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August 2024
Message from President Candy
I hope you all had a wonderful summer holiday! I’m excited to announce that our club meetings will resume on September 2nd. Please let our House Chair, Tom, know your availability for the upcoming meeting.
This summer, I had a fantastic time with my family in Turkey and Edinburgh. In addition to this, I had the opportunity to visit our incredible donation partner, Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospices, alongside some of our club members. It was a truly inspiring experience.
Looking ahead, September is packed with exciting events!
We are partnering with ZSL and the City of London for the Seagrass Conference, which will be part of the Sustainability & Biodiversity Conference at Mansion House on September 25th, please buy your ticket from this link: https://lnkd.in/dmAy5kQ6
or https://www.tickettailor.com/
Additionally, we have the “Empowering a New Picture for Women’s Futures” event, which aims to support the charity and empower models from Books Beyond Words as the disabilities people walk the runway at Future Dreams House. Please buy your ticket here
https://app.gohighlevel.com/
I look forward to seeing all of you at our next meeting and these exciting events!
President Candy
Recap of our Club Meetings and Events in July 2024
Monday 29 July: Members heard a fascinating talk by Grant Smith on London’s gateways. He shared historic tales of how these sites evolved from displaying heads of those executed to becoming architectural treasures after London was bombed during the war.
IPP Doug presents Tim Waugh with a Paul Harris Award for his Chairmanship of the R6 group raising thousands of pounds for International charity projects. The badge was a special enhanced with a jewel signifying exceptional work for Rotary.
Monday 22 July: We welcomed Armin Mahboobi, President of two Toastmaster Clubs in London, to speak about public speaking.
Monday 15 July: Peter Stirratt from Skyports was our speaker
Monday 08 July: 🌟 Celebrating DG Himanshu’s First Club Meeting Visit! 🌟
Further photos can be found here https://photos.app.goo.gl/5HhMvdkotuH63cUSA
Monday 01 July: Welcome to President Candy Liu
Further photos can be found here https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZD34wAbePrgSqVkR6
Recap of our Club Meetings and Events in June 2024
Monday 24 June: President Doug Wills Glass Boot day
President Doug says : Thank you all for a terrific “glass boot” finalè as RCL president. What a wonderful warm way to end a brilliant year that fills me with pride.
May I again congratulate Annie and Clive on their much-deserved awards which were presented at Monday’s meeting.
I’d like you to also join me in wishing Candy a successful year as our new President. I know it will be a great year.
Best wishes and thank you. Doug
Further photos can be found here https://photos.app.goo.gl/aBHJk5PPSukPUdtp8
Monday 17 June: Mr. Thani Thongphakdi Thai Ambassador of the UK was our speaker
Further photos can be found here https://photos.app.goo.gl/BsCAiEgoZomAZMmr8
Monday 10 June: RCL Assembly Meeting
Download the full The RCL Club Assembly Presentation for 2024-2025 here
Further photos can be found here https://photos.app.goo.gl/3eec3etvRgWYhrya9
Monday 3 June: Clive wins the Cup ! 
The Neville Shulman Rotary Charity Cup for 2023-24 for Charitable Activities was presented today, during our RCL lunch meeting, to Clive Amos.
Neville said Clive was the complete Rotarian who selflessly gave of his time to charitable causes and the community unstintingly. He was the most committed of Rotarians. 
President Doug echoed Neville’s testament of Clive’s devotion to Rotary and said he personally owed much to Clive for supporting him when he transferred to RCL from another club. Clive was the font of all knowledge who was always willing to help. He also did it with a smile!
THANK YOU Clive
Monday 3 June: our speaker was Paul Buchanan who inspired the Club with stories about London Community Foundation and his charitable work. He was presented with a cheque for £1000 from RCL Charity fund for the Respect Campaign to tackle violence against women and girls.
Further photos can be found here https://photos.app.goo.gl/gP8f6CbG6KKEiiek7
Exceptional Meetings and Events in May 2024
Monday 13 May: The Revd Jonathan Aitken – From Politician to Prisoner to Prison Chaplain: A Roller Coaster Ride
Further photos can be found here https://photos.app.goo.gl/xeifQEWADaacPu1DA
Wednesday 15 May: Annual Charity Golf Day + Dinner
Further photos can be fond here https://photos.app.goo.gl/kCbyvuFFBWvpojSC
Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May: President Doug Wills’s Fun Days
Monday 20 May: Annual General Meeting and also presentation by the Club’s Hosted Global Scholars.
Furter photos can be found here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/q2FuEhkE3cKZw3vu9
May: Leonardo Weekend in Tours (France)
Report from Leonardo Weekend can be found here : https://rotary-london.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/RCL-Leonardo-pictures-Tours-2024.pdf
Recap of our Club Meetings and Events in April 2024
Monday 8 April: Lunch Meeting – The Revd Canon Dr Alison Joyce, Rector of St Bride’s Church in Fleet Street : The remarkable women of Fleet Street.
Further photos can be fond here https://photos.app.goo.gl/7qXJtHCZcXMZiwis9
Monday 15 April: Lunch Meeting – The Rt Hon Sir Scott Baker – The background to the Princess Diana Inquest
Further photos can be found here https://photos.app.goo.gl/2Zm5tifvoSpudpVK7
Monday 22 April: Lunch Meeting – Rob Sisson will reveal the secrets of sustainability – and how it will help us build for the future without compromising the natural resources.
Further photos can be found here https://photos.app.goo.gl/PkuJjtVht89RotbF7
Monday 29 April: Evening Meeting – Bob Bhania – The man who climbs Everest
Further photos can be found here https://photos.app.goo.gl/iGK8bcfkmLtsYFAd9
Recap of our Club Meetings and Events in March 2024
Monday 4 March : Lunch Meeting – The International Women’s Day
Further photos can be found here https://photos.app.goo.gl/NtGSVQ9iiPd4WMwE9
Monday 11 March: Lunch Meeting – Quarterly Business Meeting – Speaker Rie Hamaguchi
Further photos can be found here https://photos.app.goo.gl/HXVebAeBkHVPgZsF8
Monday 18 March: Evening Meeting – Richard Chapman, Chair Shine School Media Awards
Further photos can be found here https://photos.app.goo.gl/2nuYsRABmiiJQV238
Monday 25 March: Lunch Meeting – Celebration of Hugh Kirk. Fond memories and presentation of Noah’s Ark Charity
Further photos can be found here https://photos.app.goo.gl/faQJd6FLqmSt4WRWA
Wednesday 27 March: Evening Meeting – Immediate Past President Ian Balcombe’s Dinner
Further photos can be found here https://photos.app.goo.gl/wG9CmrcQcBGLdKJd9
A thank you to RCL from Nepal – April 2024
We are proud to say that our club played a tremendous role in helping with the renovation of the Sauerpani PrimarySchool in the mountainous Goorka region of Nepal.
This was the area that had the highest death rate in the earthquake of 2015 and the area from which the British Army recruits Gurkha Soldiers.
Over the years, since 2015 Rotary Club of London has contributed funds on a regular basis, primarily to rebuild the infrastructure of the school. The work was also funded from Nepal local and government resources.
We were the UK Rotary Club that made the largest funding contribution to the school but the Rotary Clubs of Maidenhead , Faringdon (Oxfordshire) and Oxford (Isis) also provided support and funding. The Rotary Club Kupundol from Katmandu Nepal, contributed and oversaw the project on behalf of Rotary organisation.
The above Certificate dated 29 April 2024 represents a very fitting tribute for the support given by our club for this long running project.
Saturday 10th of February 2024, ROTARY INTERNATIONAL organised a Presidential Peace Conference in London.
The Conference focused on Promoting and Strengthening Positive Peace in order to Create Hope in the World. It emphasised Gordon McInally’s call to “restore hope — to help the world heal from destructive conflicts and in turn, to help us achieve lasting change for ourselves”. A distinguished group of internationally renowned speakers were present on a wide range of topics and inspired us to be Peace Builders.
Please find below a summary of this unique event.
50 countries told of hard decisions about ending wars and a London coffee house-style approach towards resolving conflict at a Peace Conference in London
Representatives from 50 countries including Ukraine at peace conference in London on 10th of February 2024 heard about the challenges of confrontation, conflict impasses and the consequences of corruption.
Speakers also told about building connections with international friends and partners in the style of London’s Coffee House approach towards collaboration.
The conference’s keynote speaker, the world leader of Rotary International, said the peace conference would be used as a “launching pad for action”.
Sir Malcolm Rifkind, former Defence and Foreign Secretary, spoke to leaders of Rotary Clubs from throughout the world at the conference: “When these dramas arise, when these controversies erupt, when wars are threatened, ultimately there are only two ways of resolving them.
“One is a military way, and you deal with it with war. The other is by deploying diplomatic negotiations. And if diplomacy is to succeed, it will ultimately require compromise.”
But he said: “Compromises are such that they protect the fundamental interests you are trying to serve. You do not compromise by giving in to the aggressor.”
The Lord Mayor of London Michael Mainelli told the conference held at the International Maritime Organisation on the banks of the River Thames, that he was traveling across the world – including India, China and the US – to “build and bolster our connections with international friends and partners”.
He said much could be learned from the history of London’s Coffee House approach. “Our customs and ideas may differ, but if we approach discussions with the ability to disagree agreeably, opportunities for collaboration abound. London is one of the most ethnically diverse and multicultural cities in the world, with 300 languages spoken. And that difference of perspectives enriches the City in so many ways.”
The international President of Rotary, Gordon McInally, told the conference: “Rotary has a vital role in advancing the cause of peace. ”
The Scotland-based RI President reflected on his experience working with the charity Hope and Homes for Children, which supports orphaned children in Rwanda following the 1994 civil war.
McInally insisted that Rotary International, with its 1.4 million members worldwide, was in a perfect position to be peacemakers.
“I often say that Rotary needs to work towards peace as aggressively as do those who wish to wage war.”
McInally is the only sixth Briton to head Rotary International in its 119-year history. He hoped the peace conference would be used as a “launching pad for action”.
He added: “It’s vital that we do far more than just simply talk about peace. That isn’t to demean the importance of talk. In fact, sometimes the very first step in creating peace is to be willing to talk to one another.
“The way we talk about peace and the way we model peace-positive behaviour is vital to the kinds of action which we are capable of taking and the impact we can ultimately deliver.”
2024 Rotary International Presidential Peace Conference
The Peace Conference programme can be found here
Photos can be found here :
RI Presidential Peace Conference Dinner At Connaught Rooms on 9th February 2024
https://photos.app.goo.gl/vRuRGuZ9HmUaqgXN9
RI Presidential Peace Conference at IMO on 10th February 2024
https://photos.app.goo.gl/kvGfNWsBe4rsvn3g6
Saturday, 18th November 2023 at the Royal Over-Seas League.
International dinner success — accolades from all for the fun and fund-raising
From RCL President Doug Wills:
What a terrific evening we all had on Saturday. The dinner was a triumph for International chair Bella and her team. Everyone has told me what a wonderful time they had at the event at the Royal over-Seas League with superb entertainment, fine food and great fund-raising-with-fun by auctioneer Tim MacAndrews and a team of sparkling raffle ticket sellers.
It was excellent to see the Rotaractors bring their spirited enthusiasm to the evening.
Importantly, the event raised a significant sum for the chosen charity bringing help to girls in need in Rwanda – which has been supported by the Rotaract Club of London.
Congrats all and thank you to everyone who supported the event in so many ways.
Best wishes
Doug Wills
Rotary Club of London delighted to received 2022-23 Rotary citation.
RCL Year 2019-22 Review video
It is tough Rotary year but we still did a fantastic job. Please come to share our club history and initiatives.
Rotary response to Ukranie crisis
The response of RI to the crisis in Ukraine is set out below – please read.
If you want to donate to the causes identified but am not sure which – send a donation to the Rotary Club of London Charity Trust; Account No: 00007103 Sort Code: 40-52-40; Please make it payable to The Charity Trust of the Rotary Club of London, and mark reference donation ‘Ukraine’.
The charitable trust will collect gift aid in addition where you have given permission
Our fellow rotarians, their families and communities will need our help
Please do what you feel you should
Happy Rotary Day!
On this day in 1905, Rotary International was formed, and Rotary club of London are demonstrating the values on which the organisation was founded, 117 years on. 🥳🥳
23rd February each year marks ‘Rotary Day’, which in 2022 is 117 years since the formation of Rotary International by Chicago-based lawyer, Paul Harris. 👏👏
With 1.2 million members in over 35,000 clubs in over 200 countries, Rotary is not only one of the oldest, but also one of the world’s largest and most successful membership and humanitarian service organisations.
RCL supports Treekly initiatives
RCL is fully support Treekly initiatives 💪💪
Treekly offers an easier way to help fight climate change. 🏞🏞
“Trees every week, to help reduce your carbon footprint.”
There is no single easy solution to climate change but planting millions of trees is a key part of it. The Treekly Challenge is to maintain a daily walking habit of 5,000 steps. Hit the target 5 days in a week, and in return one mangrove tree is planted on your behalf in Madagascar.
Join this challenge today and support the Treekly initiative. More details attached below.
Rotary Club of London will sponsor the first 20 applicants! 👏👏
Just download “THE TREEKLY” APP AND JOIN ‘THE RCL GROUP’ WITH
CODE: T-K6JKC;
PASSWORD: RCL2022
RCL Christmas lunch – 13th December 2021
Rotary Club of London is held the club Christmas party today at Chesterfield Mayfair hotel. Nearly 100 members and guests joined this event and raised over £2500. Please enjoy the photos:https://photos.app.goo.gl/yTu1DYrYh1x9qpuX6
RCL Winter Warn Up action
Rotary Club of London is supporting “Winter Warm Up” action organised by Karma Bank Charity. Collect as many warm clothes as possible for refugees. Please bring your warm clothes to our next club meeting at Chesterfield Mayfair hotel!
RCL Christmas lunch – 13th December 2021
Rotary Club of London invites you to join our Christmas lunch on 13th December. Please fill the form and submit to Hugh, kirkhugh81@gmail.com before 8th December 2021. Looking forward to see you there!
RCL Golf Challenge Charity dinner – 22nd September 2021
Rotary Club of London Charity invites you to DONATE and JOIN the coming RCL Golf Challenge dinner event on 22nd September 2021. The Charity Golf dinner event will be held at Moor Park Golf Club, Moor Park, Rickmansworth, WD3 1QN. Feel free to bring your friends and family to join the charity golf dinner. Remember to fill in the DINNER FORM.
INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY – 20th September 2021
Rotary Club of London will celebrate the International Peace Day on 20th September 2021 and invited four remarkable distinguished speakers to celebrate this special event. The details are shown below:
He was elected an Honorary Member of the Club in 1975 and in 1976 a delegation was led by then President Theo Bernsen to Buckingham Palace, who presented him with a specially made Rotary pin. His last visit to the club was in 2007, and his last contribution was writing the forward to our centennial History in 2011.
Today is Rotary Day!
23rd February each year marks ‘Rotary Day’, which in 2021 is 116 years since the formation of Rotary International by Chicago-based lawyer, Paul Harris.
With 1.2 million members in over 35,000 clubs in over 200 countries, Rotary is not only one of the oldest, but also one of the world’s largest and most successful membership and humanitarian service organisations.
Rotary, which started out as a professional networking organisation, quickly turned their vision to humanitarian service, with members and clubs having a long track record of addressing challenges in their communities and around the world.
That vision endures today, with the organisation committed to tackling some of the world’s biggest issues including protecting the environment, providing clean water and fighting disease.
The latter of those has been thrown sharply into focus over the last year with the COVID-19 pandemic gripping the globe. In the UK and Ireland, Rotary clubs have launched thousands of vital projects to support those in need, whether it be by stocking foodbanks, volunteering at vaccination centres, ensuring children have the required equipment for lockdown learning, and much more.
Perhaps most notably, Rotary International spearheaded the ongoing campaign to eradicate polio worldwide. Since their End Polio Now campaign was launched more than 30 years ago, they have helped reduce cases of the paralysing disease by 99.9%, vaccinating almost 3 billion children and preventing 19 million cases of paralysis.
Our club president David Johnson said: “We’re all so proud to be part of such a wide-reaching and life-changing organisation. As with every Rotary club, we aim to have an impact in our local community and make a difference to those in our area in need of support.”
“Rotary Day is always a special day in the calendar, as it allows us to showcase how our organisation is rooted in the local community, but with a global impact.”
“We give our time and talents to help others, all while having fun and making social connections in the process. We’re always keen to welcome new members to our group.”
The 2020 Golf Day Charity Challenge at Berkhamstead Golf Club in October
Children’s Charities Golf Day which was held on 8th October 2020, and raised £20,000 in aid of Lifeline4Kids and Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice.
Lifeline4Kids absorbs its own administration costs which means that their total donations go to making bespoke equipment for disabled children.
Noah’s Ark provides a very wide spectrum of care and support for both children with life-limiting conditions, and their families.
Since this annual event started in 2002 the total amount raised to date for children’s needy causes is circa £220,000.
Thank you for your support!!
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