A brief history of the club

The Rotary Club of Rossendale, a daughter club of Accrington, was Chartered in November 1933, and since then has been served by over 200 members. Some had stayed for a few months or years, but on the other hand one of the 20 founder-members stayed in it until his death 57 years later. A number of others have served 30 and 40 years.

The club, especially in recent years, has always looked beyond its frontiers, and International Service has been to the forefront. A scheme it inaugurated in the 60's to give overseas students an including in methods of agriculture was taken up by District for a time. A member who served as District Chairman of the International Service Committee paid several overseas visits, including Africa and India to see Rotary schemes in action.

 It has given keen support to R.I. and R.I.B.I. projects, attaining its target in ones like Polio Plus, and maintains interest in Foundation. Both locally and in District it has a particular concern for the young, the elderly, and those with special needs, such as the disabled. The 1990's saw a considerable effort for the last-named - the preparation of a book outlining trails for wheelchair-bound people, this embracing all areas of District 1190, thanks to the co-operation of all its clubs. More recently, the club has taken the initiative in persuading District to adopt the Life Education caravan scheme, making youngsters aware of the effects of alcohol and drugs.

Two men who started their Rotary life with the club became District Governors, one of them going on to be R.I.B.I. President.

 While fulfilling 'Service above self' the club has realised many of its projects cannot go ahead without considerable financial assistance, and a variety of fund-raising events have been planned, some of them on an annual basis, and all successful thanks to the work of Rotarians and the generous support of local people.

The club has a reputation of happy fellowship, members living up to the injunction to 'Enjoy Rotary'