Redhill Rotary Club appeal for new members (From Redhill And Reigate Life)

Redhill Rotary Club appeal for new members

10:42pm Monday 4th March 2013 in Local News

A call for new members is going out from the Rotary Club of Redhill to make sure it can continue the help and support it has been giving the community for more than 80 years.

The club, formed in 1929, has in the last few years been able to donate more than £50,000 to local charities and charitable causes.

It has also supported various school initiatives and carried out hands-on projects.

Part of the worldwide Rotary movement established in more than 200 countries, with membership entitling Rotarians to visit any club anywhere in the world, the Redhill club is twinned with a Rotary Club in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Eutin, near Hamburg, in Germany.

Members meet once a year, alternating the venue, for fun and fellowship.

But while membership remains by invitation only, a need for new blood means the Redhill club is now inviting people aged 18 or over to visit a meeting and meet Rotarians.

Citing the club's support for various local projects and causes, Alan Knight, President Elect of the Rotary Club of Redhill, said: “ We now find ourselves in need of new members to ensure we can continue to undertake this work and although membership remains by invitation only, if you are aged 18 or over, either male or female, why not come along and meet us and discuss what Rotary has to offer you, whilst at the same time being able to help those who may need our support from time to time and having an enjoyable time doing it?”

Mr Knight said: “I have been a member since 1984, was club president in 1989 to 1990 and will again be president next year 2013 to 2014, and was also District Governor 2007 to 2008, and our current members have all agreed closure is not an option.”

He said: “'We’re for Communities' is what Rotary stands for. Members have one common aim - to combine their skills and resources, donate their time to undertake a very wide range of projects working with the young and the old.

“We all want to give something back to the community in which we live. “Being a member gives you the opportunity to meet and make new friends, network with business opportunities, enjoy a new social life and participate in various fund raising activities.”

The club meets on a Monday alternating between lunchtime and twilight, with meetings no longer than an hour and a quarter, with a one or two-course meal, invited speakers to talk on a wide range of topics, and a business meeting held once a month.

People wanting more details, or who have previously been a Rotarian or member of another service club, should email Alan Knight at: alan.knight1@btconnect.com