Why I joined Fareham Rotary 

Bob Hitchins

When I was 62 I decided that I had built up enough funds and pension cover to retire early. I then realised that the engineering fraternity to which I had belonged all my working life would be lost. 

I also felt that occupying my new free time could be best spent by volunteering. This would enable me to use my free time wisely and provide the opportunity for me to return to society the support I had received during my working life. A colleague suggested that I should join Rotary which I did soon after retiring. That was over 9 years ago, and I have greatly enjoyed the fraternity with other club members as well as helping local people worse off than me. Fundraising for local and international causes has also been a source of great satisfaction for me. 

Being an active member of Rotary has become an important part of my life. I have been involved in many aspects of the Club and it was a great honour to be made President of the Club for this Rotary year. 

Fareham Shopping Centre and The Rotary Club of Fareham Announce Fundraising Effort for 2024/25

From left to right, Bob Hitchins, Fareham Rotary Club President, Sarah Jacobs from Age Concern Hampshire, and Mike Taylor, Centre Manager at Fareham Shopping Centre.

Fareham Shopping Centre and The Rotary Club of Fareham have Age Concern Hampshire as their chosen charitable cause for 2024/25. Their combined fundraising efforts from now until June 2025 will go towards aiding the work of Age Concern Hampshire which is committed to enhancing the quality of life for older people across Hampshire. With its Lockwood Care and Wellbeing Centre in Locks Heath, it offers a wide variety of services to the local community.  Support from Fareham Shopping Centre and Fareham Rotary Club will help Age Concern Hampshire enhance its facilities and support more individuals in need.

During the series of free events at Fareham Shopping Centre throughout the fundraising period, collection buckets will enable shoppers to make donations to Age Concern Hampshire. These events starting in the October half term will involve a Monster Trail, face painting and Halloween colouring on October 31^st. Continuing with Christmas events and into next year, the events will include Santa’s Grotto, Story Telling Workshop, and Mother’s Day Workshop.  Additionally, the Rotary Club’s Wishing Well in the mall exists for passers-by to contribute towards the cause. 

Mike Taylor, Fareham Shopping Centre Manager, states: “We are incredibly pleased to announce this year’s cause as Age Concern Hampshire. Each donation, regardless of the amount, will make a significant difference to their very important work. With fundraising, the community spirit that drives the process highlights the generosity of Fareham's residents but also underscores the importance of charitable initiatives in bringing people together for a common cause.”

Robert Hitchins, President of the Rotary Club of Fareham, said, “It’s been great to collaborate with Fareham Shopping Centre to raise funds for such an important charity. The partnership has been incredibly fulfilling and we are thrilled with the support we have received.” 

For more information visit www.facebook.com/farehamshopping ,www.instagram.com/farehamshopping, or Follow on X @farehamshopping.

Rotary is an organisation with clubs worldwide that has a huge amount to offer to its members. It provides the opportunity to do much for people locally and further afield including internationally. A broad range of social events are also open to Members. 
If this is something that would interest you we would love to see you. 

Please contact Secretray, John Landaw, john.landaw@icloud.com 

***    Please note that "membership of a club is by invitation only, at the discretion of the members." It is important, therefore, that you take time to visit your prospective club on a few occasions to ensure not only that you get to know its members and that you will feel happy being part of the club, but also that you give its members a chance to get to know you. - See more at: http://www.ribi.org/get-involved/join-Rotary/register-your-interest#sthash.QlO7whC1.dpuf