Rotary is a global network of business and professional people who volunteer their time and talents to serve both their local communities and the world
What is a Rotarian?
Rotarians are business and professional people who have the willingness and drive to put something back into the community whilst enjoying the fellowship of like-minded friends. Rotary’s motto is ‘Service above Self’ which neatly sums up what membership is all about. Rotarians are also expected to adopt high personal and business ethics in everything they do which are summed up in a simple statement known as the 4-Way Test:
1. Is it the truth?
2. Is it fair to all concerned?
3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
What do members get out of Rotary?
Through our regular meetings and social events friendships and contacts can develop and flourish. And because Rotary is a truly international organization where members are welcome at any Rotary meeting, there is a true feeling of worldwide belonging. Through involvement in a Rotary Club’s charitable and humanitarian projects Rotarians can feel fulfillment in having put something back into their community.
When was Rotary started?
The first Rotary club was formed in 1905 in Chicago by attorney Paul Harris who was looking for a way of developing friendships through business contacts. The first members met at one another’s business premises in rotation, hence ‘Rotary’. Pretty soon they realized that they were in a position to make a difference to their local communities and charitable and humanitarian projects followed. The idea spread and by the 1020’s had crossed the Atlantic with the first club in Dublin.
How big is Rotary?
There are over 33,000 Rotary clubs worldwide in over 200 countries and geographical areas comprising 1.2million members.
What significant projects is Rotary involved in?
Rotary is committed to eradicating polio worldwide through its Polio Plus program, a 20 year program launched in 1985. In that year Beverley Rotary Club raised £10K for the project with one charitable event. The program has been largely successful, but there are still some areas of the world where polio is still rife so the project has been extended. Through money donated to Rotary’s charitable trust, The Rotary Foundation, immunization campaigns are being funded in developing countries. Rotary is committed to raising $200M which will be matched by $355M in challenge grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
How is Rotary organized?
Rotary is essentially a grass-roots organization, with most of its service efforts being carried out at club level. Individual clubs are part of a district and international structure designed to provide support and help them provide more service in their local communities and abroad. In the British Isles there is a further level between district and international levels known as Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI), designed to provide further support to clubs in these islands.
How does Beverley Rotary Club fit in?
The Rotary Club of Beverley was formed in 1926 and is part of RIBI. Members of the Hull Rotary Club which was formed in 1920 decided to promote a club in Beverley and the club received its ‘Charter’, i.e. birth certificate, from Rotary International in 1927.
Who are the members of Beverley Rotary Club?
We have around 30 members representing a broad cross section of the community, in education, retail, accountancy, law, manufacturing, healthcare, licensed trade and well as some retired members. Members partners and spouses also play a part in our club activities.
When and where do you meet?
We meet at Tickton Grange Hotel every Tuesday at 6 for 6:15pm for a meal usually followed by a guest speaker. Meetings usually finish at around 7:45pm.
How can I join?
Contact our club secretary through our website for details.
Links:
Beverley website: http://www.beverleyrotaryclub.org.uk
