A tree-planting ceremony in Oaken Grove Park this week marked both the 116th anniversary of Rotary and the organisation’s historic adoption of ‘protecting the environment’ as a core objective.
| The rowan tree was planted for Rotary Day – February 23rd – by Maidenhead Rotary Club president Mary Spinks and Cllr Donna Stimson, the borough’s cabinet member for climate change and sustainability. It is the first time Rotary has added a new ‘area of focus’ to its original six objectives: promoting peace; fighting disease; providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene; maternal and child health; supporting education; and community economic development.  Rotary president Mary Spinks (right) with Cllr Donna Stimson. Photo: Maria Scavetta/Photogica | Mary said: “We felt planting a tree was the most appropriate way of marking both the Rotary anniversary and its commitment to protecting the environment.“ Green issues are not new to Rotary. But with growing concern about climate change, its inclusion as a seventh area of focus will allow us to tackle environmental protection with the same commitment as our campaign to eradicate polio." She added: “Many of our members also spent the day on environmental projects, such as planting their own trees or picking up plastic where they live.” Cllr Stimson, who helped arrange the planting, said: “I was delighted to be approached by Mary. We are already working with Rotary on their Open Gardens weekend and hope to collaborate further on other volunteering activities. As we come out of this dreadful pandemic we are looking for opportunities to draw communities closer together and organisations like Rotary can play a key part.” The Open Gardens weekend, which aims to showcase a range of interesting gardens in the Maidenhead area, is due to take place from June 26-27. There is still time for gardens to register to take part. For more details see: www.maidenheadrotary.co.uk/maidenhead-open-gardens.html |
 | Maidenhead Open Gardens We will have lots of local gardens for you to visit and enjoy. Perhaps you would consider opening your garden? This is a new event for Maidenhead and surrounding villages organised by Maidenhead Rotary Club www.maidenheadrotary.co.uk |