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. 
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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.

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]

Attendees of all ages hopped their way to Grenfell Park on Easter Saturday for the annual Easter Family Fun Day, organised by Maidenhead Bridge Rotary Club. The event, which ran from 11 am to 3 pm, brought together families from across the community for a day filled with laughter, joy, and Easter-themed activities.
 
Visitors enjoyed a plethora of activities, including an exciting Cryptic Easter Treasure Hunt with rewards of chocolate eggs, face painting, bunny mask making, hook a duck, bar skittles, coconut shy, fairground rides, and a lively inflatable slide. The park buzzed with energy as families participated in these engaging activities, creating lasting memories and fostering community spirit.
 
Adam Hunter, the event organiser, expressed his delight at the turnout and the positive atmosphere throughout the day. "We were thrilled to see so many families enjoying themselves at Grenfell Park. The Easter Family Fun Day is our signature event, now in its 11th year, and it’s great to bring the community together for a day of outdoor enjoyment and celebration," said Adam.
 
Building on the success of previous years, this year's event attracted a diverse crowd, with over 700 attendees immersing themselves in the festive atmosphere. An impressive £1400 was raised at the event which will be donated to local charity Daisy’s Dream who support children and young people affected by bereavement.
 
"We're immensely grateful for the support of the community and the hard work of our members in making this event possible," remarked Lisa Hunter, a representative of the Maidenhead Bridge Rotary Club. "The success of the Easter Family Fun Day demonstrates the strong community spirit present in Maidenhead, and we look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come."
 
Maidenhead Bridge Rotary Club extends its sincere thanks to Highfield School for Girls for sponsoring the Easter Eggs and the Louis Baylis Charitable Trust for their contribution too.  They would also like to thank Berkshire County Trailers for the loan of a trailer for the day to facilitate getting equipment to site!

Lastly, the club would like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to making the Easter Family Fun Day a memorable and joyous occasion. Plans are already underway for next year's event, promising even more egg-citing activities and family-friendly fun.
 
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]

What an amazing night of simply stunning talent.  From dancing, to choirs, to opera, to rock bands our young performers were simply the best at the annual Maidenhead’s Got Talent showcase on Friday 8th March.
 
The charity event, organised by all of Maidenhead’s Rotary clubs, saw young performers appearing in an exciting show at Taplow Court, in Cliveden Road.  The event featured Izzy Cooper Students, pupils from St Paul’s C of E Combined School, Claires Court, Dance Inspired, Redroofs Theatre School, Angela Terrey School of Dance, Larchfield Primary School, St Edmund Campion Catholic Primary School, Newlands Girls School and the Kalakunj Performing Arts Group, totalling over 150 performers!
 
First time performers included Ben Coghlan, a pupil at Claires Court School who performed an amazing piece on the Grand Piano, If I am With You composed by Yoshimasa Terui and operatic duet Ursula Downes and Disha Umapathi an Izzy Cooper student, who performed Una Donna Quindici Anni (Cosi Fan Tutte) by W.A. Mozart.  Not to forget Bella Hislop from Claires Court School who performed a wonderful rendition of The Climb.
 
Other performances included young rockers from Larchfield Primary School who performed Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts, a spell-binding Indian Classical Dance, Bharatanatyam from the Kalakunj Performing Arts Group and some show-stopping songs from the WestEnd. Redroofs Theatre School had some fantastic performances, closing the show with a Matilda Medley by Tim Minchin.
 
Deputy Mayor for RBWM, Councillor Simon Bond, was amongst the special guests and commented “The performances were to a high standard, energetic and disciplined. A lot of hard work went into preparing the event. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening, there were clearly a lot of proud parents in the audience.”
 
“Also good to see it was supporting three local good causes, Thames Hospice, Thames Valley Adventure Playground and the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice.” he continued.
 
The purpose of the event, kindly sponsored by the Louis Baylis Charitable Trust, is not only to showcase the amazing musical talent right here in Maidenhead. It is also an event for the community and to raise funds for local charities.
 
Mark Loader, President of Maidenhead Thames Rotary and event organiser, commented “this year’s show certainly showed there’s lots of talent in Maidenhead and it’s something we should be proud of.  The performers outshone themselves and did an amazing job.”
 
“We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who came to support the youngsters, to all the performers and all our amazing Rotary Volunteers who make the show possible.  We're still adding up all the donations, but the event will have raised £4,500 to support three amazing local charities.  So, a massive thank you from us!”, continued Mark.
 
James Ticehurst, President of Maidenhead Bridge Rotary, said “Rotary is well-known for raising funds for many local and international charities, but perhaps it is less-well known for the amount of hands-on community work we do.  This concert is a demonstration of our commitment as Rotarians to improve our local community and encourage the local youth to strive for their goals”.
 
Rotary in Maidenhead are also very grateful to the SGI - UK Buddhist, Taplow Court for the use of their magnificent concert hall for this concert and for their support to the local community.

For more information and to be kept up to date about other events organised by the club see our events page or contact Lisa Hunter on 07876 341334 or e-mail enquiry@maidenheadbridgerotary.org.uk

Photo Credit: Lisa Hunter, Maidenhead Bridge Rotary

In the spirit of giving and community support, Maidenhead Bridge Rotary is delighted to announce its collaboration with Achieving for Children to provide special festive food parcels for 25 families facing challenges this holiday season.
 
Recognising the increased strain that some families may experience during the festive period, Maidenhead Bridge Rotary has taken a proactive approach to make a positive impact in the local community. The organisation has worked closely with Achieving for Children, a dedicated non-profit organisation committed to empowering young people and families, to identify and support families in need.
 
The festive food parcels, carefully curated by Maidenhead Bridge Rotary volunteers, include a selection of essential items such as pasta, bread, cereal and tinned goods; as well as special treats from mince pies to chocolate selections boxes for all the children to bring joy and comfort to the recipients during this holiday season. The collaboration aims not only to alleviate immediate needs but also to spread warmth and holiday cheer to families facing adversity.
 
"We are thrilled to partner with Achieving for Children in this meaningful initiative to support local families during the festive season," said James Ticehurst, Rotary Club President. "Our volunteers have worked diligently to create special food parcels that we hope will bring a sense of joy and relief to those facing challenges. It's our way of giving back to the community that has supported us throughout the year."
 
Achieving for Children has played a crucial role in identifying families who will benefit most from this initiative. Their commitment to creating positive change aligns seamlessly with Maidenhead Bridge Rotary's mission to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
 
"As a club one of our aims is to make a positive impact in the community and this project fulfills that objective perfectly," continued James. "Together, we can make a difference and bring a little extra warmth and joy to families in need over the Christmas period."
 
A merry team of 29 Rotary members spent an hour on Sunday morning at Maidenhead Football Club after their usual club meeting making up all the food parcels ready for distribution.  Maidenhead Bridge Rotary encourages community members to come together and support their neighbours during this festive period, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity.
 
For more information and to be kept up to date about other events organised by the club see our events page or contact Lisa Hunter on 07876 341334 or e-mail [email protected]

The unpredictable autumn weather played ball on Saturday as volunteers from Maidenhead’s Rotary and Rotaract Clubs came together to plant crocuses around the town. Rotarians of all ages donned wellies and got their hands dirty to sow a carpet of purple crocuses which will flower early next year.
 
The initiative aims to raise awareness of the global campaign to eradicate the polio virus. The disease, which causes paralysis mainly in children under 5, was once widespread in more than half the countries in the world.
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Rotary International was a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in the 1980s, when 350,000 children a year were affected. Today, thanks to a global vaccination and monitoring programme, the wild polio virus is endemic only in two countries, and there have been only 9 cases worldwide this year.
 
More than a dozen volunteers from Rotary and Rotaract planted crocus corms at Maidenhead Library, the Desborough Theatre behind the Town Hall and the approaches to Maidenhead at Thicket Corner and Furze Platt Road.
 
Harrie Hayward, Project Coordinator from Maidenhead Bridge Rotary, said: “One of the reasons I joined Rotary was this idea that an organisation would decide to rid the world of a disease, and then do exactly that. It’s totally amazing that the vaccination campaign has been so successful. The polio virus is literally fighting for survival as the number of cases is pushed down every year.”
 
Rotary’s slogan is ‘We are people of action’, and we prove that by going out into the community and doing things, whether delivering food parcels during COVID, getting people moving on the Maidenhead Boundary Walk or supporting other groups organising local events.
 
“Today we had some new members, members from Maidenhead Rotaract, Rotary project partners for 18-30 year olds, and Rotary Direct members from elsewhere in the Thames Valley. It’s great to see people of different ages and backgrounds coming together for worthwhile projects.” Harrie continued.
 
But the purple planting doesn’t stop there as on Thursday, Maidenhead Bridge Rotary will welcome a team of corporate volunteers from Ashfield MedComms, who will help to plant more crocuses in the Nicholas Winton Garden in Oaken Grove Park.
 
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]

I don’t often get to experience 4:15 in the morning. I did once take my daughter (asleep) to see the Didcot Power Station cooling towers get blown up – but that is another story 😊

But 4:15am on a Friday in May was required in order to be in Windsor Great Park by 5am, to be in position marshalling the Endurance Race route by 6am.

We were located quite far into the park near to The Royal School so the first horses and riders didn’t reach us until after 7am but I’m sure the very early start was fully justified…!

Endurance Racing is pretty straight forward – horse and rider complete loops of the course and the winner is the one with the fastest time. The distances are pretty long 160km, 120km, 100km.

However as you would expect the health of the horses is critical. They get a 40min rest and vet inspection after each lap. If their heart rate and other inspections don’t meet the necessary criteria then they are withdrawn. It doesn’t matter whether the rider is the son of the Crown Price of Bahrain or not. Mind you it doesn’t hurt if you buy the best horses and have the best support team .

In the end the winner is the fastest time by the rider who keeps their horse in the best condition.

Our job at the marshal positions was to watch out for riders and warn any other users of the park that they were approaching, this normally ranged from farm vehicles and school traffic to dog walkers and bike riders. Even the occasional bus.

There did seem to be a big group of bird watchers wandering around the park during the morning. We could hear reports of their progress over the event radio’s. Entertaining to us but seemed to annoy the control room quite a lot. The radio reports did provide us with a running commentary of the horse positions as well as calls for transport for retiring riders and horses.

Brian and I accidentally had the talk button pressed at one point so everyone could hear our conversations….nothing interesting - sorry.

The weather was good and dry and there was always someone to talk to as a lot of the time is spent waiting before the 3 mins frantic work as the group of horses pass by.

The busiest moment was 13 horses coming one way with another 12 coming the other who then wanted to turn right across their path, coupled with members of the Bahrain Royal family watching from 4 big SUVs and a man putting his dustbins out from his house. The highway code was properly observed and all passed off well and 5 mins later there was not another soul in sight.
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In all quite an enjoyable morning in the quiet of the Great Park, the sausage sandwiches and biscuit deliveries from the organisers certainly helped.

No idea who won though 😊
ADAM

The organisers of Maidenhead’s annual Rotary Boundary Walk have honoured one of the event’s most dedicated supporters.

For 15 years Brenda has opened her riverside garden in Bray to be the landing stage for walkers ferried across the River Thames as they complete the 13-mile fundraising walk around the town.

The ferry is manned by Maidenhead Sea Cadets from TS Iron Duke and without their help and the support of Brenda the river crossing would not be possible. Her assistance has ensured the safe landing of thousands of walkers as they disembark from the cadets’ boats.

On Saturday Brenda was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of her contribution by Rotarian Eddie Piekut and Leading Cadet Krish from TS Iron Duke.

Chair of the sea cadets Andrew Adamson said: “Brenda has been our guardian angel. Her commitment over the past 15 years has been vital for the success of the Boundary Walk. Her landing spot in Bray and the warmth of her hospitality have made the Thames crossing a memorable experience for walkers.”

Eddie added: “Presenting Brenda with a Certificate of Appreciation is a great honour. We are delighted to collaborate with Brenda and the sea cadets. Their support has made the ferry crossing of the Thames a highlight of the Boundary Walk. It’s with pride that we jointly present Brenda with this certificate.”

The Boundary Walk is a fantastic way to raise money for your favourite good cause. Taking place this year on Sunday, October 1, the event sees hundreds of walkers raising thousands of pounds for their chosen charities as they retrace the boundary of the old Maidenhead Borough.

Organised by the Rotary Clubs of Maidenhead Bridge and Maidenhead, it is a ready-made fundraiser. The route is fully signposted and marshalled by Rotarians and all participants have to do is register, raise sponsorship and complete the walk.
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To register for this year’s walk see: www.maidenheadbridgerotary.org.uk/boundary-walk.html