A new Rotary group in Frome, which was founded following a meeting last September, has become trail blazers and a template for the modernisation of Rotary.
Rather than trying to get younger members into existing clubs, Rotary are seeking to create new clubs with younger members. Frome Town Rotary is mixed gender, less formal, and is a social group which undertakes volunteering and fundraising in the community, upholding the ideals of the Rotary movement. Frome Town Rotary was the first group in the UK to be chartered under this national project.
The members joined around 48,000 Rotarians in the UK and Ireland and 1.2 million around the world.
In the last year, Frome Town Rotary has organised a pig race in January and given around £4,000 to local charities and deserving causes include The Forever Friends Appeal, Dorothy House, The Pod, The Somerset Powerchair Football Club and individuals in need. They have also provided volunteers for the Christmas Float, the Half Marathon, Frome Carnival and The Frome Show.
President Andrew Lee says, “Alongside this, our members have made new friends and enjoyed many social events including the Frome tunnels tour, boule, adventure golf, museum tours, country walks and meals.
“We are engaging with a number of local charities to see how we can help, including Frome Dementia Action Alliance, The Pod, Fair Frome, Active and in Touch and the YMCA.
“On the 27th October we have a silent disco at The Silk Mills. Tickets are £10. All profits will go to local charities.
“With the two other Rotary clubs in Frome, we are also organising a free public fireworks display on the Old Show Field Frome on 3rd November at 7.30pm.
“We meet on the first Tuesday of the month, usually in the George Hotel at 7.30pm. On the third Tuesday, we have a social meeting and the venue varies.”
For further information please contact our facebook page or secretary.frome townrotary@gmail.com
