On February 23rd 1905 Paul Harris, a young lawyer and some friends met for the first time in Chicago USA. At this meeting Paul Harris envisaged a club that would kindle fellowship amongst representatives of both the business and the professions whilst giving them the opportunity to serve the community. This was the formation of Rotary and from this grew Rotary International as we know it today.
Rotary Club of St. Leonards-on-Sea
Our Club received its charter in 1963. It has a mixed gender membership of Rotarians and holds its weekly meetings in the Royal Victoria Hotel on the seafront of St Leonards. Our aims are to support international and local charitable projects.
St. Michael`s Hospice and the local R.N.L.I. are the main beneficiaries of our annual Cycle Challenge which we have been organising since 1988. Our Challenge is the most important fund raiser of the year and has raised over £300,000 since its inception.
In addition we support the Rotary International Foundation, which sponsors international scholarships, cultural exchanges and humanitarian programmes that improve the quality of life for millions. Committee and business meetings are held regularly to plan these events so all members can be involved.
Some examples of these international projects are :-
- Polio Plus – the eradication worldwide of polio
- Eye camps
- Limbs in India and Africa
- Shelter boxes
Shelter Boxes is a nationwide charity which provides emergency boxes of equipment and the boxes have been sent to various locations mainly as a result of natural disasters such as the earthquakes in Haiti and Nepal.
But Rotary is not just about fund raising. We place great emphasis on fellowship, enjoying convivial meetings and generally supporting one another. Throughout the year we enjoy a programme of events which includes guest speakers, quizzes, rallies, BBQ’s and social trips, both locally and abroad, and celebration of St. George’s night and President’s night.
We hope you may be interested in our Club and activities and would welcome enquiries regarding membership, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Get in Touch
Please get in touch using our contact form or use our email address.