Channel Rotary Folkestone

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Channel Rotary Folkestone

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Channel Rotary Club works closely with the local community providing funds and hands-on help. Half our members have each given at least 20 years Rotary service.

OUR STORY

If you are interested in Channel Rotary or our activities please contact our secretary Bill Flavell. Phone: 07860 269512
Email: [email protected]

We were chartered on 5 June 1980 with 28 Founder members led by President David Jarvis and were sponsored by Folkestone Rotary Club (chartered 1923). Currently we have 35 members (including 6 Founder Members and 25 former Club Presidents) with several new members in prospect. Overall, the Club has continued to grow contrary to the trend with service clubs in general. Members are from business and professional backgrounds, active and retired, mostly in the Folkestone and Hythe community. They range from directors and business managers to technical specialists in a wide range of sectors including accountancy, banking, catering, civil engineering, construction & building services, consultancy, dentistry, design, education, financial services, government service, human resources, legal, manufacture, medicine, merchant marine, retail and training. Age is no barrier if people have something to contribute. Our two oldest members are in their 80’s! and still contribute significantly to Club activities. The Club is proud to have 8 Paul Harris Fellows. This is the highest honour awarded by Rotary and it recognises Rotarians and non- Rotarians alike for their outstanding contribution to Rotary and its humanitarian mission and/or to the society and community in which we live. Fittingly. it is named after our founder, Paul Harris, whose vision transformed Rotary into the world’s first and largest Service Club with 1.25 million members in nearly every country. The Club is also proud to have Lieutenant Colonel Chris Conroy, Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion of The Royal Gurkha Ri**es as an Honorary Member. The club has close ties to this Gurkha regiment based at Sir John Moore Barracks, Folkestone. VISITING ROTARIANS

We are delighted to welcome visiting Rotarians. We meet every Wednesday at The Clifton Hotel, at 7.00pm for 7.30pm - normally starting with a meal followed by a business meeting or a speaker. Address: The Clifton Hotel, Clifton Gardens. The Leas, Folkestone, CT20 2EB. Website: www.thecliftonhotel.com
( Please check with the Secretary for any alternative venues )

Dining Steward: Richard Mallinson 01303 813524
Email: [email protected]

CLUB OFFICERS 2023-2024

President: Geoff Milsted
Vice President: TBC
President Elect: TBC
Past President: Derek Harris
Secretary: Bill Flavell
Treasurer: Tim Cowell

19/10/2026

💙 Good Company. Local Action. A Growing Community!
The Friends of Channel Rotary network is growing, bringing together people who want to make a difference in their local community. Whether by supporting projects, joining committees or volunteering at events, every contribution counts!

A big thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent “Meet, Mingle & Chat” evening at The Sailbox on Folkestone Harbour Arm brought members and Friends together for an enjoyable evening of conversation, new connections and Rotary fellowship. The feedback has been fantastic, with several Friends already committing to upcoming projects and others booking their next meetings. 🙌

From supporting people experiencing homelessness and young carers to organising supermarket food collections, we help those facing urgent needs and raise vital funds for causes that might otherwise receive limited support. We also support smaller local and national charities, carefully vetted by Rotary.

You don’t need to be a Rotarian to make a difference. You can be part of something meaningful, meet like-minded people and help create positive change in our community. 🤝

🌟 Interested in becoming a Friend of Channel Rotary? Everyone is welcome!
🌐 Find out more: http://www.channelrotary.co.uk
📧 Contact our Club Secretary: [email protected]

12/10/2026

📺 Channel Rotary Hosts Cinque Ports Rotary Meeting at voco The Clifton Hotel
Channel Rotary was delighted to host the biannual Cinque Ports Rotary group meeting at voco The Clifton Hotel in Folkestone this week. Nearly 50 Rotarians from 10 clubs came together for an enjoyable gathering filled with fellowship, conversation and shared experiences.

🎙️ The highlight was an engaging talk by Richard Collins, a long-standing BBC employee with extensive technical broadcasting expertise. Richard explored the BBC’s growth, its challenges in today’s rapidly changing media landscape, and the future of traditional linear television in an era increasingly shaped by catch-up TV and social media.
Richard, who is responsible for the technical output across a large part of the BBC’s international operations, Richard shared fascinating insights into modern broadcasting and the challenges facing the industry.

Channel Rotary President Courtney Collins said:
“We were delighted to host this special meeting for members of the Cinque Ports clubs and very pleased to see so many attend, including several presidents. We were also delighted to hear that everyone enjoyed Richard’s very animated talk.”

A wonderful occasion celebrating Rotary fellowship, knowledge-sharing and friendship across our local clubs! 💙

voco The Clifton Folkestone

07/10/2026

🌊 Just One Week to Go! 🎉

Bookings are already coming in for our next Friends of Channel Rotary evening, and we’d love you to join us for a relaxed and sociable evening at The Sailbox, Folkestone Harbour Arm.
📅 Wednesday 14 October 2026
🕡 6:30 pm

We’ll be sharing exciting updates about our local projects and celebrating 45 years of community support from Channel Rotary. It’s a great opportunity to catch up with friends, meet new people and find out more about what we do — whether you’re already involved or simply curious.
And if April’s evening was anything to go by, there’ll be a marvellous spread from the Sailbox! 😋

We ask guests to make a £10 contribution per person towards the food, payable in advance by bank transfer:
Account name: Rotary Club LEC Spec. Account
Account number: 47148837
Sort code: 52-41-42
Please use “Friends” followed by your name as the payment reference.
or
Click Here to pay £10 online
https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QOOETYY6

📞 Geoff Milsted: 07976 276633
📞 Courtney Collins: 07792 040540
Come along to hear about our projects, explore ways to get involved if you’d like, or simply enjoy an easy-going evening out.

There’s no pressure and no commitment — just a chance to connect, unwind and celebrate together.
👋 Bring a friend — everyone is welcome!
We hope to see you there!

04/10/2026

🏠 Channel Rotary and the Rainbow Centre announce £500,000 collaboration to launch Hamlet House

A major local collaboration will reach an exciting milestone this October, when Hamlet House in Shakespeare Terrace, Folkestone, officially opens its doors.
The former Hamlet Hotel is being transformed into a supported accommodation facility for up to 20 people experiencing homelessness, providing a safe and supportive environment as they work towards independent living.

Hamlet House is not intended to be a permanent home. With full-time, on-site staff, residents will receive support, mentoring and guidance to rebuild their confidence, develop essential life skills and take the next steps towards a more independent future.

The project represents a £500,000 investment in the local community and is the result of three years of development, planning and fundraising. Joe Sullivan of Channel Rotary and De Peter Lefeuvre of the Folkestone Rainbow Centre worked together to navigate the complex regulatory and legal requirements and develop the business plan for the facility.

The project was made possible through the support of a number of generous organisations and donors, including the Kent Reliance Community Foundation, Tory Family Foundation, Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, Jim Godden Memorial Trust, David Pickford Charitable Foundation, Folkestone Municipal Charity, Wickes Folkestone, Crown Paints, and anonymous donors through the Rainbow Centre.

This is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when local organisations, charities, businesses and the wider community work together.
The aim is simple but significant: to provide people who have experienced homelessness not just somewhere to stay, but the support, stability and opportunity they need to move forward with their lives.
We look forward to seeing Hamlet House open its doors this October and becoming an important part of the local response to homelessness. 💙

Artists impression below

Folkestone Rainbow Centre

24/09/2026

🎉 YOU’RE INVITED! 🎉

With just three weeks to go, bookings are already coming in for what promises to be another fantastic Channel Rotary Friends Evening! 🌟

📅 Wednesday 14 October 2026
🕡 6.30pm
📍 The Sailbox, Folkestone Harbour Arm

This is a great opportunity to get together with friends, supporters and anyone who would like to find out a little more about Channel Rotary and the difference we make in our local community.

🎂 This year is extra special as we celebrate 45 years of community support from Channel Rotary! 🎉

We have lots of exciting projects to tell you about, plus the chance to meet some great people, enjoy a relaxed evening and, if April's event was anything to go by, tuck into a marvellous spread from The Sailbox! 😋

💷 £10 per person towards the food

Payment can be made in advance by bank transfer:

Rotary Club LEC Spec. Account
Account: 47148837
Sort code: 52-41-42
or
Click Here to pay £10 online
https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QOOETYY6

Please use “Friends” followed by your name as the payment reference.

📣 Please let us know if you're coming so we can make sure we have the right catering numbers.

For more information or to book, contact:

📞 Geoff Milsted: 07976 276633
📞 Courtney Collins: 07792 040540

Come along to:

🤝 Meet new people
🌟 Hear about our local projects
💡 Find out how you could get involved, if you want to
🍽️ Enjoy a relaxed evening with good company
❤️ Celebrate 45 years of Channel Rotary supporting our community

And most importantly, there's absolutely no pressure and no commitment! Just come along, enjoy the evening and see what we're all about.

👫 Bring a friend. Everyone is welcome!

We'd love to see you there. Come along, meet the team, enjoy the evening and celebrate 45 years of making a difference together! 🎉❤️

16/09/2026

Channel Rotary Welcomes 50 ‘Friends’ as
Membership Initiative Flourishes

Channel Rotary is celebrating the success of its “Friends” membership initiative, launched in January 2025. In just 18 months, the club has welcomed 50 people from a wide range of backgrounds, professions and ages—reflecting the strength of the local community and the growing appeal of Rotary’s mission.

Many have already contributed time, skills and energy to club projects and committees, bringing fresh perspectives, specialist knowledge and renewed momentum to Channel Rotary’s service activities.

Channel Rotary’s committees which cover all aspects of Channel Rotary, namely – Community Service, Youth, Fundraising, Fellowship and Media & Communications -welcome involvement from “Friends”.
Committees report regularly to the club council, helping members and “Friends” feel involved, valued and part of a shared purpose.

One example is Krisztina Milak, an economist whose expertise has strengthened Channel Rotary’s Media & Communications team. Her contribution has improved the club’s social media presence, broadened its community reach and raised the visibility of Rotary’s work across the district. Her professional experience in HR, Wellbeing and Environmental education also brings valuable skills to the team.

Channel Rotary encourages anyone wishing to support deserving local causes—through professional skills, practical help or creative ideas—to become a “Friend” of Rotary. “Friends” can take part in projects, join committees, attend social events and contribute in ways that suit them.

There will be an informal “Friends” meeting on 14th October. Giving you a chance to make a difference without the full obligations of traditional membership.

To express interest, visit www.channelrotary.co.uk, speak to a Channel Rotary member, or contact club secretary Bill Flavell at [email protected]

12/09/2026

⛳⚽ A Sunny Day of Fun and Friendship for Young Carers! ☀️😊
Young Carers enjoyed another fantastic day of fun, friendship and friendly competition at Cinderella Golf, organised by Romney Marsh Rotary, with two Friends of Rotary joining the day to represent Channel Rotary.

On a beautiful summer day, the children enjoyed trying their hand at putting and golf football, with plenty of laughter, encouragement and friendly competition along the way. ⛳⚽

Most importantly, it was a chance for the Young Carers to relax, have fun and simply enjoy being children, free from their usual caring responsibilities. 💙

Between the putting and golf football, everyone enjoyed a well-earned break with traditional sandwiches and drinks, adding to a lovely day of friendship and togetherness.

This event is part of the ongoing commitment of local Rotary clubs to supporting Young Carers across Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh, working together with Imago Community to provide opportunities for fun, wellbeing and memorable experiences.

A huge thank you to Romney Marsh Rotary and Cinderella Golf for helping make such a lovely day possible. 🌟

Rotary Club of Romney Marsh
Imago Community
Cinderella Crazy Golf

08/09/2026

🚂 Behind the Scenes at the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway!
Channel Rotary members enjoyed a fascinating visit to the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway (RH&DR) works in New Romney, where we had the opportunity to discover what goes on behind the scenes to keep this unique railway running.

We were given an excellent tour by Paul, the railway’s Chief Engineer, who is responsible for its locomotives, track and signalling. His incredible knowledge and enthusiasm brought the engineering challenges to life and made for a thoroughly interesting visit.

We learned about the complexities and costs involved in maintaining and operating a railway of this scale, as well as the fascinating history behind one of Kent’s most distinctive attractions.

The RH&DR dates back almost 100 years. It was the vision of two wealthy railway enthusiasts, Captain J. E. P. Howey and Count Louis Zborowski, who wanted to create their own railway. With the expertise of miniature railway engineer Henry Greenly, their ambitious dream became reality, the one-third-scale railway opened in 1927. 🚂

It was fascinating to discover how the vision of two enthusiasts nearly a century ago developed into the remarkable railway we know today, and to appreciate the skill, dedication and engineering expertise required to keep it running.

A huge thank you to Paul for such an informative and enjoyable tour. It was a great opportunity to see the RH&DR from a completely different perspective and learn more about the people and engineering behind this much-loved local attraction.

26/08/2026

Rotary Gives Local Young Carers a Memorable Day at the Rare Breeds Centre

Young Carers from across Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh enjoyed a memorable day out last week, thanks to the continued support of local Rotary clubs.
Each year, Folkestone, Folkestone Channel, Hythe and Romney Marsh Rotary clubs come together to give Young Carers a much-needed break from their daily responsibilities, offering fun, friendship and the opportunity to simply be children for the day. 💙

The initiative is organised in partnership with Imago Community, which provides dedicated support to Young Carers under 18 across Kent, helping them balance their caring responsibilities with their wellbeing, education and social development.

This latest outing took the group to the Rare Breeds Centre in Woodchurch, a working 100-acre farm and popular Kent visitor attraction. The Young Carers enjoyed a fun-filled day meeting native livestock, exploring the adventure play areas, cheering on the famous pig racing and experiencing life on a real farm.
There was plenty of laughter, fresh air, friendship and new experiences throughout the day.

Transport was kindly provided by the Hythe Community Minibus, while Rotary volunteers ensured everyone was well looked after, providing lunch and refreshments for the Young Carers and their group leaders.
The day is another wonderful example of local organisations working together to recognise the resilience of Young Carers, support their wellbeing and create happy memories that last long beyond the day itself.

A heartfelt thank you to Imago Community, Hythe Community Minibus, the Rotary clubs and all the volunteers who helped make this special day possible. ❤️
Together, we can make a difference.

24/08/2026

Folkestone Golfer Wins Channel Rotary Adventure Golf Championship in Dramatic Play-Off
Every year Channel Rotary look for ways to raise money for their charities and for the second year they held the Channel Rotary Adventure Golf Championship which takes place at the Beachside putting course by the Harbour Arm in Folkestone.

On a Sunkissed afternoon the Adventure Golf championship ended in a play-off for the individual prize. Pictured are the three who qualified by beating a tough target score of 26 for the challenging 12 holes course. It was a tricky test of putting skills in a fun environment just yards from the beach and harbour facilities in Folkestone.

Local man Dan McCarthy who lost last year by the smallest of margins became a worthy winner. Runners up were Linda Daniels and Gary Calver.🏆

The best team score and glory went to a foursome from Littlestone Golf Club – Guy Valentine Neale, Sally Milton, Tita & David McCart who celebrated with a meal and a glass of something on the Harbour arm.🏅

Channel Rotary President “From everyone who took part, volunteered, supported, sponsored, and cheered from the sidelines, your generosity and enthusiasm helped make the event a wonderful success. Big thank you to the Harbour arm management for permission to use the course and Shakers who run the unit and provide excellent food, drink, and spectacular ice creams.🍦⛳

Congratulations to all the finalists, team winners and everyone who took part. Most importantly, thank you for helping us raise valuable funds to support local charities and community projects.”

Photos Show
-Three Finalists Dan McCarthy, Gary Calver, Linda Daniels
-Team Winners

Folkestone Harbour Arm

Address

The Clifton Hotel, Clifton Gardens, The Leas
Folkestone
CT202EB

Telephone

+447680 269512

Website

http://www.channelrotary.co.uk/

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