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]

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]

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

On the evening of Saturday, November 28th, 2023, Maidenhead Bridge Rotary Club hosted a memorable and successful Indian Cultural Night at Holyport Memorial Hall, the first of its kind. The event brought the local community together in a celebration of Indian culture while raising funds for two deserving charities: Alzheimer's Dementia Support and the Indian charity Goonj.
 
The event was a resounding success, attracting a diverse and enthusiastic crowd of individuals from Maidenhead and beyond. Maidenhead Bridge Rotary Club, renowned for their commitment to community service and philanthropy, pulled out all the stops to create a night that will be long remembered.
 
On arrival guests were greeted by members of the club adorned in full traditional Indian attire and were gifted beautiful bangles by the club.  They then walked through a beautifully decorated entrance which included a statue of Hindu God 'Ganesh' and Rangoli, a traditional Indian decoration made with brightly coloured ground rice.
 
Guests were treated to a delightful and authentic Indian meal prepared by Kebabsaab Catering, which featured a delightful array of flavours and aromas, highlighting the rich and diverse cuisine of India. The delectable spread included a wide selection of appetizers such as Samosas and Channa Masala, curries, saag panner, tandoori naan and mouth-watering Gulaab Jamun with Kulfi for dessert.
 
Rajan Gujral, Event Organiser, commented “We organised this event to coincide with the start of Diwali, India's biggest and most important holiday of the year.  Diwali is a festival of lights that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and the human ability to overcome challenges. Our Indian Cultural Night, and Rotary, certainly ticks all those boxes!”
 
Prior to the cultural programme, Katie Hodges, District Governor of Rotary in the Thames Valley, started the evening with lighting a lamp. This is a very symbolic Hindu ritual, to ward off any darkness and negativity.
 
The entertainment for the evening was equally enchanting, as the event featured live performances of traditional Bharatanatyam dances and energetic Bollywood songs. Dancers adorned in colourful attire brought the art of Bharatanatyam to life, mesmerising the audience with their grace and precision.
 
The event was not only a feast for the senses but also a tremendous success in raising funds for two vital charities, with more than £2000 raised. Alzheimer's Dementia Support, a local organization that provides invaluable assistance to individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's and dementia, will greatly benefit from the generous donations. Additionally, the Indian charity Goonj, which works towards providing essential resources to underprivileged communities in India, will receive crucial support to further their noble cause.
 
Maidenhead Bridge Rotary Club expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the event's sponsors, volunteers, performers, and, most importantly, the attendees for their support in making the Indian Cultural Night a triumphant and memorable evening.
 
Club President, James Ticehurst, shared his 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 sun was shining on Grenfell Park this Easter Weekend as Maidenhead Bridge Rotary took over the town centre park to host their annual Easter Family Fun Day.

Now in it’s 11th year, over 800 people enjoyed the free event helping the Rotarians to raise more than £1,800 which will be donated to Daisy’s Dream, a Twyford based charity that support children and families affected by bereavement.  The club also raised money for Foodshare by holding a special hamper raffle, won by Sue Ingram.
 
Children enjoyed the many activities on offer including bouncing like bunnies on the inflatable slide, having their faces painted, playing bar skittles and trying their luck at the coconut shye.  Of course the main attraction was hunting around the park following clues to answer the Easter-Themed quiz so they could be rewarded with chocolates.re
 
​​Families sent time playing and enjoying the sunshine, whilst decorating bunny masks, seeing how many marbles they could get inside a flowerpot under timed conditions and of course enjoying the many treats on offer.
 
A first this year was a new feature, pat a Pekingese, which say lots of children petting these adorable miniature dogs and learning more about pet welfare.  Although when special guest, Festival Fox, made an appearance, the small dogs weren’t the biggest fans!
 
For the second year running we were joined by MooMusic who put on several singalong play sessions that had everyone, old and young, joining in.
 
Event Organiser Adam Hunter, commented “We have had a great day with excellent support from the local community.  We’re thrilled with the number of people who came to enjoy this superb park in the centre of town and join in the fun.  Here’s to doing it all again next year!”
 
For more information and to be kept up to date about other events organised by the club please do browse our website, or contact Lisa Hunter by e-mail [email protected]

Maidenhead Bridge Rotary Club celebrated its 10th Birthday on Saturday, 19th November 2022, at CIM Moor Hall in Cookham.  The community-based club organised a fabulous and glamorous party for its members and guests to mark the special occasion. More than 100 guests enjoyed a three- course meal and then danced the night away.
 
In the 10 years since the club was formed, they’ve taken on crazy challenges such as the Thames Path 50k Walk in aid of Send a Cow which saw them buy two whole farmyards, The Big Climb – climbing the outside wall at Longridge 244 times, the equivalent of base camp to the summit of Everest, to raise money for Rotary Foundation and the epic 24 Challenges in 24 hours… 24 physical and mental challenges including swimming, Zumba, clubbercise, boxing, cycling, football and so much more.

They have also raised money for Children in Need, taking Pudsey Bear on tour round local schools, supported DASH, Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice, The Thames Hospice, The Brett Foundation, Daisy’s Dream, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, Thames Valley Air Ambulance and so many more good causes.
 
Then there’s been their community projects, the flagship Easter Family Fun Day providing much-needed free entertainment for local families in Grenfell Park each year. They also organise an annual Health Awareness Day where they’ve saved lives offering blood pressure checks, diabetes and cholesterol tests.

Possibly the biggest contribution the club has made was through their Covid Response Project which saw them feed 32 families every week for over a year; and support more than 120 households with errands such as shopping, prescription collection and befriending, a project they are immensely proud of.

Lisa Hunter, Founder President, commented “When we created the club, we said we wanted to bridge communities, bridge cultures and bridge generations and we are still very much doing this. I am excited to see what the next 10 years bring and am very much looking forward to working with all the amazing members of the club to share ideas and take action.”

Maidenhead Bridge Rotary Club is a proud, and very involved club within Maidenhead and surrounding areas. Their members are always willing to help local causes, often rolling up their sleeves providing hands-on volunteering, they’re passionate about and making a difference!
 
The club has also grown, with more than 50 members, all doing their bit to make our world a better place.  This commitment and dedication was recognised by the BBC in their “Britain’s Volunteer Army” program, hosted by Ross Kemp in 2020; and Lisa Hunter was also awarded a British Empire Medal in The Queens New Year's Honors List 2022, for her contributions in leading the Covid Response Project.
 
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.

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.

THE chance to step out in aid of your favourite good cause is being offered by the organisers of this year’s Maidenhead Rotary Boundary Walk.

Taking place on Sunday, October 2, the annual event sees hundreds of walkers raising thousands of pounds for their chosen charities as they retrace the route of the old Maidenhead Borough.

Organised by the Rotary Clubs of Maidenhead Bridge and Maidenhead, the event 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.

The traditional route is 13.1 miles but a new 2.5-mile ‘family route’ has been introduced this year to ensure the event is open to everyone.

Eddie Piekut from the organising team said: “We invite everyone to join us on October 2 to make this year’s Maidenhead Boundary Walk the best year ever with a record-breaking number of walkers. 

“It’s open to walkers of all ages and abilities, individuals, groups or families. It’s a great opportunity to take part in a wonderful local tradition, have some fun, and raise much needed money for your chosen causes. 

 “Both routes start and finish at Boulters Lock car park. The traditional route takes you through some of the loveliest countryside around Maidenhead, while the new family walk is a picturesque stroll round Boulters Island, crossing the river to the Taplow side before heading back.”

The Boundary Walk celebrates the centuries-old tradition of ‘beating the bounds’ which marked the creation of the original Borough of Maidenhead in 1582. Each year the Mayor would get beaters to drive square-headed nails into posts and walls along the boundary route, each bearing his initials.

By 1934 the boundary was marked by stones – many of which can still be seen today – and during the walk the mayor would tap each one with the ceremonial mace to ‘reinforce’ the boundary. The last official ‘beating the bounds’ was in 1973 but was resurrected as the Boundary Walk in 1982 to mark the 400th anniversary of the borough and became an annual fundraising event.

There is a registration fee to take part, which covers the costs of running the event, but participants keep 100 per cent of the sponsorship they raise. Everyone who completes the walk gets a certificate.

The event is open to everyone, though under-16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Entry fees for the traditional walk are £5 for adults and £1 for children. For the family route the cost is £3 for adults and £1 for children.
Registration for group of 15 or more is just £20 for the traditional walk and £10 for the family walk, if you register in advance by September 9. 

The sun was shining on what has to be one of the hottest Easters we can recall!  The bouncy slide in prime place, stallholders ready to welcome families and the clues to the treasure hunt laid out round Grenfell Park.  The 10th Annual Easter Family Fun Day, organised by Maidenhead Bridge Rotary Club, had arrived after a 2-year enforced break due to lock-downs this April.
 
This year children enjoyed the many activities on offer including bouncing like bunnies on the inflatable slide, having their faces painted, playing bar skittles and trying their luck at the coconut shye.  Of course the main attraction was hunting around the park following clues to answer the Easter-Themed quiz so they could be rewarded with chocolates.
 
​​This is the 10th year the club has run the event and it gets bigger and better each year, and this year was no different, proving to be a huge hit with local families and a great success, with more than 1000 people joining in the fun, the most to ever attend.
 
Families sent time playing and enjoying the sunshine, whilst decorating bunny masks, seeing how many marbles they could get inside a flowerpot under timed conditions and of course sampling the lovely ice cream and other food on offer.
 
For the first time we were joined by MooMusic who put on several singalong play sessions that had everyone, old and young, joining in.
 
Over £1700 was raised at the event which will be donated to local good causes to support community projects, just one of the aims of the day and Maidenhead Bridge Rotary Club.
 
Event Organiser Adam Hunter, commented “We have had a great day with excellent support from the local community.  We’re thrilled with the number of people who came to enjoy this superb park in the centre of town, and join in the fun.  Here’s to doing it all again next year!”
 
For more information and to be kept up to date about other events organised by the club visit www.maidenheadbridgerotary.org.uk/easterfunday or contact Lisa Hunter on 07876 341334 or e-mail [email protected]