Rotary Clubs from across Bedford have come together to encourage people from all backgrounds in and around the area to help form a new club.
This new club, set up for a younger and more diverse membership, is designed to mirror and support the work of the area’s current Rotary Clubs. This growing ‘family’ of Rotary Clubs will then collaborate and support each other so there is no part of Bedford they can’t support.
Rotary is a global network of more than 1.2 million people who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, across the globe, in their local communities, and within themselves.
At the same time, membership of Bedford’s Rotary Clubs offers a range of benefits from business networking, personal development, meeting new friends, hearing inspiring speakers, having a great deal of fun and experiencing a sense of fulfilment that comes from achieving something worthwhile.
There are currently four Rotary Clubs in Bedford, Castle Rotary, Bedford Park Rotary, De Parys Rotary and Bedford Rotary.
Their members work throughout the year volunteering to help charitable organisations and hosting events to raise cash for local charities that support a variety of local causes.
In a joint statement, members of Bedford’s current Rotary Clubs said: “Rotary members live by the motto of ‘service above self’ and while we are continuing to recruit new members into our clubs, we recognise the value of engaging more men and women from all backgrounds and different age groups to join what will be Bedford’s newest Rotary Club.
“Our current clubs are still going strong and while we will continue with their work to support the local community, we’re aware that we must attract new and younger members to Rotary and make provisions for those with different ideas.
“That way Rotarians across Bedford can work together to collectively support the people in Bedford who need it most while having fun and enjoying the great camaraderie that comes with it.”
Charities supported by Bedford’s Rotary Clubs already include:
- Bedford Hospital Charity
- Keech Hospice Care
- School Readers
- Bedford Day Care Hospice
- Various Ukraine projects
- HEARTS Academies
- Bedford Open Door
- Bedford Foodbank
- SMART
- TIBBS Dementia
Service above self
Vee Meyners, who is helping to set up the new group, says the new membership will follow the same ‘service above self’ mission with new causes in mind, while also helping the current clubs with any larger projects for the greater good of all Bedfordians.
“Rotary Clubs offer a great way for people of all backgrounds and ages to support their local community, have fun and meet new people,” she said.
“Rotary Clubs across the world continue to attract passionate people from all genders, ethnicities, and walks of life with fresh ideas so they can continue supporting their local communities.
“A few people have already joined us and are excited about helping shape the new club and see how we can fit in with the excellent work of the current clubs.
“We’ve already met a few times, and they’ve all put forward some brilliant causes close to their hearts that they would like us to support as we grow.
“We’re now asking anyone else from across Bedford Borough who may want to come along and join us in creating a new Rotary Club, meet with like-minded people, organise events and help others to get in touch.”
The new Rotary Club plans to meet once a month, and anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to come along and see if it’s for them.
If you think you could make a positive impact on the new group, register your interest by emailing verena.meyners@me.com to arrange an initial chat about what you might bring to the team and find out more to see if it’s a right fit for you.
While the group is still in its infancy, the founding members are already getting stuck in and have organised a charity pub quiz.
The quiz is open to all and will take place at the Three Cups on 22 January from 7pm. You can enter a team of up to six or come along by yourself and we’ll partner you up with others to form a team.
The entry fee is £1 per person, with prizes to be confirmed.
For those wishing to join one of the current Rotary Clubs in Bedford, you can do so at:
