Thatcham Rotary Club increase community engagements
Thatcham Rotary Club is increasing its community engagements.
The club paid the Douai Abbey a visit last week and were the guests of the Benedictine Monastic Community.
This was a part of its outreach programme ‘Anytime Anywhere’ which was club president Tim Dyson’s brainchild.
The idea is for Rotarians to “think outside of the box and meet at different venues so as to be seen to be enjoying themselves to the community at large”.
So far, the Thatcham branch has visited Cobbs Farm Shop, West Berkshire Brewery, had a canal trip and its most recent Douai Abbey visit as a part of Anytime Anywhere.
Incoming president Maurice Franks intends to continue this initiative with a visit to the Hawk Conservatory at Thruxton already planned for the new Rotary year, commencing July 1.
Mr Dyson said he is keen for the club to be seen as an active member of the local community and learn of West Berkshires’ varied facilities and attractions.
Douai Abbey father Oliver Holt acted as host for the visit which commenced with lunch in the guest refrectory.
The Rotary Club then had a guided tour and brief history of the Abbey Church and the library archive that now houses not only Douai’s ancient books and artefacts but collections belonging to religious communities who are no longer able to provide suitable storage.
Mr Dyson thanked Mr Holt for the opportunity to visit the monastery.
The club was at the recent Thatcham Family Fun Day on Sunday, June 25 with their annual classic car show and will be holding their duck race in September.