SLHC was honoured to attend the Rotary Club of Lewisham & Penge’s Centenary Celebration last evening (27/06/2026), marking an extraordinary milestone of 100 years of service, fellowship and community impact.
Founded in 1926, the Rotary Club of Lewisham & Penge has spent a century bringing together people committed to improving lives through volunteer service, charitable giving, youth development, local and international humanitarian projects, and the promotion of peace and understanding. As part of Rotary International, a global network of more than 1.2 million members, the Club has contributed to initiatives that have transformed communities locally while supporting global efforts such as the campaign to eradicate polio.
The evening was not only a celebration of Rotary’s remarkable history, but also a reflection on the values that continue to inspire its members to serve others with compassion, integrity and purpose.
SLHC is especially proud that the Club’s President, Ms. Thelma Corkson, is also a valued member of the SLHC team.
In her Centenary President’s Message, Ms. Corkson captured the spirit of the occasion with words that resonated throughout the evening:
“One hundred years of ordinary people doing extraordinary things in pursuit of a simple but powerful belief—that our communities become stronger when we choose to serve something greater than ourselves.”
Reflecting on her year as President, Ms. Corkson paid tribute to those who had gone before her, saying:
“I inherited a Club with a proud history, a generous spirit and a steadfast commitment to service.”
Looking beyond the Club’s remarkable achievements over the past century, she reminded members that Rotary’s greatest opportunities still lie ahead:
“The story of the Rotary Club of Lewisham & Penge is still being written… After one hundred years, our greatest impact still lies ahead.”
Her message reflected the enduring Rotary principle of Service Above Self and the belief that lasting change is achieved through collective action, generosity and community leadership.
SLHC warmly congratulates the Rotary Club of Lewisham & Penge on reaching this historic centenary and celebrates the dedication of President Thelma Corkson and every Rotarian whose commitment over the past century has strengthened communities, transformed lives and inspired future generations through service.
Abdulai Braima
Information Attaché
SLHC- London