International

The Rotary Club of Reading Abbey has been twinned with the club of Macon since 1988.  Originally Rene Gruzzard of the Macon club looked for a club associated with an abbey in Reading because of the historical links between Reading and Cluny.

The abbey in Reading was founded by Henry I in 1121. As part of his endowments, he gave the abbey his lands within Reading, along with land at Cholsey. Following its royal foundation, the abbey was established by a party of monks from Cluny Abbey in Burgundy, together with monks from the Cluniac priory of St Pancras at Lewes in Sussex.

Since 1988, close links have been forged between the two clubs punctuated by regular meetings in France as well in Britain. Over the years the two clubs have met around 15 times and many long-term personal friendships have been established. In April 2014, the Mâconnais Rotarians visited Windsor castle its famous emblem of England, St George's Chapel and the famous Eton College.

In May of 2016, 15 Reading Abbey club members and partners visited the Rotary club of Macon, France. President Eric Braillon and the club members made us feel very welcome and we all enjoyed two wonderful days together during which time we visited the area of La Confulence in Lyon, Roche de Soultre and of course two vineyards! We had a truly wonderful time and our thanks go to everyone, but in particular to Michel Robin for organising our visit so well.

In May of 2017, The Rotary club of Macon members and partners visited the Rotary club of Reading Abbey .