Gary Croucher became this year’s chairman of the Sheppey Round Table in April and is determined to put to bed the perception of secret handshakes and private meetings.

Mr Croucher, 45, replaces the former chairman Julian Goffin and is hoping to recruit more members to the organisation whose main purpose is to raise money for charity.

He said: “We are always looking for new members that want to enjoy the fellowship as well as putting something back into the community.

“We are not the secret handshake committee that everyone thinks we are, we’re just local people from all sorts of life that enjoy a great time and raising money.”

Round Table members are volunteers and play a key role in putting on fund-raising events both on and off the Island.

One such event is the annual Donkey Derby is organised by the Round Table and members also take part in national charity campaigns.

The group meets every two weeks to have dinner and discuss requests for donations and events.

Last year the charity raised around £45,000 for Children in Need through collections at London train stations.

It also supports terminally ill children through the Round Table Children’s Wish Foundation.

Money raised goes towards giving children a wish come true.

Mr Croucher, a father-of-three, said: “It is amazing to be involved in helping these charities. The biggest thing that we can give people is time and that is the thing members devote a lot of, but when you see the benefits of raising money it is worth it.

“We had a busy year Last year with our past chairman, Julian Goffin, and I am going to keep that trend going.”

The Round Table is open to members aged between 18 and 45.

For details on the Sheppey Round Table or advice on how to become a member call Gary Croucher on 07812 720778.