Rotary Friendship Across Borders

The first weekend of May saw Penzance Rotary warmly welcome 21 visiting Rotarians from four European clubs -Susa e Val Susa, Avranches Mont Saint‑Michel, Barcelonnette, and Briançon. Their visit was a great success, filled with sunshine (most of the time!), shared experiences, and the unmistakable spirit of Rotary fellowship.

Our guests enjoyed a memorable sightseeing tour of West Cornwall, including the dramatic cliffs of the Minack Theatre, the iconic views at Land’s End and, on a beautifully bright day, the timeless charm of St Michael’s Mount. These shared moments created the perfect backdrop for a weekend dedicated to friendship, cooperation, and international understanding.

Rotary Friendship at the Centre of the Visit

President Jon Symons, fellow Rotarians, and guests gathered to greet our visitors with warmth and camaraderie. As our Italian colleagues reminded us, “friendship is a means of service” - a principle that lies at the heart of Rotary.

This gathering was far more than a formal visit; it was a genuine meeting of friends. It strengthened bonds, built trust, and showed how Rotary creates understanding through shared experiences.The conversations, shared meals, and laughter throughout the weekend reflected Rotary’s unique ability to unite people across cultures and borders.

A Growing Rotary Network Across Europe

The partnership between our clubs began last autumn when Giovanni Periale, President of the Rotary Club of Susa e Val Susa, shared his vision of connecting Rotary Clubs located along the historic St Michael line. While the line has cultural significance, our collaboration focuses firmly on Rotary values.

The aim is to build a network of clubs committed to:

• International friendship
• Cultural exchange
• Joint service initiatives
• Peacebuilding through cooperation

With the addition of Rotarians from Avranches Mont Saint‑Michel, Barcelonnette, and Briançon, this network is now expanding into a vibrant European partnership rooted in goodwill and shared purpose.

The Cammino di San Michele: A Rotary Pathway of Cooperation

At the heart of this collaboration is the Cammino di San Michele - a Rotary‑led initiative using a historic cultural route as a framework for:

• Friendship exchanges
• Collaborative community projects
• Youth and cultural programmes
• Shared learning and service

The route links communities across Ireland, France, Italy, Greece, and Palestine, but within Rotary it serves as a symbol of cooperation, unity, and peacebuilding.

As Giovanni expressed during his earlier visit, “Every border can become a bridge of friendship.” The success of the May gathering proved this sentiment true.

A Weekend of Shared Purpose and Discovery

During their time in Cornwall, our visiting Rotarians:

• Explored St Michael’s Mount, a key cultural landmark
• Shared stories, traditions, and club experiences
• Discussed opportunities for joint service projects
• Strengthened the personal relationships that make Rotary partnerships meaningful

The atmosphere throughout the weekend was one of warmth, curiosity, and genuine connection - the very essence of Rotary fellowship.

A Bright Future for International Rotary Collaboration

As we reflect on the success of the May visit, we do so with gratitude for the enthusiasm and goodwill shown by our Italian and French friends. Their presence reminded us that every step taken together - whether across a table or across borders - helps illuminate a shared path toward a more peaceful and connected world.

Their visit marks the next step in a friendship that began last autumn and is now developing into a wider Rotary initiative promoting cooperation, cultural exchange, and peace.

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