Information for New Members

Just a few points that might be useful.

Introducing a new member to the club:

We always need new members and are encouraged to bring along prospective rotarians. The club will pay for the first visit.

If someone approaches the club directly with a view to joining a meeting, a volunteer will book them in and look after them at that meeting.

Becoming a Member:

If you decide to apply to become a member, usually after attending a few meetings, you will be invited to attend a meeting with the President and the Membership Chair. After that your application form will be circulated around the club and if no objections are raised, you will be inducted at a club meeting by prior arrangement. This is a simple process where the President will read out the Ideals of Rotary and present you with your Rotary badge.

New members will be directed to the RI website and to the Club’s own website. However, the best way to develop interest is from other members, so it is expected that new members will be made welcome and helped with procedure. Ideally, new members will be allocated a mentor, who will answer any questions that may arise.

Committees:

Members are expected to serve on a committee, preferably one that matches their interests. The work is not onerous and meetings will usually take place at a rotary lunchtime meeting.

Meetings:

Meetings are held every Tuesday, starting at 12.30pm for 12.45pm.

The 1st and 3rd Tuesdays are the formal speaker / business meetings, whilst the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays take on a more informal approach, giving an opportunity for fellowship and a forum for committee meetings to take place.

If there is a 5th Tuesday in the month this will either be a speaker meeting or if appropriate an evening meal or visit may be organised.

The venue for each meeting is listed in the Club Programme which is produced every quarter. Meals consist of a main course and tea/coffee. The current cost is £13.00.

At the meetings there are opportunities to meet up with other club members and be involved in discussion about the club and it’s planned activities. The meeting starts with a ‘Grace or a ‘Thought for the Day’ (available from the Secretary) and there is a loyal toast after the meal. The meeting ends with a toast to ‘Rotary and Peace the World Over’.

Meetings start at 12.30pm and finish at 2pm, once the final toast has been taken. Members may leave before the final toast by prior arrangement, with whoever is presiding, or if the meeting extends beyond 2pm.

Attendance and apologies:

The club understands that due to work commitments, attendance may be sporadic but ask that people attend when they are able. Rotarians must give their apologies if they are unable to attend a meeting, which may be done in advance by completing the attendance folder. Leave of absence can be arranged with the President. If apologies are not given by the deadline the member will be charged for the meal.

Host:

Approximately once a year, you will be asked to find a speaker for the meeting. It is your choice who you invite. The Club will pay for the speaker’s meal but you will be host to the speaker that day and probably buy their drink for them. Speaker’s are asked to finish their talk by 1.55pm. You may choose to do a ‘Job’ talk about yourself instead.

The cost of Rotary:

The annual subscription is £120.

Members are encouraged to make an annual voluntary donation to Rotary Foundation (Rotary’s Charity). Only the Treasurer will know who has donated as it is accepted that not all members are able or may wish to do this.

Rotary is a service club ‘Service above Self’ and there are plenty of other ways to contribute, rather than financial, such as volunteering your time.

Dress code:

Dress code is casual. Jeans are permitted.

 

If you have a query that isn’t covered above, don’t be afraid to ask. There will also someone who knows the answer.

You can get involved as much as you feel able to but REMEMBER it is: Family, Work, Rotary.