Rotary Fellowship Exchange Visit - May 2018

                 International Rotarian Event in the Harborough and Kibworth area.

A group of twelve visitors from the USA East Coast States of Vermont and New Hampshire have recently visited the Harborough area as part of an International Rotary Friendship Exchange. The Exchange programme gives Rotarians and their families the opportunity to experience other cultures first-hand, by participating in reciprocal visits with Rotarians and their families from other countries. This programme aims to advance international understanding and provides Rotarians with the opportunity to make long lasting friendships while exploring different areas of the world. In the recent past there have been Exchanges with New Zealand, Brazil, Australia, India, Canada and Sweden. 

This particular Exchange involved several clubs from across the East Midlands / East Anglia - including Market Harborough Rotary Club and the Kibworth & Fleckney Rotary Club - hosting the visitors from across the pond. Visiting Rotarians and their partners stayed in the area with Rotary families for four days during their two week stay in the UK. In October a number of Rotarians from each club which hosted visitors will have a reciprocal opportunity of visiting Vermont and New Hampshire for two weeks in the Autumn leaf season.  Each club involved in the Exchange prepares an interesting and varied programme of events for their guests including opportunities to particularly experience what's going on locally. Visits to Rockingham Castle and Foxton Locks were highlights and to Oakham Castle and Barnsdale Gardens in the wider area.

Rotary is a global service organisation of 1.2 million members who unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.