Rotary Club of Folkestone

17/10/2026

🐉 Dragon’s Den Story No. 12 – Folkestone Sculling Academy
We have not yet had the opportunity to visit Folkestone Sculling Academy to see the results of our support firsthand, but we have been assured that the new buoys purchased have already made a real difference.
The buoys provide a clearer and safer area for training sessions, helping members develop their sculling skills while improving safety on the water. 🚣
Folkestone Rotary was delighted to support this practical project through our Dragon’s Den initiative, enabling the academy to provide a safer and more effective training environment for its members.
We look forward to visiting and seeing the new equipment in action!
Find out more about Folkestone Sculling Academy:
https://www.folkestone-sculling-academy.co.uk

16/10/2026

15/10/2026

Rotary – Keeping Busy and Making a Difference

Our Rotary members have been keeping busy, supporting local charities, helping those in need and getting involved in community projects. We’re proud of the time and enthusiasm our members give to making a positive difference in our community.

There’s always plenty happening, so keep an eye on our newsletter for updates on our activities and upcoming events.

A big thank you to everyone who supports us. Together, we’re keeping Rotary active and making a difference!

14/10/2026

🐉 Dragon’s Den Story No. 11 – Twins Club
A group of local families with twins came together to form a Twins Club, creating a welcoming place where parents could meet, share experiences and support one another while their children socialised and played.
The group found a suitable venue for weekly meetings, but while the club was getting established, the families could not afford the regular hire costs.
Through our Dragon’s Den initiative, Folkestone Rotary agreed to cover the venue costs for the first 10 weeks, giving the club valuable time to attract new families, grow its membership and become more sustainable.
Sometimes, a little help at the beginning is all a great community idea needs to get off the ground. 👶👶

12/10/2026

Wonderful organisation and so glad we could help.

12/10/2026

🐉 Dragon’s Den Story No. 10 – Coastwatch
Coastwatch uses education and public engagement to share important information with visitors and members of our local community.
Its mobile trailer can often be found pitched on the beach or at Folkestone Harbour, providing a visible and welcoming place for volunteers to meet the public and talk about their work.
However, the trailer needed an awning to protect the volunteers from both the summer sun and the unpredictable British rain. Through our Dragon’s Den initiative, Folkestone Rotary was delighted to provide one. ☀️🌧️
It is a simple but practical example of how our funding can provide exactly what a local organisation needs to continue its valuable community work.

08/10/2026

🐉 Dragon’s Den Story No. 9 – Ruff Necks CIC
Ruff Necks CIC creates exciting theatre inspired by Shakespeare, helping to ignite creativity and imagination in young people. 🎭
Through movement and design workshops, the organisation provides welcoming, neuroinclusive spaces where young people can explore their creative expression, develop new skills and grow in confidence.
Participants work towards the exciting opportunity to perform in unique venues—bringing their ideas, movement and creativity to life in front of an audience.
Folkestone Rotary was delighted to support Ruff Necks CIC through our Dragon’s Den initiative and help create more opportunities for young people to discover their talents and express themselves.

06/10/2026

🐉 Dragon’s Den Story No. 8 – Folkestone & Hythe Sea Cadets
Following their successful pitch to the 2026 Folkestone Rotary Dragon’s Den campaign, Folkestone & Hythe Sea Cadets secured funding towards a new Unit Standard.
Changes in regulations meant their existing flag could no longer be carried at important community events, including Combined Services Day and Remembrance Day parades.
Folkestone Rotarian Steve Shaw was honoured to attend the unit’s Divisions Evening on Monday 5 October, where he presented the new Standard to Commanding Officer Adam Smith before it was blessed by the Unit Chaplain.
The pride on the faces of the Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets was clear for all the distinguished guests to see. It was a special evening and a wonderful example of how Dragon’s Den funding helps support valued local organisations and traditions.
We are extremely proud to have played a part. ⚓

03/10/2026

Inspired by our stories? Come and see what Folkestone Rotary is all about! 💙
If you’ve been following the projects and people we’ve shared, why not join us for lunch? Meet our members, hear about the work we do in Folkestone, and discover how you could get involved.
There’s no pressure to join—just good company, conversation and a warm welcome. Send us a message if you’d like to come along!

01/10/2026

🐉 Dragon’s Den Story No. 7 – A;Dress
Some Dragon’s Den projects stay with you long after the presentation has ended—and A;Dress is certainly one of them.
Seeing the exhibition and watching the video created to tell the story behind the project brought me to tears.
The skill, talent and care used to create the dress were extraordinary. But it was the deeply personal story represented by each section that made the project so powerful. Some stories can break your heart, yet the courage, creativity and hope behind them can also raise your spirits.
Folkestone Rotary was proud to support this moving and inspiring project through our Dragon’s Den initiative.