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Castle Concert July ‘21
A wonderful Summer’s
evening with picnics and a
lovely, lively audience
enjoying the boisterous but
mellifluous charms of Illyria
aboard HMS Pinafore.
Brought to you (safely) by
Berkhamsted Rotary.
Martin started his campaign in the Men’s Singles WH2 Group Play Stage - Group
B, defeating Dumnern Junthong of Thailand. He then came 2nd in his Group but
was unfortunately knocked out by Chan Ho Yuen of HK in the quarterfinals
Over the last 5 years Berkhamsted Rotary has helped towards self-funding
Potten End resident Martin’s expenses and helping him realise his dream of
representing his country at the Tokyo Paralympics. We have written to him to
congratulate him on all his hard work and determination which earned him a
quarterfinal place.
Martin replied: ‘Yes , I’m always disappointed whenever I lose a game. More so
when it’s at the biggest tournament of my life. However eight weeks ago, I was 95%
sure I wouldn’t make it to the Paralympics due to injury. I couldn’t hit the shuttle
hard. I was in so much pain. I travelled to Leeds , Manchester to see specialist after
specialist. I had Cortizone injections into the elbow that were unsuccessful. With
constant physio, rehab and huge desire, I managed somehow to turn it around. That
alone was a monumental achievement.
The Paralympics itself has been and unforgettable experience. I’ve played against the best players in the world on the biggest stage in the world.
I can’t thank Rotary enough. I’m extremely grateful for your constant support throughout my incredible journey.’
Tokyo Paralympics - Local Hero Martin Rooke represents GB in
wheelchair badminton team
ROTARY CENTENARY CIVIC AWARD – 2021
WINNER – JOAN FISHER
The
Rotary
Centenary
Civic
Awards
were
instituted
in
2004
when
Rotary
celebrated
its
Centenary.
At
that
time
Berkhamsted
Town
Council
also
wanted
to
introduce
an
Annual
Civic
Award
to
recognise
the
work
of
those
unsung
heroes
in
our
community
who
contribute
so
much to our civic life – so we came together to set up these joint awards.
There
are
two
Awards
–
one
made
to
an
adult
and
one
to
a
young
person
of
18
years
or
under.
The
first
award
Award
was
made
in
2005.
Winners
names
are
engraved
on
the
shields
which are displayed on the wall of the Council Chamber in the Civic Centre.
This
year
we
are
recognising
JOAN
FISHER
with
the
Senior
Award,
but
because
of
the
interruptions
to
so
many
youth
activities
in
the
last
year,
a
Junior
Award
is
not
being
made.
Joan
has
made
outstanding
contributions
which
have
benefitted
many
people
in
our
Town.
Veterans Visit to National Memorial Arboretum -
7th September 2021.
The Rotary clubs of Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead jointly organized a trip for veterans to visit the NMA (National Memorial
Arboretum). After several postponements due to COVID-19 this went ahead in September.
37 veterans signed up for the trip including a 98 year-old RAF aircraft crew, a 97 year-old Royal Marine, a 91 year-old Paratrooper and
several WRAC ladies whose ages shall not be revealed.
Rotary Seniors Out trip to Waterperry Gardens 14th
September 2022
The Rotary Club of Berkhamsted with help from the Happy Wanderers, which is a local group that provide help for senior
citizens, organised this years outing for senior citizens. This year the visit was to Waterperry Gardens.
A Party of 32 Senior citizens, helpers and carers, as well as Rotarian and Inner Wheel helpers travelled by coach to the gardens.
The coach left from Berkhamsted Sports Centre at 1pm.
Waterperry Gardens were made famous by Beatrix Havergal who established her School of Horticulture for Ladies here from
1932 to 1971. It is now home to 8 acres of beautifully landscaped ornamental gardens, with a plant centre and garden shop, a
gallery and gift shop, and a museum and tea shop.
The day was helped by exceptionally warm and sunny weather throughout the afternoon. After exploring the beautiful gardens,
we congregated in the Tea Rooms for a welcome “Cream Tea”. We departed from Waterperry at 4.40pm and after the coach
driver managed to avoid numerous road closures, we arrived back in Berkhamsted. An enjoyable afternoon was had by all.
Santa Visits Berkhamsted 2022
During the month of December Rotary start their festivities with the Elves Posting House at the Berkhamsted Festival of Light.
Children write their letters to Father Christmas at the posting house. This year 370 children popped in to see Mrs Claus. All funds
raised were donated to the Swan Youth Project.
It’s then time for Santa to start his visits around the residential streets of the town. 19 local charities and organisations
supported us this year to collect each night during December. Despite rain, frost,snow and ice and thanks to the generosity of
our town we raised £13,672 which was split out to all the groups that supported us.