Our twinning trip to Belfast (16th–19th April 2026) was a brilliant celebration of international friendship. The delegation included members from the Rotary Club of Gravesend and Meopham, partners, ex-Rotarians, and our twin club, the Rotary Club of Goes (Netherlands). The flawless itinerary was coordinated by Marion Money, Simon Baxter, and Clive Taylor, alongside Norman van Deijk and Gijs Catsman from Goes.
Our base for the weekend was the spectacular Titanic Hotel Belfast. Here is how the main weekend unfolded:
Thursday 16 April: After arriving, we gathered for a welcome drink in the Titanic Hotel Boardroom, followed by a joint dinner where friends old and new greeted each other to kick off the trip.
Friday 17 April: We started with a morning self-guided tour of the Titanic Museum. We then took a coach to Belfast City Hall for a private tour and an audience with the Lord Mayor, which Ken Nixon (Past President of the Rotary Club of Belfast) kindly helped arrange. After some free time for lunch, we enjoyed a guided tour and whisky tasting at the Titanic Distillery before wrapping up the day with a fantastic joint dinner at Granny Annie’s.
Saturday 18 April: The morning featured an eye-opening guided walking tour of Belfast’s political history. In the afternoon, we boarded the Lady of the Lagan for an exclusive group harbour cruise. In the evening, we traveled to The Morning Star pub and restaurant for a wonderful joint dinner with Ken Nixon. During the dinner, President Simon Grierson and President Peter Louman presented Ken with pennants from their respective clubs. In return, Ken presented both presidents with a commemorative book celebrating the Belfast City club’s second 50th anniversary. President Peter then presented President Simon and our club with a beautiful book detailing Zeeland, the home region of the Goes club.
Sunday 19 April: The morning provided free time to explore local highlights like St George’s Market, followed by a farewell gathering in the hotel bar. On Sunday some members of our club left for the airport while others continued the sightseeing, while members from the Goes club left for the airport in the afternoon.
Extended Stay Highlights
For the smaller contingent of Rotarians and partners who extended their trip into the following week, the sightseeing continued with a spectacular excursion to the breathtaking Giant’s Causeway. This extended time also allowed the group to visit the Seeds of Hope project, providing a deeply rewarding opportunity to see the real-world impact of an initiative backed by a c. $138,000 Rotary Global Grant.
The entire trip beautifully combined deep fellowship, international connection, and unforgettable history. Massive thanks to the organizing team and to everyone who made the trip such a resounding success.
