WHY I JOINED ROTARY,       Duncan Colin-Jones.

            I joined Rotary soon after I retired, when I had the time to get involved; it’s an organisation which helps communities in many different ways, but also provides friendships – doing something that’s worthwhile is so important when retired.  The projects we undertook were very varied, sometimes local and sometimes international. Rotary International is a huge organisation with over 1 million members worldwide, each of us paying a modest regular subscription, this is then used to add to, or even multiply any money raised locally by clubs for specific projects. Well, what did I get involved in? Just some examples.

 The club organises events to raise funds for different projects. Of several overseas projects which gave me a special buzz, one was for children with club foot in Malawi (where, for an unknown reason, it is common), the foot curves sideways as the child grows making them lame as they have to attempt to walk of the shins instead of the feet; early treatment can prevent this, even cure it – I loved it when I heard that some boys who had undergone such treatment, it had been so successful that they had formed a football team! Wonderful, and very satisfying that I had been involved in such a worthwhile project. 

In our own town the club has been able to help with numerous practical projects, Uniquely our club owns a small building right on the sea front at Hillhead with an open room, toilet and mini kitchen. which is made available to charitable groups such as stroke victims, the disabled, MS sufferers etc for their members to have a day by the sea. I have particularly been involved with helping disabled children from St Francis school enjoy the seaside; really rewarding for the youngsters, their carers – and me along with the Rotarian team helping.

The meetings are with a simple lunch followed by perhaps a talk, often about the work of a charity or of another Rotary club; there is always good chatter and friendships are readily formed with likeminded people. Am I glad I joined Rotary? Yes, without a doubt, there is a commitment, but the return is one of enjoyment whilst making a difference to the world. I would encourage others to consider joining.

            Duncan Colin-Jones

Why I joined Fareham Rotary  – Pam Bryant

Having been aware of the good works done by Rotary across the globe, I was delighted when asked to join Fareham Rotary Club as I had seen the tremendous amount of support the Club had given to numerous organisations and help given to residents living in the area. Having been aware of many less fortunate people than myself living in the town I felt that I would like to help in some small way. 

I instantly found that new friends were made within the Rotary Club, and I was able to quickly engage with a cross-section of business and professional members who were all like-minded in wishing to support others whilst getting enjoyment, friendship and fellowship themselves. 

While the club is run professionally, delivering a responsible agenda, raising funds as well as awareness across all ages with consideration given to communities across the world, all members are included in as much or as little as time allows. 

Social activities are always great fun, and some excellent speakers often encourage members to get involved in a variety of events and activities they would never have previously considered. 

Contact with youth organisations, through events such as the Rotary Youth Speaks debating competition which our Club is actively involved in, is a great way to offer the next generation a way of developing their opportunities and often giving them the confidence required as they step out into their chosen employment. 

Rotary has so many benefits, both as being a member and giving a little time to make a difference to others. Rotarians strive to make the lives of individuals and communities locally and worldwide so much better and have fun as they work together for the good of everyone.                   

Why I joined Fareham Rotary 

Bob Hitchins

When I was 62, I decided that I had built up enough funds and pension cover to retire early. I then realised that the engineering fraternity to which I had belonged all my working life would be lost. 

Occupying my new free time could be best spent by volunteering. This would enable me to use my free time wisely and provide the opportunity for me to return to society the support I had received during my working life. A colleague suggested that I should join Rotary which I did soon after retiring. That was over 9 years ago, and I have greatly enjoyed the fraternity with other club members as well as helping local people worse off than me. Fundraising for local and international causes has also been a source of great satisfaction for me. 

Being an active member of Rotary has become an important part of my life. I have been involved in many aspects of the Club and it was a great honour to be made President of the Club for this Rotary year. 

Fareham Shopping Centre and The Rotary Club of Fareham Announce Fundraising Effort for 2024/25

From left to right, Bob Hitchins, Fareham Rotary Club President, Sarah Jacobs from Age Concern Hampshire, and Mike Taylor, Centre Manager at Fareham Shopping Centre.

Fareham Shopping Centre and The Rotary Club of Fareham have Age Concern Hampshire as their chosen charitable cause for 2024/25. Their combined fundraising efforts from now until June 2025 will go towards aiding the work of Age Concern Hampshire which is committed to enhancing the quality of life for older people across Hampshire. With its Lockwood Care and Wellbeing Centre in Locks Heath, it offers a wide variety of services to the local community.  Support from Fareham Shopping Centre and Fareham Rotary Club will help Age Concern Hampshire enhance its facilities and support more individuals in need.

During the series of free events at Fareham Shopping Centre throughout the fundraising period, collection buckets will enable shoppers to make donations to Age Concern Hampshire. These events, starting in the October half term, will involve a Monster Trail, face painting and Halloween colouring on October 31^st. Continuing with Christmas events and into next year, the events will include Santa’s Grotto, Story Telling Workshop, and Mother’s Day Workshop.  Additionally, the Rotary Club’s Wishing Well in the mall exists for passers-by to contribute towards the cause. 

Mike Taylor, Fareham Shopping Centre Manager, states: “We are incredibly pleased to announce this year’s cause as Age Concern Hampshire. Each donation, regardless of the amount, will make a significant difference to their very important work. With fundraising, the community spirit that drives the process highlights the generosity of Fareham's residents but also underscores the importance of charitable initiatives in bringing people together for a common cause.”

Robert Hitchins, President of the Rotary Club of Fareham, said, “It’s been great to collaborate with Fareham Shopping Centre to raise funds for such an important charity. The partnership has been incredibly fulfilling and we are thrilled with the support we have received.” 

For more information visit www.facebook.com/farehamshopping ,www.instagram.com/farehamshopping, or Follow on X @farehamshopping.

Rotary is an organisation with clubs worldwide that has a huge amount to offer to its members. It provides the opportunity to do much for people locally and further afield including internationally. A broad range of social events are also open to Members. 
If this is something that would interest you we would love to see you. 

Please contact Secretray, John Landaw, john.landaw@icloud.com 

***    Please note that "membership of a club is by invitation only, at the discretion of the members." It is important, therefore, that you take time to visit your prospective club on a few occasions to ensure not only that you get to know its members and that you will feel happy being part of the club, but also that you give its members a chance to get to know you. - See more at: http://www.ribi.org/get-involved/join-Rotary/register-your-interest#sthash.QlO7whC1.dpuf