NEWS
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 postponement due to
COVID-19 this went ahead in September.
37 veterans signed up for the trip including a 98 years-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.
For previous NEWS items
Castle Concert July 2021
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. ‘
Local Hero Martin Rooke represents GB in the wheelchair
badminton team for the Tokyo Paralympics
A BIG THANK YOU FROM SANTA AND HIS
ELVES
Thank you to all the local groups, charities, volunteers, sponsors and everyone
who donated that helped Santa and his Elves raise an amazing £15,400.
Santa’s Sleigh has made its way back to the Santa garage with Santa and his team
of elves resting up enjoying a well earned break.
Two hundred and eighty children came and wrote their letters to Santa when The
Elves Posting House opened its doors again at the Berkhamsted Festival of Light.
Throughout the month of December twenty one local charities and organisations
went out around the streets of Berkhamsted with Santa to raise funds.
Funds raised for Santa’s Sleigh and the Elves Posting House would not be possible
without the support of the Rotary Club of Berkhamsted and Berkhamsted Town
Council.
We’d also like to mention that, Santa’s visits around Berkhamsted would not have
been possible without our sponsors. Thanks to Vanarama for the loan of the
Santa truck, De Lisle Garage for sleigh maintenance and Trackit247 for the Santa
tracker.
Look out for us again in December!
Santa and his Elves