24th June 2009
President's Blog
Newly elected President Clive has decided to publish a blog throughout his presidential year (when he's not on holiday that is!). It can be found here: President's Blog.
22nd December 2007
Supermarket Tin Rattling
Once again, our team of bucket shakers was out bothering the public - this time at Morrisons on the Sutton Road. The generosity shown by all the shoppers was as high as ever and we hope for a bumper total. The final figure was £1.964.19. As President Richard commented, "
Very many thanks to everyone who turned out in less than ideal weather conditions to make this possible. £2K is about the norm although last year (2006) it "blipped" up to nearer £3K. Who knows why - but great efforts anyway."
Our photo shows Rotarians Chas Bedford, Harry Baker and Peter Bodycombe alongside our tireless helper Chris Kringle. Sadly the batteries on the camera ran out just before Sarah arrived in her Santa costume! Click the photo to enlarge.
18th December 2007
Pahar Trust
Our intrepid reporter President Elect Clive Bradburn has just posted the photos from his epic trip to Nepal where he represented this club at the official opening of the school we helped fund at Simpani.
Please click here to go straight to his photo album and here for his account of his journey to the roof of the world.
18th December 2007
Club Christmas Cards
Apologies to all of you waiting to see our Christmas cards this year. Apparently the server came under a "sustained attack" from a hacker at the beginning of the month and all the passwords had to be changed! I've only just found out!
Please click here for the page and please let me know if you would like to contribute.
3rd July 2007
Meet the New Boys (and Girl)
Our new team of President and committee chairmen can be seen in all their glory on our Who's Who page.
The year in pictures - a photographic memory of President Malcolm's year will follow shortly.
30th January 2007
New Email Address for Apologies
Will all Riverside Rotarians please note that we have been forced to change our email address as our Hotmail account was just too unreliable. Let's hope Microsoft have better luck with their new operating system! In future, all apologies should be addressed to: riversiderotary@gmail.com
3rd December 2006
Our Newest Member helps out at Morrisons
Following his dramatic introduction to the club just 4 days earlier, our newest member, (C Kringle), was revealed to an astonished public. Chris, as he likes to be known, was in fine voice and even managed to steal the limelight from Harry Baker in his Rudolph hat!
30th May 2006
Marlowe Theatre - "Saturday Night Fever"
22 Rotarians and partners enjoyed a night out in Canterbury to see Saturday Night Fever at the Marlowe Theatre. A good time was had by all even if our second youngest member found it all rather too noisy! The more mature of us had no problems (probably due to our hearing being well past its sell-by date or the amount of alcohol consumed before hand in the "Canterbury Tales" opposite the theatre). I'm not saying that some of us are strangers to the theatre but one couple went to St Margaret's Street to find that The Marlowe moved from there over 20 years ago!
12th, 13th, 14th May 2006
Dutch Visit
Our biennial visit from our Dutch sister club of Dordrecht took place over the weekend of 12/13/14 May. 9 members of the Dutch club plus their partners joined us for 3 days of naval based fun and education with not one mention of the Anglo-Dutch wars!
The Friday night saw our visitors entertained
by Rotarians Sarah Banfield, Steve Elms, Peter Bodycombe, Roger Smith, Nic Brokenshire, Martin Carter & Clive Carden (with a lot of help from their wives) and everyone then assembled bright and early at Greenwich on the Saturday morning for a visit to the National Maritime Museum. The highlight of our visit was, undoubtedly, standing on the bridge whilst VP Malcolm attempted to pilot an ocean going cruiser under the Sydney Harbour Bridge - a feat which he achieved (just) although many of the observers complained of feeling somewhat seasick afterwards!
We then were shown the Chapel and Painted Hall of what used to be the Royal Naval College beforea lunch of fish and chips followed by a tour of the Cutty Sark. For some reason, many of the men were eager to get back to Maidstone shortly after this although some of us also visited the Royal Observatory and inspected the famous meridian line and 24 hour clock before heading back. I think that the FA Cup Final may have had something to do with this!
That evening we assembled at The White Hart in Claygate for a very convivial meal with entertainment provided by Ron Goodman and Clive Bradburn (Ron set the table cloth on fire and Clive, using skills finely honed by many years in the fire brigade, managed to silence the fire alarm (eventually). Wim de Leur presented president Nic with a lovely piece of Hindeloopen craftware (a traditional school box) which Nic has promised to use as a Key Cabinet. 
Sunday started with coffee at the appropriately named Riverside Cafe followed by a short walk along the Medway with Velda Ramsey as our guide. Lunch was then laid on at Bryan and Jo Baughans and the Dutch were shown the Roman remains of a Medway fort in Bryan's field.
All too soon, it was time to say our goodbyes and Jean Kimberley and Sarah Banfield managed to wish each other "bon voyage", neither of them realising that the other was not, in fact, a visitor from Dordrecht!
Thanks to everyone for their enthusiasm and especially to Ron Goodman and Alan Pamplin for the logistics, Stuart Groves for the original idea of a trip to Greenwich and Jo and Bryan for the use of their lovely garden. Pictures of the whole event can be seen here.
25th March 2006
YES for Maidstone Concert
Thanks to stirling efforts by Rotarians Clive Bradburn and Martin Carter (ably assisted by, among others, Ron Goodman, Malcolm Ramsey, Harry Baker, Carolyn Bassett and Steve Elms), the concert in aid of Romania Connect was a great success. The performances given by children of a very tender age upwards were magnificent and over £4,000 was raised for this worthy cause. Photos of the evening can ve viewed here.
17th December 2005
Christmas Dinner
We visited Finchcocks Piano Museum for our annual Christmas bash this year. Following a couple of glasses of mulled wine, we had a tour of the house before dining at 7.15. Following a lovely meal we were treated to a recital by Richard Burnett and Jean Davison.
3rd, 10th & 17th December 2005
Annual Christmas Supermarket Collections
As in previous years, Riversiders could be found outside Sainsburys, Morrisons and Tescos respectively, rattling tins in aid of local charities. The organisation was courtesy of Community Services Chairman Fred Stratton and photos can be seen by clicking here.
6th December 2005
Christmas Carol Concert
Thanks once again to Rotarian Bryan Baughan and Headmaster Joe Davies, we held our second carol concert at Sutton Vallence School. Numbers were slightly up on last year but we are delighted to announce that the collection raised a staggering £670 which was split between school and the club. President Nic added £165 to the total from his fund and presented a cheque for £500 to Maidstone Christian Care for their Maidstone Homeless at Christmas appeal.
2nd December 2005
Riverside Defibrillator
On what was a poignant date (the anniversary of President Mike Baker's untimely death), we presented the first of our defibrillators to The Mall Shopping Centre. Anna and Sylvia Baker were both on hand to witness the handover and we are delighted to report that as at today's date (21st December) 2 people have had their hearts been successfully restarted thanks to the equipment and the quick action of The Mall's trained first aid staff. Pictures of the ceremony appeared in the Kent Messenger and can be seen here.
28th, 29th & 30th October 2005
District Conference, Eastbourne
A record 28 club members attended conference to support this year's DG Tony Hodges. We were splendidly entertained by numerous amusing speakers and we enjoyed two wonderful meals - the first thanks to Harry Baker who organised for us to take over The Carlisle for the evening where we had an excellent meal. The next night was the dinner-dance and photos of both occasions (courtesy of Roy Greenwood) can be seen here.
22nd & 23rd September 2005
Pepperpot Challenge, Waterloo, Brusselles
Our annual golf match against the Weald of Kent club took place over the Thursday and Friday. As always, the main empahasis was on the opportunity to renew old friendships and, esentially, to have a good time. I can confirm that these two objectives were met admirably!
The golf was a hard fought affair and, at the end of Day One Riverside held a lead of 3½ points to Weald's 1½ thanks to wins by Stuart & Lloyd, Jeff & Mike S and Nic & Geoff with Roy & Harry securing ½ a point for their well earned draw with Colin & Bryan who sportingly had agreed to play for Weald due to the discrepancies in the overall numbers this year. After a lovely dinner and a good night's sleep at the Chateu du Lac, it was off to the Sept Fontaines Golf Club for the conclusion of the matches. I am happy to report that the results again went in Riverside's favour with wins for Geoff & Ian, Stuart & Lloyd and Jeff & Mike S and Pat Pepper very generously presented the trophy back to Geoff for what is hoped will be a sojourn of many years!
Gossip!
The Sendles/Kimberly partnership almost met with disaster when they nearly missed the second day due to an inexplicable oversleeping incident. None of us can imagine how this can possibly have happened! Colin and Bryan shared a room but, at one stage in the night, Bryan was awakened by loud snores coming from the next bed. Not wishing to lean across and give the unfortunate snorer a good shaking, Bryan, instead, rang him on his mobile phone! Apparently, this did the trick and Bryan was able to continue his well earned rest.
Please click here for all the photos which were taken by Nic and Lloyd.
06th September 2005
Archaeological Dig & BBQ
50 Riversiders, partners and guests enjoyed a marvellous evening at Bryan and Jo Baughan's. The site of a 3rd Century Roman Villa has been known about since the 1830's and, recently, Bryan and Jo turned to the Maidstone Area Archaeological Group for help in discovering the extent of the remains.
We were treated to a tour of the site by MAAG chief archaeologist, Albert, whose enthusiasm and knowledge kept us fascinated until the light faded and the smell of lamb started wafting across from the house! We then repaired to the Baughan's magnificent garden where we enjoyed a wonderful BBQ prepared by Mike Sendles and his son. Everyone who attended was then asked to join Llloyd and Ruth Rodgers in celebrating their Silver Wedding by indulging in the odd glass of champagne and a cake baked, especially for the occasion, by Lloyd.
A fine night was had by all and our thanks go out to Albert, Bryan & Jo, Mike & Peter Sendles and Lloyd & Ruth. Please click here for all the photos.
16th August 2005
Annual Riverside Golf Day
Once again we were blessed with excellent weather and, thanks to the stirling efforts of Geoff Wood and Ron Goodman, we had a large contingent of club members and guests attending on the day. Our apologies to the winner of the Claret Jug and overall 1st Prize Winner (Neil Turrell) but the batteries failed on the digital camera just before he came up to accept his prize. All the other photos from the day can be seen here.
13th August 2005
Collection on behalf of Niger Famine Relief Appeal.
Our photo shows Rotarians Peter Farres and Roger Smith rattling buckets at Sainsbury's Romney Place, Maidstone. All proceeds were in aid of the British Red Cross – West Africa Crisis Appeal.
15-17th July, 23rd July 2005
Our two major fund raisers have successfully been negotiated for another year. I am in the process of putting together photos/memories from the events. Please send me any "copy" that you may have for inclusion on our "Events" page.
KENT COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SHOW
click the link for Steve's photos
27th May 2005
At the lunchtime meeting of Maidstone Rotary Club, our President, Carolyn Bassett was presented with a Centennial Appreciation Award by District. DG Himansu Basu explained that the award was in recognition of Carolyn's agreement to pick up the reins of Presidency following the untimely death of Mike Baker in December. In response, President Carolyn was quick to point out that any other member of the club would have done the same in her position and praised her "team" who she felt had rallied around her and on whose behalf she accepted the award. (The Editor begs to differ with our President and feels that her selfless act was one that fully merited the award. Congratulations, Carolyn!)
27th May 2005
Community Services Chairman Fred Stratton invited President Carolyn Bassett to present a cheque for £300 to Bower Grove School to help affray some of the costs of their "Arts & Science Week". Our pictures show Carolyn presenting the cheque to Headmaster, Trevor Phipps along with some of the other projects taking place.
17th May 2005
A most informative visit to the Kent Air Ambulance HQ in Marden was attended by almost 40 club members and partners. Following the tour of the facilities, we repaired to the Marden Tandoori where we partook of a fabulous array of curries. Our thanks to Rotarians Fred Stratton and Mike Stolton for organising this visit.
Click the model helicopter opposite for other photos taken on the night by Chas Bedford & Nic Brokenshire.
29th April 2005
As part of Rotary International's centenary celebrations, the club attended a gala concert at the Royal Albert Hall given by the massed bands of the Coldstream Guards and Scots Guards. We needed to hire a double-decker coach to take 63 Rotarians, partners and guests and a wonderful time was had by all finishing with Fish & Chips from the Old Kent Road on the way home!
8th January 2005
Following a request from Bird's Funeral Directors, Rtn. Roger Smith was able to offer the Maidstone Methodist Church Hall Union as a temporary storage area for clothes donated to the Tsunami Disaster Appeal. Our pictures show Rtns. Roger Smith, Fred Stratton and Nic Brokenshire helping Bird's Proprietor Darren Carpenter, along with other volunteers, to load a 7.5 ton lorry with the bags of clothes, blankets and cooking utensils.
Our thanks to the Kent Messenger and photographer Andy Payton for the images.
8th January 2005
Rotarians Fred Stratton and Clive Bradburn pose outside Safeway in Sutton Road during our Tsunami Disaster Collection Day.
Thanks to the generosity of the people of Maidstone, we raised a very creditable £1,268.
(Our usual digital photographer was not on hand so we had to resort to mobile phone technology - hence the poor quality of this photo. Normal service will be resumed ASAP!)
MIKE BAKER d. 2nd December, 2004
It is with great sadness that we have to announce the sudden death of our President Mike Baker. At 33, Mike was our youngest member and his passing has been deeply felt by all members of the club.
He was very proud to be the youngest ever president of our club particular in this, Rotary’s centennial year. In club we have lost a good friend and a fine Rotarian – someone who embodied all the ideals of a good member.
His funeral took place at 11am on Tuesday, 14th December, 2004 at Boxley Church. Donations in favour of the British Heart Foundation to: Michael Lawrence, 93 King Street, MAIDSTONE, ME14 1BG
17th December, 2004
The annual presentation of gifts at Bellwood School took place this afternoon. Unfortunately, Rotarian Terry Shead was in bed with the flu although he was able to generously donate over 300 pack of sweets as he has done each year. Our picture shows VP Nic Brokenshire trying hard to fill Terry's boots (and Santa suit) ably assisted by Midge Stratton as one of his elves. Our thanks to headmaster Joe Gregory for the photo.
14th December, 2004
At the November Club Council meeting, President Mike Baker proposed that the Club's share of the collection from the Carol Concert at Sutton Valance School should go to supporting the homeless in Maidstone through the Maidstone Day Centre. Mike's tragic sudden death meant that he was unable to see his excellent idea carried through to the presentation of the Carol Concert collection proceeds to Maidstone Christian Care. The photo shows our Club Vice President, Nic Brokenshire handing over a cheque for £250 to the manager of the Day Centre, Andrew Sanalitro - resident Michael Smith is standing between Nic and Andrew
11th December, 2004
The annual Christmas collections by the Rotary Club of Maidstone Riverside has again proved to be very successful, with the people of Maidstone showing their normal generous support for Rotary charities. The pictures show Rotarian Peter Bodycombe and Rotarian Harry Baker standing outside Safeway, Sutton Road, talking to local residents - not sure about the hats though!
Rotarian Norman Springett is seen supporting the Kent Stoke Association with transporting people from the Stoke Club to their homes. The Club has a long association with the Stroke organisation in Maidstone, both with supplying transport for stroke victims, and manning, in partnership with local health practitioners and Stroke support teams, blood pressure awareness days in the main shopping centre in Maidstone - Stroke Awareness dates for 2005 are April 8th & 9th - be there and ensure your own blood pressure is as it should be.
Double cause for celebration on 10 June 2003.
PDG Bob Metcalfe presented Riverside with a Presidential Citation for our efforts during the 2001-2002 Rotary Year (read about some of them). The certificate was accepted on behalf of the Club by PP Terry Shead, who had been our president during that year.
Bob then presented Terry with a Paul Harris Fellowship, the highest individual honour in Rotary, for his service during that year and previously (including his "Convoy of Hope" expeditions to Kosovo). Terry's lapel must be among the most perforated in RIBI.
Regular Events
Handover 2005
I have been asked to publish my Presidential address given on the occasion of the handover. For those of you who were unable to attend, here it is.
Pahar
Trust
Our main International fund-raising venture, in conjunction with the Queen's
Gurkha Engineers. Pahar Trust aims to build schools in Nepal.
Dordrecht
ter Merwe
We see our friends from our Dutch contact club each year.
Pictures
from 2001. and 2002.
In 2003, everybody must have been having too good a time to get their cameras
out! DVD of 2004 visit (6 minute film) available from Chas on request.
Golf
Day
Pix from our 11th annual Golf Day.
Summer
Concert
Each year we hold an open-air rock/pop concert, using really good 'tribute
bands.. Fun, Fellowship and Fundraising the Riverside way
Technology
Tournaments
A design/build tournament
for local secondary schools. Pix of the 2002 event (and a few from previous
years)
Kids
Out 2001
Our annual outing to Chessington with 'special needs' children from Bower Grove
School. Pix from 2001 (but we were there in2002 and 2003 as well)
Kent
County Show
We man the gates (with a bit of help from our friends). Three days
of hard work, but a useful boost to our funds.
One-off Events
Dove
of Peace
Our millennium present to the town of Maidstone
Ambulance
dedication
Our ambulance goes into service with St John
"I
Dare" abseil challenge May 2002
110 feet, straight
down with only a rope to stop you (but it made money for charity)
Boxing
Evening November 2001
A new fundraising venture, and very successful in its first year. We
did it again in November 2002
Magical
Taxi Tour
Cabbies take disabled
children to EuroDisney