Welcome to the May Edition of the Maidenhead Bridge Rotary Newsletter!

As we move further into 2025, our club continues to thrive with meaningful service, fun socials, and exciting new projects. This edition captures the incredible variety of events, initiatives, and community connections that define who we are as Maidenhead Bridge Rotary.
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From Easter celebrations to environmental action, talent showcases to trivia nights, this newsletter is packed with the stories and spirit that make our club unique. Whether you’re a current member, a friend of the club, or curious to learn more, we hope you find inspiration and maybe even a reason to get involved.

With so many activities and ways to contribute, there’s never been a better time to be part of Rotary. We hope you enjoy reading about our journey—and maybe you’ll join us for the next chapter.

​Check out the list of upcoming events on the back page of the newsletter, if you’d like to join us get in touch today.

We hope you enjoy reading it and if you, or anyone you know, would like to get involved with any of our volunteering opportunities, or attend one of our meetings, please do get in touch; and feel free to share our newsletter with others too.

You're Invited!
If you're not a member of the club yet, then we’d also like to extend an invite to you and your friends to join us at one of our fun upcoming events to find out more about what we do and how you can get involved. 
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Remember we’re a very relaxed, flexible and friendly club so you don’t have to commit huge amounts of time to get involved.  It’s a great way to meet new people, try out new activities and give something back to the local community.

What a fantastic day we had at our Easter Family Fun Day on Saturday 19th April! Grenfell Park was buzzing with excitement as around 400 people joined us for a fun-filled afternoon of Easter activities, games, and community spirit.

This event is extra special to us—now in its 13th year, the Easter Family Fun Day is the landmark event for Maidenhead Bridge Rotary Club. In fact, it was the very first event we ever organised, even before we were officially chartered by Rotary International! Over the years, it's grown into a much-loved tradition for local families, and a brilliant way to celebrate community, friendship, and fun—no matter your background.

A big part of the day’s purpose is to showcase Grenfell Park, one of Maidenhead’s beautiful green spaces that’s often underused. It’s the perfect setting for families to come together, get active, and enjoy something a bit different during the school holidays.

This year, we raised an amazing £1,800 for Daisy’s Dream, who support children and families going through bereavement or serious illness. We also ran a special hamper prize draw that brought in another £116 for FoodShare, helping even more local people.

There was loads to enjoy—especially our ever-popular Easter treasure hunt, where kids followed clues around the park to earn a chocolatey treat at the end. But that was just the start! Our line-up also included:

• Stand Out for Autism
• Every Bounce Counts brightening faces with fabulous face painting
• A crafty corner for little artists
• Tara Kendall Games with hook-a-bag and a cork shooting range
• Classic rides from Traylens Fun Fair
• Moo Music offering song and dance for all to join in with 
• Maidenhead Rotaract offering tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cakes
• And some traditional Rotary fun with our own stalls—hook a duck, coconut shy, marble game and more!

None of this would be possible without our amazing club members, who volunteer their time and energy to make the magic happen. A huge thank you to every single one of them—we couldn’t do it without you!

We’re also so grateful for the generous support of:

• The Louis Baylis Charitable Trust and The Shanly Foundation, whose grants covered our event costs, keeping it free for all to attend
• Foundation Park for donating Easter eggs for the treasure hunt
• And The Handmade Cake Company for the delicious traybakes that kept everyone going, visitors and volunteers!
  
  

We’re already looking forward to next year’s event—so stay tuned and hop along with us again in 2026!
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Want to know what else we’re up to? Visit www.maidenheadbridgerotary.org.uk or follow us on social media.

What an incredible evening of talent! From breath-taking vocal performances to energetic dance routines and stunning instrumental pieces, the annual Maidenhead’s Got Talent showcase on Friday, 28th March 2025, was a resounding success.
 
Organised by Maidenhead’s three Rotary Clubs, the event took place at Taplow Court, Cliveden Road, and brought together over 150 young performers, who dazzled the audience while raising over £5,000 for Rosie's Rainbow Fund, Stand Out for Autism, and Alexander Devine Children's Hospice, providing much-needed support to children and families in the community.
 
The evening featured an exciting and diverse mix of performances from local schools, theatre groups, dance academies, and musical ensembles. Singers delivered moving solo pieces and duets, with musical theatre students bringing well-loved show tunes to life. Audiences were captivated by a range of dance styles, from contemporary street dance to classical Indian Bharatanatyam, each performance highlighting the incredible skill and dedication of the young artists.
 
A standout moment of the evening came from the debut performances of new groups, including an energetic dance piece from SGI-UK Thames Valley and an orchestral medley by the Berkshire Music Trust Windsor Orchestra. These new additions brought fresh energy to the show, adding to the variety and excitement of the night.
 
The event also saw returning favourites, including Redroofs School for the Performing Arts and Azure Theatre School, whose students lit up the stage with dynamic choreography and show-stopping musical numbers. Meanwhile, the youngest stars of the night, from St Edmund Campion Catholic Primary School Choir, melted hearts with their touching renditions of classic songs.
 
Sanda McWilliam, SGI-UK Vice General Director, attended the event and praised the high standard of performances, saying: "The energy, discipline, and hard work that went into the show were evident throughout the night. It was fantastic to see such a talented group of young people on stage, and the support for local charities made it even more special."
 
The event was made possible through the sponsorship of the Louis Baylis Charitable Trust, whose continued support enables young people to share their talents with the wider community.
 
Mark Loader, President of Maidenhead Thames Rotary and event organiser, expressed his pride in the event’s success: "Maidenhead truly has talent, and this year's show was a testament to that! We are so proud of all the performers and incredibly grateful to the audience, volunteers, and everyone who supported this event."
 
Sarah Street, President of Maidenhead Bridge Rotary, highlighted Rotary’s commitment to the local community: "Beyond fundraising, this event showcases how Rotary supports young people and fosters creativity. We are proud to provide this platform for the next generation of performers."
 
A special thanks to SGI-UK Buddhist, Taplow Court, for providing their magnificent concert hall for the event and supporting the local community.  Also to Kate Wheatley, who was the compere for the concert.
 
To learn more about Rotary in Maidenhead, visit www.rotary-in-maidenhead.org.uk.

Photo Credit: Lisa Hunter

Welcome to the latest edition of the Maidenhead Bridge Rotary Newsletter! As we kick off the new year, we’re excited to share updates on our recent projects, upcoming events, and the incredible impact our members continue to make in the community.
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From fundraising initiatives to hands-on volunteering, this issue highlights the dedication and enthusiasm that drive our club forward. Whether you’re a long-time member, a supporter, or simply curious about what we do, we hope you’ll find inspiration in these stories of service and fellowship.

Check out the list of upcoming events on the back page of the newsletter, if you’d like to join us get in touch today.

We hope you enjoy reading it and if you, or anyone you know, would like to get involved with any of our volunteering opportunities, or attend one of our meetings, please do get in touch; and feel free to share our newsletter with others too.

You're Invited!
If you're not a member of the club yet, then we’d also like to extend an invite to you and your friends to join us at one of our fun upcoming events to find out more about what we do and how you can get involved. 
​
Remember we’re a very relaxed, flexible and friendly club so you don’t have to commit huge amounts of time to get involved.  It’s a great way to meet new people, try out new activities and give something back to the local community.

In the true spirit of giving, Maidenhead Bridge Rotary is delighted to share the success of this year’s festive initiative, providing special food hampers and gifts to 25 families in need across the local area.
 
This heartwarming effort was made possible through the generosity of the local community and valued partnerships with MyWorkSpot, who kindly offered their venue for the hamper packing, and Craft Coop, whose Giving Tree project provided thoughtful gifts for the children.
 
The hampers, carefully assembled by enthusiastic Rotary volunteers, didn’t just include essential items like fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, and tinned goods. They also featured festive treats to brighten the season, such as mince pies, chocolate selection boxes for the children, a Yule Log, and even a family board game to encourage moments of joy and connection.
 
“We are incredibly grateful to MyWorkSpot and Craft Coop for their invaluable support in helping us make this year’s project a success,” said Sarah Street, President of Maidenhead Bridge Rotary. “As a club, we aim to make a positive impact in the community, and this initiative is one way we can bring warmth and happiness to families during the festive season.”
 
A dedicated team of Rotary members came together on Sunday morning to pack the hampers with care, ensuring they would bring a smile to every recipient. The project reflects the club’s ongoing commitment to fostering community spirit and providing meaningful support where it’s needed most.
 
For more information and to be kept up to date about other events organised by the club visit www.maidenheadbridgerotary.org.uk or contact Lisa Hunter on 07876 341334 or e-mail [email protected]

On Saturday, November 9th, Maidenhead Bridge Rotary Club held its annual Indian Cultural Night, this year celebrating the vibrant traditions of India’s Punjab region. The event brought the community together in a lively evening of cultural festivities at Holyport Memorial Hall, raising just over £2,000 for two impactful charities: Rotary's Vocational Training Team (VTT) and Maidenhead based charity Alzheimer’s Dementia Support (ADS).
 
The evening was attended by several distinguished guests, including Her Excellency Nimisha Madhvani, Uganda’s High Commissioner, and Kate Hodges, Rotary District Governor for The Thames Valley. Their presence highlighted the significance of the evening, supporting both the cultural celebration and the charitable mission of the event.
 
This year’s celebration was inspired by Punjab, with the Vasda Punjab Bhangra Group from West London headlining the evening. Known for their dedication to preserving and showcasing traditional folk dance, the group energised the audience with an exhilarating Bhangra performance, immersing guests in the sights and sounds of Punjabi culture.
 
Guests were also treated to a Bhangra workshop, where they learned some basic moves from the professionals themselves. Laughter and excitement filled the room as attendees put their new steps to practice, dancing the night away to lively beats that kept the energy high and spirits even higher.
 
Rotary's Vocational Training Team (VTT), led by Maidenhead Bridge Rotary’s Gillian Pearce, is preparing for a significant mission to Uganda. The team of professionals will work closely with local healthcare practitioners, focusing on child and maternal health training, including emergency birthing procedures, to enhance medical support in the region.
 
The event also supported Alzheimer’s Dementia Support (ADS), a charity that provides vital services and guidance to families in Maidenhead and the surrounding area affected by dementia. With an emphasis on uplifting those facing the challenges of dementia, ADS offers practical help and fosters moments of joy and connection for patients and their families.
 
Guests at Indian Cultural Night were welcomed with traditional Punjabi warmth, with the entrance adorned in festive décor reflecting the cultural richness of India’s northern state. Attendees also enjoyed an authentic Punjabi meal with signature dishes that offered a taste of India’s robust culinary heritage.
 
Rajan Gujral, the event organiser, expressed his gratitude: “We are thrilled to see the community’s enthusiasm and generosity. This event is not just a celebration of Indian culture but a chance to come together for meaningful causes. Rotary’s Vocational Training Team and Alzheimer’s Dementia Support are doing incredible work, and we are proud to support them.”
 
Club President, Sarah Street, shared her thoughts on the event: "We are truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from our community. This Indian Cultural Night was a testament to the power of unity and cultural exchange. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of this event and helped us raise much-needed funds for these remarkable charities."
 
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. For more information and to be kept up to date about other events organised by the club visit www.maidenheadbridgerotary.org.uk or contact Lisa Hunter on 07876 341334 or e-mail [email protected]

The unpredictable autumn weather held off on Saturday as volunteers from Maidenhead Bridge Rotary Club gathered to plant crocuses around the town. Rotarians of all ages donned their wellies and rolled up their sleeves to sow a carpet of purple crocuses, which will bloom early next year.
 
The initiative is part of Rotary’s ongoing effort to raise awareness of the global campaign to eradicate the polio virus. Polio, a disease that causes paralysis primarily in children under five, was once widespread in over half the world. Rotary International became a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in the 1980s, when the disease affected 350,000 children a year. Today, thanks to a global vaccination and monitoring programme, the wild polio virus remains endemic in only two countries, with just 72 reported cases worldwide this year.
 
Rotary’s ‘Purple4Polio’ campaign raising money for Rotary End Polio Now is so-called because purple is the colour of the dye placed on the little finger on the left hand of a child to show that they have been immunised against polio.
 
One of the amazing powers of Rotary, due to its NGO status, is its ability to negotiate with leaders of countries to allow the continuation of the vaccination programme. Exciting news this week is that the Global Polio Eradication Initiative received the greenlight to resume house-to-house vaccination campaigns in Afghanistan, which had been halted for over three years. Starting on November 8, these campaigns will target over 3.3 million children in previously inaccessible parts of the country.
 
This year, more than a dozen volunteers from Maidenhead Bridge Rotary planted crocus corms at Bridge Gardens, the Desborough Theatre behind the Town Hall, and along key approaches to the town on Furze Platt Road.
 
Harrie Hayward, Project Coordinator, said: “Rotary’s commitment to eradicating polio has been a driving force for me. It’s remarkable to witness how the vaccination campaign has succeeded in bringing the virus to the brink of elimination. The polio virus is now fighting for survival as cases continue to drop every year.”
 
Rotary’s slogan, ‘We are people of action,’ is reflected in these community efforts. Whether it’s delivering food parcels at Christmas to families in need, organising the Maidenhead Boundary Walk, or supporting local events, Rotarians are constantly working to improve the community.
 
“This year, it was wonderful to see new members joining in the planting efforts, and to witness the continued enthusiasm for this important cause,” Harrie continued.
 
For more information and to be kept up to date about other events organised by the club click here or contact Lisa Hunter on 07876 341334 or e-mail [email protected]

We're excited to share the latest edition of the Maidenhead Bridge Rotary Club's newsletter! Packed with inspiring updates, upcoming events, and community impact stories, this issue highlights the incredible work our members have been doing to make a difference both locally and globally.

​Whether you're a long-time supporter or new to our Rotary family, we invite you to dive in and explore how we're "joining leaders, exchanging ideas, and taking action" to create positive change. Read the full newsletter and find out how you can get involved!

Check out the list of upcoming events on the back page of the newsletter, if you’d like to join us get in touch today.

We hope you enjoy reading it and if you, or anyone you know, would like to get involved with any of our volunteering opportunities, or attend one of our meetings, please do get in touch; and feel free to share our newsletter with others too.

You're Invited!
If you're not a member of the club yet, then we’d also like to extend an invite to you and your friends to join us at one of our fun upcoming events to find out more about what we do and how you can get involved. 
​
Remember we’re a very relaxed, flexible and friendly club so you don’t have to commit huge amounts of time to get involved.  It’s a great way to meet new people, try out new activities and give something back to the local community.

Members of Maidenhead Bridge Rotary Club gathered on Saturday to celebrate a hugely successful year with an end-of-year party that marked 12 months of fun, friendship, and service. The event was a testament to the club’s impactful activities and the strong bonds formed among its members.
 
Throughout the past year, the club organised a variety of events, including the much-loved Easter Family Fun Day, the innovative "Quiz with No Name" to support Shelterbox, and the highly successful inaugural Indian Cultural Night. This cultural extravaganza, which featured the tastes, songs, and dances of India, raised an impressive £3,000 for Alzheimer's Dementia Support and Goonj, an Indian charity.
 
In total, Maidenhead Bridge Rotary Club has raised over £15,000 in the last year, supporting more than a dozen charities and good causes. Their efforts have made a significant difference both locally and internationally. Beyond fundraising, the club engaged in hands-on volunteering, including preparing special Christmas hampers for 35 local families facing hardship, ensuring they enjoyed a festive holiday season.
 
Club members have collectively contributed over 2,300 hours of voluntary service, a milestone they are incredibly proud of. The club’s dynamic and diverse membership grew by 11 new members this year, bringing the total to 60 and making it the second largest Rotary club in the Thames Valley.
 
During the celebration, outgoing Club President James Ticehurst honoured two members with the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship. Rajan Gujral received the first award for his exceptional efforts in bringing the Indian Cultural Night to fruition and for his ongoing promotion of the club internationally. "Rajan's energy is boundless and his passion for Rotary is evident at all times. His drive is what made the Indian Cultural Night the success it was, raising a great amount for two very deserving charities," James remarked.
 
The second award was presented to Nisha Chhetri, recognised for her unwavering volunteer spirit and her embodiment of the Rotary motto, "Service Above Self." James noted, "I'm proud to bestow this award to Nisha as she's always the first to volunteer for an event, always has a smile on her face, and her kindness is second to none."
 
The event concluded with the ceremonial handover of the presidential role to Sarah Street, who praised James for his leadership over the past year. "Your mantra was 'Don't mess it up,' and I think we can safely say you succeeded, with fun at the heart of everything we do as a club," commented Sarah.
 
For more information and to get involved visit www.maidenheadbridgerotary.org.uk or contact Lisa Hunter on 07876 341334 or e-mail [email protected]