The Rotary Club of Frome is celebrating its 100th year of fundraising for deserving causes and is planning various events across the town to mark the milestone.
Since its founding in 1925, the club has worked to improve life in the local area through service and support for charitable projects. The club is part of a global Rotary network with 1.4 million volunteers worldwide.
Frome is home to three active Rotary clubs, the Rotary Club of Frome, Frome Selwood and Frome Town Rotary, with around 90 members combined.
Earlier this month, the group gathered at The Assembly Rooms for a special centenary evening, celebrating over 100 years of service to the town. The event featured a performance by two members of local entertainment group, The Woodlanders, who reenacted Rotary’s very first meeting, which took place at The George Hotel in 1925.
New president
The centenary year is being led by newly appointed president Richard Lines, who has taken over from outgoing president Kim Barter.
Richard said, “It’s quite a fantastic achievement, celebrating 100 years, and we’re incredibly proud of the part we’ve played in the life of the town and the help and support we’ve been able to give to the local community.
“Rotary as an organisation is around 120 years old, so Frome was one of the early clubs. Reaching our centenary is quite a milestone.
“It is a great honour to be asked to be president of the club as we enter our centenary year. The club will celebrate its many successes over the years and continue to provide help and support to Frome and the wider community. I would like youth opportunities in Frome to be a major focus for the year.”
Fundraising in Frome
Over the years, the Rotary clubs in Frome have raised substantial funds for a wide range of local, national and international causes, helping to support the town and its residents and people in need further afield.
Notable past efforts include fundraising for Frome’s Victoria Hospital, which served the community for over 100 years before closing in 2008 and the annual Santa Float, a joint effort with the Frome Lions that has been running for over 50 years. The club has also raised funds through various Rotary shops, which have generated significant sums from the sale of donated items.
The club continues to embrace new fundraising methods, including the use of contactless donation terminals that have already supported campaigns by local organisations such as Fair Frome and Frome Birth Talk.
Internationally, the Frome Rotary Club contributes to Rotary’s global campaign to eradicate polio and other international Rotary initiatives.
The next generation
The group has also supported youth projects in the town, including Young Chef, Young Photographer, Youth Speaks and Young Environmentalist, all run in partnership with Frome College.
Club members also recently ran mock interviews at the college with the students. “The students are just fantastic,” said Richard. “They did exceptionally well.”
A key focus for the Rotary Club in Frome is to encourage more younger people to join.
“It used to be that Rotary was only for businessmen, but that is not the case at all,” said Richard. “Rotary is for everyone and anyone, and we really want to highlight that it is about having fun and helping the community. Rotary does so much good.
“Like many organisations, the ability of our service clubs to support the community relies on our members, and we are always open to new supporters. I would emphasise that Rotary clubs have changed over recent years, so do not think it is just for businessmen. Everyone is welcome; we meet on Tuesday evenings and there is little or no formality – anybody can join. The motto is ‘Service Above Self’, but we all enjoy the experience of giving back with a bunch of like-minded friends.”
Anniversary events
To mark its centenary year, the club is planning various events including an exhibition in the museum, and a gala dinner at Orchardleigh on 3rd December, which marks the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Charter for the club. The group is also hoping to plant 100 trees in and around Frome.
