Passing the Torch and celebrating Leadership and Community
After 4 years at the helm of Crowborough Rotary, Graham Bucksey handed over the presidential reins to Ken Maynard on 2nd July 2025. Ken acknowledged what a hard act Graham is to follow!
In January 2021, Graham initiated the reconstitution of a Rotary Club in Crowborough after the previous club had ceased. With guidance from District, Crowborough became a satellite of Orpington Rotary with Graham as Chairman. The first fundraising event was a golf day in October 2021 at Crowborough Beacon Golf Club and Crowborough became a satellite of Heathfield Rotary. The Club gained independence on 11th August 2022 with 20 members.
Community Engagement
Graham has built strong relationships with many local organisations, including:
- Crowborough Food Bank
- Crowborough Women’s Refuge
- Family2 Family
- Friend of Crowborough Citizens Advice
- Wealden Works
- World in Need
- Crowborough Community Forum
- Taylor Made Dreams
This year, our main charity is Hospice in the Weald.
One of the first Crowborough Rotary partnerships was with Wealden Dementia Alliance and supporting the Community Café in Crowborough Community Church.
Supporting Local Events
Graham established a strong link with the Town Council, supporting events such as:
- Fireworks Display
- Christmas Fayre
- VE Day
- Sussex Day
The club also served refreshments at concerts held by ‘Singing for Fun’ and with Grahams design have introduced the entertaining and colorful Human Fruit Machine.
Looking Ahead 2025/26 with Ken Maynard
Ken quoted the new Italian President of Rotary International: “Unite For Good”.
“Friendship and Trust is the cornerstone for a club’s development. We need to grow Rotary through relationships. This will make our club more welcoming, more flexible, more open to new ideas. We need to have a culture of belonging where all members feel valued, engaged and inspired and we need to use resources to help members develop their own skills and abilities.”
Ken’s focus for the coming year is:
- Increasing membership and collaborating with nearby clubs in East Sussex.
- Strengthening our connection with the Crowborough Community.
- Focusing on the environment and empowering young people.
He concluded his speech:
“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.” – The Dalai Lama
Let’s do something!
We always welcome new members so if you are interested email us admin@crowboroughrotary.org
