Back in 1957 the founder and Chairman, Don Coombe was working as an insurance broker at Lloyd's. Known as a keen Scouter, he was approached by an Underwriter on behalf of Lady Joan Zuckerman with the request to take a group of very poor lads from Wolverhampton , away to camp. With the financial assistance of the Lloyd's community, Peter Manton (a Scouting friend from Jersey) and many others the embryo of the Coombe Trust was created. A group of 24 lads were off to Jersey for the first summer camp. This camp continued for 30 very successful years and allowed 720 underprivileged lads to enjoy probably the best 10 days of their young lives.
In 1963, having realised that girls, Mums and Dads could benefit from a holiday (very often the first family holiday); Don registered the Coombe Holiday Trust Fund as a charity and later the Coombe Trust Fund. Today it operates under the Coombe Trust banner reg.253241. At this time the trust purchased its first holiday home, Golden Acre in Westgate-on-Sea, over time they have been able to acquire four more adjacent properties, with a sixth hopefully being purchased shortly. |
Throughout the year, families or community groups can enjoy a fun-filled holiday week or two at the seaside, in one of the fully-equipped holiday homes. Where required, transportation in both directions can be provided, at no charge whatsoever. Recently the trust built a respite care facility in Catford, south-east London (Coombe House) where youngsters with special needs receive the best care and attention in a fantastic and innovative environment. Expertly run by The Ravensbourne Project we encourage you to visit their website. www.ravensbourneproject.net The founder still serves as Chairman of our Trust and continues to devote much of his life to the good of others. Over the years the trust has provided holidays for over 10,000 needy individuals.
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For more information go to the Coombe Trust website coombetrust.org
'What We Do' Main Pages:
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.
moreA "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
moreMike O'Toole is our Sergeant-at-Arms
moreThe 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
moreWe 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.
morePresident Chris & Hazel Hedges paid a visit to the Rotary Club of Westwood Village, Los Angeles
moreCommunity Service Committee is responsible for organising fund-raising and social events, community service projects and recommending payments to external charities.
moreWestgate and Birchington Rotary Club Funds Improvements at Christ Church Community Hall in Westgate
moreThe Rotary Clubs of Thanet are committed to providing opportunities and support for young people.
moreSuccessful RYLA candidates,Elizabeth Irvine and Emily Robertson report on their experiences at the Arethusa Venture Centre
moreMick Stokes is our Dining Steward and is charge of arranging our venues and gourmet refreshment.
moreHere is an archive of news and activities over the last 10 years
moreThe 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.
moreClub Council normally meets on the last Monday of every month at Church House, Birchington at 7.00 pm.
moreIn recent years we have supported a wide range of local, national and international charities
moreThe "Strictly Come Rotary" Dance Competition was staged on Saturday 13th April 2013 at The Winter Gardens in aid of "Alfie's Trust"
moreThe winners of the Young Photographer Competition were presented with their awards by the Editor of The Isle of Thanet Gazette, Rebecca Smith
moreAn excellent portfolio of entries was received from competitors in the 2014 Young Photographer Competition. Very well done!
moreA Musical Soiree was held in the Chapel at St Augustine's to raise funds for the charity "Sing For Your Life"
moreThe 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!!!
moreMemebers enjoyed a comprehensive wine tasting experience and dined in style.
moreRIBI President John Minhinick and his wife Sheila attended a Dinner and Presentations for Rotarians in East Kent on Tuesday 4th September 2012
moreSanta's coming!! He'll be coming to a street near you in December" PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY TO SUPPORT OUR CHARITIES!!
moreThe Joint Rotary Clubs of Thanet together with Kent Music presented the seventh annual Schools Prom at The Winter Gardens, Margate
moreA 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
moreChris Hedges's President's Night Dinner Dance was held on Friday 7th June 2013 at St Augustine's, Westgate-on-Sea
moreMembers constructed a raised garden area for the students at the Hearing-Impaired Unit with matched funding gained from a District Grant of $1000.
moreFollowing 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
moreThe Club enjoys a number of sporting activities in conjunction with other Rotary Clubs, including Bowls and Golf competitions. The Sports Coordinator is John Hawkins.
moreRotarian Allan Harris is our Club shop manager and arranges for members to purchase Rotary regalia, clothing and jewellery.
moreA 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
moreA party of Rotarians and members of Inner Wheel attended Evensong "Celebrating Rotary" in Rochester Cathedral on Sunday 17th February 2013
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