Rotary Club of Hythe Kent

As the new president Of the Hythe Rotary Club, I have the privilege and the responsibility of taking this club forward and at the same time making sure that it fulfills its goal set by Rotary International but continues to thrive and prosper so as to remain at the heart of our community.

Our RI president this year has as his theme “Reach within to embrace Society” I find this very fitting as this club has always relied on the mental strength, dedication and reliability of its members to help others less fortunate who are in need of help and encouragement.

To this end, apart from fundraising by other committees within the Club for various good causes, I have chosen as the President’s Charity to support “Young Carers”. Young Carers are children and Young people who look after someone in their family who has an illness, a disability or is affected by mental ill-health or substance misuse. They often take on practical or emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult.

My aim is to enable some of those young carers who are desperate for time out from their everyday duties and constraints to sail on the famous Thames Sailing Barge The “Cambria” which has been restored in Faversham at a cost of over £1.4 million and which will be used for recreational and educational purposes for young children.

The “Cambria” is a wooden Thames Sailing Barge, built at Greenhithe in 1906. She is famed as the last British registered vessel to carry a commercial cargo under sail alone
(until 1970) and as such forms a unique part of our industrial and maritime heritage.

As a retired Master Mariner,and Foster Carer , I feel that it is only fitting to unite my
two passions to help those children who are so deserving.

Reg Belcourt
President
Hythe Rotary Club
August2011