We were thrilled to mark 103 years of service to the local and international community at our gathering on Tuesday at Howfield Manor Hotel, joined by District Governor Brian Dunne, presidents from other local clubs and other invitees.
This event, the first of what we hope will be annual “Founders Dinners”, was initiated by President Maxine Blades to reflect on our club’s rich history and ongoing contributions to the local and international community. About 40 members and guests attended the black-tie event, where several past presidents shared insights about the club.
After Maxine’s welcome, Past President Stephen Thompson took the floor. With a family legacy closely tied to the club – his grandfather and father both also served as presidents – Stephen highlighted key moments in Rotary’s history alongside his own, beginning with Paul Harris founding Rotary in Chicago in 1905 when his grandfather, John, was 13. John joined the Army in 1921 and later, during World War II, he survived Dunkirk. It was experience he gave a talk about to our club after becoming our 26th president in 1947. Stephen’s father, David, became president in 1971–72, and under his leadership, the club funded the restoration of Canterbury Cathedral’s cloister. Stephen himself was president in our Centennial year and, we hope, will soon oversee the unveiling of The Point, our gift to the city of Canterbury.
Next, Past President Martin Ward read from a 1922 Kentish Gazette article detailing our club’s inaugural meeting at the County Hotel. The article described Rotary’s “fine idealism” and listed founding members, including the then Mayor of Canterbury, our first president. Martin joked about playing “Rotary presidential bingo” as many Rotarians listed in the historic article later became club presidents. The article also referenced Rotarian AK Mowll’s speech on Rotary’s in which he (jokingly) suggested Rotary could eliminate the need for the League of Nations (the then President of the USA was a Rotarian, as were principal people from several other countries).
Rotarian Leslie Stephenson then spoke about the Rotary Club of Canterbury Millennium Scholarship Trust Fund – a stand-alone charity set up by us in 1999 to mark the Millennium. The Objects of the Trust are:
– to advance the education of young people in Canterbury and inculcate principles of good citizenship by the provision of opportunities to undertake voluntary work so that they may grow to full maturity as individuals and members of society and in particular to award grants and maintenance allowances to enable them to assist charitable organisations working abroad;
– or charitable purposes as the Rotary Club of Canterbury shall in duly constituted meeting from time to time direct.
During Leslie’s term as administrator (2003 – 2016) we gave £29,900 in grants to help 59 young people volunteer around the world. During the year to 30th June 2024 grants totalling £8,436 were made; for example, one grant supported St Nicholas School, a school for children with special educational needs, with their Duke of Edinburgh Awards venture to Greenland.
Next, Past President Richard Kemball-Cook shared a personal account of Rotary’s fight against polio. Referencing his own mother’s strong fear of polio as it spread from London while he was a child. He went on to tell us about iron lungs and showed pictures of a hospital with rows of these at the ready in case of a serious outbreak of this potentially life-threatening or life-altering infectious disease.
Richard showed maps which clearly illustrated the success of immunization, and he spoke of his later involvement as part of Rotary in national immunization efforts in India – a “life-changing” experience. Rotary continues its partnership with the Gates Foundation in the global battle against polio. Richard encouraged everyone to join immunization programmes when possible, and Maxine reminded everyone how we continue to support efforts to eradicate the disease, e.g. through proceeds from our regular raffle.
We then enjoyed a short documentary by Rotarian Andrew Clague’s father (also a Rotarian), filmed on the 800th anniversary of Thomas à Becket’s 1170 martyrdom in the Cathedral. While showcasing the City’s local landmarks, the film explored Canterbury’s history – including its Roman past, its warm welcome of Huguenot refugees and its links with author Charles Dickens,. The closing credits noted it was produced by members of the Rotary Club of Canterbury.
Finally, District Governor Brian Dunne addressed us, sharing his plan to visit 61 of the 67 clubs in our district. He heartily congratulated us on our long service: “Good luck for another 103 years,” he said.
Picture: (L to R) President Maxine Blades, President Gary Robinson (Canterbury Sunrise), District Governor Brian Dunne, President Pauline Pybus (Canterbury Inner Wheel), and President Paul Nolan (Canterbury Forest of Blean). Picture credit: Rotary Club of Canterbury.
