Welcome to St Anne's-on-the-Sea Rotary, supporting communities both locally, nationally and internationally for nearly 100 years.

Rotary International began in America nearly 120 years ago. It was founded by Chicago businessman Paul Harris and three friends whose first project was to raise funds and use their own particular qualifications to establish public toilets in their home city. They met regularly, rotating between their homes - hence the name Rotary.

Since that time the organisation has evolved greatly, now being well established throughout the world. What was once an all male organisation is now proud of the equality and diversity it affords.

It still has its headquarters in Chicago, but its Presidents have come from all over the world — the current one being Scottish Rotarian Gordon McNally. Next year (from July) the organisation will have its second woman President.

It still helps to provide sanitation in various countries in addition to focussing on education, health, peace and the environment.

Not only was it a major player in the setting up of the United Nations, but it has also been able to take credit for helping reduce the number of cases of Polio worldwide since it became involved in End Polio Now in the 1980s. Today wild Polio virus is endemic in only two countries and the number of cases is now reduced to single figures rather than the thousands who were dying and being maimed by the disease just 40 years ago.

But we also work for our local communities, whether it be providing funding to other local charities and groups, helping with food banks, collecting used spectacles or providing fun in the form of our vintage games and so much more.

We need more members not only to help us with this work but also to expand our reach to embrace more groups and projects. 

Contact us for more information.