds of golf in one day in each of the four countries of the U.K., raising £10,500. She outlined the many services the hospice provides and said “The hospice only receives state funding for 10 weeks of their running costs”. The ongoing aim is to make more families aware of the help available as only one in six eligible families currently use the hospice.

Andrew Hall gave an insight into the support available for sufferers and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease. There are about 100 types of Dementia but Alzheimer’s is the most common and is often the leading killer of male and female adults in the UK. He said “As such it really doesn’t receive the state support that it deserves. There is no cure yet, but we are hopeful that new medications have been found that may delay the onset”. Currently the only NHS Dementia Pathway in the UK is that in Wales including Betsi Cadwalader.

Toby Fagan is Chair/Director of Rhyl-based Work in Progress (a Community in Trust Company) which started in 2020 but the pandemic meant it officially opened in 2022.

Work in Progress is an inclusive performing arts group for adults aged 18+. Toby said “Sometimes all people need is a creative way to connect with others as well as with their own emotions. Active involvement in the performing arts improves people’s mental health and well-being by helping them become healthier – physically, mentally, and emotionally”.
Work in Progress is based in the centre of the most socially and financially challenged wards in Rhyl, one of the most deprived areas in Wales. The group puts on a show each year, which is performed at Theatr Twm o’r Nant in Denbigh, the only fully accessible venue in the area that is affordable to the group. Anyone over 18 can join the group for free, and the current participants range from 32 to 84 years of age.

The Rotary Club of Prestatyn is a friendly group of local business people and professionals who meet at the Beaches Hotel in Prestatyn most Monday’s at 6. 30pm. For anyone interested in joining our Club or volunteering at some of our community activities, just Google “Prestatyn Rotary Club” and click the contact link at the bottom of the page. You’ll also find us on Facebook.

PHOTO Left to Right:- Toby Fagan (Work in Progress), Sian Golding (Ty Gobaith), Rotary President Huw Ellis-Williams, Andrew Hall (Alzheimer’s Society Wales)

Charles Hilton-Jones achievement awards evening

Prestatyn Rotary Club held their 2025 awards evening on January 27th at the Beaches Hotel, Prestatyn. Club President Huw Ellis-Williams welcomed the guests which included our award-winning Prestatyn High School students, their parents, senior teaching staff and visiting Rotarian Beth Murray, Governor of Rotary District 1180. Rotarian Brian Huw Jones introduced the award winners, who are judged on their academic achievements as well involvement in extra-curricular activities in and out of school. They were presented with a framed certificate and voucher by Past President Amie Dop and President Huw.

Through hard work and commitment Sophie Edwards gained nine A-Stars and is now studying maths, biology and psychology and hopes to continue studying psychology in further education.

Lilley Gregory achieved eight A-Stars and A’s. Aside from her academical achievement she excels in sport including hockey, basketball, netball and football. She has an interest in marine biology.

Lilly Jones also has eight A-Stars and A’s and takes part in various voluntary in-school activities. She also plays volleyball, netball and also hockey for North Wales. PHS Headteacher Neil Foley said the awards are “One of the highlights of the year” and thanked the Rotary Club for continuing this worthy initiative.

Prestatyn Rotary Club Christmas Float 2024

Father Christmas and his Rotary helpers are having a well earned break after a very successful 2024 Christmas collection. Thank you to all who donated so generously and to all those who volunteered to be Santa's helpers.

Every year the current Rotary President chooses which charities and good causes will benefit from the proceeds of the collection. For 2024 our President, Huw Ellis-Williams, will share the collection between Hope House / Tŷ Gobaith Children's Hospice, Work in Progess, and Alzheimer's Society Cymru.

Hope House are based near Conwy and are the only hospice in our locality offering care for babies, children and young people who have life-threatening conditions, as well as respite for their families.

“Work in Progress” is a local arts group, working to improve people's mental health and well-being through music and theatre.

Alzheimer's Society Cymru are working to improve the lives of people living with Dementia.

Here are some photographs and videos of the collection.

Indonesian showcase event - 16th March 2024

Prestatyn Rotarians and guests enjoyed a spectacular Indonesian Showcase on Saturday afternoon. The event was opened by Town Mayor Cllr. Bob Murray.

He and the top-table guests were greeted by a traditional Indonesian dancer performing the Pendet dance. Originally a dance of worship it is now usually performed as a welcome although does have sacred religious elements.

Members of an Indonesian community provided a sumptous feast which was enjoyed by all.

The audience were entertained by more dancing and singing before the formal part of the afternoon finished with a another traditional dance, Saman (Dance of a Thousand Hands) which is performed sitting.

The monies raised will be used to support a young lady named Jovika through nursing training in Indonesia. Jovika lives in a village on Belitung island, South Sumatra and is the eldest child of two, her brother is six years old. Her father works for the palm oil plantation and her mother stays at home looking after her grandmother. Proceeds will also be donated to an orphanage in Bandung, Indonesia, which cares for 450 children.