Teddington’s Ukraine Campaigner Speaks at AGM
Local humanitarian Robin Jowit OBE addressed the Teddington Society at Normansfield Theatre. The former Mayor of Richmond and campaigning Teddington resident was the guest speaker at the AGM of the Teddington Society.
Robin wore a bright green t-shirt with the letters KOOOCA – which means “Keep Out Of Other Countries Affairs”.
He told the 60 strong audience at Normansfield Theatre that his efforts to give humanitarian to school children in Ukraine had been backed by the Kew Rotary Club. His fundraising efforts have made a significant difference to children in Ukraine and he told the audience of his two trips to the war-torn country to deliver aid like laptop computers and to encourage children in STEM subjects as they will be the ‘next generation of engineers and architects’ who will help rebuild Ukraine after the devastation caused by the Russian invasion.
The audience was invited to donate towards his next trip to Ukraine, which the age of 87, he hopes will take place later this year after raising another £50.000 – he has already raised £20.000 of this.
He told how he has tried to support nine school but 3,800 schools had been damaged and 365 totally destroyed by Russian attacks and many lessons took place in bunkers or in underground Metro stations. “The heroes here at the teachers,” he said “and 95% of them are women.”
The AGM then went on to hear there were key positions to be filled within the Society and that membership had declined over the last year by 4%. “We welcomed 61 new members in 2024 (38 new memberships) but sadly failed to retain 101 members (64 expired or closed memberships).” The Treasurer Sally Howland said; “Please keep up the good work and help us by encouraging more of your friends, neighbours and family to come to our events and join us too!”
In early 2025 the Society has made donations to various local charities including Off the Record, Crossroads Care, Teddington Summer Music and St Mary with St Alban Church in Teddington.
Stuart Higgins
12 Apr 2025