Rotary Club Invites Volunteers & Groups to Help River Clean-Up

Henley Rotary Club whose focus is now more an environmental club is joining up with the Rotary Thames Valley District for a River Thames clean up on the weekend of 7-8 May.

Last Saturday, Phil Fletcher, District Environmental Team Leader and member of Henley Rotary Club outlined the plans to Henley Rowing Club members, Ann Tully and Louise Clarke and Henley Mermaids; Joan Fennelly and Susan Barry at The Three Tuns pub.  Henley Mermaids have chosen Surfers Against Sewage as their charity this year.

Phil a former mechanical engineer has spent most of his career in the plastic and packaging industries said,  “We are hoping to engage most of the 56 clubs in the District each club organising their own river Clean-Up in their area and involving local Green groups and youth organisations.  We are doing this at the start of the boating season and again in September at the end of the season.”

The Rotary Club started their End Plastic Soup campaign in Amsterdam in 2018 and it has spread to many countries around the world.

Last October, Phil organised a pilot river clean up between Sonning and Shiplake locks.  Three boats supplied by Thames Rescue Service were used by volunteers with others cleaning litter from the towpath.  Surfers against Sewage provided the litter pickers and rubbish bags.

If you would like to get involved in the river Clean-Up please email Phil at Phil.fletcher@henleyrotary.club