Rotary Club of Farnborough District 1145

Rotary Club of Farnborough District 1145 Farnborough Rotary Club meets Thursdays 13.00 at Holiday Inn. People of Action helps define Rotary

For many years, our club has enjoyed a close relationship with Knellwood War Memorial Care Home on Canterbury Road.This ...
17/08/2026

For many years, our club has enjoyed a close relationship with Knellwood War Memorial Care Home on Canterbury Road.
This morning, our members were at Knellwood to erect marquees and gazebos for their forthcoming Family Day and the annual 𝗞𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗲𝘁𝗲, that takes place on 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝟯𝟭 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁.
Everyone knew exactly what they were doing, and the job was soon completed—leaving time for refreshments before we headed off.
Just one of the many ways our club supports the local community!

Every Thursday lunchtime, members of Farnborough Rotary meet to socialise and discuss activities—alongside our popular w...
06/08/2026

Every Thursday lunchtime, members of Farnborough Rotary meet to socialise and discuss activities—alongside our popular wine raffle, organised by our President to raise funds for charity.

During the 2025–26 Rotary year, Immediate Past President Martin Sampson raised almost £1,000 through the raffle. He raised even more at the afternoon garden tea party held to mark the end of his term of office.

This week, Martin visited the new Phyllis Tuckwell, Hospice Care building in Farnham to present a cheque to Helena Burke, together with the warmest good wishes of everyone at Farnborough Rotary.

The situation in Venezuela has been heartbreaking, and countries around the world — including the UK — are responding. S...
04/07/2026

The situation in Venezuela has been heartbreaking, and countries around the world — including the UK — are responding. ShelterBox, founded by Rotary, is working with local partners and Rotary Clubs in Venezuela to rapidly assess needs and deliver vital support.
Our club has now committed £1,180 to provide two full ShelterBox kits. These contain solar lights, blankets, sleeping mats, a sturdy family tent and other essentials that can make an immediate difference to families with nothing left. They will replace kits already en route from storage hubs in Barbados and Panama.

Two years ago, Katy Harris handed the Presidency to Chris Harding. Last week, Martin Sampson did the same—Chris is back ...
04/07/2026

Two years ago, Katy Harris handed the Presidency to Chris Harding. Last week, Martin Sampson did the same—Chris is back for another year.
Thank you, Chris, for stepping up again, and thank you, Martin, for a fantastic year leading our ever‑active club.

It began as just another Thursday lunch meeting. Our President invited several members to speak on key matters, includin...
25/06/2026

It began as just another Thursday lunch meeting. Our President invited several members to speak on key matters, including funding decisions, when Katy Harris rose with a “special announcement.”

She spoke about a member who has consistently gone above and beyond in their service to the club and the local community.

When the name was revealed, the reaction was one of genuine surprise and disbelief. While all the rest of us already knew - having supported the nomination - it will come as no surprise to those who follow our work that the recipient was Mary Madine.

Mary has featured in many of our updates through her dedicated leadership of the Youth & Vocations Team. In recognition of her outstanding contribution, President Martin Sampson proudly presented her with a Paul Harris Fellowship Award - one of Rotary’s highest honours, awarded to individuals who demonstrate exceptional service.

Congratulations, Mary - a truly well-deserved recognition.

Thank you for your kind words. It’s a privilege for our Rotary club to support Hart and Rushmoor Young Carers. Your dedi...
16/06/2026

Thank you for your kind words. It’s a privilege for our Rotary club to support Hart and Rushmoor Young Carers. Your dedication to these remarkable young people is inspiring, and we’re glad to play a small part in helping them feel valued and supported. Of course, the funds we donated came from Farnborough residents who have supported our fund raising activities.

For several years, our Youth & Vocations Team, led by Mary Madine, has supported local secondary school students through...
15/06/2026

For several years, our Youth & Vocations Team, led by Mary Madine, has supported local secondary school students through the Rotary Young Artist, Young Musician, and Young Writer competitions.

This year marked an exciting new chapter. After 12 months of work with local primary and junior schools, we celebrated our first-ever Rotary Junior Community Award (RJCA).

The RJCA is a year-long, non-competitive programme for Year 6 pupils (ages 10–11), open to all. Every child who completes the award is recognised with a certificate and Community Champion badge at a special ceremony.

On Friday 12 June, Club President Martin Sampson, joined by Mary, visited Holly Lodge Primary Academy to present awards to seven proud recipients. They were warmly welcomed by Deputy Head Teacher Amy Taylor, who has supported the initiative throughout.

Martin also spoke to all Year 6 pupils and inspired Year 5 students to get involved next year - prompting an enthusiastic sea of hands from those eager to take part.

Congratulations go to Ben, Elena, Imogen, George, Alex, Joseph and Shayan for their fantastic efforts and achievements.

Only 10 days since the Donkey Derby, and the weather has certainly changed. While this year’s event was a little differe...
04/06/2026

Only 10 days since the Donkey Derby, and the weather has certainly changed. While this year’s event was a little different—without the donkeys, dog show or Miller’s Ark animals—it was still a fantastic day. Here’s a reminder in photos taken by John Fletcher, Rushmoor Rotary Club.

31/05/2026

𝗥𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆’𝘀 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳 - 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗧 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧

It is with great regret that the Rotary Club of Farnborough announces that it will not be proceeding with plans to stage the Music in the Park concerts in July 2027.

We recognise this will be disappointing news to our many supporters and regular attendees. Over recent months, we have carefully reviewed the event’s viability in consultation with Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care, alongside our sponsors and contractors. Unfortunately, rising and increasingly uncertain costs, combined with less predictable income from ticket sales, sponsorship, and advertising, mean we cannot be confident of delivering the event on a financially sound basis. Any potential loss would ultimately fall to the Club’s members, which is not a risk we can responsibly take.

Music in the Park has been a tremendous success over more than 20 years, raising in excess of £500,000 for Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care. This achievement has only been possible thanks to the unwavering support of our local community, sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who has attended and contributed over the years. We are deeply grateful to you all.

We would like to reassure our supporters of the following:

• Music in the Park is not being abandoned. Its feasibility will be reviewed each year, and if economic conditions improve to a point where it can be delivered sustainably, we will look to bring it back to King George V Playing Fields.

• Supporting Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care remains central to our fundraising efforts.

• We will soon begin introducing new and varied events for the Farnborough community and beyond.

• These events are likely to take place more frequently than Music in the Park, offering more regular opportunities for community engagement.

We hope for your understanding as we respond to these challenges and explore new ways to bring people together while continuing to support vital local causes. We would also warmly welcome any ideas or suggestions you may wish to share.

Tony Myers
Team Lead, MIP Management Team
Rotary Club of Farnborough
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 07771 977059

Last Thursday, club members, partners, and friends enjoyed a guided visit to St Michael’s Abbey in Farnborough. Our tour...
26/05/2026

Last Thursday, club members, partners, and friends enjoyed a guided visit to St Michael’s Abbey in Farnborough. Our tour was led by Brother Aelred, a Benedictine monk, who brought to life the rich history of this remarkable “treasure trove” of faith and heritage.

We learned how the abbey and monastery were founded in the late 1800s by Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, as a final resting place for her husband. She also invited a community of French monks to establish the monastery, giving it its distinctive origins.

The visit offered a fascinating insight into this peaceful site, tucked away just off the Farnborough Road. Highlights included the abbey church and crypt, where Napoleon III, Empress Eugénie, and their son, the Prince Imperial, are laid to rest. The morning concluded with a visit to the Abbey Shop.

Group visits for clubs and societies can be arranged directly with the Abbey. Public tours take place every Saturday at 3pm. More information is available at https://farnboroughabbey.org/visiting

Address

Holiday Inn, Lynchford Road
Farnborough
GU146AZ

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