Rotary Club of London United Kingdom

08/04/2026

🩺 On 23rd March, we welcomed an exceptional presentation by Professor Mary Ann Lumsden OBE, Honorary Professor of Gynaecology and Medical Education at the University of Glasgow and former CEO of FIGO.

Professor Lumsden shared insights from her distinguished international career in women’s health, clinical leadership, research, and guideline development, along with her ongoing work supporting Rotary International’s Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health initiatives.

Her leadership roles have included contributions to the British Menopause Society, the International Menopause Society, and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, as well as advisory work with national and international health organisations.

Awarded an OBE in 2017 for services to women’s health, her presentation highlighted the vital role Rotary continues to play in improving maternal and reproductive health outcomes worldwide 🌍🤍

03/04/2026

🚀 On 16 March, our own Rotarian Silviu Pirvu FRSA delivered an inspiring and forward-looking talk exploring the intersection of urban planning, artificial intelligence, satellite technologies, and space habitation.

As CTO and Chairman of Optimal Cities, Silviu is leading pioneering work in AI- and satellite-powered planning and planetary intelligence, with the goal of creating cities that heal and enabling resilient human environments both on Earth and beyond.
He shared insights from his global work spanning collaboration with organisations including the European Space Agency, UK Space Agency, and international research institutions. His long-standing mission — making “thriving inevitable” — includes advancing human-centred planning for extreme environments and future habitation on the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Silviu’s contribution highlighted Rotary’s connection with innovation at the frontier of science, sustainability, and human development.

01/04/2026

⚖️ On 9 March, we welcomed Rotarian Bav Shah, who spoke about his experience serving as High Sheriff of Bedfordshire 2024/25, one of the oldest constitutional roles in the country, dating back to Saxon times.

Appointed by His Majesty The King, Bav became one of the youngest individuals to hold this historic office. His presentation offered fascinating insight into the modern relevance of the role and its continuing importance in supporting the judiciary, emergency services, voluntary organisations, and community cohesion.

During his year of service, Bav championed a community-focused interpretation of law and order, strengthening collaboration across sectors and promoting unity and public safety throughout Bedfordshire.

Members were especially pleased to hear from a fellow Rotarian whose commitment to service reflects Rotary’s own values so clearly. Bav’s previous Rotary involvement includes membership of the Rotary Club of Sydney Darling Harbour and his current role as a Charter Member of the Rotary Club of the City of London. In recognition of his service, he has been awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship by the Rotary Club of Dunstable.

08/03/2026

🧀🍷 Love cheese? Enjoy wine? Looking for a friendly evening out in London? 🍷🧀

Open to ALL (Non-members welcomed): Join the Rotary Club of London for a relaxed Cheese & Wine Social Evening on Thursday 12 March — and bring a friend!

It’s the perfect opportunity to: ✨ Meet Rotarians and friends ✨ Discover amazing cheeses and wines ✨ Enjoy a relaxed and sociable evening ✨ Learn more about the Rotary Club of London

We’ll be gathering at Buchanans Cheesemonger in Porchester Place for a guided tasting experience, discovering exceptional cheeses paired with delicious wines, while enjoying great conversation and fellowship.

📅 Thursday 12 March 2026
⏰ 6:30pm – 8:30pm
📍 Buchanans Cheesemonger, Porchester Place, London W2 2BS
🎟 £45 per person 🔗 Book your place here: https://buytickets.at/rotarycluboflondon2/2073880
⏳ Booking closes 10 March — places are limited!

Whether you're a cheese lover, wine enthusiast, or simply curious about Rotary, we’d love to welcome you. 🥂 Come and raise a glass with us!

📩 Contact: Stuart Castledine [email protected]

Cheese & Wine Tasting evening hosted by the Rotary Club of London – Buchanans Cheesemonger, Thu 12 Mar 2026

08/03/2026

🧀🍷 Love cheese? Enjoy wine? Looking for a friendly evening out in London? 🍷🧀

Join the Rotary Club of London for a relaxed Cheese & Wine Social Evening on Thursday 12 March — and bring a friend!

We’ll be gathering at Buchanans Cheesemonger in Porchester Place for a guided tasting experience, discovering exceptional cheeses paired with delicious wines, while enjoying great conversation and fellowship.

It’s the perfect opportunity to:
✨ Meet Rotarians and friends
✨ Discover amazing cheeses and wines
✨ Enjoy a relaxed and sociable evening
✨ Learn more about the Rotary Club of London

📅 Thursday 12 March 2026
⏰ 6:30pm – 8:30pm
📍 Buchanan’s Cheesemongers, Porchester Place, London W2 2BS
🎟 £45 per person

🔗 Book your place here:
https://buytickets.at/rotarycluboflondon2/2073880

⏳ Booking closes very soon — places are limited!

Whether you're a cheese lover, wine enthusiast, or simply curious about Rotary, we’d love to welcome you. 🥂 Come and raise a glass with us!

📩 Contact: Stuart Castledine [email protected]

08/03/2026

🌍 International Women’s Day 2026 at the Rotary Club of London

On 2 March 2026, members and guests of the Rotary Club of London gathered at The Chesterfield Hotel in Mayfair to celebrate International Women’s Day at a special lunchtime meeting centered around this year’s theme: “Give to Gain.”

Chaired by Past President Vasi Hollinghurst-Daniel, the event brought together inspiring voices who shared their experiences and reflections on advancing gender equality.

🎤 H.E. Ms Macenje “Che Che” Mazoka, High Commissioner of Zambia to the UK, spoke about the importance of opportunity, mentorship and advocacy in creating lasting change for women and girls.

🎤 Mrs Betty Yao MBE, founder of the Pan Asian Women’s Association (PAWA), shared her personal journey into philanthropy and the impact of supporting girls’ education across Asia, where her organisation now supports more than 2,000 girls through grassroots projects.

🎤 Mrs Caroline Muir, former President of FIWAL, reflected on the global progress made in women’s rights while highlighting the work that still lies ahead.

Although Mrs Agnes Xavier-Phillips JP DL FLSW was unable to attend, her thoughtful message was shared with the audience.

✨ The event was a wonderful reminder that when we give — our time, support and opportunities — we help create a more equal world where everyone can thrive.

28/02/2026

🌍 February at the Rotary Club of London – Leadership, History, Creativity & Climate

February was a month of exceptional conversations and inspiring perspectives at the Rotary Club of London.

We were honoured to welcome Professor Luis G. Franceschi, Assistant Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, who shared insights from across 56 member states on democracy, governance, rule of law and resilient institutions. His global experience — from advising governments to shaping dialogue at CHOGM — gave us a powerful reminder of the importance of strong, adaptive leadership in a changing world.

We then turned to history, as Past District Governor David Palmer captivated members with vivid personal reflections on how London Rotarians served during the Second World War. From blackout meetings to community mobilisation, his message was simple and timeless: Rotary’s spirit is about service — and, as he suggested in two words, “Join in.”

Mid-month, creativity took centre stage. Landscape designer Cristina Morbi encouraged us to see nature as a living system shaped by time and transformation, while renowned photographer John Offenbach revealed the extraordinary precision behind iconic advertising imagery — including the unforgettable “bear in the kitchen” campaign. Two very different disciplines, united by vision and professionalism.

We closed the month with a dynamic session on local climate leadership with Isaac Beevor of Climate Emergency UK. Exploring the 2025 Council Climate Action Scorecards, he demonstrated how councils shape a third of local emissions — and how practical initiatives such as community energy and better building standards can deliver both environmental and economic benefits. The discussion was lively, informed and forward-looking.

From global governance to wartime resilience, artistic innovation to climate action — February reflected Rotary at its best: curious, engaged and committed to making a difference.

10/02/2026

Past President Rotary Club of London, Doug Wills writes:

⚡️Hearing about London Rotarians coped in the Second World War

How Rotarians in London dealt with the devastating effects of the Second World War was outlined in graphic and absorbing detail to members of Rotary Club of London at their meeting this week.

Past Rotary District Governor David Palmer had the club members spellbound with his stories of how he was given a legally required ID papers when he was aged just 10-and-a-half MONTHS! His mother signed it "mummy". David circulated the original for members to see.

And David told how Rotary Clubs had to change the times of their meetings to take place in daylight hours to ensure lights were not shown in case bombers flew overhead. He also spoke of how his father told him they were safe because the bombs were aimed at King's Cross - which was still a short distance from their home.

He said that Churchill's decision to call to members of the public to help during the war by joining the Home Guards was inspirational.

David said that Rotarians were known even then for their commitment to voluntary work and for service to the community.

David is a prime example of this spirit. He was described by Rotary Club of London President-Elect Judith Diment when introducing him as being known as the first "Cockney District Governor". He had not missed a meeting of his own Rotary Club of Barkingside in his 40-years membership.

David was asked in the Q&A session that followed his talk to say that with all his experience of Rotary life and his praise for Churchill's marketing of the Home Guards what he thought Rotary's two-word slogan could be. He suggested it could simply be: "Join in". And the club did. With rousing applause to him for an outstanding talk.

Pictured below is Club President Anahita Harris presenting a Speaker's certificate to David Palmer.

10/02/2026

❓🤔 Can Art Change How We Relate to Our Environment?

We are delighted to welcome 🎤 two outstanding speakers to our next Rotary evening Meeting:

📅 Monday 16 February 6.30 pm – 9.00 pm
📍 The Chesterfield Mayfair, 35 Charles Street, Mayfair, London W1J 5EB

An evening of ideas, images and landscapes with two creative practitioners whose work spans art, research and environmental thinking.

Our speakers:
📸 John Offenbach: London-based photographer working across art, education and research.
🌿 Cristina Morbi: Landscape and architectural designer exploring ecology, public art and environmental design.

✨ Guests and visitors warmly welcome.
Come curious. Leave inspired.

👉 Book before Friday 13 February noon:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/rotarycluboflondon2/2043154

🔗 https://rotary-london.org/events/

08/02/2026

“There is no Rotary Police.”
A memorable line from RI President-Elect Yinka Babalola that perfectly captured the spirit of the Rotary South Leadership Day at Brooklands Museum on Saturday 31 January 2026.

🌍 The Global Leadership Seminar brought together Rotarians from across the District to reflect, challenge and inspire one another around the theme “Global Vision, Local Action: Building Your Future Rotary.” It was a day of open conversation about membership, inclusivity, affordability, youth engagement, communication and how Rotary continues to evolve in a changing world.

❤️ We were delighted to be joined by Adrian Faiers, District 1130 Governor, alongside Sree Vallipuram and Ian Balcombe, whose presence highlighted the strength and continuity of leadership within the District.
For the Rotary Club of London, it was a proud day with RCL President Anahita Harris, RCL PP Doug Wills and RCL VP Elect Elisabeth Reyes all actively taking part.

Thank you to everyone who contributed so thoughtfully, and to Roger Stent for expertly guiding the discussions. A truly energising day that reminded us: Rotary works best when we trust people, empower clubs and focus on impact. 🌍🤝✨

25/01/2026

👑 An Afternoon with the King — Through the Eyes of Robert Jobson

Last Monday’s lunch meeting at the Rotary Club of London felt less like a formal talk and more like an intimate conversation — one shaped by decades of experience at the very heart of the British monarchy.

Our speaker, Robert Jobson, shared stories from his long and trusted relationship with King Charles III, offering members a rare glimpse beyond the public image and into the man behind the Crown.

Reflecting on the King’s lifelong preparation for the role, Robert captured it simply and powerfully:

🗣️ “This is a man who has been preparing for this responsibility his entire life — and he takes it profoundly seriously.”

Through personal anecdotes and quiet observations, Robert painted a portrait of a monarch driven by duty, conviction, and an enduring commitment to service 🤝. His insights highlighted how King Charles’s long-standing interests — from sustainability 🌱 to community cohesion — are not new priorities, but deeply rooted values.

The room was captivated by Robert’s ability to combine sharp journalistic insight with warmth and understated humour. His stories reminded us that leadership is often revealed over time ⏳, through consistency and purpose rather than momentary headlines.

As questions flowed and conversation continued around the tables 🍽️💬, it was clear this was one of those Rotary meetings people would be talking about long after the plates were cleared.

Our sincere thanks go to Robert Jobson for sharing his experiences so generously 🙏, and to all members and guests who joined us for an afternoon that was insightful, reflective, and thoroughly enjoyable. We look forward to welcoming you again very soon at our upcoming meetings 🌟

30/11/2025

⭐️ Reflecting on an Inspiring Stanley Leverton Day Meeting

On 17 November, during a very well-attended Evening Meeting, the Rotary Club of London had the privilege of hearing Heather Stuart speak at our annual Stanley Leverton Day gathering.

In a beautifully crafted address, Heather connected the enduring vision of Stanley Leverton with today’s North Star Strategy, describing it as a modern-day Leverton Plan for the current generation. As she noted:

“Stanley Leverton multiplied Clubs; we are multiplying ways to belong… we’re not replacing tradition – we’re extending it.” ✨

Heather outlined the four pillars of change guiding Rotary’s evolution today: Relevance, Experience, Culture, and Channels — each opening new doors for service.

She also shared three powerful lessons from Leverton’s story:

✅ Growth begins with imagination
✅ Change demands courage
✅ Growth is service

Heather reminded us that “Rotary is not defined by our structure or size – but by our impact,” highlighting the depth of Community Action and engagement across the London area and acknowledging the reach and connections of the Rotary Club of London.

She concluded with a moving call to action:

“In the end, Stanley Leverton’s story is one of light… Eighty years later, that light still burns – through every Club, every project, every Rotarian who chooses to serve. Let’s keep following that light – our own North Star.” 🌟

🔥 Heather’s address was truly inspirational.

👥 A Wonderful Gathering of Rotary Friends

We were delighted to welcome members from the Rotary Clubs of Enfield Chase, Pinner, Barkingside, Southgate, and Hendon, alongside Past District Governors, Past RGBI Board Chair Robert, our Global Scholar Nellie Ide, and the full District Governor Chain — DG Adrian, DGE Sree, and DGN Ian.