Membership in 2025/26 - A Case Study

Welcoming New Members to RCCT: Community, Purpose, and a Warm Cotswold Spirit

The Rotary Club of Cotswold Tyndale (RCCT) continues to grow and evolve, welcoming new members who are keen to make a meaningful contribution to our community. One of the newest members to join us is Dr Fui Mee Quek, who recently moved to the area and quickly found Rotary to be a natural place to connect, serve, and belong.

We spoke to RCCT President, Derek Aston, about what attracts people like Fui Mee to the club today — and why RCCT’s membership profile is broadening in exciting and positive ways.

A Warm Welcome and a Club That’s “Go-Ahead”

When Fui Mee relocated to the Cotswolds from Surrey, she was looking not only to settle into her new surroundings, but also to become part of the community. With her daughter living locally and a new grandchild soon on the way, she was keen to get involved in something purposeful.

It didn’t take long before she noticed two of her neighbours were RCCT members — and that the club had a surprisingly lively and forward-thinking presence online. Seeing Rotary as active, diverse, and genuinely engaged in the local area, she reached out.

One particular event stood out:
RCCT’s classic car rally.
Fui Mee and her husband, both car enthusiasts, offered one of their vehicles for the event — and soon found themselves surrounded by a welcoming group of people who shared a passion for both community and enjoyment.

“She quickly realised what a diverse group we are — and how much good we do in the community,” says Derek.

Who Is Joining RCCT Today?

While Rotary is often associated with retirees — and RCCT certainly continues to appeal to individuals entering that stage of life — the story doesn’t end there.

According to Derek, the club is attracting:

• People approaching or just entering retirement, who want to use their time meaningfully.

• Active individuals who have skills and enthusiasm to share, regardless of professional background.

• Younger working members, who may not have the same availability, but want opportunities to get involved where they can.

“The most important thing people bring is time,” Derek explains. “Not wealth, status, or a business background — just the willingness to contribute.”

And importantly, you don’t have to be retired to join. RCCT has several members still working part-time or full-time who take part when they can — from attending occasional meetings to helping at community events. This flexibility is helping the club lower its average age profile and welcome new prospective members.

Supporting Local Business and Younger Professionals

Recognising that many working-age people are time-poor, RCCT has helped launch a new GL12 Business Networking Breakfast Group in the area.

Meeting from 7:30–8:30am, it fits before the working day begins and provides:

• Peer support for local business owners and self-employed professionals

• A network to ease the isolation of running a business alone

• A welcoming space for community organisations, local churches, and civic groups

The group is already proving to be a vibrant hub of shared ideas and mutual support.

“If I’d had this network when I first started my business, I’d have avoided half the mistakes I made,” Derek adds, laughing. “I’d probably be rich by now!”

Fui Mee also getting involved with the GL12 Breakfast Networking Group

Corporate Membership: A Win-Win for Local Businesses

RCCT is also developing corporate membership, enabling businesses to join and engage the club in various ways — from staff involvement to skill sharing.

A recent example saw a local company providing free first-aid training places to RCCT volunteers, filling a vital skills gap at no cost to the club.

Corporate membership allows businesses to:

• Demonstrate corporate social responsibility (CSR)

• Build employee skills — such as public speaking and community leadership

• Contribute practical support, manpower, expertise, or services

“It’s a win-win,” says Derek. “They support the community and develop their staff — and we benefit from skills we may not otherwise have.”

Yate Supplies - a Corporate Member who supported RCCT by providing First Aid Training for free!

A Club with Purpose — and Heart

What stands out most from the stories of new members like Dr Fui Mee Quek is the spirit of connection at RCCT.

This is a club where:

• New friendships are formed

• Skills are shared

• Community is strengthened

• And everyone is welcome to get involved in a way that suits their life

Fui Mee’s journey reflects what many people are looking for today:
A meaningful way to belong, contribute, and enjoy being part of something positive.

We are delighted to welcome her to the Rotary Club of Cotswold Tyndale.

Fui Mee helping with the 2025 Poppy Appeal Collection at Michaelwood Services

A New Member’s Perspective: Dr Fui Mee Quek’s Story

When Dr Fui Mee Quek moved to the Cotswolds, she wanted to feel part of the community and find ways to contribute without immediately taking on the burden of organising everything herself. Encouraged by her neighbour (and now fellow member) Derek Aston, she first encountered RCCT through the club’s classic car rally, where she and her husband entered one of their cars.

“It was fun,” she recalls. “We met people, we won a raffle prize, and I realised very quickly that it didn’t matter if you got lost or didn’t take it too seriously - it was simply about enjoying the journey and the company.”

From there, Fui Mee found herself involved in the West End Festival, which she had been helping to organise. When the event unexpectedly drew hundreds of visitors, RCCT members stepped in to support at the last moment - managing parking, running the barbecue, coordinating logistics and offering helping hands wherever needed.

“I was genuinely impressed by how efficient, calm, and willing everyone was to help. It was professional, but also warm and friendly.”

This experience of practical action and teamwork stood out. It wasn’t just talk - Rotary showed up!

A Club That Feels Welcoming (and Real)

At first, Fui Mee had hesitated. Like many people, she had an impression of Rotary as a traditional club full of “grey-haired old men.” But walking into RCCT told a different story.

The club was diverse, energetic and welcoming - with women in leadership roles and members who were not just friendly but genuinely interested in getting to know her. Small details made a difference - such as wearing name badges to help new members settle in easily.

She also appreciated the balance between social connection and meaningful purpose:

“With Rotary, you’re looking outward, not inward. You’re doing things for the community. And by working together, you get to know each other naturally - without forced small talk. I really value that.”

Getting Involved — at Your Own Pace

What appealed most was the flexibility. With her husband experiencing health issues and travel commitments to Singapore, Fui Mee knew she couldn’t always be present.

But RCCT made it clear that involvement is not all-or-nothing.

“You help when you’re here, and when you’re away, that’s fine. There’s no pressure, and you’re welcomed whenever you return.”

Since joining, she has been involved in:

• Five Valleys Fireworks volunteering

• The Town Hall Teas

• Poppy Appeal collections

• Breakfast networking events

• Fundraising auction

• Social gatherings and club dinners

And, in her words:

“You don’t have to bake - you can always buy cake!”

Skills, Experience, and Giving Back

With a background spanning medicine, entrepreneurship, international business, recruitment, event promotion and leadership, Fui Mee sees Rotary as a place where life experience isn’t wasted — it’s shared.

“Everyone in the club has skills and stories. And by helping others, you realise how much you still have to offer.”

She also loves the friendships that are forming - “not just polite acquaintances, but real, supportive connections.”

Why She Would Recommend RCCT

For anyone new to the area, or anyone simply looking for a purposeful way to reconnect with people, her encouragement is simple:

“Just come along. Try a breakfast meeting, a social, or an event. You’ll be welcomed - and there is something for every personality, whether you like chatting over dinner or quietly rolling up your sleeves to help.”

And if she had to describe RCCT in just a few words?

“Energetic, positive, active, friendly, and community-minded. We are blessed - and it’s good to be able to bless others.”

When Fui Mee joined Rotarians visiting the Oncology Unit - the focus of the Rotary Big Space Cancer Appeal

Interested in Getting Involved?

Whether you’re recently retired, still working, running your own business, or simply looking to connect with like-minded people in the community - you are very welcome to come and meet us.

Send us a message, come to a meeting, or join us at one of our community events.

You’ll be in good company.

Fui Mee in attendance at the Remembrance Day Parade 9-11-25 with this year's President Derek Aston