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Farnborough Rotary Club have unveiled a new clock to commemorate their 50th anniversary at the Princesmead Shopping Centre in Farnborough.

The clock was unveiled by the Mayor of Farnborough, Alan Ferrier and the president of Farnborough Rotary Club Mr Bill Cooke.

In a speech from the Mayor, he praised the work of the local rotary clubs and Farnborough in particular for its work in the community.

Mr Cooke said “Over 50 years the people of Farnborough and the local area have donated in excess of £650,000. 75% of which has been given to good causes locally and the other 25% to national and international organisations. The clock is a symbol and a gift to the people of Farnborough and it feels really nice to be giving back something to the community”.

The club raises funds through events throughout the year, such as the local Donkey Derby held every May in Farnborough, their annual Christmas street collections and one of the biggest two day music events locally, “Picnic To Music in The Park” to be held in July this year.

Jeremy Kayll, who is one of the club members responsible for coming up with the idea of a clock said  “We wanted to give something back to the people of Farnborough and we hope that this gift to PrincesMead and the people of the local community will be here permanently as a reminder of the work that Farnborough Rotary club does in the local area for on behalf of the local community”.

The club has set up an exhibition stand in Princesmead to show the work that Rotary does locally, nationally and on the international front. On the stand you will also be able to buy tickets for “Picnic To Music in The Park” and the local “Donkey Derby”. The mini exhibition is open every day and manned by members of the club.

And here it is;

Over 50 rotarians fro Farnborough Rotary enjoyed a weekend away in York. Here is a brief report from rotarian Graham Thomas

“A great, successful and well organised weekend with Farnborough Rotary members, partners wives and friends. Roy Sharpe did us proud as usual. Very comfortable new coach ride to York via Castle Howard.

Excellent accomodation at the hotel and good food and service. Steam railway trip across the moors and a visit to Harewood House in excellent weather conditions all helped to make the trip a journey of fellowship and fun.

Roy’s chat interspersed with jokes all assisted in happy travelling. Passengers patiently put up with a quiz but excellent prizes were welcome per Roy’s Penny in the pound shop purchases…but a ten hour  DVD  ‘Brideshead revisited’ prize was won by the Minetts who do not have a DVD player.

Freetime  included for some, visits to Betty’s tearoom and York Minster for Sunday service and the shops and other attractions in York.

To celebrate Farnborough Rotary clubs 50th anniversary this year a tree has been planted at King George V playing fields, Sycamore Road Farnborough on Monday 6th April.

The event was attended by over 35 rotarians and the Mayor of Rushmoor Alan Ferrier accompanied by the Mayoress.

In his speech the mayor said that he had worked with many of the local rotary clubs and understood the high standing the clubs had with the local community. This he said, was  due to the rotary club’s commitment to local projects.

The president of Farnborough Rotary club Bill Cooke, also made a speech and said the following

“50 years ago on the 5th of January 1959 Farnborough Rotary Club came into being.

Over the years the Club has attracted members from many different backgrounds and  professions who enjoy meeting regularly for lunch and combining social activities with raising money for” good causes”.

The bulk of the money that has been raised comes from Farnborough people whose generosity is amazing. Over the years we have raised over three quarters of a million pounds, and most of this money has been passed on to local charities and people “in need”. We have also supported international appeals i.e. the Tsunami disaster, and causes such as the elimination of polio. Every penny  donated goes to charity, all the clubs expenses being  paid for by the membership.

This year to commemorate our anniversary, we would amongst other things like to give something back to the people who have supported us.To this end members past and present have given money to purchase a clock which should shortly be installed in the centre of Farnborough, which we hope will prove both a useful and enduring memento.

Whilst  celebrating our past we will also be looking to the future, and if anyone who lives or works in Farnborough would like to be part of that future , please get in touch,”
After pictures and speeches, there was tea and coffees served along with hot cross buns supplied by rotarian John Grenham and delicious they were too.

Farnborough Rotary Club was formed in 1959. One of the original members Harry Haines, still is an active member of the club and attends most lunch-time meetings.

The tree was a gift from Rushmoor Borough Council for which we are grateful.

Below is a picture of the plaque