“Pentangular” is a special relationship between five European Rotary clubs (from Belgium, France, The Netherlands, Germany – as well as us) that promotes international understanding and cooperation. In August we’ll be hosting its Mini Study Group Exchange (MGSE) for young people from the five countries in Canterbury – but first, here’s a quick report from when our own members visited Leuven (Belgium) back in June.
Members of our Club were proud to join fellow Rotarians in Leuven, Belgium, to celebrate a remarkable milestone – the 90th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Leuven. The occasion, which brought together members of our longstanding Pentangular partnership, was a weekend full of warm hospitality, shared memories and a reaffirmation of Rotary’s values of friendship, service and international understanding.
Hosted by President Patrick and the Rotary Club of Leuven, the impressive weekend’s programme included a welcome from the Mayor of Leuven, an organ recital, a concert with military band, a visit to Parc Abbey, a trip to the Arenberg campus of KU Leuven – including a visit to its ”banana lab” – a gala dinner and dance, and a trip to Leuven’s botanical gardens. All this was set against the beautiful backdrop of the historic university city.
From the welcome reception to the closing remarks our members were taken great care of by our Belgian hosts. Maxine Blades – our then-President – had a chance to offer heartfelt thanks, acknowledging not only Leuven’s 90th anniversary, but also the deeper meaning of the Pentangular tradition.
Since its foundation Pentangular continues to thrive, with events like the annual joint weekend, the MGSE and shared humanitarian “Joint Pentangular projects” (JPPs) – our latest, JPP6, providing mental health support to women and children in Ukraine affected by the horrors of the ongoing war.
We now look forward to MGSE 2025 for the next episode in our truly special relationship!
Picture: Rotarians pictures at the Botanical Gardens in Leuven. Picture credit: Maxine Blades/Rotary Club of Canterbury.
