Serving the Community
Activities
The Rotary Club of Sidmouth: Serving the Sid Valley since 1937.
Welcome to the heart of Sidmouth community action! Over the past five years, Sidmouth Rotary has delivered consistent, high-impact fundraising and community service, focusing on local needs, youth development, and the revival of beloved town traditions. Our work, largely publicised through local press and our active Facebook page, is powered by our local volunteers and the immense generosity of the Sid Valley.
Major Annual & Revival Events
Here is a summary of our primary public events and their impact from 2020 to 2025:
|
Event |
Timeline (2020–2025) |
Impact Highlights |
|
Sidmouth Regatta Raft Race |
Revived in August 2025 |
A spectacular return after a 7-year pause! Organised by Rotary and sponsored by South West Water, the event drew large crowds and featured fun, homemade rafts and fancy dress. |
|
Annual Swimathon |
Held Annually (e.g., March 2025, Oct 2023, Oct 2021) |
Our premier fundraising event. The 2021 Swimathon raised £8,754 for local groups like Sidmouth Hospice at Home and the Sid Valley Memory Café. The 2023 event hosted 95 swimmers. |
|
Christmas Community Appeal |
Annual (Nov/Dec) |
A vital initiative with local businesses. Annually provides hundreds of hampers and over 1,200 presents to local vulnerable families and isolated elderly residents. |
|
Citizen of the Year Award |
Annual (Presented early each year) |
A prestigious Rotary award that uses public nominations to recognise unsung local heroes, such as Angela Carney (Salvation Army) in 2024. |
Youth, International, and Crisis Response
In addition to major annual fundraisers, Rotary remains focused on developing future leaders and providing rapid relief.
- Youth Development: We actively support and run various competitions to mentor and showcase young talent from local schools, including Youth Speaks, Young Chef, Young Musician, and Young Photographer.
- Crisis Response: The club quickly mobilised to support those in crisis. A coordinated fundraising effort in 2022 raised £11,949 for the Ukraine Appeal via street collections and grants.
- International Commitments: Our fundraising stalls and activities regularly mark World Polio Day, contributing to Rotary International's global mission to eradicate Polio worldwide.
Our Promise to Sidmouth
The success of our events is a direct result of strong partnerships with Sidmouth Town Council, South West Water, local businesses (including Fords of Sidmouth and Fields), and countless community volunteers.
'What We Do' Main Pages:
