Forres Rotary Club has big ambitions to increase its membership in 2020 and make itself more accessible to everyone in the town.
Club president Tony Galloway said: “It’s all about moving forward. Times are changing and Rotary clubs all over the world are having to adapt in order to boost their membership and it’s no different in Forres.
“We are lucky that Rotary has such a visible presence in the town, and that we get such great support for fundraising that we do at events such as the annual Bonfire at Grant Park, during Children in Need and for the Santa Sleigh. It’s all about teamwork and we want to grow and strengthen our club to maintain these commitments to Forres for years to come.
Open to everyone
“Forres Rotary has traditionally had a membership made up of active and retired professional people, but to expand our membership we want to get the message across that Rotary is open to everyone, who can join and have the same fun and fulfilment as we do from fellowship and working for our local community.”
Tony added: “We have already established Rotakids at some of the Forres feeder primary schools, who are learning about what Rotary does and coming up with their own ideas. They will hopefully be the Rotarians of the future. But for now, we need to grow our membership, with adults with their own thoughts and vision for Forres, who just want to get involved in something worthwhile.
“The opportunities are endless for people who want to give something back to the community, no matter what their age or experience. We are lucky that we have such a great community, who have always supported Rotary and thus, Forres, when the call has gone out for help.
More accessible
“Local people will know that Rotarians meet at the Ramnee Hotel on a Thursday lunchtime for a meal, and to enjoy fellowship and listen to a speaker. But we are aware that this may preclude potential members from joining, especially those who have other commitments but being a Rotarian is so much more than just a lunchtime meeting.
“So with that in mind, we are also planning on holding some evening meetings at the Ramnee Hotel with a variety of interesting speakers. On 12 March Bill Graham from the T-Exchange will bring some technology and interactive fun to the club. Members of the public are welcome to come along.
Meantime, for those who would prefer a little less formality, Forres Rotary has introduced coffee morning drop-ins and a midweek teatime gathering which should allow more people to get involved.
Drop in and test the water
Drop-ins are on Tuesday evenings from 6–7pm and Sundays from 10–11am at Costa Coffee in Tesco or Wednesday mornings from 10am–11:30am at Forres House Community Centre coffee bar. Come along for a cuppa and a chat. Just look out for the Rotary Table Banners to find us.
Rotary is also keen to hear from groups around the town who may want to get involved, or to come and speak about their organisation at one of our Thursday meetings.
To find out more about the Rotary Club of Forres, find us on Facebook or Twitter or email the secretary at sheenarotary@gmail.com. Alternatively, contact a club member for details of how you can get involved or if you would like more information about coming to any of the meetings.