Chinnor Rotary – update on community projects

19th October 2026

Here is an update on the community projects and activities carried out by Chinnor Rotary members:

RYLA – Rotary Youth Leadership Award – presentation on 1^st October

- Sophie Kench’s talk about her experience with RYLA took place at the Chinnor Village Centre on Thursday 1 October. Sophie spoke about learning to lead and trust a team, pushing beyond her comfort zone, and discovering that the toughest challenges can become the most rewarding experiences. She also recalled overcoming blisters, rashes, heat, steep hills and unstable ground during the programme’s big hike.

- Her message to other young people? Go above and beyond—RYLA is an experience worth taking on! If you will be 18 to 25 years old in July 2027, please send your CV to [email protected]

- Sophie’s RYLA participation was possible thanks to grants from Chinnor Beer Festival, Clare Foundation as well as the Bollywood Dinner Dance fundraiser by Bipul’s Kitchen, Chinnor Rotary corporate member.

We planted Purple4Polio crocus corms near Wheatsheaf Pub in October

We planted 3,000 purple4polio crocus corms in the green areas around Oakley Road – near Wheatsheaf, Chinnor around on Sunday 11 October.
Most of the remaining 1,000 crocus corms were donated to Mill Lane Community Garden. Their volunteers will be planting them during the week commencing 19^th October
Purple crocuses symbolise the purple ink used to mark the little finger of children who receive the vaccine in at-risk countries. Rotary International is an important contributor to the eradication campaign, and this is one of the initiatives which drew many of us to Rotary in the first place. Donations towards the EndPolioNow are more than welcome and can be made via https://www.endpolio.org/

We supported Friends of the Earth’s Village Chinnor Litter Pick in October

Chinnor Rotary members supported this community event. Although the weather was beautiful the volunteer participation was low. More public awareness is required in understanding the consequences of the plastic pollution affecting our environment.

Next events:

Laying a Royal British Legion poppy wreath: we will be joining the local community at the Chinnor Memorial on Remembrance Sunday.
Chinnor Village Centre Santa Sleigh : we look forward to supporting this key fundraiser by volunteering as Santas or Elves as required by Chinnor Village Centre in December.

Why Join Chinnor Rotary?

Rotary in Chinnor welcomes people from all backgrounds, ages, and abilities. Our club thrives on a multi-generational approach, bringing together younger and older members to work side by side. In addition to delivering community projects, we also have fun during our monthly Saturday coffee mornings at Chinnor Village Centre as well as fellowship dinners at Bipul’s Kitchen, our Rotary corporate member.