WE WELCOME VISITORS ALL THE WAY FROM THAILAND
01/10/2026
At our meeting on Tuesday 22nd September we welcomed our first-ever Rotarian husband and wife team from nearly 6,000 miles across the world.
Members of Shrewsbury Severn Rotary gave visitors John and Lynne Lathbury from the Rotary Club of Samui-Phangan based on Ko Samui, Thailand, a warm reception at their last meeting.
In what is a Rotary tradition banners were exchanged between the two clubs and the visitors also presented Shrewsbury Severn member Gareth Watkins, who was standing in as chair of the meeting, with a Rotary pin.
The visitors spoke of their Rotary club’s support for autistic children which has included encouraging them to swim with the provision of goggles and swim suites to encourage them into the ocean.
Teaching local children essential swimming and water safety skills has been primarily led by John who is a diving instructor and will be introducing a lifeguard circulation course when the couple return to Thailand in October.
And through Lynne, the Rotary Club of Samui-Phangan runs a cancer awareness programme.
‘Think Pink Samui’ is an innovative and compassionate initiative led by the Rotary Club of Samui-Phangan. The aim is to address a critical gap in women’s healthcare on Koh Samui by providing advanced breast imaging services combined with community education and early detection.
With enhanced diagnostic technology such as high-resolution ultrasound, Koh Samui Hospital could provide even greater support for early breast cancer detection on the island.
Many women delay seeking care due to travel barriers, cost, or lack of awareness-leading to late-stage diagnoses. Early detection is proven to dramatically improve survival rates and treatment options.
As a result the Thailand Rotary Club is seeking financial donations from individuals, businesses and other clubs as well as Rotary partnerships for joint grants or co-operative opportunities.
They are also applying for a Rotary Global Grant to fund what they claim is a large- scale international humanitarian project.
She added: “Being a Rotarian is simple. However, it can make a big impact and difference to the lives of many people.”
Anyone wishing to know more about Shrewsbury Severn Rotary Club can contact president@shrewsburyrotary.co.
Members of Shrewsbury Severn Rotary gave visitors John and Lynne Lathbury from the Rotary Club of Samui-Phangan based on Ko Samui, Thailand, a warm reception at their last meeting.
In what is a Rotary tradition banners were exchanged between the two clubs and the visitors also presented Shrewsbury Severn member Gareth Watkins, who was standing in as chair of the meeting, with a Rotary pin.
The visitors spoke of their Rotary club’s support for autistic children which has included encouraging them to swim with the provision of goggles and swim suites to encourage them into the ocean.
Teaching local children essential swimming and water safety skills has been primarily led by John who is a diving instructor and will be introducing a lifeguard circulation course when the couple return to Thailand in October.
And through Lynne, the Rotary Club of Samui-Phangan runs a cancer awareness programme.
‘Think Pink Samui’ is an innovative and compassionate initiative led by the Rotary Club of Samui-Phangan. The aim is to address a critical gap in women’s healthcare on Koh Samui by providing advanced breast imaging services combined with community education and early detection.
With enhanced diagnostic technology such as high-resolution ultrasound, Koh Samui Hospital could provide even greater support for early breast cancer detection on the island.
Many women delay seeking care due to travel barriers, cost, or lack of awareness-leading to late-stage diagnoses. Early detection is proven to dramatically improve survival rates and treatment options.
As a result the Thailand Rotary Club is seeking financial donations from individuals, businesses and other clubs as well as Rotary partnerships for joint grants or co-operative opportunities.
They are also applying for a Rotary Global Grant to fund what they claim is a large- scale international humanitarian project.
She added: “Being a Rotarian is simple. However, it can make a big impact and difference to the lives of many people.”
Anyone wishing to know more about Shrewsbury Severn Rotary Club can contact president@shrewsburyrotary.co.
