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On 22nd October, Rotary Rochdale held its centenary Charter Night exactly 100 years since receiving the Charter from Rotary International.
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84 Rotarians, distinguished guests, family and friends joined in the celebrations and were entertained by a humorous look at 100 years of Rotary in Rochdale, written and presented by Peter Fitton.
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President Neil Williams was presented with a certificate marking the 100 years from Rotary GB&I, along with a pendant recognising the donations made by the club to End Polio Now.
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Rtn Derek Heywood received a Long Service certificate to mark 40 years of service to Rotary.
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Secretary Bob Chadwick received a Paul Harris Sapphire from District Governor Ian Cochrane to mark the work he does for the club.
More details and photos from the evening can be seen here.​​​​​​​​​​​​
Rtn David Acton MPHF explained his new project 'Home Farmer' to the club.
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The basic premise being that if everyone grew just one bag of food in their garden, then just imagine the savings in transport costs, the CO2 reduction and the educational aspect for all concerned.
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More details will be coming in the New Year.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
The Centenary Cricket Dinner was attended by around 60 guests. The speaker was former Yorkshire and Nottingham opener, Ashley Metcalfe. His talk had the audience in stiches and was followed by a question and answer session.
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Money raised from the evening will help fund youth cricket coaching in the Rochdale area.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Past President Neil Helliwell distributed his charity funds to Rochdale Soup Kitchen and Whitworth's Lighthouse Project who both received £1,500. Inner Wheel were also given £500 to donate to Myeloma UK.
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Thanks also to Angela from Amber Pets who donated £300 to the club. This was the proceeds from her dog show held in conjunction with our classic car show in July.
President Neil and Community Team Leader Linda visited Deeplish Community Centre to see the summer project we funded in action. Along with the Mayor Faisal Rana, they presented certificates and awards to the children.​​​​​​​​​​
The Centenary Charter Night will be held on Thursday 22nd October 2026, exactly 100 years since the club received its Charter from Rotary International.
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We would love you to help us celebrate this momentous event. More details can be found here.
Eight guests from the Rotary Club of Sale joined us for our meeting having been invited by their former member, Rob Chilton. President Nigel Turner thanked the club for our hospitality before enjoying pictures and videos from our latest car show.​​​​​​​​​
Elle Cody from Rochdale & District MIND told members and friends about the organisation's 40 year history. She outlined all the services they provide to the people of Rochdale and Middleton.
Rtn Paul Rowen was also presented with his Vice President medal by President Neil.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Our annual bowls evening took place once again at Castleton Bowling Club. Members, friends and guests played and chatted the night away, followed by a traditional pie and peas supper.
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Congratulations to Russell and Hannah for winning their respective competitions.
The Classic Car and Bike Show was once again held at Falinge Park, Rochdale. Blessed with glorious weather, almost 200 vehicles, 30+ stalls and loads of visitors enjoyed a great day out.
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Along with the Falinge Park Dog Show, Emma's Crazy Creatures, a Gundog display and Bloom Music Community A & B bands the event was one for all the family.
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Photos and videos are now on the Car Show page.​
The new Rotary year, our centenary year, began with the Presidential handover. Outgoing President Neil Helliwell presented the Chain of Office to Neil Williams.
President Neil Williams then presented Neil Helliwell the Immediate Past President medal, before appointing Andy Sharples as Presidential Nominee and presenting Irene Davidson with her Past Presidents medal and badge.
Members and Friends also brought a mountain of food to be donated to the Rochdale Foodbank and to the Lighthouse Project.
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