Rotary Rochdale celebrates its 100th anniversary in October, marking a century of service to the people and charities of our town. Since 1926, the club has supported local communities while contributing to wider humanitarian work.
Part of a global organisation with over 1.2 million members in more than 200 countries, Rotary’s work ranges from helping to eradicate polio and supporting disaster relief to funding local causes such as the Rochdale Children’s Moorland Home and Teen Lives Matter.
The club first met at the Flying Horse in 1926 and quickly became active in the community, providing playground materials, footballs for unemployed young people, seaside trips for children and picnics for blind residents.
Today, Rotary Rochdale works alongside clubs in Middleton and Heywood to support the borough. It welcomes anyone who wants to contribute, whether as a member or by helping with events such as the Classic Car Show.
Over the years, many Rochdalians have attended Rotary events, including the popular Senior Citizens’ Balls at the town hall and a range of fundraising evenings. Events such as Arabian Nights, Carry On Capers and the Get Weaving Ball have raised thousands of pounds for local causes.
Supporting young people remains central to the club’s work, from school awards and music competitions to the ongoing Youth Speaks programme.
Internationally, Rotary Rochdale has funded projects such as a sand dam in Kenya, supported ShelterBox disaster relief and contributed to the End Polio Now campaign. More recently, it has backed the Shoebox scheme and donated £12,250 to the Lend with Care initiative.
Centenary celebrations begin in July with the Classic Car Show on 19 July, followed by a Cricket Dinner on 2 October. A Charter Night on 22 October will mark 100 years since the club’s original charter was signed.
A century on, Rotary Rochdale continues to bring people together to make a lasting difference at home and beyond.
