How we have helped

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

How we have helped - For Teenage Cancer Trust

How we have helped - Members have a curry and raise money for charity hosted by Rotary member, Ash Miah at Kennington Tandoori

How we have helped - Members and friends help to pack food boxes with Manager, Tony Barnard, Manager of the Family Foodbank (right)

How we have helped - 2022: President Amanda Cottrell welcomes guests including Ashford’s Mayor, Cllr Callum Knowles, and the Gerry Clarkeson, Leader of the Burough Council, to the opening of the Gazebo in Conningbrook Lakes Park last year.

How we have helped - Members enjoy working together to collect for a good cause at McArther Glen

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What do an ex-policeman, an accountant, a teacher, a former High Sheriff of Kent, a dyslexia specialist, a Crematorium Manager, an ex-pathologist, ex Dentist, a restauranteur, and an ex-Sales Director have in common?

They are all members (amongst others) of the Rotary Club of Ashford, and they really enjoy one another's company and finding ways to do good for those in need.

Rotary is one of the world's largest service organisations, with 1.4 million members in over 200 countries in their local Rotary clubs and making a real contribution to others. Their motto is ‘Service Before Self’

Who have we helped recently?

28 Local Charities

Packing food for the Ashford Family Food Bank, raising funds for local charities such as HomeStart, Porchlight, Pilgrim’s Hospice, and Canine Partners and helping in ten local schools.

International causes

Collecting donations of goods and money and helping to send them to Ukraine, Turkey and Syria.

Rotary’s own charities

Global Sight Solutions - free operations for the needy in over 70 permanent eye hospitals in countries without a health service. End Polio Now - an initiative started nearly 40 years ago to eradicate this terrible disease - its objective is very nearly achieved. Rotary has helped immunise 2.5 billion children globally since 1985.

How do we do it?
Amongst the activities we run Cream Tea afternoons, collect as Santa and his Elves, take advantage of a kind offer of a unit in McArthur Glen Designer Centre to collect donations, taking part in local initiatives by the charities themselves, and running a Duck race.

Ashford Benefits
Have you seen the new Gazebo in Conningbrook Lakes Park? It was donated by the club in honour of the centenary of the club last year

And that’s only one club - multiply that by 1,500 clubs in the UK alone to imagine the effect Rotarians are having all over the world.

President Liz says: “We have lots of members but we can always do with more, so if you feel you would like to meet a great group of friendly people and do some good for others, get in touch.”

'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.