Rotarian Cycles to Hamburg

 Event, News
May 222019
 

USA cyclist Edwin Valarde set out on a 1,200 kilometer (740 miles) EPiC Journey from Gravesend to Hamburg on Monday.

Gravesend Rotary saw him off from Mid Kent Golf Club, Singlewell Road, for the 45 mile route to Canterbury. Then the following day it was to Dover and ferry across the Channel.


Gravesend Rotary President Tony Muckley sends Edwin Valarde on his way with escorts John Dent and Chris BarnettEdwin is cyclist on left next to President Tony Muckley

Edwin lives with type-1 diabetes, This is Edwin’s fourth EPiC Journey to raise awareness about what he calls the growing Global Diabetes Epidemic. 

“Over 425 million have diabetes around the world.  Sadly, 3.8 milion deaths are  caused by diabetes and high blood glucose each year,” said Edwin.

“That is greater than the number of people living in Brussels, Amsterdam and Hamburg combined!  If we do not do anything about the fast-spreading Global Diabetes Epidemic, the future numbers will grow exponentialy.”

“Gravesend Rotary has just held its giant charity cycle ride and so giving Edwin a send off is extra special for us,”said President Tony Muckley

“Also we have family members with diabetes and know what a huge challenge this must be for him to take on.” 

On Your Bike 2019

 Event, News, OnYourBike
May 222019
 

Gravesend Rotary  held it 33rd annual fun bike ride on Sunday 12th May 2019. His Worshipfulness Cllr. David Hurley the Mayor of Gravesham started the assembled riders at 08:45 sharp and wished them a safe and enjoyable ride. 550 riders cycled the 15, 30 and 45 mile routes starting from Gravesend Promenade and

returning back there.

Upon their return each rider received a slate coaster and certificate to commemorate their success. The ideal weather, the strong organisation, the beautiful Kent countryside and an atmosphere of camaraderie boosted riders’ enjoyment of the event with many vowing to return next year.

Our President, Tony Muckley, said:

“On behalf of the members of our Club I would like to congratulate the riders and thank them for their generous donations that will flow to the charities and needy causes we support. My thanks to our members, their spouses, friends, sponsors and support organisations that worked hard to set up the event, commencing last September, and to bring it to life last Sunday. Our members are eager to continue to support communities in this way. I am proud of what our club achieves and encourage the support of the local business community and the public to help us continue our work. Together we can make a difference.

“Let’s make next year’s event even better. Again, thank you.”

Munchies at Cobham

 Community, News
May 052019
 

nThe Gravesend Rotary team participated at this year’s Munchies on the Meadow event in Cobham on Saturday 4th May. We assisted the smooth coordination of the event and pitched our gazebo to advertise the On Your Bike ride on 12th May and to hand out ICE (In Case of Emergency) cards.

At times the weather was not kind but it did not deter the Gravesend team and gave an opportunity for them to provide hospitality in the gazebo during the hail and rain storms. Bob Denby struck a new friendship with Bella in the refreshment tent to keep Gravesend Rotary team well-nourished during the long day.

President Tony said, “It was an enjoyable day for everyone including for the Mayor of Gravesham David Hurley who will start the OYB event next weekend. We were very happy to roll up our sleeves and support the Munchies organisers for the second year in a row. Many people visited our gazebo and showed much interest in the imminent OYB  cycle ride and were amazed by how dynamic our club is in the local business and social communities. The ICE cards were a hit and very much appreciated by event-goers for the added safety provided in case of an emergency.”

Tony Muckley


Hive Hope: school break meals (2)

 Community, News
May 022019
 

Deborah Keys and her willing band of helpers were again providing meals for youngsters who are eligible for free school meals, this time at the Northfleet Central on Saturday 20th April.

Following on from the assistance given by Andrew Moffat and Tony and Sue Muckley, this time John Dyke and John Baker rolled up sleeves and joined in the fun.

John Dyke proved himself to be a dab hand at drying up dishes etc, and John Baker went back to childhood, and endeavoured to get racing cars running on a track.

After playtime of around 30 minutes, some 20 local children and parents were provided with a two-course hot meal and drinks.

Another example of the Rotary Club’s involvement in the local community, and particularly where we can help other Charities in the Town who are supporting the more needy.

John Baker