New Malden Rorary Club Updates by Richard Smith
June
as Oscar Hammerstein put it so eloquently, is “BUSTING OUT ALL OVER!” That may be a bit of an exaggeration this year but at least in New Malden we have signs of the High Street coming to life again and we are delighted to see that the hanging baskets have been installed to welcome the returning retail traders. We wish all our retailers, particularly the locally owned small businesses, every success as they cautiously re-open their doors. Let’s all support them as best we can to ensure the future of our High Street.
Our thanks to all those who enabled us to get the Hanging Baskets done. We particularly thank Kingston Council, our local Councillors and those firms who contributed to the costs this year. We hope that the floral displays will, as they grow in the next few weeks, give us all a brighter and more welcoming High Street.
Although the lockdown has of necessity slowed down Rotary’s activities since the end of March, we have not been totally idle. Funds have been distributed to support the needs of front line staff at Kingston Hospital as well as contributing, in conjunction with Kingston Rotary to the Kingston Hospital Charity, supplemented by a grant from the Rotary International Foundation which doubled our contributions.
Our fundraising activities have, of course, been severely curtailed and our meetings restricted to virtual gatherings on Zoom. We are looking carefully at plans for the future; how and when we are going to come back to regular meetings, how we can fund our projects and how we can best make practical contributions to the community life of our town. Can we help to harness the massive goodwill and volunteering initiatives which have sprung up since the crisis began? Administratively Rotary runs from July to June so from next month we shall be looking at new initiatives, new ways of doing things and new ideas in a changed world.
We welcome contributions from the community to our discussions. Any ideas for ways we can work together will be welcomed … we will talk, and listen, to anyone with the right community spirit. And if you would like to join us, or just help out, get in touch and find out more with no commitment.
Get in touch by visiting our website www.newmaldenrotary.org.uk or email Richard on racan.rs@gmail.com
Our thanks to all those who enabled us to get the Hanging Baskets done. We particularly thank Kingston Council, our local Councillors and those firms who contributed to the costs this year. We hope that the floral displays will, as they grow in the next few weeks, give us all a brighter and more welcoming High Street.
Although the lockdown has of necessity slowed down Rotary’s activities since the end of March, we have not been totally idle. Funds have been distributed to support the needs of front line staff at Kingston Hospital as well as contributing, in conjunction with Kingston Rotary to the Kingston Hospital Charity, supplemented by a grant from the Rotary International Foundation which doubled our contributions.
Our fundraising activities have, of course, been severely curtailed and our meetings restricted to virtual gatherings on Zoom. We are looking carefully at plans for the future; how and when we are going to come back to regular meetings, how we can fund our projects and how we can best make practical contributions to the community life of our town. Can we help to harness the massive goodwill and volunteering initiatives which have sprung up since the crisis began? Administratively Rotary runs from July to June so from next month we shall be looking at new initiatives, new ways of doing things and new ideas in a changed world.
We welcome contributions from the community to our discussions. Any ideas for ways we can work together will be welcomed … we will talk, and listen, to anyone with the right community spirit. And if you would like to join us, or just help out, get in touch and find out more with no commitment.
Get in touch by visiting our website www.newmaldenrotary.org.uk or email Richard on racan.rs@gmail.com
May
SO, WHERE ARE WE?
Since the onset of the covid19 pandemic Rotary members have been in lockdown just as everyone else in our community. We can no longer hold our regular meetings nor can we continue with our fundraising activities; our charity golf day in May is the latest casualty. Perhaps more critical is that we cannot continue with the projects where we normally have individual members visiting schools for reading support and interview experience. With the closure of schools we have also had to put on hold our plans for “The Beat Goes On” in July, a repeat of the very successful concert combining the musical talent of all four New Malden secondary schools which premiered last July.
SO, WHAT ARE WE DOING?
Just in time, before we all had to stay at home, our Bridge Drive raised £635 for Parkinsons UK. Individual members have been busy supporting Food Banks and financial support has been given, along with other Rotary Clubs in the Borough, to help fund food etc for volunteers providing backup to front line staff at Kingston Hospital. And looking ahead we are hoping to find funds to support Kingston Hospital Charity for their future plans when things get back to normal.
Last month we reported that we had secured the finance necessary for the installation of hanging baskets through the summer months in our High Street. Since then there has been much soul-searching about whether this should still go ahead in the present circumstances. But in the end there was no dissension and the baskets will be installed. The contract has been placed and we are hoping to see them in place during May. Hopefully by then we shall start to see a relaxation of the restrictions and that more shops and businesses will be active. If nothing else it is hoped that the floral displays will brighten up the High Street and lift everyone’s spirits. Our thanks to all those who are making this happen.
AND AFTERWARDS?
Like the government we are finding it difficult to plan ahead without knowing when the lockdown will end and to what extent we shall be able to move around as we used to. But we are committed to resuming our activities in our community and further afield.
One thing has been made clear in the last few weeks, that there is a large pool of volunteers in New Malden, and indeed throughout the country, willing to give their time and support to help others when real need is seen to exist. It is that goodwill and neighbourliness which Rotary has always sought to tap into for so many of our activities for so long. We shall be looking at ways we can utilise and expand that community spirit into the future for the benefit of everyone, particularly in our town. So, be warned people of New Malden, we shall be looking for you when eventually you poke your heads out of your front doors again, not just on Thursday evenings.
Any ideas for ways we can work together will be welcomed … we will talk, and listen, to anyone with the right community spirit. And if you would like to join us, or just help out, get in touch and find out more with no commitment.
Visit our website www.newmaldenrotary.org.uk or email Richard on racan.rs@gmail.com
Since the onset of the covid19 pandemic Rotary members have been in lockdown just as everyone else in our community. We can no longer hold our regular meetings nor can we continue with our fundraising activities; our charity golf day in May is the latest casualty. Perhaps more critical is that we cannot continue with the projects where we normally have individual members visiting schools for reading support and interview experience. With the closure of schools we have also had to put on hold our plans for “The Beat Goes On” in July, a repeat of the very successful concert combining the musical talent of all four New Malden secondary schools which premiered last July.
SO, WHAT ARE WE DOING?
Just in time, before we all had to stay at home, our Bridge Drive raised £635 for Parkinsons UK. Individual members have been busy supporting Food Banks and financial support has been given, along with other Rotary Clubs in the Borough, to help fund food etc for volunteers providing backup to front line staff at Kingston Hospital. And looking ahead we are hoping to find funds to support Kingston Hospital Charity for their future plans when things get back to normal.
Last month we reported that we had secured the finance necessary for the installation of hanging baskets through the summer months in our High Street. Since then there has been much soul-searching about whether this should still go ahead in the present circumstances. But in the end there was no dissension and the baskets will be installed. The contract has been placed and we are hoping to see them in place during May. Hopefully by then we shall start to see a relaxation of the restrictions and that more shops and businesses will be active. If nothing else it is hoped that the floral displays will brighten up the High Street and lift everyone’s spirits. Our thanks to all those who are making this happen.
AND AFTERWARDS?
Like the government we are finding it difficult to plan ahead without knowing when the lockdown will end and to what extent we shall be able to move around as we used to. But we are committed to resuming our activities in our community and further afield.
One thing has been made clear in the last few weeks, that there is a large pool of volunteers in New Malden, and indeed throughout the country, willing to give their time and support to help others when real need is seen to exist. It is that goodwill and neighbourliness which Rotary has always sought to tap into for so many of our activities for so long. We shall be looking at ways we can utilise and expand that community spirit into the future for the benefit of everyone, particularly in our town. So, be warned people of New Malden, we shall be looking for you when eventually you poke your heads out of your front doors again, not just on Thursday evenings.
Any ideas for ways we can work together will be welcomed … we will talk, and listen, to anyone with the right community spirit. And if you would like to join us, or just help out, get in touch and find out more with no commitment.
Visit our website www.newmaldenrotary.org.uk or email Richard on racan.rs@gmail.com
April
Peter Hope
New Malden Rotary along with the whole New Malden community mourns the loss of Peter Hope who died on the 15th March. Peter was a brilliant and well-loved vet, founder of Hope and Davis in Burlington Road. The number of tributes posted already on social media are testament to the esteem in which he was and continued to be held as a caring and compassionate vet so long after retiring from his practice.
He was a Rotarian for 33 years, President of New Malden Rotary twice, and in his retirement was still a leader in much of New Malden’s life. As a Rotary member he led the team which worked hard in recent years to ensure that New Malden’s Christmas lights continue to brighten the High Street each December. Similarly, the displays of hanging baskets which adorn the High Street in summer are to a large extent a result of his lobbying, cajoling and charming local people, businesses and Councillors. It is thanks to Peter’s work with Malden and Coombe Neighbourhood Committee to get agreement on a grant that we shall have a full display for the High Street this year.
For such a quietly spoken and calm man Peter had enormous powers of persuasion. People listened to him and trusted him. He will be remembered with love and affection by many people for many years.
Peter Hope
New Malden Rotary along with the whole New Malden community mourns the loss of Peter Hope who died on the 15th March. Peter was a brilliant and well-loved vet, founder of Hope and Davis in Burlington Road. The number of tributes posted already on social media are testament to the esteem in which he was and continued to be held as a caring and compassionate vet so long after retiring from his practice.
He was a Rotarian for 33 years, President of New Malden Rotary twice, and in his retirement was still a leader in much of New Malden’s life. As a Rotary member he led the team which worked hard in recent years to ensure that New Malden’s Christmas lights continue to brighten the High Street each December. Similarly, the displays of hanging baskets which adorn the High Street in summer are to a large extent a result of his lobbying, cajoling and charming local people, businesses and Councillors. It is thanks to Peter’s work with Malden and Coombe Neighbourhood Committee to get agreement on a grant that we shall have a full display for the High Street this year.
For such a quietly spoken and calm man Peter had enormous powers of persuasion. People listened to him and trusted him. He will be remembered with love and affection by many people for many years.
WHAT IS ROTARY? ….AND WHY?
Rotary serves communities. Rooted in our own communities but with a global outlook, we are in a unique position to be able to tackle challenges, at home and abroad. Rotary International has 1.2 million members, in 35,000 clubs, in over 200 countries.
New Malden Rotary has been working in our local community for over 90 years. An active group of local people, ready to turn ideas and vision into real change, by creating opportunities and supporting those who need support and assistance most.
Assisting our Schools
Primary Schools: we have been working on projects developing reading skills on a one to one basis with young pupils.
Secondary Schools: we utilise our expertise in business to assist Year 12 students in secondary schools to understand how to prepare and perform in an interview for university places, apprenticeships, or their first job.
We also organised and sponsored the music event “The Beat Goes On” showcasing the combined musical talents of New Malden’s four secondary schools. It is planned to repeat this in July this year …… if Covid 19 allows.
How do we use the money you donate to Rotary?
We support activities through the year; just in the last few months this has included:
A report on the current situation with the lights was in February’s Village Voice. The hanging baskets which decorate the High Street through the summer months have been occupying our attention recently. As with the lights, New Malden Rotary has undertaken to co-ordinate the supply and financing of these in recent years. This year the planned 32 baskets will cost around £3,000. Thankfully, we have a contribution of £1,500 from our local Councillors’ allowances and we have been working to raise the remainder from local businesses, a task that is difficult in these times of struggling High Streets. We’ve had offers from individuals as well. The latest news is that Malden and Coombe Neighbourhood Committee have now agreed to provide a further grant to fund the balance necessary so we are in a position to place the order and brighten up our High Street in a year which needs as much brightening as possible.
Some people ask us the simple question: Why?
The simple answer is because we want to be doing something useful and enjoyable
Most Rotary members join because they want to be part of an organisation that contributes to their local community. One of the avenues we pursue in order to achieve the service we give is the “development of acquaintance”, another way of saying “we make friends.” By working together, as friends, we gain as much as we put in, and it makes for an enjoyable experience while making that contribution.
Meeting regularly helps to grow such friendships, which is why we have always met over a meal. Traditionally we meet every week, but we are aware that in the modern world, particularly the business world, people do not have time. There is much more flexibility these days and New Malden Rotary is constantly reviewing the need for such regular interaction. The current health situation forces us to rethink again and may well push us more into using electronic communication, not just as an emergency expedient, but possibly as the norm for the future.
We know that there are potential members who are put off, solely because of the traditional weekly commitment. We do ask for commitment … but no longer for a promise to turn up every Monday.
So maybe it’s not a question of WHY? …. more a question of WHY NOT?
Could you get involved? Why not find out more? Visit our website www.newmaldenrotary.org.uk or call our PR volunteer Richard on 07860 878086
Rotary serves communities. Rooted in our own communities but with a global outlook, we are in a unique position to be able to tackle challenges, at home and abroad. Rotary International has 1.2 million members, in 35,000 clubs, in over 200 countries.
New Malden Rotary has been working in our local community for over 90 years. An active group of local people, ready to turn ideas and vision into real change, by creating opportunities and supporting those who need support and assistance most.
Assisting our Schools
Primary Schools: we have been working on projects developing reading skills on a one to one basis with young pupils.
Secondary Schools: we utilise our expertise in business to assist Year 12 students in secondary schools to understand how to prepare and perform in an interview for university places, apprenticeships, or their first job.
We also organised and sponsored the music event “The Beat Goes On” showcasing the combined musical talents of New Malden’s four secondary schools. It is planned to repeat this in July this year …… if Covid 19 allows.
How do we use the money you donate to Rotary?
We support activities through the year; just in the last few months this has included:
- Celebration meals run by local churches and other organisations for people who would otherwise be alone at Christmas.
- Small amounts distributed to 24 residents and families known to be in financial hardship.
- Rotary members helping other local charities supporting the homeless and refugees.
A report on the current situation with the lights was in February’s Village Voice. The hanging baskets which decorate the High Street through the summer months have been occupying our attention recently. As with the lights, New Malden Rotary has undertaken to co-ordinate the supply and financing of these in recent years. This year the planned 32 baskets will cost around £3,000. Thankfully, we have a contribution of £1,500 from our local Councillors’ allowances and we have been working to raise the remainder from local businesses, a task that is difficult in these times of struggling High Streets. We’ve had offers from individuals as well. The latest news is that Malden and Coombe Neighbourhood Committee have now agreed to provide a further grant to fund the balance necessary so we are in a position to place the order and brighten up our High Street in a year which needs as much brightening as possible.
Some people ask us the simple question: Why?
The simple answer is because we want to be doing something useful and enjoyable
Most Rotary members join because they want to be part of an organisation that contributes to their local community. One of the avenues we pursue in order to achieve the service we give is the “development of acquaintance”, another way of saying “we make friends.” By working together, as friends, we gain as much as we put in, and it makes for an enjoyable experience while making that contribution.
Meeting regularly helps to grow such friendships, which is why we have always met over a meal. Traditionally we meet every week, but we are aware that in the modern world, particularly the business world, people do not have time. There is much more flexibility these days and New Malden Rotary is constantly reviewing the need for such regular interaction. The current health situation forces us to rethink again and may well push us more into using electronic communication, not just as an emergency expedient, but possibly as the norm for the future.
We know that there are potential members who are put off, solely because of the traditional weekly commitment. We do ask for commitment … but no longer for a promise to turn up every Monday.
So maybe it’s not a question of WHY? …. more a question of WHY NOT?
Could you get involved? Why not find out more? Visit our website www.newmaldenrotary.org.uk or call our PR volunteer Richard on 07860 878086