Author: davidehughes

2 February 2025

Calling all men over 40

PSA blood screening for prostate cancer

Join us at Horsell Village Hall, 117 High St. Horsell, Woking GU21 4SS between 9:30am - 3:30pm on the 2nd Feb. 2025. You'll need to book in advance.

Why get screened for prostate cancer?

  • Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the UK.
  • Early detection can save lives. When detected early, prostate cancer is highly treatable.

"1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

Prostate Cancer UK

What is a PSA blood test?

  • Simple and Quick: A minimally invasive blood test that takes only a few minutes.
  • Accurate: Measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood, which can indicate the presence of prostate cancer.

Benefits of attending this event

  • Peace of Mind: Know your PSA levels and take charge of your health.
  • Expert Guidance: On-site healthcare professionals will be available to answer your questions and provide information.
  • Community Spirit: Join others in raising awareness and taking proactive steps against prostate cancer.

Who should attend?

  • Men aged 40 and above.
  • Men with a family history of prostate cancer.

Secure your spot today!

You will need to book in advance by registering online.

Make a start by visiting our event registration page on Cancer Testing South’s website. There you will find simple instructions to book your time on the 2nd February.

You can click on the button below:

Register here

Or snap this QR code on your phone to get there:

qr code for prostate screening registration

If you don’t have time right now, download a copy of the leaflet below. It has all the information you need to complete the registration process later.

Prostate screening flyer showing date is 2nd Feb 2025

Download the PDF

Shelterbox

Working together with Rotary, Shelterbox are able to collaborate and combine resources to ensure that they can support more communities in desperate need of shelter after a disaster.  

ShelterBox began in 2000 as a Cornish Rotary Club’s millennium project. With the support of Rotary members and clubs around the world, ShelterBox grew to become an internationally recognised, independent disaster relief organisation. Since 2012, ShelterBox and Rotary have been official Project Partners in disaster relief.

Rotarians and Rotary groups across the world support Shelterbox in a variety of ways, from raising funds and awareness to providing support on the ground during a response to a disaster.This enables Shelterbox to work more effectively and reach communities around the world.

"The partnership between Rotary and ShelterBox has provided a place of refuge to people facing some of the most difficult and uncertain moments in their lives."

John Hewko, General Secretary of Rotary International

A Global Humanitarian Response

Over many years, ShelterBox, with significant support from Rotary, has responded to various emergencies across multiple continents. In 2023 the organisation provided essential shelter and aid to thousands of families affected by disasters in countries such as Türkiye, Morocco, Libya, and Ukraine.

These responses were tailored to meet the specific needs of affected communities, ranging from emergency tents and blankets to more durable shelter solutions and hygiene kits.

  • Türkiye and Syria: Following devastating earthquakes, ShelterBox, in collaboration with Rotary in Türkiye, provided over 2,500 UN family tents, 8,000 blankets, and other vital supplies to more than 12,500 people. The efforts ensured that families could remain in their communities, supporting their recovery and livelihood activities.
  • Morocco: After a significant earthquake in the Atlas Mountains, ShelterBox and Rotary International delivered emergency shelter aid to remote villages, aiding approximately 4,400 people. The collaboration involved local Rotary clubs in the preparation and distribution of aid, showcasing the critical role of community involvement.
  • Libya: In response to severe flooding caused by Storm Daniel, ShelterBox partnered with ACTED to distribute winterization kits, hygiene kits, and household items to over 2,000 displaced individuals. This effort was crucial in providing warmth and protection during Libya’s cold winter months.

Focus on Africa

ShelterBox’s work across Africa in 2023 was marked by its response to the continent’s complex humanitarian crises, driven by conflicts and climate change.

  • Cameroon and Chad: In regions plagued by conflict, ShelterBox provided a range of emergency, transitional, and durable shelters to over 9,800 families. These projects were essential in supporting displaced populations with safe living conditions and the necessary tools for rebuilding their lives.
  • Mozambique and Somalia: Collaborating with partners like CARE and IOM, ShelterBox supported thousands of families with shelter kits and household items in response to conflicts and natural disasters. These efforts included the distribution of cash assistance and the construction of transitional shelters, ensuring that vulnerable populations could remain in their communities and maintain their livelihoods.

The organization has adapted its approach to include more flexible and sustainable aid options, such as locally procured materials and cash assistance, which allow affected people greater autonomy in their recovery. Additionally, ShelterBox has focused on reducing its environmental impact by cutting down on single-use plastics and enhancing the durability of its shelter solutions.

Alina in her temporary home with ShelterBox aid items she was provided following the flooding in Asunción. ©️Rotary International/Alyce Henson

Erecting a shelter during the conflict in Cameroon 2019

Rotarians from Greater Calbayog and Catarman Rotary Clubs assisting in distributions in Lope de Vega, Samar, Philippines following a tropical storm.

Erti and her family survived the devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Sulawesi, losing their home but finding refuge in a ShelterBox tent provided with the help of local and international aid.

Shelterbox responds immediately following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti in 2010
Donna Wallbank

Donna Wallbank, President of Rotary in Great Britain & Ireland during a visit to ShelterBox HQ in Truro.

The Importance of Partnership

Rotary clubs worldwide have been instrumental in fundraising, logistics, and local engagement, making it possible for ShelterBox to reach more communities in need. The partnership between the two organizations has evolved over the years, becoming a model of effective humanitarian collaboration.

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This film provides a great understanding of ShelterBox today.

The 2023 Impact Report

The 2023 Rotary Impact Report showcases a year of significant achievements for ShelterBox and Rotary International, as they worked together to provide life-saving aid to communities affected by disasters and conflicts. The report highlights the importance of innovation, local partnerships, and community involvement in enhancing the impact of humanitarian efforts. As the global need for emergency shelter continues to grow, the partnership between ShelterBox and Rotary remains crucial in ensuring that no one is left without shelter after a disaster.

Shelterbox 2023 impact report

Download the PDF

Tools of Change

Workaid is empowering lives in east Africa

How you can give a helping hand to Workaid's efforts transforming communities through the donation of hand tools.

For decades, this remarkable charity has been quietly revolutionising communities, one tool at a time. Supported by dedicated partners, Workaid is uplifting lives, empowering individuals, and fostering sustainable change across the region. It does this by refurbishing donated tools and equipment and shipping the items to countries in East Africa in order to provide long-term practical assistance to people needing help to escape poverty.

Work Aid is a registered charity No. 1041574 based in Chesham.

All these images of beneficiaries of tool donations are shown courtesy of Workaid. Find out more about the stories behind the images by visiting Workaid.org
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This video, featuring Benjamin Mwine, Workaid’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer in Uganda, gives a sense of the impact of Workaid.

Is it time to hand over your
hand tools?

Woking Rotary Club is collecting tools in any* condition on behalf of Workaid.

The club will be pleased to receive any gardening or workshop tools currently tucked away in your shed, garages and lofts and for which you have no further use. Knitting and sewing machines are also particularly welcome.

To find out more about how you can support this good cause visit workaid.org or contact Woking Rotary Club.

* We do ask that any mechanical items are in good working order.
Garden electrical items should display a CE mark.

Get in touch

Please share the PDF leaflet below with anyone you know that might be interested in clearing out their toolbox.

Download the PDF

Mizens Kids Day Out

Miniature railway, maximum fun: Rotary Woking's Mizens Kids Day Out delivers big smiles

As the promised warmth of summer approaches, so does the excitement for another of Rotary Woking’s events, the Mizens Kids Day Out at the Mizens Miniature Railway. Scheduled for August this year, this eagerly awaited occasion promised great fun for local children in care and their foster families. The weather may not have been all we could have hoped for but set against the colourful backdrop of the miniature railway, it was nevertheless a memorable experience.

Mizens Railway

11 June 2025

Rotary Children’s Fun Day

A day of joy and laughter – 11th June 2025

Woking Rotary Club proudly supports Rotary GB&I and Kids in Mind to create unforgettable experiences for children in need.

Woking Rotary Club is excited to announce its support for the 2025 Rotary Children’s Fun Day, a heartwarming event organised by Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland (Rotary GB&I) in collaboration with Kids in Mind. On 11th June 2025, this annual event will bring joy to over 25,000 children from disadvantaged backgrounds, offering them a day of fun and adventure.

Creating Lasting Memories

Rotary clubs across the UK work tirelessly to make this day possible, with nearly 2,500 Rotarians volunteering their time. Children facing challenges—whether due to poverty, life-limiting conditions, or domestic violence—will have the chance to escape their worries at over 100 venues, from theme parks to theatres, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Why it Matters

This event is more than just a day out; it’s a lifeline for many of the UK’s most vulnerable children. The fun-filled experiences help build happier, healthier childhoods, offering these young people a chance to thrive in nurturing environments.

The Power of Rotary

For over 30 years, Rotary has been committed to giving disadvantaged and disabled children opportunities to explore, have fun, and experience new adventures. For 2025, Rotary plans to reach another 30,000 children, continuing to spread hope and joy across the country.

Helping build sustainable futures

In the heart of Kenya, where arid landscapes stretch for miles, lies a beacon of hope - the charity, Sand Dams Worldwide.

An Investment in hope and sustainability

With a mission to alleviate water scarcity and empower communities through sustainable solutions, Sand Dams Worldwide has been instrumental in transforming lives.

The challenge of drylands

One of the most pressing challenges in this regard is the scarcity of safe water in the world’s drylands. These arid regions, which constitute over 40% of the Earth’s surface, are home to approximately 2.3 billion people. Often trapped in cycles of rural poverty, these communities struggle against the harsh realities of an unforgiving climate, with limited access to reliable water sources.

Sand Dams: A sustainable solution

By supporting the construction of sand dams, they are providing a sustainable solution that not only captures and stores seasonal rainfall but also ensures a steady supply of safe water for years to come. These sand dams, the most cost-effective method of water conservation in drylands, are transforming lives by enabling communities to secure their water needs, grow food, and build a more stable future.

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A short animation explaining how sand dams work and their transformative effect on local communities.

Rotary’s lasting impact

With an investment exceeding £1 million, Rotary has funded the construction of over 70 sand dams, benefiting more than 130,000 people. This is not merely charity; it is an investment in opportunity, sustainability, and the empowerment of some of the world’s most vulnerable populations.

Uniting for a common cause

Through these efforts, Rotary is demonstrating that with the right partnerships and a commitment to long-term solutions, it is possible to make a tangible difference in the fight against poverty. The impact of their work is measured not just in the numbers of lives touched, but in the hope and resilience that now defines these once-struggling communities. In a world often divided by inequality and hardship, Rotary’s work is a testament to what can be achieved when humanity unites for a common cause.

A partnership for global good

In partnership with Sand Dams Worldwide, Rotarians from over 200 clubs across Great Britain, Ireland, Europe, and Kenya are committed to advancing a set of core humanitarian goals. These include the promotion of peace, disease prevention, access to clean water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education, and community development. Together, they are not just addressing the symptoms of global poverty but are tackling its root causes with a blend of innovation and compassion.

The two Rotary clubs in Woking worked together to contribute to the funding of the Tassia ‘C’ dam that is now benefiting the villagers located in the Leruki Conservancy in northern Kenya.

12 October 2025

Ready to make a big splash?

Plenty of time to get ready for later this year

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The charities supported in 2024

The money raised from the 2024 Swimathon will be shared between a number of local charities supported by Woking Rotary Club including, amongst others, Woking & Sam Beare Hospices, Samber-RDA, GASP Motor Project and Woking Youth Theatre.

Woking & Sam Beare hospices
Samber
GASP
WYT

“This annual event is entering its 17th year and has raised over £220,000 for local charities”

Terry Smith

swimathon participants 2022

Since its inception, the Rotary Woking Swimathon has captured the hearts and minds of locals, drawing participants from across the region eager to do their part for charity. Typically we have over 300 swimmers entering, collectively covering a staggering distance equivalent to crossing the English Channel multiple times over. The result? An average of over £10,000 each year raised for a variety of charitable causes, from supporting vulnerable communities to funding vital medical research.
swimming in lanes
Woking Rotary Swimathon
Trident Honda Logo

For the 16th year Trident Honda Ottershaw are sponsoring the event and we are grateful for their continued support.

How to get involved

Joining in is simple!

  • Find five or six friends, family or colleagues to form a team. (If you can’t persuade anyone to swim with you we try to slot you into another team.
  • Complete a team entry form. (available online from June 2025)
  • Make sure all your friends, family and colleagues sponsor you. Make use of the PDF sponsorship form, or better still, create a JustGiving fundraising page by clicking on the big purple JustGiving button that will appear below from June 2025. (Funds for this years event needed to be collected and sent in by 23rd November 2024 at the latest. The 2024 JustGiving campaign is now closed)

FAQs

Our Swimathon is a fun event organised by the Rotary Club of Woking to raise money for charitable causes.

Everyone! Local charities get money to help with their important work, whilst the teams of swimmers have lots of fun trying to swim as many lengths as possible whilst raising as much sponsorship money as possible.

This year’s charities are: Woking & Sam Beare Hospices, GASP, Citizens Advice Woking, SAMBER-RDA and Woking Youth Theatre, along with other local charities supported by the Rotary Club of Woking Benevolent Fund (“RCWBF”).

Any confident swimmer who is at least 8 years old, so teams representing many local schools (pupils, staff and parents take part, plus teams from Rotary clubs, youth groups, health clubs, shops, charities, offices, police, paramedics, families, businesses, fire crew, nurses and doctors, friends, scouts and guides, cubs and brownies, swimming clubs.

All team members who take part will be awarded a commemorative medal.

Organising an event such as this takes significant resources. We always try to keep our costs to a minimum. Volunteers do all the work but inevitably there are expenses. For the 16th successive year, Trident Honda is the main sponsor of the Swimathon and is meeting a substantial share of these costs. But this still leaves a large sum to find, and we very much welcome other sponsorship for the event, either corporate or individual.

You and your team will not only raise vital funds for local charities but will have lots of FUN being part of a great day.

We have teams from schools, youth groups, families, work colleagues, sports clubs, local businesses, charities and groups of friends. Everyone is made very welcome, and we hope they all leave with a great sense of achievement. Teams are usually made up of six swimmers, but this can vary.

All swimmers must be safe in deep water, but because you only swim one length at a time you don’t have to be especially strong. You will be in the water for 55 minutes, but you will be resting at the end of your lane between lengths. The whole team may swim about 100 lengths in total, but if one of you is much stronger than the others, you might swim more lengths than your team mates. Taking part is what really matters.

The activity within the Pool building is under the supervision and control of the Pool management at all times.

We welcome children taking part. The minimum age for swimmers is eight years at the time of the event and every team member must be confident swimming in deep water. Children less than sixteen years old need the consent of their parents or guardians. In the case of School Teams, this may be arranged through the school, if the Rotary Club of Woking agrees in advance.

Information and documents for the event, including entry and sponsorship forms, are available here on this website. Entry and sponsorship enquiries should be made to Terry Smith on 01483 762832 or at terry@wychstar.co.uk.