What is Rotary?

What is Rotary?

Rotary is a worldwide, non-political service organisation with 1.2 million members belonging to 34,000 clubs in over 200 countries. 

Rotary members are enthusiastic, fun-loving and active volunteers who give their time and talents to serve communities both at home and overseas.  These are dedicated people, from all backgrounds including business, professionals and community leaders, who share a common interest in helping others.

Rotary runs countless humanitarian projects locally, nationally and internationally, and also partners with many charities worldwide.

Each member enjoys networking opportunities whilst giving something back to those less fortunate, learning new skills and having a huge amount of fun.

Members organise and support community projects that address many of today's most critical issues, such as violence, drug abuse, health, hunger, the environment and illiteracy.  Rotary clubs determine service projects based on local needs.

Our Rotary Club

The Rotary Club of Hart is active in Hartley Wintney, Yateley, Eversley, Blackwater and Hawley, and has been in existence for over 40 years.  In that time it has been involved, with others, in organising many community events, including (most notably) the annual Hartley Wintney Village Festival, Christmas Collections, an annual Senior Citizens’ Party, the Hartley Wintney Pram Races, and the Hartley Wintney Easter Egg Trail.  With its partners, It also provides critical financial support to local community groups and projects, through its Community Award Scheme.  Last year alone, more than £26,000 was distributed through this scheme and a further £10,000 was donated to national and international charities.

We are always looking for new opportunities to serve, embracing innovative ideas and seeking out new partners to work with.  If you have any ideas, please let us know.

Membership

The Club currently has over 30 members each of whom makes a contribution to its busy programme according to their respective abilities and available time.  However, like many other organisations, the Club’s activities can only be sustained if there are new members to take over from those who, through age, ill health or family circumstances, feel unable to continue.  Would this be of interest to you?     

Membership is open to men and women of all ages and from all backgrounds.  Various types of membership are available, including Associate membership for up to 12 months for those who are not sure whether Rotary is for them.  The cost of full Rotary membership is not prohibitive – less than £2 per week – and for Associate Members there are no fees to pay.  In addition, other participation costs are kept to a minimum.     

Club members have the opportunity to meet regularly to support one another, learn more about ongoing and potential service opportunities, and get things done.  However, there is absolutely no obligation for any member to attend all meetings, and some active members with busy personal schedules find ways to participate effectively without attending many meetings at all.  All meetings are open and informal, and all members are treated equally.  For those who are not able to attend meetings, full use of electronic media (including the Club website and social media) is used to keep members informed of Club activities.

If you are interested in finding out more about us, please see our website at Rotary Club of Hart or contact our Membership Team Leader, John Collins, on 07771 612365.