My Rotary - No-one in my family had been in a service club

I wasn't sure what it would be like to be in a service club and whether I would fit in.

During my formative years none of my friends or family have been part of clubs or societies. That is with the exception of a school friend’s parents who were members of The Ancient Order of Foresters - and they were a bit odd to my 15 year old self.

A few years later when in my mid-twenties I went along to a couple of Rotary meetings with a work colleague. He was a member of Atherstone. I have to say I received a very warm welcome and had a couple of enjoyable evenings listening to fascinating speakers. But beyond that I had no idea what Rotary did and neither did I have any reason to get involved.

Wind the clock forward again to my mid-thirties. Now with a family I find myself getting involved with the local scout group and making some firm friends. Two of these also happen to be in Rotary too. I went to a few meetings as a guest, and as before, was made very welcome. This time round I had a little more of an insight into what Rotary is, but not much more. In fact to me, Rotary and Round Table were the same thing. I’ve since learnt they are sort of similar, but definitely not the same organisation.

Over a few months I visited Aldridge Rotary meetings as a guest and began to form an opinion. To be honest it was a culture shock. A group of men (no women members back then) in jackets and ties standing up to say things. Addressing each other with flowery titles. “Immediate Past President” and “Honorary Secretary” to name just two. People at work don’t behave like this, not since the 1950s at any rate, so why do they spend their free time doing this I asked myself.

Looking beyond this arcane facade I began to understand what was really happening. This group of men were engaging in a hobby or pastime that used their talents and skills and getting a great deal of satisfaction. Which is fundamentally why anyone pursues a hobby. Many hobbies are fulfilling for the individual. There’s nothing better that pulling reluctant fish out of a cold river in the depths of winter with frost forming on your digits that poke out of your fingerless gloves if you’re a fisherman.

As a hobby, Rotary is different. I realised that this group of men in jackets and ties were doing things that were of benefit to other people. They were getting a thrill by using their skills and talents to help other people. Like the fisherman, using his skills to catch that legendary whopper and exchanging ideas and swapping tips with fellow anglers. I could see an opportunity for me to learn new things and develop skills. But unlike the angler I wouldn’t be throwing the fruits of my labour back. The fruits of my labour would be enjoyed by other people. That’s a bonus in my view.

Winding the clock forward to the present, I have benefited greatly from being in Rotary. I have grown as an individual. I’ve met some truly inspiring people. I’ve made new friends. I’ve learnt so many new things. I’ve had great fun too.

Rotary isn’t a men only domain anymore. A lot of the formality has been swept aside and it continues to evolve and develop. Like all the best hobbies you can put as much or as little as you like into Rotary. I’m pleased I joined and I’d encourage anyone to give it a go.

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Youth Activities & Competitions

The Club works with local schools and youth groups in many ways. We run several Rotary competitions at a local, district & national level but these can be adapted in any way to suit the needs of the group.

I wasn't sure what it would be like to be in a service club and whether I would fit in.

A fundraiser for Acorns Hospice and Rotary International End Polio Now Campaign.

Show your pooch to thousands of people in the community and help to raise money for charity. Upload a photograph of your dog, choose a category to enter and make a minimum donation of £2 for charity.

The Rotary Shoebox Scheme has been running since 1994. https://www.rotaryshoebox.org/about-us/ Each year the scheme sends around 50,000 boxes or gifts to countries in Eastern Europe. Gifts are sent throughout the year to orphanages, homes and hospitals.

Rotary recognises people who make a difference in the community.

Rotary recognises significant commitment to the community

Working with the Royal British Legion in Aldridge to ensure poppy cans are distributed and that there are plenty of volunteers to collect.

In conjunction with Aston Manor Transport Museum Aldridge, the Rotary club are holdingn our 2nd Beer Festival on Friday 13th, Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th October 2017.

We all only have so much time to give but being part of Rotary is an enjoyable way to spend my downtime.

We gave 3 local schools the opportunity to send some pupils each with a parent to take part in a day of challenging activities.

The Tree of Light stands in the Morrisons' store in Aldridge. Lights on the tree can be sponsored to remember our loved ones at this special time of the year. This is a major fundraiser for the club and helps us to support many projects.

Weekend away visiting the Rotary Club of Tiel

Its not all about fundraising and service. An important part of Rotary is socialising and in Aldridge we organise lots of weekends away and trips out.

We are proud to support the British Legion in Aldridge with the organisation of this annual parade.

We have adopted a section of the Canal around Aldridge and are working with the community to keep it tidy and well maintained for all leisure users.

Some photograph's of The Aldridge Garden of Reflection.

Run by Aldridge Methodist Church

I joined the club in 2012 as the first female member, I was worried about what it would be like but I was warmly welcomed and know I made the right decision.

A walk of around 1.3 miles routed around the village to pass benches where you may choose to rest a while.

Get Involved

Are you interested in joining The Rotary Club of Aldridge? If the answer is yes, please use the email link below and we will get back in touch with you shortly.

Rotary is cheaper than you think from just over £10 a month you can be a member with access to all sorts of projects and events.

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Two of our members are undertaking a virtual walk from Land’s End to John O’Groats (874 miles). They are walking locally every day to accumulate the total miles involved.

The Advent Adventure kicks off the Christmas fundraising period for the Rotary Club.

Local community groups working together in the tidy up before Britain in Bloom.

The Rotary Club of Aldridge gets involved in lots of local projects in Aldridge. Wherever possible we work with other local groups to make improvements in Aldridge.

A concert held at the Methodist church in Aldridge in aid of the Poppy Appeal.

Individuals and small businesses take loans supporting their businesses.

Nearly 8 million people live on less than $1.90 a day. Rotary members are passionate about providing sustainable solutions to poverty.

Are you interested in Joining Aldridge Rotary Club?

Come along and join us.

My Rotary - No-one in my family had been in a service club

I wasn't sure what it would be like to be in a service club and whether I would fit in.