Rotary St Helens, Griffin Inn Church Lane, Eccleston, St Helens (2026)

01/09/2026

Some traditions are just too good to break and our annual Rotary St Helens visit to Formby Beach is definitely one of them!
Leading the way, as always, was our very own John Gelder, who lives virtually on the beach and has, over the years, discovered a remarkable collection of woodland routes known only to him… and apparently a few squirrels!

On a wonderfully barmy summer evening, John guided members through the woods and along the paths around Formby, giving everyone the chance to enjoy a relaxed stroll, plenty of fresh air, good conversation and, of course, some classic Rotary fellowship.
There may have been the occasional question of “Are we nearly there yet, John?” but nobody complained too much!
And what better way to finish an evening by the seaside than with a good old-fashioned fish and chip supper?

A great evening was had by all, proving once again that Rotary isn’t just about meetings and projects — it’s also about friendship, fellowship and enjoying time together.
A big thank you to John for once again taking the lead and showing us some of Formby’s best-kept routes.

Rotarians on Tour — same time next year? Absolutely!

01/09/2026

History has a funny way of whispering to us, if only we know how to listen. Sometimes it echoes through grand architecture; other times, it rustles quietly in the canopy above our heads. In St Helens, a brilliant new initiative has combined the timeless wisdom of nature with the immediacy of modern technology, breathing new life into the stories rooted deep within the borough’s favourite green space.

Each year, Rotary St Helens hosts its much-anticipated community impact funding grants, pouring vital financial support into local charities and grassroots groups. Among the recent beneficiaries was the Friends of Victoria Park, a dedicated group with a passion for preserving and celebrating their local sanctuary.

With the grant secured, the Friends set out on a mission to connect the community with the park’s arboreal elders. The result? Six sleek, newly installed plaques, positioned thoughtfully opposite six distinct trees throughout the park.

Unveiled on a bright Sunday morning on August 23rd at 11 am—to the delight of a well-attended crowd of locals, families, and supporters—these plaques are far more than mere metal markers. They are portals to the past.

With a quick flick of a smartphone camera, a visitor can scan the QR code on any of the plaques (kindly donated and built, alongside the landing pages, by the tech-savvy hands at Rotary St Helens). Instantly, the user is transported to a dedicated digital landing page packed with fascinating local lore.

Ever wondered how to tell the age of a tree? The digital guide shows you how. Curious about what kind of tree is towering above you, how many rings it might hold, or just how long it’s been standing? The page tells you. Even better, it places the tree’s birthday into historical context, revealing what was happening in the bustling town of St Helens at the exact moment that very sapling first took root along with a poem about each tree

The botanical journey spans centuries. The featured trees vary wildly in age, from fresh, youthful saplings just a few years old to a magnificent green patriarch standing proudly at an astonishing 210 years old.

As if learning about the silent, leafy witnesses to St Helens' history isn't enough, the landing pages also unfold the rich, captivating story of Victoria Park itself and the grand Mansion House that still stands majestically within its grounds, guarding memories of bygone eras.

Since their grand unveiling, the plaques have proven to be an absolute hit with the community. Park rangers and organizers report a steady stream of curious daily scans from visitors eager to unlock the secrets of the park.

Victoria Park has always been a gem—a magnificent expanse steeped in history offering something for everyone. Whether you want to lose yourself in local heritage, let the kids burn off energy in the fantastic play areas, or simply enjoy a peaceful stroll beneath a 210-year-old canopy, it makes for a stellar day out.

So, the next time you find yourself with an afternoon to spare, take a trip down to Victoria Park. Bring your walking shoes, bring the family, and don’t forget your smartphone. You’re about to take a walk-through history, one scan at a time

27/08/2026

The August Break Is Over… Back to Business!
All good things must come to an end — and that includes Rotary St Helens’ annual escape from the normal routine!

August is traditionally the month when many Rotarians disappear on holiday, supposedly to rest and recharge their batteries. But Rotary St Helens is not one to sit quietly at home. Instead, we swapped our usual meeting format for a series of relaxed and enjoyable fellowship get-togethers.

We have been out and about, making the most of the summer — whatever the British weather decided to throw at us!

Our adventures included a walk around the beautiful Formby Beach, an evening enjoying the hospitality of LSH Rugby Club, and, naturally, a BBQ. Because what would a British summer be without the opportunity to stand outside, clutching a plate of food, while keeping one eye on the sky?

These more informal gatherings are always a great reminder of one of the best things about being part of Rotary — fellowship. Away from the usual meeting routine, there is more opportunity to chat, laugh, put the world to rights and occasionally even talk about something other than Rotary!

The relaxed venues also give us a great opportunity to welcome guests, renew old friendships and make some new ones. There is something about a walk, a drink or a burger from the BBQ that seems to bring people together.

But, like the summer heatwave, our August break is now fading into the distance. Soon it will be time to dust off the Rotary badges, remember where we left our meeting notes and return to something resembling our normal routine.

Rotary St Helens will shortly be heading back to our familiar home base at The Griffin Inn, St Helens, ready for another busy programme of meetings, projects, fundraising, friendship and — of course — plenty of fellowship.

The holidays may be over, but the fun certainly isn't!

See you at The Griffin — refreshed, recharged

10/08/2026

Annual Ben Spaven Golf Competition

Today saw the annual Ben Spaven Golf Competition take place at Grange Park Golf Club, with members enjoying a closely contested and competitive day on the course.

After some excellent golf and a very close competition, we are delighted to announce that the winner was Manoj Agarwal, a member of Rotary St Helens.

Past President Ken Stringer had the honour of declaring Manoj the winner, before President Nick made the presentation of the trophy.

Congratulations to Manoj on a fantastic performance, and our thanks to everyone who took part and helped make the competition such an enjoyable occasion.

Well played, Manoj — a worthy winner of the Ben Spaven Trophy!

10/08/2026

An Insightful Evening with Rotary Foundation

Rotary St Helens was delighted to welcome Richard Cooper, Chair of the Rotary District 1285 Foundation, who gave members a whistle-stop presentation on the work of the Rotary Foundation.

Richard explained the opportunities available through the Foundation, with particular interest from members in the range of grants available, especially as Rotary St Helens currently has a Global Grant application in progress.

The presentation was followed by an engaging question-and-answer session, giving members the opportunity to explore Foundation matters in more detail and gain a greater understanding of how the Foundation can support Rotary projects both locally and internationally.

It was an informative and interesting evening, and we would like to extend our sincere thanks to Richard for giving up his time to visit Rotary St Helens and share his knowledge and experience with us.

Many thanks, Richard!

26/07/2026

A Gateway Renewed: Rotary St Helens Polishes the Town’s Front Door
For those commuting through St Helens Central, the morning journey often fades into a blur of routine. But this past weekend, that routine was interrupted by a vibrant burst of activity as members of Rotary St Helens descended upon the station in force.

Six years since the club officially “adopted” the station and over this time it has been transformed. On Saturday morning, Rotarians arrived armed with gloves, brushes, cutters, spades, cleaning solutions, and a collective determination to ensure the town’s primary gateway reflects the pride of its community.

The transformation was comprehensive. As the morning progressed, the station’s aesthetic shifted from weathered to welcoming. Rotarians waded into the greenery, cutting back the wild flowers in the planters—a strategic trim designed to encourage a fresh, flourishing bloom that will provide a much-needed haven for local bee populations throughout the summer.

Beyond the gardening, the team tackled the stubborn remnants of winter. A concerted effort saw the grime and algae scrubbed from the station’s signage, restoring clarity and brightness to the arrival boards and information points. The car park, the platforms, and the long stretch of fence line paralleling the station were meticulously weeded, clearing away months of neglect and replacing it with a sense of order. By the time the final bin bags of litter were hauled away, the station felt noticeably lighter, cleaner, and ready for the incoming rush of summer holiday travellers.

However, the true reward for the volunteers wasn't just in the manicured beds or the sparkling signs—it was in the feedback from the people who use the station every day.

Throughout the day, passengers stopped to offer words of genuine appreciation. For the Rotarians, these brief interactions served as a powerful reminder of why they do what they do. Hearing commuters remark on the transformation and express gratitude for the club’s dedication provided a boost that no amount of heavy lifting could match.

In a world where it is easy to walk past a neglected corner without a second thought, the members of Rotary St Helens proved that a little care goes a long way. As the summer sun begins to climb, St Helens Central stands ready—a clean, vibrant, and welcoming front door to a town that clearly cares.

22/07/2026

About four years ago, Rotary St Helens was nominated for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest honour for a voluntary organisation in the UK. The success of their application was greatly supported by Deputy Head Teacher Katie Burrows, who spoke passionately about the positive impact of Rotary’s partnership with Holy Cross School, including projects connecting children with care homes, card-making initiatives, reading support, and careers events.

When Katie recently moved to a new school, Rotary St Helens wanted to thank her for her invaluable contribution. President Nicky Monk surprised her during a school assembly by recounting the story of the King’s Award before presenting her with flowers and a card of appreciation.

Rotary St Helens expressed their gratitude for Katie’s friendship and support, wishing her every success in her new role and recognising her as an inspiring example of how schools and community organisations can work together to make a difference.

22/07/2026

Rotary St Helens Careers and Education Awareness Project

Recognising that some young people in St Helens have limited awareness of the career opportunities available to them, Rotary St Helens’ Vocational Team launched a targeted Careers and Education Awareness Project. The initiative aims to broaden children’s horizons by introducing them to a wide range of professions and explaining the educational pathways and qualifications needed to pursue different careers.

Over the past three years, the project has continued to grow. This year, the programme was expanded to bring two schools together at each event Holy Cross with Parish, and Merton Bank with Rivington Primary Schools doubling participation. Across two events, 120 Year 6 pupils were reached. Rotary St Helens also removed financial barriers for schools with limited budgets by covering the cost of coach transportation.

Each event featured 12 volunteers from a diverse range of professional backgrounds. The children took part in a series of seven-minute rotations, moving between stations to meet each professional, learn about their role and ask questions. This interactive format ensured every child was exposed to 12 different career paths.

The events generated considerable excitement and enthusiasm, with pupils commenting positively on the opportunity to discover new careers, learn that career paths can change, understand people’s motivations for their work, and appreciate how different professions can make a positive impact on others.

Overall, the project successfully broadened the aspirations and career awareness of 120 young people, while demonstrating the value of direct engagement with professionals from a wide range of backgrounds.

21/07/2026

A Final Act of Kindness: Holy Cross RotaKids Leave a Lasting Legacy
As the final bells of the academic year echo through the corridors of Holy Cross
Primary School, a bittersweet atmosphere settles over the Year 6 classrooms. For
our RotaKids, this isn’t just the end of a school year; it is the closing of a significant
chapter. Come September, these bright young individuals will scatter to various high
schools across St Helens, embarking on new adventures and meeting new faces.
Yet, as they step into this next phase of life, one thing remains certain: the bonds of
friendship they have forged over the past two years are not merely school-day
memories—they are connections that will never diminish.
Before they exchanged their final goodbyes, the RotaKids were determined to leave
their school with one last, impactful mission. Driven by a spirit of service, they
fundraised £50 to commission the local crochet group, ‘UnTangled,’ to create
something truly special: 110 woollen octopuses destined for the A&E department at
Whiston Hospital.
The presentation of these soft, tactile gifts was a poignant moment for the group.
Dee, representing Whiston Hospital, accepted the donation with heartfelt gratitude,
shedding light on the profound impact these small, knitted creatures would have.
"People with dementia may become anxious and distressed in hospital as it is such a
strange and noisy environment," Dee explained to the children. "By giving that
person something to occupy their hands, we can help them stay calm. Patients who
have already been given an octopus have visibly relaxed by playing with their legs.
They are also wonderful for improving dexterity and grip strength. A big thank you to
RotaKids for their kind donation—it will make such a difference to many of our
patients."
For the RotaKids, seeing the direct result of their compassion was a powerful lesson
in how small actions can ripple out to provide immense comfort to those in need.
But the day held one final honour. To commemorate their dedication, the Rotary St
Helens Youth Lead Paul Winstanley alongwith Rotarians Gwyneth Millard and
Gaynor Winstanley, presented each member with a Rotary Certificate of
Appreciation. As they held their certificates, the children weren& #39;t just holding pieces
of paper; they were holding a tangible record of their time at Holy Cross.
It is a memento they can look back upon in years to come—a reminder that before
they were high schoolers, they were RotaKids: young people who cared, who acted,
and who left their corner of St Helens a little brighter than they found it. As they move
forward, they carry with them the pride of their achievements and the enduring
warmth of the friendships that started it all.
A successful youth program is built on more than just good intentions—it requires the
spark of an enthusiastic and inspiring leader. At Rotary St Helens, we are incredibly

fortunate to have found that exact spirit in Donna Davies, Holy Cross Primary School
Pastorale Lead.
In appreciation of her unwavering commitment and the tireless energy she pours into
our RotaKids, we were delighted to present Donna with a special gift. Donna’s ability
to motivate, guide, and champion our young members is truly the heartbeat of the
initiative. We are lucky to have her, and we look forward to all the wonderful impact
she will continue to foster within our next group of RotaKids. Thank you, Donna, for
everything you do!
Photgraphs curtesy of Holy Cross Primary School

21/07/2026

Rotary Widnes Edges Closely Fought Bowls Match Against Rotary St Helens

The annual crown green bowls match between Rotary St Helens and Rotary Widnes, held at Windle Bowling Club in St Helens, was another enjoyable evening of friendly competition and fellowship.

Despite the recent hot weather leaving the traditionally green bowling surface looking more like scorched scrub, the standard of bowling remained high, with both clubs producing a closely contested match. In the end, Rotary Widnes narrowly clinched victory to retain local bragging rights.

Adding a touch of humour to the occasion, both club Presidents share the same first name – Nick Preston of Rotary Widnes and Nick Monk of Rotary St Helens – leading to more than a few moments of confusion whenever someone called out, "Nick!"

As always, the match was about far more than the result. The evening provided a welcome opportunity for members to renew old friendships, make new acquaintances and enjoy the fellowship that lies at the heart of Rotary.

The event concluded with an excellent buffet before the trophy was presented to the victorious Rotary Widnes team.

Both clubs are already looking forward to renewing their friendly rivalry when the annual fixture returns next year.

Rotary St Helens

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