Charter Night - 6.30 for 7.00pm

The Rotary Club of Oswestry was founded in August 1929, 14 years after Rotary International began in the USA.  In the UK around this time, George V was on the throne, the Prime Minister was Ramsey MacDonald, John Logie-Baird made the first experimental TV transmissions for the BBC and the London Stock Exchange fell sharply following the Wall Street Crash in the USA.  

For nearly 90 years, Oswestry Rotary Club has been a non-political and non-sectarian organization in the town open to all people regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, or political preference and, by giving its members' time and skills, has carried out its motto "Service Above Self" to help the people of Oswestry and the surrounding areas.

Whilst there are now two other younger Rotary clubs in the town, the oldest Oswestry club celebrated its 89th birthday at its Charter Night held at The Wynnstay Hotel recently.  Joined by special guests Oswestry Town Mayor Vince Hunt and his daughter Amber, his Mayoress, the evening celebrated some of the Club's most significant events: LifeLine, the annual event for 500 or so Year 6 pupils to help them deal with the problems that may be encountered as they move up to secondary school; youth competitions such as Youth Speaks the Public Speaking competition where Oswestry School students have enjoyed success recently, including being crowned National Winners in 2017; The Tree of Light Appeal which has raised around £6,000 for local charities each year for the last couple of years.

Rotary District 1180 Governor Beryl Cotton was also there to celebrate and was delighted to present a Paul Harris Fellowship (PHF) Award to member Mike Griffiths in recognition to his service to the Club and in particular Community Services.  Beryl said: "A PHF is a tremendous honour for Mike to receive but tonight we also saw the award of a Sapphire Paul Harris Award to Denzil Ellis - his second award - which recognises not only over 35 years' Rotary service but, in particular, his dedicated behind the scenes work on the Tree of Light Appeal.  Totally unexpected and well deserved both!"

The evening was hosted by Club President David Davies who had invited BBC Radio presenter James Bond to be the guest speaker. David said: "I was delighted that James could be with us tonight.  He is always a keen supporter of events and groups in Oswestry - it was great to have James and all our guests with us this evening."