12th January – The first meeting of the year, there was much discussion on finalising plans for the forthcoming youth events and other social activities. The Comprehensive Directory of Shaftesbury activities and organisations is starting to take shape and we are aiming to publish in the Spring.
24th January Burns Night – A joint Masonic/Rotary venture provided an evening full of entertainment with a three-course meal thanks to Liz & her team. The Selkirk grace was given by David K. The piper preceded the address to the Haggis, which was recited with great enthusiasm and theatrical prowess by David WM wielding the knife (reminiscent of a scene from Dexter). The immortal Memory by Peter S, Toast to the Lassies by Paul F followed by the reply from Clare H. The evening closed with plenty of dancing to Tom Clements & The Clementynes, a well know local group. Many thanks to all who made it happen and sixty plus that attended. The charity fund raising exceeded £800 for local causes.(Book early for 23rd Jan 2027)
22nd January – Young Chef competition Supported by The North Dorset Rotary Clubs. There were 8 competitors that had to plan and prepare a healthy two course meal to a budget. They were judged by two experienced chefs Liz Bailey of Beautiful Buffets and Barry von Clemens, both loyal supporters of the competition over the years.
Sturminster Newton High School were represented by Phoebe Chick, Amber Barlow. Hannah Kilvington and Benjamin Thompson. Shaftesbury High School were represented by Harvey Woods, Kara Rudd, Matthew Cawley and Isaac Stone.
There were two winners, Benjamin Thompson who cooked ‘Chicken Curry with basmati rice, cucumber raita, wholemeal flatbreads and fresh coriander’, followed by ‘Toasted pistachio and cardamon ice cream with a buttery lemon biscuit’.
The second winner was Isaac Stone who cooked ‘A sumptuous garlic butter steak elegantly accompanied by a serving of creamy Dauphinoise Potatoes and a refreshing side salad of peppery rocket’ followed by a ‘delightful apple crumble, accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream on the side evoking a cozy and warm ambience of home’. There were several excellent examples of good cuisine including pastry which Barry Von Clemens said was better than his grandmother’s and amazing bread rolls for a juicy burger. The winners of Young Chef were presented with a Certificate by Rotarian David Wynn Mackenzie and now could go to The Wessex Regional Final, which is an area stretching from Alton to Channel Islands to Gillingham.
We thank the judges Liz Bailey and Barry Von Clemens who gave up their time, the staff of Sturminster High School for hosting the competition and the staff of Shaftesbury High School for continuing to support the competition.
26th January 2026 – We welcomed two potential new members.
The Youth Speaks competition was postponed due to the aftermath of storm Chandra. The date released for the Young Musician at The Exchange is 19th March.
Discussion on a local talent contest in Shaftesbury were put forward as a social event or fundraiser.
Rotakids and Sponsored Swim are making progress. The swim takes place at Combe House on Sunday 22nd March
North Dorset Cycle Ride & Fun run are work in progress and website to be updated. Entries online.
A Funding Request received for support from a Girl Guide taking part in a community project in Northern Ireland was approved by the members and we look forward to hearing back on her progress after the event. Applications for funding should be sent to the Secretary via the website.
