Midhurst & Petworth Rotary

11/06/2026

Midhurst & Petworth Rotary has a new member !!
Bryan Scorfield was warmly welcomed by Rotarians and our President Andrew Mitchell.

Rangesh Nallan

21/05/2026

Rotary v Inner Wheel for the 'Chooks Trophy', Wednesday 20th May 2026.
24 members and partners from Midhurst and Petworth Rotary and Inner Wheel clubs assembled at The Spur, Slindon to do battle for the Chooks Trophy in memory of Inner Wheel member Jackie Austin, and after 2 closely fought rounds the Rotary Club came out winners with 194 pins against 174. Best individual score for the Rotary members was President Andrew with 19 pins whilst the best score for the Inner Wheel members was a three way tie on 15 pins, and after a 'skittle off' Wendy Rose came out the winner.
The evening was rounded off with the 'killer' round in which Inner Wheel came out on top and added well deserved funds to their Charity account.
As always the evening went off with lots of fun, fellowship and laughter which makes the event such an enjoyable experience.

John Sexton, Sports Officer.

18/05/2026

Rotary notes for Woolbeding Reimagined 18 May 2026

National Trust Area Ranger for Woolbeding Reimagined, Charlotte, led us on a guided walk to see this project first-hand following her talk to us at Cowdray Golf Club last month.

It is a long-term conservation project designed to encourage nature recovery, restore wildlife habitats and improve public access to the countryside. To learn more about this initiative go onto their website where you will also see many volunteering opportunities.

We followed the walk with a well-deserved coffee at The Cowdray Café, Easebourne. A pleasant and informative morning was had by all who attended.

Andrew Mitchell

12/05/2026

This morning, just missing the rain, a team of Rotarians planted out the four Rotary planters around the Midhurst War Memorial. We know that these flowers give pleasure to both local residents and visitors because we often receive compliments for the displays when we are watering them throughout the summer.

Thanks to everyone who helped!
Hazel Morley

10/05/2026

Ten Rotarians assisted by being doing Marshalling duty for the Midhurst Millers Race at Cocking this morning from 8 am to 12 noon. It was most enjoying to help out a local community activity. The weather was kind to us.

Rangesh Nallan

06/05/2026

The Rotary Club of Midhurst & Petworth have raised funds to support Midhurst & Easebourne Youth Football Club (MEYFC)
MEYFC needed funds to buy new goals as the existing plastic goals were subjected to antisocial behaviour. The new metal ones are much more robust and easier to set up. We at the Rotary Club were keen to support this local project involving young people in our community and with Gary Norgate, Matt Mason, Callum Loveland and Olly Melcio's help brought it to fruition. Gary manages Midhurst Tots, as well as the under 8s and under 9s with Matt Mason. With the tots, under 7, 8s and 9s there are around 100 children. Some of the under 9s parents assisted the Rotary Club Elvis Night in March, set up by John Barrett. We were then able to put £1,500 towards their funds. Ollie Maides, Sam Wall – Palmer, Charlie Curtis and Matt Coombes were also in attendance and contributed greatly towards the event.

Gary, Matt and the other under 9s team managers, Callum Loveland and Ollie Melcio's mission is to build up the youth teams to compete effectively with other local teams and prepare them for further success on into the future.

Andrew Mitchell
President

06/05/2026

More photos for the 20th April Meeting !!

28/04/2026

SPEAKER FOR THE 20th APRIL MEETING

Charlotte Eley, Area Ranger National Trust
Project:- Woolbeding Reimagined

Charlotte introduced herself and the exciting project she has embarked upon to implement the strategy of the National Trust to rewild the Woolbeding Estate. Those of us who have visited the Knepp Estate will be aware of the changes this could eventually bring. Over time they hope to develop a mixed estate with areas of wood pasture, open water, rough woodland and wild flowers.
Initial Work Woolbeding Common a site of Special Scientific Interest (SSI) – the heathland site needs to be grazed intensively – some form of containment for the cattle will be required.
The Farmland will be transformed into habitats for wild life, new woodland and wood pasture – the former Tenant Farmer
Is assisting in the proposed changes.

The River Rother, it is hoped to return the river to its flood plain and to develop a range of water habitats. In answer to questions
Charlotte said that application has already been made to bring Beavers to the site. Across the estate new access routes will be developed in conjunction with those already in place across the estate Partnership working we have major national support and are also involved with local agents. This is a major project.
Funding to date the planning has been funded by the National Trust South Downs reserves Charlotte happily answered a range of questions from members and expressed thanks for the excellent dinner – an unusual experience at her speaking appointments.

John Fitch

Further on line information from:-

Learn about this long-term project to restore wildlife habitats, tackle climate issues and provide access to nature for as many people as possible.

21/03/2026

I had the honour and pleasure of attending the Midhurst Rother College Gilbert Hannam Prize Giving to present the Midhurst & Petworth Rotary Club Music Award. The trophy was first presented in 2012 in memory of Rotarians Tessa and Michael Kershaw. In addition, the £200 prize comes from a kind legacy from Paul Ryan. Year 11 students bid for this award by outlining how their talent and skills would benefit from gaining these funds

The recipient for 2026 is Elphina de Bohr who has played the saxophone in orchestra and jazz band and also sung in the choir. In addition to playing, she has written her own music and has a particular strength in writing beautiful melodies. She has fully immersed herself with all the musical activities MRC has to offer and is a seen to be kind and supportive to other musicians around her

She performed the song Maine by Noah Kahan showing her guitar skills along with her lovely voice – a stunning rendition

How could it be possible to have a more deserving winner than Elphina?

We wish her all the very best for her future as she goes on to study the sciences next year

Andrew Mitchell President of Midhurst & Petworth Rotary Club Thu 19 March

19/03/2026