Two years ago the Rotary Club of Marlow Thames created a new and novel gastronomic event that could be enjoyed by a wide cross section of the local community, and showcase some of Marlow’s fantastic restaurants.
But the main aim of Marlow Tastes is to raise money for charity.
Each year we choose two named “lead” charities to headline the event, with each receiving around a quarter of the generated surplus.
In 2023 the lead charities were One Can Trust, the local food bank, which distributes food parcels to those in need; and Rotary’s Turkish / Syrian earthquake appeal which brought emergency relief to those affected by this major disaster.
In 2024 we again supported a local cause: Marlow United Charities which distributes food vouchers to needy homes and families in the town, and also the well-known charity, Parkinsons UK.
This year our two lead charities are Dementia Action Marlow (DAM) and Marlow Opportunity Playgroup (MOP).
Dementia Action Marlow (DAM) is an independent charity, formed in 2020, to support the local community living with dementia.
We now run 3 weekly social sessions to provide support and facilitate social interaction, both for the person living with dementia and their carer. Within these sessions, we run ‘Let’s Get Moving’ once a week to encourage better movement and coordination. As well as addressing the “not moving enough” problem we have fun! We also have two monthly sessions which include music, singing and sometimes dancing for those who wish to express themselves further, and Tai Chi once a month.
The Marlow Opportunity Playgroup (MOP) caters for very young children (1-5 years) with very significant special needs – at the extreme range of the definition. It is Ofsted registered (rated “outstanding”) and is regarded as a unique regional source of expertise in preparing very young children for the next stage of education.
MOP is funded in part by statutory funding and in part by charitable donations – we have to raise around £150,000 of charitable funding every year to maintain our support to parents and children.
Young children with significant additional needs require an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) in order to secure the long-term statutory funding required to provide specialist educational support. MOP prides itself on being a centre of excellence in this regard, and supports the largest number of pre-school children in Bucks who require EHCP assessment.
Our children would like to say “Thankyou” for the support offered by the 2025 Marlow Tastes event
The remainder is then used to support a significant number of other, mainly local, good causes. Here are just a few that we have helped in recent years:
Alexander Devine Hospice provides specialist care and vital support to children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions
Ambulances to Ukraine. Sourcing and sending second hand ambulances to this war zone
Aquabox provides safe drinking water and humanitarian aid to people affected by natural disasters, extreme weather, and conflicts
Bucks MIND supports those with mental health needs
Bucks Young Carers supports young people who have a caring role
Headway South Bucks cares for people who have acquired a brain injury
Horizon Sports Club is a specialist, fully inclusive sports club for children and young adults of all abilities
JAM Theatre trains and equips students of all ages in performing arts skills
Marlow Opportunity Playgroup offers a secure, relaxed, and happy environment where pre-school children with additional needs learn through structured play and exploration
One Can Trust provide weekly food parcels to those who need help
Rivertime Boat Trust offers the opportunity for disabled and disadvantaged adults, children and young people to develop a long-term involvement with the River Thames
Shelter Box provides emergency shelter to families affected by conflict and disaster
South Bucks Hospice provides specialist palliative care to patients with life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses
Thames Valley Adventure Playground provides a range of adventurous, therapeutic, and educational play activities for children and adults with disabilities
Thames Valley Air Ambulance provides emergency medical services to critical patients
Thames Hospice provides free hospice care
Wycombe Homeless Connection helps people who are homeless or facing homelessness