It has become difficult to choose those organisations which need our help but the representatives of Age UK, Alzheimers & Dementia Support Services, Multiple Sclerosis Support, PHAB, Waterside Family Support, Hi Kent for the Deaf, House of Mercy and Hive Hope Food Bank all agreed that it was the work of Gravesend Rotary that made their work that much easier.

Brother Roy of The House of Mercy, which provides shelter for homeless adults in Gravesham, said at the 2016 Charity evening that our club had supported his charity’s work for 25 years and explained how there were more homeless young people than ever in need.

Most of the money raised by our charity On Your Bike event is given to local charities and some of this presented to charities shortly before Christmas at this special event held at the Age UK Day Centre; this year £3,500 was presented at this event. £8,000 had earlier been presented to the ellenor (the main charity supported by On Your Bike) for its hospice services.

Bob Denby

For more photos see slide show at bottom of page

At the May Day Fayre on bank holiday Monday, in the grounds of Meopham Primary Academy, Rotarians were out in force, promoting Stroke Awareness and ShelterBox.

 Rotarians from all three of the local Gravesham clubs invited adults at the Fayre  to have their blood pressure taken by professionals (doctors & nurses) as part of the Stroke Awareness campaign. I am glad to report that despite the burgers, ice cream, sweets and drinks being sold, those adults tested proved to be a fairly healthy bunch.

ShelterBox literature was handed out and children, who seemed to know almost as much about the boxes as the Rotarians, explained to their parents how ShelterBox helped families in disaster areas.

The Fayre was well attended and although the morning started with a chilly breeze, the sun soon came out to warm everyone’s spirits – a good day was had by one and all.

John Dyke