Rotary Club celebrates 86th birthday

The 86th birthday of The Rotary Club of Rochdale was marked with a celebration dinner

The 86th birthday of The Rotary Club of Rochdale was marked with a celebration dinner at The Broadfield Hotel.

Over 80 Rotarians were joined by guests including the Mayor, Councillor James Gartside, at the Charter Night.

President David Smithard gave a speech to those in attendance, and the club’s newest member, Neil Williams, read out the Charter.

Formed in 1926, the club’s dual gender membership is increasing and they will be supporting the Rochdale Petrus and Sand Dams African Water Conservation charities over the next 12 months.

Projects organised by the Rochdale Rotary Club include a grow bag scheme, which is being trialled in Kenya and Bangladesh for its water-conserving properties.

A Rotakids club has also been formed in collaboration with Wardle’s St James’ Primary School, giving an insight into the Rotary ideal of service over self, and links with other community groups are being increased.

The celebration dinner was concluded with musical entertainment by the Hollingworth Brass Ensemble, whose performance ended with a rendition of Rule Britannia.