Members and friends from across the local Rotary community came together for a lively evening of laughter, friendly competition and fundraising at a recent Beetle Drive hosted by the Maidenhead Bridge Rotary Club.

A fantastic total of 43 people attended the event, representing five Rotary clubs – Rotary Club of Maidenhead Bridge, Rotary Club of Wokingham, Rotary Club of Langley & Iver, Rotary Club of Maidenhead and Rotary Club of Maidenhead Thames – alongside friends and supporters of Rotary.

For those unfamiliar with a Beetle Drive, the game is a simple but brilliantly entertaining dice game. Players roll a die and draw parts of a beetle in a set order – starting with the body, then the head, legs, eyes and antennae. The aim is to complete the beetle as quickly as possible. The first player to finish their beetle in each round proudly shouts “Beetle!” to claim victory.

The 43 players were split across seven tables, competing as individuals to see who could finish their beetle first. After each round, the winner moved clockwise to a new table, while the player with the lowest score moved anticlockwise, ensuring everyone mixed throughout the evening.

While many players were clearly seasoned beetle-builders, more than a few participants didn’t manage to score any points in one or more rounds – and we promise the dice weren’t loaded!

The evening was filled with great fun, plenty of laughter and lots of friendly rivalry, exactly what a Rotary social should be.

Halfway through the evening, players enjoyed a very tasty fish and chip supper from Wessex Fish & Grill in Cox Green, who kindly provided a discount to support the clubs’ fundraising efforts.

One of the highlights of the night was a special “giant round”. Participants were split into four teams and competed using a giant inflatable dice, while drawing their beetles on flipchart paper. The challenge produced some impressive and highly creative beetles, with the winning team receiving a well-deserved box of Celebrations chocolates.

After a number of competitive rounds, the final results were revealed:

• Last Place: Karon – 91 points
• Joint Second Place: Neil, Gillian and Rebecca – 186 points
• First Place: Marilyn McCarthy (Langley & Iver Rotary) – 207 points, a near perfect score

Most importantly the evening raised £235 which will be put back into supporting local causes and projects in the community.

Archana Nath, President of Maidenhead Bridge Rotary Club, said: “This was a wonderful evening that perfectly captured what Rotary is all about, friendship, laughter and people coming together to support their community. It was fantastic to see members from several clubs enjoying themselves and meeting new people, all while raising funds that will help improve lives locally.”

The Beetle Drive proved that sometimes the simplest games create the most memorable evenings – especially when shared with good company and plenty of Rotary spirit.

This edition also reflects Rotary’s hands-on service in action — from purple crocuses blooming with purpose, taking the plunge for charity, delivering festival hampers, returning to Britwell, and welcoming new members into our growing Rotary family.
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Every article is a snapshot of people giving their time, energy, and care to make a difference. Whether you’re a long-standing supporter, a friend of the club, or simply curious about what we do, this newsletter offers a window into the values, friendships, and impact that keep Maidenhead Bridge Rotary moving forward.

Interested in joining or learning more? Come along to one of our events, reach out via our contact page, or follow us on social media. We’d love to meet you!

Together, we are people of action – and there’s always room for one more at the table.

Maidenhead Bridge Rotary marked the festive season with a meaningful community initiative on Sunday 21st December 2025, bringing practical support and Christmas cheer to local families and young people who need it most.
 
This year, Rotary members packed and distributed 29 festive hampers, with 18 allocated to recent care leavers and 11 supporting families currently facing financial hardship. The project was delivered in partnership with Achieving for Children, ensuring the hampers reached individuals and families who would benefit most from this timely boost during the Christmas period.
 
Each hamper was thoughtfully put together by club members and filled with essential food items alongside extra festive touches. These included chocolate selection boxes for children, a dedicated gift for care leavers, a family card game, and seasonal favourites such as mince pies and other festive treats—all designed to offer both practical help and a sense of celebration.
 
“Christmas can be an especially challenging time for families and young people who are already facing uncertainty,” said Archana Nath, Club President of Maidenhead Bridge Rotary. “By working closely with Achieving for Children and with the incredible support of local businesses and our own members, we were able to provide not just food, but moments of comfort, kindness and festive joy. These hampers are a reminder that our community cares, and that no one should feel forgotten at Christmas.”
 
The initiative was made possible thanks to generous support from local businesses and the wider community. Maidenhead Bridge Rotary would like to thank MyWorkSpot for the use of their venue for the packing, Informatica Software Ltd, whose staff donated shoeboxes filled with gifts for children, and the staff and customers of Craft Coop Maidenhead, who contributed gifts for both children and care leavers through their popular Giving Tree Project.
 
A special thank you also goes to all Maidenhead Bridge Rotary members who gave their time to pack the hampers with care and compassion, demonstrating the club’s continued commitment to supporting the local community.
 
Maidenhead Bridge Rotary remains dedicated to making a positive difference locally, particularly at times of year when additional support can have the greatest impact.
 
For more information and to be kept up to date about other events organised by the club visit click here or contact Lisa Hunter on 07876 341334 or e-mail [email protected]
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Our annual Christmas social was a sell-out, and the festive cheer was certainly in full swing! The cosy venue was packed with members sporting sequins, Christmas jumpers, antler headbands, and some truly spectacular shirts.

The food delighted everyone, especially the puddings! Adam, ever the thrifty one, made sure any leftovers were shared rather than wasted.

A highlight of the evening was the now-legendary £5 Charity Shop Secret Santa, which produced some amazing—and very appropriate—gifts.  Most notably was the ET mask... some said it improved the features of the wearer!!!  Another favourite was the cuddly Percy Pig... I think he might make re-appearance at another event soon.

A huge thank you to the venue staff and to everyone who joined us, making the night such a success and giving us the perfect festive boost for panto volunteering and the older persons Christmas party the following day.

Despite the wet and blustery November weather, nothing could dampen the Christmas spirit at this year’s Maidenhead Christmas Lights Switch-On. Club members gathered once again to support the event—only this time, we were especially grateful to be warm and dry inside the Desborough Theatre!

The venue buzzed from the moment the doors opened. Stalls from local businesses filled the room, offering handmade crafts, festive treats, and unique gifts that brightened an otherwise grey afternoon. Families wandered in out of the rain, welcomed by the sound of music, laughter, and the comforting glow of Christmas lights.

One of the biggest highlights was the revamped Santa’s Grotto. After a full makeover, it looked more magical than ever—cosy and wonderfully festive. Santa was joined by some very cheeky, very happy elves who brought smiles to every child who visited (with thanks to Maidenhead Thames Rotary for the loan of the costumes!).

Thanks to everyone who popped in to say hello, posed for photos, or slipped a donation into the bucket. The grotto raised just under £200, which will go directly towards helping us feed hungry families in our community this Christmas. Your generosity truly makes a difference.

Throughout the day, the Desborough Theatre stage hosted a full line-up of performers—community choirs, young dancers, musicians, and theatre groups—each bringing their own sparkle to the occasion. The atmosphere inside was warm, lively, and full of togetherness, a welcome contrast to the rain outside.

As the afternoon drew to a close, crowds headed out to the front of the town hall for the big moment. And right on cue, as excitement built and local bands kept spirits high, the Christmas lights were switched on and the fireworks from the roof of the town hall exploded into action — illuminating Maidenhead with festive cheer and marking the official start of the season.

Despite the weather, the day was filled with joy, connection, and community pride. A huge thank you to all our volunteers who helped make this year’s event so special.
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Here’s to another magical Christmas in Maidenhead! 🎄✨

​With every project, every hour of service, and every conversation over coffee at our Sunday meetings, we’re strengthening not just our club—but the community we’re proud to be part of. This newsletter offers a window into that ongoing journey.
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Whether you're a long-time friend of the club, a new supporter, or simply curious about what we’ve been up to, we invite you to explore the latest edition and share in the spirit that keeps Maidenhead Bridge Rotary moving forward.

Interested in joining or learning more? Come along to one of our events, reach out via our contact page, or follow us on social media. We’d love to meet you!

Together, we are people of action – and there’s always room for one more at the table.

On Saturday, 8th November, Maidenhead Bridge Rotary Club hosted its much-anticipated Indian Cultural Night for the third year running, this year embracing the vibrant colours, music, and spirit of Bollywood. The event, held at Holyport Memorial Hall, attracted more than 100 guests for an unforgettable evening of dance, song, and authentic Indian cuisine, all in support of Rotary’s Vocational Training Team (VTT) and the local Parkinson’s UK Support Group.
 
Guests were treated to a dazzling evening of entertainment featuring Chittal Shah, acclaimed Celebrity Dance Choreographer, and Atul Pushkarna, talented Vocal Performer, whose unique Bollywood-style renditions of western songs challenged the audience to “guess the tune.”
 
Chittal captivated guests with her energy and charisma, showcasing the artistry and glamour that has seen her work alongside Bollywood superstars such as Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, and Akshay Kumar. Her performance brought the magic of Indian cinema to Maidenhead, inspiring many to join her on the dance floor.
 
Atul Pushkarna’s soulful voice filled the hall with nostalgia and joy as guests delighted in his creative twist on classic western hits sung in Bollywood style — a highlight of the night that had everyone guessing, laughing, and trying singing along.
 
The evening also featured a sumptuous three-course traditional Indian meal, including Lamb Kebabs, Aloo Tikki, Channa Masala, Chicken Curry, Daal Makhni, Aloo Gobhi, Pilau Rice, and Kulfi with Gulab Jamun — a feast that perfectly complemented the evening’s cultural celebration.
 
Funds raised from the event will go towards Rotary’s Vocational Training Team, which is preparing for a vital mission to Uganda to support maternal and child health initiatives, and the local Parkinson’s UK Support Group, which provides essential help and companionship to those living with the condition and their families.
 
Event organiser and member of Maidenhead Bridge Rotary Club, Rajan Gujral shared “The Bollywood theme really brought everyone together in the true spirit of joy, colour, and giving. We’re so grateful to everyone who attended and supported the evening — their generosity will make a real difference to the lives of others.”
 
Club President Archana Nath said “Our Indian Cultural Night is always a highlight of the year, and this one was no exception. It’s amazing to see our community come together to celebrate culture while supporting such worthy causes. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make it such a success.”
 
Maidenhead Bridge Rotary Club plans to continue its tradition of hosting vibrant and impactful events that bring the community together while supporting local and international charitable causes.

Welcome to Our Club – Service, Friendship & Fun in Action!
Introduction to the Maidenhead Bridge Rotary Club Newsletter – July 2025 Edition

At Maidenhead Bridge Rotary, we believe in making a difference – and as this latest edition of our club newsletter proudly shows, we’ve had another extraordinary year of service, growth and camaraderie.

From supporting local charities like FoodShare with their big move to packing festive hampers for families in need, our members have been out in force – giving over 2,650 hours of volunteer time to causes close to our hearts. We've raised more than £30,000 for local and international charities, thanks to the enthusiasm and generosity of our members and the wider community.

Interested in joining or learning more? Come along to one of our events, reach out via our contact page, or follow us on social media. We’d love to meet you!

Together, we are people of action – and there’s always room for one more at the table.

As the Rotary year drew to a close, members of Maidenhead Bridge Rotary gathered for their annual handover celebration – a time to reflect, recognise and renew their commitment to community service. Outgoing President Sarah Street handed over the chain of office to incoming President Archana Nath, following a year marked by innovation, connection and countless hours of volunteer service.
 
Two Paul Harris Fellowships were awarded during the event – one of the highest recognitions in Rotary – to honour exceptional dedication to the Rotary ideal of "Service Above Self." Neil Gow was recognised for his unwavering commitment to community causes, including his key role in the club’s Health Awareness Days, pandemic food parcel deliveries, and environmental clean-up work with Maidenhead Waterways.
 
The second award went to founding member James Ticehurst, a former Rotaractor and previous Club President, whose tireless energy helped lead signature events such as the Easter Family Fun Day and the Quiz With No Name, all while championing health initiatives and ShelterBox fundraising.
 
The club celebrated a dynamic year of service, growth and fun. Several structural innovations were introduced to enhance club operations, including assistant roles to share responsibilities and a comprehensive mentoring scheme to support both new and existing members. This successful initiative has empowered members to develop skills and confidence through shared knowledge and support.
 
Membership remains strong, with the club proudly maintaining 56 active members. Club members have collectively contributed over 2,650 hours of voluntary service, a milestone they are incredibly proud of.
Many gave significant time to service projects and events, with four members contributing over 150 volunteer hours each.
 
In total, Maidenhead Bridge Rotary Club has raised over £30,000 in the last year, supporting more than a twenty charities and good causes. Their efforts have made a significant difference both locally and internationally. Familiar event-favourites such as the Boundary Walk, Easter Family Fun Day, Christmas Hamper Packing for 35 local families in need, and the Quiz With No Name returned successfully, while new initiatives like the club’s first inter-Rotary Beetle Drive brought laughter and camaraderie in equal measure. Following feedback, the club also prioritised social activities, hosting everything from a safari supper to a well-earned post-walk pub lunches!
 
Reflecting on her presidential year, Sarah shared her gratitude: “I am immensely proud that you allowed me to be President of this amazing, dynamic and friendly club. With the support of our members, including many who helped me overcome personal challenges, we’ve not only maintained our service commitment but strengthened our club spirit.”
 
As ever, Maidenhead Bridge Rotary remains a beacon of local service, friendship and action – and the new Rotary year promises even more opportunities to make a difference.
 
For more information and to get involved check out our events page or contact Lisa Hunter on 07876 341334 or e-mail [email protected]

The much-anticipated Quiz with No Name returned on Friday, 30th May, bringing together 10 lively teams and more than 80 quizzers for an evening of fun, friendly competition, and fundraising in support of ShelterBox. Hosted once again at Holyport Memorial Hall by Maidenhead Bridge Rotary, the event proved to be another triumph for community spirit and charitable giving.

This year’s quiz featured a mix of creative and challenging rounds, with fan-favourites like the ever-popular Dingbats round making a return. New for this year were themed rounds on Doctor Who and Game of Thrones, which tested even the most dedicated fans. From time-traveling Time Lords to battles for the Iron Throne, the questions kept teams on their toes all night.
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After a fiercely contested evening, the team from the Craufurd Arms were crowned champions once again—defending their title in style. They narrowly edged out strong contenders The Pen Dragons by just one point, in what was one of the closest finishes the quiz has seen.

In total, £1400 was raised for ShelterBox – a charity that provides emergency shelter and tools for families devastated by conflict and natural disasters around the world.

The evening wasn’t just about trivia – a raffle with prizes generously donated by local businesses added to the excitement, and the food offering, with thanks to Wenzel’s Bakery and The Handmade Cake Company, kept everyone fuelled for a full night of quizzing.

“We’re incredibly proud of how the community comes together for this event each year,” said James Ticehurst, Event Organiser. “Raising £1200 for ShelterBox is an amazing achievement and will go a long way in helping families in crisis around the world. Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, and made the evening such a success.”
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Maidenhead Bridge Rotary would like to thank all attendees, volunteers, and sponsors who contributed to making this year’s quiz night another unforgettable one. Here's to more fun and fundraising in the future!