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Marilyn and Vida the founders and organisers of the Rochdale Soup Kitchen gave members and friends potted history of the organisation. How it has grown from giving out cups of soup outside the Town Hall, to regularly catering for over 130 people a day.
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A team of over 50 volunteers collect food from supermarkets, shops and prepare the meals. However, more people are needed and their current premises at the rear of Champness Hall is getting to be unsuitable and a larger, more modern building is desperately needed.
Teen Lives Matter became the club's first Corporate Members when Secretary Bob Chadwick presented Mell and Lynze with their plaque and badges at their offices.​​​​​​​​
Steve Gough from the Lighthouse Foodshare in Whitworth gave members and friends are really interesting insight into the organisation.
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Serving people within a four mile radius of their building, many on a weekly basis, the Lighthouse is a real credit to its volunteers, and a lifeline to its service users.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
The 99th anniversary of the Club's Charter was held at Rochdale Golf Club where members and guests were served a delicious 3-course meal. The main speaker was Cllr Janet Emsley who entertained everyone with the story of how she ended up as the current Mayor of Rochdale.
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President Neil Helliwell spoke fondly of our long-serving member Clive Reid who had passed to higher service that morning. The evening thus became a celebration of his life and of his 44 year of service as a Rotarian.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Several members attended the District 1285 conference at Llandudno, staying as ever in the Empire Hotel.
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As well as a weekend of fellowship, we were informed and entertained by a host of speakers.​​​​​​
President Neil Helliwell set a fun general knowledge quiz for members and friends on the eve of the District Conference. It was also a precursor to the Inner Wheel and Inter Rotary Quiz night being held on 21st November in aid of Myeloma UK.
Tracie and Sam Powers from Vintage Worx told members about the history of Falinge Park and their plans to revitalise the park for the local community.
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Since forming in 2006, they have held over 300 community events, supported 30 groups to start up, provided over 100 training courses, supported over 2,000 people into employment and training and over 1,000 people with mental wellbeing and support opportunities.​
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And of course they are the host for our annual Classic Car Show.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
The Club's newest member, Rob Chilton, who recently transferred his membership from the Rotary Club of Sale, gave an interesting talk about his work. This involves finding funding for and arranging the maintenance of church buildings within the Diocese of Manchester.
IPP Irene presented her five charities with a share of over £6,000 raised during her year of office. They were Teen Lives Matter, Rochdale Children's Moorland Home, Greater Manchester Blood Bikes, Kidscan and North Care Charity's Sunshine Appeal.
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More details about these organisations can be found on the Projects page.​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Jordan Perris gave members and friends an interesting insight to the history of the ground upon which Rochdale Town Hall is built.
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During the last few years, the area has been redeveloped and has given the opportunity for several archaeological digs to take place, revealing the past usage of the area.​​​​​​​
The 2025 Bowls Evening took place once again at Castleton Bowling Club, organised as always by Rtn Elvet Smith
Members, Friends and family enjoy a few ends of bowling followed by a pie and peas supper with a cake and cream to follow.
The 2025 Classic Car and Bike Show took place in Falinge Park on Sunday 20th July. Around 200 vehicles were on display, along with 40 stalls. However, the rain kept a lot of visitors away.
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The proceeds from the show will be distributed to IPP Irene's charities at the September Friend's meeting.
The new Rotary year, our 99th, began on 3rd July when outgoing President Irene, handed over the regalia to Neil Helliwell.
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Neil was joined by his wife Nichola, who is this year's President for Inner Wheel.
Before handing over the baton, President Irene presenter John Cannell with a Paul Harris Fellowship for his outstanding work for the Club. Ian Madeley also received a certificate for 25 years of service to Rotary.
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