INTRODUCTION TO THE NEW MAYOR

Mon, Jul 9th 2018 at 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Ashford Mayor, Cllr Jessamy Blanford

Ashford Mayor, Cllr Jessamy Blanford has dedicated her position towards issues concerning the environment within the borough. This coincides with the Year of the Environment taking place in 2019.

The new Ashford Mayor said; “I am passionate about the protection and conservation of the environment as I think it is incredibly important to enhance and preserve them for future generations.

“We are lucky to live in the Garden of England so it is important we retain its character in the face of increased housing.”

Cllr Blanford began her working career at Chapman & Hall who were originally publishers of Charles Dickens and later Evelyn Waugh. She then moved to a literary agent specialising in stage and TV work before taking time off to look after and raise her two children Nicholas and Simon.

She moved to Rolvenden in 1965 from London and since then has also lived in both Smarden and Pluckley.

In 1984 she returned to work at what was then called PPF, later Quest and now Givaudan, the perfumery and food flavour company based in Ashford. During the twenty two years she worked there she held various jobs and worked with the Eden Project in Cornwall. She was also involved in creating a biodiversity project along the banks of the Stour with the Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership.

As part of this project she introduced an otter holt, Kingfisher posts as well bird and bat boxes and two ponds to encourage animals as well as wildflowers to thrive at the site.

Since 1974 she has been an active member of the Weald of Kent Protection Society taking on a variety of roles from Secretary to Chair. More recently she has become a member of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, Ashford Branch, and, for many years, she was a member of the Kent Federation of Amenity Societies.

Cllr Blanford has also been the Portfolio Holder for both the Environment and Culture respectively during her time at the council.

Her chosen charities are Kent Wildlife Trust and The Paula Carr Diabetes Trust. She hopes that businesses and residents throughout Ashford see the importance of these charities and will support them wholeheartedly.

'What We Do' Main Pages:

New Home for the Club

We will move our meetings to The Ashford Holiday Inn North from 25th March.

Pieter welcomed as a new Member

In aid of the President's Charities: Ashford Samaritans and Myeloma UK

The Mayor of Ashford with President Renate

Mayor Larry Krause told us about his early life in Australia and how he now supports local Charities: 'The Friends of William Harvey' and 'Men in Sheds'

Sandy, Chairman of AMS, and Tessa, Mediator, introduced their work to the club

President Renate welcomes Sally into the Club

On 22nd January, we were delighted to welcome Sally Lees as a new Associate member

President Renate and member (and Treasurer) Stuart McRae

Member Stuart McRae tells the Club abut his life and the lucky breaks that have helped him and his wife through a successful and happy life.

The Mayor of Ashford, Cllr Callum Knowles, Ashford Rotary President, Amanda Cottrell and Leader of the Council, Cllr. Gerry Clarkson open the shelter

The Rotary Club of Ashford's Community Shelter at Conningbrook Lakes Country Park was opened today.

On Monday 10th January, following a frugal supper, PP Kitty Brook, her granddaughter, Kristina, and Kristina's partner, Akeem, gave a talk on 'Malcolm's Soup Kitchen'.

John Harris spoke of the work of the CWGC

Participate in our auction for two local charities

The Rotary Foundation creates channel for direct humanitarian support in Ukraine region

The Rotary Club of Ashford Ukraine Fund was launched at Wye Farmers' Market

Having talked about her plans before the event in South Korea, Megan returned as promised, to tell us how it went. A very exciting trip!

Oonagh and Kate spoke to our meeting about their work. Samaritans is one of President Renate's charities for her year.

Rtn Peter Gammon spoke on Criminal Law

On Sunday 26th June we ran a Charity Cream Tea Party for around 100 people in aid of President Liz's chosen Charities -'Canine Helpers' and 'Kent MS Therapy Centre'. Thanks to all who helped make it a memorable afternoon.

President Liz and Past President Amanda present a cheque to the Royal British Legion Industries

Discover how we have helped so many organisations - Local, National and International.

The Club learnt of the support given to the hearing impaired by HI Kent

President Liz Stuart-Smith received a cheque for £600.00 from the Ashford Muslim Association

The Rotary Club of Ashford join partners to collect for earthquake victims

The new Interact Club of Towers School is now up and running.

Paul Mott of McArthurGlen, Rotary President Renate Beerling, and the Mayor of Ashford, Larry Krause. Over £1,000 was made for Charity.

McArthurGlen Management teams up with the Rotary Club of Ashford to raffle prizes freely donated by many retailers at the Outlet Centre.

Liz recognised for terrific year despite adversity

Lilia with some of her collection and President Liz Stewart-Smith.

We were delighted on Monday night with a talk by 12 year old Lilia who explained the meanings of Ichimatsu Ningyo, Hina Ningyo, Daruma Ningyo, Kokeshi Ningyo and Gosho Ningyo; various forms of Japanese Doll.