History of Leigh.

Leigh has a long history as a settlement dependant on the sea, Its records are said to go back 1248, and since that time has seen changes from a major port on the River Thames to what is now a small but thriving fishing port noted for its cockles and shrimps.

History of the Rotary Club of Leigh on Sea.

We were chartered on the 15th December 1952, and since those days we would like to think we have grown with the times. Our present membership is around 20 men and women and additional Friends of Rotary who frequently help us at events..  Should you wish to visit us whether you are already a Rotarian, or interested in the work of Rotary you will be made most welcome. If you wish to attend one of our meetings please contact phil.leighrotary@gmail.com

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We have completed our project involving the provision and installation of a number of defibrulators from Leigh to Thorpe Bay and with the support of The Carli Lansley Foundation and the Rotary Club of Thorpe Bay this has been an excellent community project.  We are now in the maintenance stage and preparing for replacement as and when necessary. This is being done under a new charity formed by existing Rotarians called Start a Heart Southend. If you or anyone you know would be interested in helping us with this important project aimed at saving lives please contact us through this web page.

We have raised funds through the annual Great Pier Walk and a number of other initiatives. We were able to donate £3150 to the Southend Hospital Spotlight Appeal following the Pier Walk in May 2025. Thanks go to members of Thorpe Bay and Hadleigh Castle who assisted us this year. We are committed to further working together with other local clubs.

We organise an annual afternoon tea for older people in the area and support the Macmillan project by holding a MacMillan coffee morning every year.

These are some of the causes we continue to support or have managed to help in the past.

Help in the building of an eye hospital in Vyrurry India, where today many people are having their sight restored.

Donations to: Southend Hospital Charity, Havens Hospices, Cancer Research, Southend In Sight, Shields, Polio Plus, Trade Aid, Marys Meals, Aquabox, Shelterbox, Mercy Ships and many more local and International charities.

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