Martin Smith: Inside the 2,464-mile Rotary Newton Abbot convoy delivering aid to Ukraine

It has been a very eventful two weeks since my first column, in which I reported that my colleagues and I would be joining convoy 36 in partnership with the Cornwall and Devon – Sending Love to Ukraine organisation.

The journey began with the collection of the rental van on November 28, covering a total distance of 2,464 miles from Callington at the Cornwall & Devon – Sending Love to Ukraine depot. The route traversed France, Belgium and the Netherlands, and concluded at the Warsaw collection hub in Poland.

During the trip, an additional visit was made to a school near Warsaw educating approximately 220 Ukrainian children, including orphans.

Despite favourable weather conditions, several noteworthy incidents occurred. Van four, driven by my brother Simon and myself, underwent customs inspections on four occasions, including being flagged down by a mobile custom car at the Poland-Germany border. We obviously looked dodgy! At one point three Polish armoured tanks integrated with our convoy, thankfully for just a mile or two!

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The convoy paused at Checkpoint Alpha, preserved in its original condition as an historical crossing between East and West Germany. Polish roads proved to be efficient, albeit with minor toll fees and a remarkable volume of HGV traffic.

Convoy 36 consisted of five vans and one Range Rover and after three days it delivered aid - medical and hygiene supplies, sleeping bags, blankets, a mobility scooter, 354 chocolate selection boxes and 600 packets of paracetamol - to the Warsaw aid depot. That’s 205 miles.

The team was welcomed by eight Ukrainian volunteers who managed a section of the warehouse, palletising donations for further transport to Kyiv, where items are distributed according to need. Recipients sometimes arrive by car or van to collect specific supplies.

Volunteer drivers felt humbled by the dedication and perseverance demonstrated by Ukrainian volunteers, particularly one individual known as ‘W’, who co-ordinated packing after being discharged from the army due to injuries sustained in service.

An invitation was extended to visit a school for Ukrainian children 30 minutes away. Two students, aged 13 and 14, gave an impressive piano performance in preparation for an international competition in London. The volunteers enjoyed a traditional Ukrainian meal and a folk dance, and received mementos and certificates of thanks from St Nicholas!

It is hoped further trips will be organised in the spring. Anyone interested in supporting or joining a convoy should please contact me.

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Whilst away, our club put on the first Rotary Newton Abbot and Devon and Cornwall Food Action pop-up food market at Newton Abbot Racecourse. 126 bookings were made and 123 shoppers turned up, which was an amazing result! 

To recap, this event was primarily based around saving food from going into landfill but as a spin-off, providing discounted good quality food for those that are struggling with the cost of living. Each shopper paid £30 on arrival and filled up their trolley with food valued at £100-plus. 

The next pop-up food market is on Wednesday, January 28 and already over a 100 bookings have been taken.  Due to the demand, we have increased the number of ‘shopping slots to 200, which is the maximum available. 

Rotarians started their volunteering at Santa’s Grotto at Fermoy’s Garden Centre (opposite Dainton Park Golf Club). Many slots have sold out and the eight-minute experience has been well received, with many brilliant testimonials.

https://events.bluediamond.gg/event-tickets/69557?catID=66025&

I am looking forward to donning the red suit for my four shifts. It is so much fun seeing the delight on the children’s faces after experiencing the walk through the grotto with the elves and delivering their wish list to Santa and Mrs Claus.

Our ever popular Human Fruit Machine team were at the Victorian evening in Newton Abbot, making everybody smile and raising a few pounds for the club.

At the last club council meeting it was agreed to donate £500 each to both of Newton Abbot’s foodbanks.

For more news on Rotary Newton Abbot, have a look at our website or Facebook page.

On behalf of all our members, may I wish you a happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous 2026.

Website https://bit.ly/4271Wh3

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rotarynewtonabbot/?locale=en_GB

I can be contacted via email : martrcna@outlook.com