Rotary Club of Flint and Holywell

24/10/2026

ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE
ROTARY CHRISTMAS FLOAT ITINERARY
It may still be October, but Rotarians are already busy preparing the Christmas Float, ready for Father Christmas and his Elves to commence their annual tour of the Towns and Villages in our area.
The publishing of The Float Itinerary Dates is always eagerly anticipated in order that the appropriate dates are firmly placed in calendars and diaries to ensure children don't miss their opportunity to meet Father Christmas and give him their list of Christmas presents.
**THE FLOAT ITINERARY IS DUE TO BE FINALISED SHORTLY**
So to make sure you don't miss this:
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24/10/2026

20/10/2026

The Rotary Club of Flint & Holywell were out in force, resplendent in tabards and funny hats, raising money for Marie Curie Nurses last weekend. This time, the Rotarians were standing outside Tesco's Holywell Store.
Club President David Prothero commented that the Holywell Store may be one of Tesco's smaller stores in this area, but their customers were certainly amongst the most generous with just under £1,000 raised over the weekend. David stated that throughout the year The Rotary Club were out raising money to support numerous local charities and needy causes, however there is rarely difficulty in collecting money for The Marie Curie Nurses. In many cases, the silence of folding bank notes replaces the chinks of coins as people who have experienced the care and devotion Marie Curie nurses gave their family and friends in their time of need, tell us of their experiences.
Paul Islip, Secretary of the Rotary Club seen on the left of the photo, reported to members that The Flintshire/North Wales Volunteers Branch had only recently announced that their fund raising efforts had only recently broken the £1/2m barrier, - a rare achievement indeed.
The Flint and Holywell Rotary Club have been regular supporters of the nurses for many years and in addition to Holywell, they had also been out collecting at the large Tesco Superstore in Broughton a couple of weeks ago.

12/10/2026

This is what we do in The Rotary Club of Flint & Holywell.
We are locally based people who have worked in and for the Community for over 50 years now and want to give something back to those less fortunate than ourselves. You will see Rotarians standing outside Tesco, collecting money for Marie Curie Nurses or bringing Father Christmas to the children of Flintshire with our brightly lit float. We help organise Sports Days for disabled children and provide careers advice to our local school children. We help keep our beautiful foreshore adjacent to the Dee Estuary free of litter and we support our local Hospices and our elderly citizens and many many more, whilst all the time enjoying ourselves.
Want to know any more about what we do? Message us.

30/09/2026

****INTERNATIONAL HONOUR FOR NORTH WALES ROTARIAN*****
Monday nights meeting of The Rotary Club of Flint and Holywell was probably the most important and astonishing in the Club’s long history.
A large gathering of friends, relatives and Rotarians from the local and many other Rotary Clubs were in attendance to an event which was planned to celebrate one of North Wales most popular and hard working Charity organisers and “characters”, Barry Harrison.
Barry thought that he was simply attending a normal Club meeting where he had agreed to be interviewed by fellow Rotarian David Pearse about his career as a pharmacist and the numerous charities and major Welsh Organisations of which he had been a Member.
Guests heard how Barry had been a Member and indeed Chair of many of these, including The Regional Health Board, The North Wales Police Authority, The Welsh Pharmaceutical Society as well as being a Governor of local schools and The Countess Hospital in Chester.
David described to the audience Barry’s career as a pharmacist. Needless to say, Barry was both a Member of the National Welsh Pharmaceutical body, and also his regional branch which he chaired. Barry is now 86 yet is still a practising pharmacist, working in a Deeside pharmacy 2-3 days a week, (and more when required) travelling the 40 mile roound trip from his home in Trelogan. He is still on the committee of numerous charities including one, dear to his heart, The Local Alzheimers Society which he chaired for many years. He personaly set up and and Chairs “The Christmas Stars Project” which involves distributing “stars" to local schoolchildren who can personalise these as their own memorials to loved ones who are no longer with them at Christmas time. David then listed so many charities and local bodies that Barry has chaired and supported over many years including the British Legion, Flint Town Utd F.C. Age Concern, Danger Point, The Lifeboat and many many more.
But if there is one action of Barry’s which David said, stood out above all others, it was Barry’s selfless actions during THE COVID PANDEMIC.
At a time when doctors' surgeries were closed due to shielding, Barry continued to provide a pharmacy service for his community including face to face consultations, regardless of the risk to his own life in those dreadful times.
He was 80 at this time, and of course, the inevitable happened.
Barry contracted Covid.
Almost miraculously, after being seriously affected, as soon as he felt well enough, he was back in his Deeside pharmacy after a gap of only 3 months!
The audience was taken aback by the list of his appointments and achievements, but more was to come.
Unbeknown to him and most of the audience, after the “Interview” The District Governor of Rotary, Andrew Allen stood up with the news that Governing Committee of Rotary International, based in Chicago U.S.A. had decided to award Barry,
*THE PAUL HARRIS FELLOWSHIP WITH FIVE SAPPHIRES*
This Award is name after Paul Harris who founded Rotary Clubs in The USA in the early 1900. Barry already had received The Paul Harris Award, the highest honour Rotary U.K. can give for outstanding service some 15 years ago, however this award from Rotary International is extremely rare and virtually unknown to most members.
The lapel badge shown in the photo is in solid 18 ct gold and is surrounded by 5 sapphires. Barry is believed to be one of the oldest, if not THE oldest practising Rotarian in the Contry and in making the presentation, Andrew stated that not only was he staggered to hear the incredible list of Barry’s works in the community, he also felt humbled and somewhat emotional to come across a person who he said, epitomised, the motto of The Rotary Movement
- “SERVICE ABOVE SELF’
He also pointed out that Rotary International HQ in Chicago (who provided the badge at no charge to the Club) had stressed the importance attached to this Award and they strongly recommended that the badge should be insured for $5,000!!
Barry has already served as President of The Rotary Club of Flint & Holywell 3 times before and at the age of 87 he will be taking on the role for a fourth time.

18/08/2026

** ETHICAL HACKERS VISIT ROTARY CLUB!! **
Members of The Rotary Club of Flint & Holywell were left "shell-shocked" after receiving a visit and talk from two representatives from Deeside based technology consultancy & digital systems company, "SHELLEX LTD"
The CEO of the Company, Arcana Corvus and her co director, Skylar Sutherland explained to a bemused audience that they were "ethical hackers" and the basis of their operations was to "hack" into client company's systems, to find the weaknesses and then to resolve the problems before dishonest hackers found the openings!
Arcana described how only last week, The Police Force's own computer systems had been hacked and this followed on from numerous well publicised other "victims including the Coop, The UK Electoral Commission and major international bodies including McDonalds, Shell, Phillips and even The US Government's own Office of Personnel Management!
Arcana described how hackers were now extremely sophisticated and professional in their approach, with some state run by countries such as Russia, China and North Korea. Indeed "ransom" sums obtained by North Korean Hackers now forms a major source of this State's income! In addition, there were thousands of private hackers, many based in country's such as India, Pakistan and Nigeria who are stealing billions from large multinational companies to small private individuals. Other groups hack to gain information about competitor companies, whilst others are amazingly young but very sophisticated. Kids, some in their early teens, hack, simply 'because they can" but their actions can cause enormous problems
Rotarians could be seen slumping further into their seats at the prospect of their ISA's and pension funds disappearing into the grasping hands of one of these hackers!
Arcana used the analogy of a huge state of the art Apartment Block, protected by the latest security systems, but where somebody has left a small back door unlocked. It is her company's job to use the same skills as the hackers to find these open doors and shut them and also to advise improvements to existing security systems.
Former Rotarian President Andy Orhan on behalf of the Rotary Club expressed his appreciation to Arcana and Skylar whose question and answer session extended well into the late evening. He mentioned that only the previous week a fellow Rotarian's email account had been hacked resulting in many members receiving requests for money!
On bringing the meeting to a close, Club President David Prothero added his appreciation for the time and information given by the guest speakers and pointed out to members and the many guests in attendance, that this most interesting talk was just one of the many benefits of membership of Rotary International.
PHOTOGRAPH LEFT TO RIGHT:
David Prothero Club President. Arcana Corvus & Skylar Sutherland (Shellhex Ltd)
Paul Islip Club Secretary

05/08/2026

*** PRESENTATION OF THE DR. GRUFF JONES COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD***
The Rotary Club of Flint & Holywell were delighted to welcome to their meeting this week Lilly Blythin, the winner of this year’s Dr Gruff Jones award for outstanding community service. This annual award was created in memory of Dr Gruff, a well respected Holywell GP for over 32 years and a long serving member of his local Rotary Club.
It is awarded to the Ysgol Treffynnon student who was considered to have made the most significant contribution to community life both at school and in the Holywell area.
Lilly told the Club about her work and interests. She described how she always tries to put her best efforts into helping others, especially those in need of support.
Lilly came to The Presentation Ceremony at The Springfield Hotel accompanied by proud parents, Michaela and David.
She was presented with the award by Rotary President David Prothero, who commented on not only her contribution to the community, but also the confident manner in which she delivered her acceptance speech. On behalf of the Club he congratulated her on her success and reminded her that receiving such a prestigious award would be a great asset to her C.V. when applying to University and job applications in the future.
He wished Lilly well in her future, which she says will probably focus on a career in engineering, or a science based profession, this ambition being greeted with great enthusiasm by Rotarian Alan Brooke, himself a retired engineer.
The President also paid tribute to long standing Rotarian Rob Board who has over many years put in huge amounts of effort, not only with this Award but in his work with Schools and the local Community.
Photos show
1. Lilly receiving her award from President of the Club
2. Lilly with parents and David
3. Lilly delivering her acceptance speech
4. Lilly with Rotarian Rob Board, organiser of this Award Scheme

06/07/2026

At a well attended meeting of The Rotary Club of Flint & Holywell, David Prothero took over as Chair of the Club with the badge of Office being presented by Holywell Chartered Accountant and former Club President, Malcolm Mellor who introduced David into the Club many years ago. David is a retired Electrical Retailer, well known in Flint where he traded for many years as Flintshire Appliances. The shop continues to trade successfully in the Town and is now run by David's son, Gareth.
Former Flint pharmacist Barry Harrison took over as Senior Vice President of the Club. Although now well in his 80s, Barry is still a practising pharmacist and works in a busy Deeside Pharmacy. Club Secretary Paul Islip described Barry as a human dynamo whose amazing energy puts Club Members half his age to shame!!
One of the first duties of the new President was to welcome a new Member into the Club. Mark Isherwood is well known in the area as a former Member of The Senedd, having served this area for over 23 years. Mark who is married to Hilary, was formerly Chair of Mold Round Table and has been attending meetings for some time now. Already he has taken part in a number of Club events including serving behind the bar at the recent Caerwys Show which The Rotary Club has run successfully for a number of years. This year the increasing popularity of The Caerwys Show has meant the introduction of a second bar was required to cope with the extra demand. One of the Show organisers and fellow Rotary Member, Andy Orhan stated, "The organisation of the two bars on The Showground has, this year, involved some 30 Rotarians and Friends of Rotary and we had no hesitation in throwing Mark straight into the deep end where the additional pair of hands behind the bar was most welcome!"
Mark also helped out at a Rotary Sports Event For the Disabled in Wrexham, where he expertly wielded the rake in The Long Jump Pit!
PHOTOS:
1. New Club President David Prothero being introduced by Malcolm Mellor
2. Club President David with Senior Vice President Barry Harrison
3. Club President David welcomes new Rotarian Mark Isherwood

06/06/2026

Today June 6th 2026, it is the 82nd Anniversary of D Day when Allied Forces stormed the beaches and hinterland of Normandy to reclaim France and mainland Europe from the Germans after 4 years of occupation. The first troops to land in the early hours were soldiers of The Ox & Bucks Regiment led by Major John Howard whose gliders in a daring action made famous in the film, "The Longest Day" landed only a few yards from an important bridge forever known as Pegasus Bridge and were the first soldiers to commence the fighting on this momentous day.
Capturing the Bridge was essential to prevent German tanks and armour counter attacking Allied troops who would shortly be landing on the beaches at daybreak.
The first citizens of France to be liberated on D Day were the owners of a cafe next to the bridge, George's and Therese Gondree. They, along with their 4 year old daughter Arlette, brought out refreshments to the soldiers whilst the battle still raged! (Arlette's older sister Georgette, remained inside the cafe hidden in the cellars!)
Later, Monsieur Gondree, an important member of the French Resistance dug up 78 bottles of ch*****ne he had buried when the Germans attacked in 1940 to celebrate the event and shared these with the victorious soldiers.
After the war, The Gondrees renamed their cafe "PEGASUS BRIDGE CAFE" and it has ever since been a place of pilgrimage for veterans of D Day, their families and all the many visitors who have visited the site of this famous battle. After the passing of Monsieur and Madam Gondree, their daughter, Madam Arlette has continued the tradition and as the first surviving French person to be liberated on D Day she has featured regularly in all the subsequent D Day Celebrations.
In 2018, a group of Rotarians from The Rotary Club of Flint & Holywell visited The Normandy Beaches and Pegasus Bridge, and were introduced to Madam Arlette who Rotarian David Pearse had met a number of times before this trip and also on subsequent occasions. Madam Arlette showed The Rotary Group around the cafe which although still functioning as a cafe, is also a museum full of artefacts from the event donated by former veterans and their families. Two years ago David revisited Pegasus Bridge cafe again and introduced his two granddaughter to Madam Arlette, still a remarkable beautiful and sprightly lady at 84. For two teenagers who are both studying The Second World War in their History lessons, this was indeed a very special occasion that both will remember for the rest of their lives
PHOTO 1: Madam Arlette Gondre with Rotarians holding The Tabard of The Flint & Holywell Rotary Club
PHOTO 2: The Pegasus Bridge Cafe and its proximity to the famous Bridge
PHOTO 3: Madam Gondree inside the Cafe.
TO THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THE FREEDOM OF FUTURE GENERATIONS
"WE WILL REMEMBER THEM"

03/06/2026

*** CAERWYS. SHOW. JUNE. 13TH 2026 ***
One of the most popular social events of the year for the people of North East Wales will once again take place at Ty Ucha Farm Caerwys on Saturday June 13th.
Each year The Caerwys Agricultural Show gets bigger and bigger, offering a huge range of attractions which brings in visitors from far and wide.
This year's competitions include, Livestock, equine, shepherding and young handlers as well as vintage tractors and classic cars. Other attractions include a food fare, produce stalls, floral arts displays, a dog show and of course, The Main Event, - THE GRAND PARADE.
Once again The Rotary Club of Flint & Holywell will be supporting the event as they have done FOR THE PAST 25 YEARS.
The Rotary Club, which itself is celebrating its 70th Anniversary this year will be providing bars to keep the visitors refreshed during their visit. Due to the increasing numbers of visitors, Club Members with other volunteers now provide two bars, -the main Show Bar and the more relaxed Marquee Music Bar. Profits from these bars are shared 50-50 with the Show organisers, and these proceeds help The Rotary. Club to continue supporting numerous local needy causes as well as The Annual Christmas Float and international disaster relief requests.
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