Presidential handover
On 30 June outgoing President John Brown (pictured left) handed over his chain of office to new President Graham Smith, who commented:
“I am proud to be the President of Kinver Rotary in its 40th Year. Thirty-nine years of working voluntarily to support deserving causes – internationally, nationally and locally – may at times have gone unrecognised. As a club we are probably known for the Santa Sleigh collection at Christmas, but we support individuals and organisations in Kinver and surrounding areas throughout the year. I would also like to thank everyone who has supported us, in whatever way, over the years and hope you will continue to do so going forward.”
Picnic area refresh
As Graham highlighted, Rotary continues to be active in different ways throughout the community and many of you will have enjoyed the Rotary Picnic Area, situated a few hundred metres along the canal towpath from Dunsley Road.
At the start of the 40th year, it seemed an opportune time for club members to refurbish the site and the Rotary Commemorative Stone. Tables and benches were put in place by the club many years ago and they continue to serve as a welcome stopping point for people to take a break while using the towpath. The area is also perfectly situated for walkers enjoying the Brockley’s Walk circular route, with the new bridge over the River Stour close by.
Rotary youth competition results 2024/2025
Rotary Great Britain and Ireland is proud to offer a range of competitions each year that encourage and celebrate young people’s talents.
Pupils from several local primary schools entered the Club competitions, all with a theme of “Wonderful Water”. Winners at local level progressed to the District competition and if successful there, into the National finals to compete against winners from 18 other regions.
All three of our Club winners for Young Artist, Photographer and Writer competitions came from St James’s School, Wollaston. Pippa Lawrence was named Junior Young Artist and gained entry to the District competition; Eilidh Kay won Junior Young Writer and came 1st at District, with entry into the National competition; Jack Hunter was named Junior Young Photographer, going on to win 1st at District and 2nd in the National competition.
Club President Graham Smith congratulated the three winners but reminded all those who took part that this is not all about the winning. From local heats through to national finals, these competitions offer an opportunity for participants to share their talents and skills, gain confidence and experience, and challenge themselves in a fun and friendly environment.
Autumn speaker programme
Rotary also holds regular speaker meetings at the Fox Inn, Stourton. If you would like to hear a particular speaker, you are welcome to attend as a non-Rotarian. Please contact Alan Millichip, al***********@***il.com, at least one week before the meeting.
- 8 September – Sue Langley: What is a project manager? Focus on fascinating projects including transforming Kidderminster Station
- 22 September – Max Hunt: The story of the Morgan Motor Company
- 29 September – Marion Rogerson, chair of Sensory People: Benefits of sensory integration therapy
- 13 October – Clive Corbett, author and ex-Rotarian: From The Commercial to Michaelangelo’s: a brief walk through the life experiences of a Black Country boy
- 20 October – Jonathan Wilding, Rotary district governor: My travels to India
- 10 November – Arthur Baker, Stourbridge Historical Society: History of the Talbot Inn, Stourbridge: the day two American Presidents came to town
- 17 November – Children in Need Quiz: Our annual much-loved quiz night at The Fox
And lastly – don’t forget the Macmillan Cancer Support Coffee Morning between 10 am and 1 pm on Saturday 27 September at the White Harte. Please come along and help raise funds for this very worthwhile cause.