Our Club
Rotary International is one of the world's largest service organizations, with nearly 30,000 clubs, 1.2 million members, in more than 160 countries. Rotarians worldwide are always looking for like minded men & women to become members. These members represent various businesses and professional activities in their communities. As a progressive-minded business or professional person, belonging to a Rotary Club has many benefits to the community at large as well as to the new member.
Formed in 1971, and chartered in 1972, the Rotary Club of Chigwell was the first Rotary Club in the London District to be formed as an evening meeting club. At that time all Rotary Clubs in District 1130 met at lunch-time. We were chartered with 31 members, and we still have 2 of the original 31 founder members as members today. We have seen many changes of members and changes of venues over the years, but the biggest change has been the welcoming of Ladies as members into Rotary, and Chigwell accepted this change in 1996. We now have 9 lady members in our compliment of 26 members.
The Social Side.
Please do not think that it is not all work belonging to a Rotary Club.
We have a very active social side. At least 5 times per year, we invite our wives/husbands/partners to join us at our evening meetings, and to dine and be entertained by our after dinner speaker. It has been a tradition in our club to have a fellowship weekend away usually in this country, where we all stay in one hotel, and together explore the city where we are staying. Generally the choice of venue is made by the President of the year, and usually selected by being no further than 2-3 hours drive from Chigwell. In the past we have visited Bath, Chichester, Winchester, Battle in Sussex amongst others. Last Rotary year (2007/8) we visited the Medieval Historic town of Sandwich in Kent. A visit to Norwich is planned for March 2009.
Other activities include, visits to the theatre, museums etc. and a dinner at a restaurant sometimes Chinese, Greek, Italian etc. we join other Rotary Clubs in various sports, Golf, Ten-Pin Bowling, Bridge, Snooker and Chess and other activities too numerous to name.
Through these activities, fellowship and good friendships are formed.