Rotary International 120 Years: Celebrating a Legacy of Service

This year, Rotary International marks 120 years of dedicated service, community spirit, and global impact. At the recent Mole Valley Chamber Breakfast, Simon Edmands delivered a heartfelt talk reflecting on the organisation’s journey and its ongoing relevance in today’s world.

A Personal Journey with Rotary

Simon’s connection with Rotary International began 35 years ago through Rotaract, Rotary’s youth arm for 18 to 30-year-olds. What started as a friend’s invitation quickly turned into a leadership role and a passion for fundraising. Early projects included a memorable bed push for BBC Children in Need—complete with the iconic Pudsey Bear costume—which ignited Simon’s lifelong commitment to charitable work.

His fundraising journey led him to professional roles with charities like the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), where he continues to volunteer and support vital causes. This seamless blend of professional and voluntary service is a hallmark of the Rotary ethos.

Rotary International: 120 Years of Evolution

Founded in 1905 by Chicago lawyer Paul Harris, Rotary International began as a small group of professionals aiming to make a difference in their community. The name “Rotary” comes from their practice of rotating meetings among members’ offices. Their first project—installing public conveniences in Chicago—set the tone for a century of practical, community-focused action.

Today, Rotary International boasts 1.3 million members in over 30,000 clubs across more than 200 countries. While once perceived as a gentlemen’s lunch club, Rotary has evolved to become fully inclusive, welcoming people of all genders and backgrounds. Programmes like Rotaract and Interact have always been dual gender, and since the mid-1980s, women have played a vital role in all Rotary activities.

Rotary in Mole Valley: Local Impact

In Mole Valley, four Rotary clubs—Leatherhead, Ashtead, Bookham & Horsley, and Dorking—work collaboratively to support their communities. Simon emphasised that it doesn’t matter which club you join; what matters is joining Rotary and making a difference.

Key Local Projects:

• Supporting Leatherhead Trinity School: Funding athletics kits, educational trips, and providing every Year 6 leaver with a dictionary through the Dictionary for Life campaign.

• The Bluebell 10k Run: Now in its 15th year, this event raises thousands for the Mary Frances Trust and enables participants to support their own chosen charities.

• Annual Big Band Concert: Featuring the British Philharmonic Big Band, raising funds for Prostate Cancer UK, the British Heart Foundation, and the Mary Frances Trust.

• Charity Golf Day: Sponsored by TWM Solicitors, this event supports causes like Cancer Research UK.

• Valley Girls Football Club: Rotary sponsorship has helped support girls’ and women’s football in the area.

• Kids Out: A national Rotary initiative, previously taking local children with special needs to Chessington World of Adventures.

Rotary International 120 Years: Why It Matters

Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” is more than just words—it’s a guiding principle that unites volunteers across the globe. All club members are volunteers, using their professional skills and personal time to benefit others. Whether supporting local schools, health charities, or international initiatives, Rotary International’s legacy after 120 years is one of practical, positive change.

As Simon concluded, “I don’t care which club you join—just please join Rotary. It’s amazing.” If you’re looking for a way to give back, connect with your community, and be part of a legacy that spans 120 years, Rotary International welcomes you.

For more information or to get involved, visit Leatherhead Rotary Club.

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