Ashtead’s Big Charity Day: How Your Visit Helps Change Lives

Every June, thousands of people pour into the QEII Playing Fields for Ashtead Rotary Village Day — a highlight of the local calendar and one of the most loved community events in Surrey.

But what many visitors don’t realise is that simply by turning up, buying a programme, and enjoying the day with family and friends, they are helping to transform lives both locally and around the world.

Because Village Day isn’t just a brilliant day out - It’s Ashtead’s biggest charity fundraiser of the year.

Last year alone, Ashtead Rotary Club distributed over £13,000 to charities and community organisations — all raised thanks to your support at Village Day and during our Christmas collections.

For many small local charities, these grants are not just helpful; they are essential. They keep vital services running, help volunteers stay equipped, and ensure that vulnerable people in our community continue to receive the support they rely on.

When you buy a programme from one of our local outlets and join us on the day, you’re doing far more than enjoying the stalls, entertainment, classic cars and food.You’re helping charities survive.

Who Benefits From Your Support?

The money raised from Village Day reaches a wide range of organisations — from household names to small, local groups working quietly but powerfully behind the scenes.

National and International Charities

Your support helps well‑known charities such as:

• RNLI – saving lives at sea

• Alzheimer’s Society – supporting people living with dementia

• Princess Alice Hospice – providing compassionate end‑of‑life care

These organisations rely on community fundraising to continue their vital work.

Local Community Charities

Closer to home, your generosity supports:

• The Meeting Room – helping local people facing homelessness or hardship

• Dyscover – supporting those living with aphasia

• Besom – providing practical help to families in need

These smaller charities often operate on tight budgets, and Rotary grants make a meaningful difference to their ability to serve Ashtead and the surrounding area.

Rotary Toy Box Initiative

Your visit to Ashtead Village Day also supports the Rotary Toy Boxes project, which ensures that every child living in a domestic abuse refuge receives their own Christmas Toy Box. Each box is filled with new toys, giving children a moment of joy at a time when they need it most.

Local Sports and Community Groups

Ashtead’s own sports clubs have also benefitted. Grants to Ashtead Cricket Club and Ashtead Tennis Club have helped fund development plans that support young people and encourage active, healthy lifestyles.

Even more locally, your support helps fund the Senior Citizens Christmas Party and the annual film shows at the Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall — small events that bring huge joy to many.

Why Rotary? Because We’re People of Action

Ashtead Rotary Club is always looking for new members and supporters who want to make a difference — whether locally, nationally, or internationally.

Rotary is one of the world’s largest and most successful humanitarian service organisations, with 1.2 million members in over 200 countries. In Great Britain and Ireland alone, 35,000 Rotarians in 1,500 clubs volunteer their time and skills to tackle challenges in seven key areas:

• Promoting Peace

• Fighting Disease

• Providing Clean Water

• Supporting Education

• Saving Mothers and Children

• Growing Local Economies

• Supporting the Environment

Rotarians are People of Action. We see problems and look for solutions. We use our professional skills, our networks, and our energy to create opportunities, support those who need it most, and make lasting change.

And it all starts right here in Ashtead.

Our Impact Starts With You

Every ticket bought, every programme purchased, every visit to Village Day helps us continue this work. Your support ensures that Ashtead Rotary can keep funding charities, backing local groups, and delivering projects that make our community stronger.

So, when you join us at Ashtead Rotary Village Day, remember:You’re not just attending an event — you’re helping change lives.

If you’d like to get involved, volunteer, or learn more about Rotary, we’d love to hear from you.