The Rotary motto is “Service above Self”. Rotary began in Chicago in 1905 – the brainchild of an attorney Paul Harris. The first Rotary Clubs in Britain were established in 1911. There are now over 1800 Clubs in Great Britain and Ireland! Our Rotary Club in Tonbridge was chartered in 1924 and has ever since been active both locally, nationally and internationally, organising and participating in service and community projects and raising many thousands of pounds for charitable causes.
The Club meets at lunchtimes each Thursday apart from the last Thursday of each month, when we meet in the evening. Meetings generally include an address by a visiting speaker. The Club has developed close links with Rotary Clubs in Holland, Germany , France and Belgium and there is an active programme of contacts between us.
We support through the worldwide Rotary organisation a large variety of projects, probably the most famous of which is the programme to eradicate Polio. We also contribute strongly in response to natural disasters such as the Vanuatu cyclone and Nepal earthquake, through the Shelterbox, Water Aid and other charities.
Locally we have an active youth programme that encourages youngsters to develop and hone skills necessary for life after school. Community projects include Kids Out and theatre trips and an annual country drive and tea for senior citizens. Charities that we support locally include Kent Air Ambulance, Hospice in the Weald, the Scott Project, Bridge Trust, Headway, Carers First, Compaid, Porchlight, Demelza and many smaller but equally deserving local causes.
Overall our programme of events and charitable projects not only aids the community but promotes strong fellowship amongst Rotarians and their families.
If you are interested in joining the club or would just like to know more, please contact Harry Lilly on 01825 840277 or by email: [email protected]. You can also find out more about us on our website.