Club History

The Rotary Club of Rossendale started life on 13th October 1933, and since then has been served by over 200 members, with one of the founder members serving until his death 57 years later. Consistent with the traditions of Rotary, the club has always held weekly meetings, on Wednesdays. Several venues have been used, including Rossendale United FC clubhouse and Ashday Lea Masonic Hall, but the Sykeside Hotel in Haslingden has been our home since 2011.

Originally Rotary was a male only organisation and ladies had their separate activities.  More recently, ladies have been welcomed and Rossendale Rotary gained its first lady member in 2014.  We now have a number of lady members, who play a very full part in all that we do.

The club has always sought to serve communities locally and internationally, including schools and community centres, helping to provide facilities not otherwise available. For example, in 2015 help was given to the Irwell Vale Community Centre following the severe Boxing Day floods. The club also provided Tor View School with a roundabout that would accommodate wheelchairs.  Internationally the club has provided Shelter Boxes and water purification kits for areas hit by natural disasters or war, including Iran, Pakistan and Ukraine.  The Rotary International campaign for the elimination of polio throughout the world has always been well supported by our club.

During the Covid pandemic, members helped with marshalling at vaccination centres, and there have been significant donations to four foodbanks in the Rossendale Valley.

While fulfilling the Rotary motto of 'Service above self', many projects cannot go ahead without considerable financial outlay, so a variety of fund-raising events are held, some - such as the Carol Concert, Round the Hills Walk and Santa’s sleigh - on an annual basis. All of these have been successful thanks to the generous support of local people. Whilst working hard on these projects, our members enjoy great fellowship, living up to the injunction to 'Enjoy Rotary’.