"Rotary", "Rotary International", "RIBI", Manningtree Stour
Valley Rotary Club" - What is the difference?
The original Rotary club was founded in Chicago in 1905. It became so popular that it spread around the world to over 200 countries with 1.2 million members and is now "Rotary International". "RIBI" is our governing body ; "Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland". This comprises 55,000 members in 1,840 local clubs around the UK. The Manningtree Stour Valley Rotary Club has approximately 30 members.
What do you actually do?
We socialise, have fun and raise money for good causes. You can read more about what we do here.
Are you one of those secretive clubs?
Absolutely not! We want as many people as possible to know what we do so we can get more support and more members.
Do you have political or religious affiliations?
No - we are non-political and secular. Anyone is welcome with any background or beliefs.
Are there any rules?
Just a few, (e.g. there is a minimum attendance requirement), although all members of the Rotary Club worldwide are expected to conduct themselves according to a very simple "four-way test" which is meant to encourage us to be fair-minded and honest in what we do. You can read more about it here.
Do I have to live in Manningtree to be a member?
Our club is intended for those who live or work somewhere in the area but there may be another club that is nearer to you. You can see a list of local clubs for this region here.
Is it strictly "a members only" club?
We meet each week for dinner which is mainly for members plus some invited guests but we often have evenings and events where our partners and family are most welcome to come along as well. We are always pleased to see members' families helping out when we are putting on fund-raising events.
Do you have a headquarters or a club building?
RIBI have a National headquarters in Warwickshire where all the administration is carried out but we use the "Crown Hotel" ! Most (but not all) of our local club meetings are held in a function room above the pub but numerous regional and national events are held in conference centres etc. We also have several small committees and interest groups arranging some event or another and we usually take it in turns to meet in someone's home.
Can anyone join?
If you are a fair-minded sort of person who likes helping others less fortunate than you then we would make you most welcome! There is no "typical member" but you can read about the sort of person who likes to join Rotary here.
Is it expensive?
There is an annual membership fee (less than your TV licence). The meals in the pub are inexpensive.
How can I find out more?
You can download our club brochure and you can visit the Rotary and RIBI websites. To see what we are up to locally, in Manningtree, why not have a look at our pages in the "News" and "Annual Events" sections of the site? If you want to ask us something or have a chat you can use our contact page.
The original Rotary club was founded in Chicago in 1905. It became so popular that it spread around the world to over 200 countries with 1.2 million members and is now "Rotary International". "RIBI" is our governing body ; "Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland". This comprises 55,000 members in 1,840 local clubs around the UK. The Manningtree Stour Valley Rotary Club has approximately 30 members.
What do you actually do?
We socialise, have fun and raise money for good causes. You can read more about what we do here.
Are you one of those secretive clubs?
Absolutely not! We want as many people as possible to know what we do so we can get more support and more members.
Do you have political or religious affiliations?
No - we are non-political and secular. Anyone is welcome with any background or beliefs.
Are there any rules?
Just a few, (e.g. there is a minimum attendance requirement), although all members of the Rotary Club worldwide are expected to conduct themselves according to a very simple "four-way test" which is meant to encourage us to be fair-minded and honest in what we do. You can read more about it here.
Do I have to live in Manningtree to be a member?
Our club is intended for those who live or work somewhere in the area but there may be another club that is nearer to you. You can see a list of local clubs for this region here.
Is it strictly "a members only" club?
We meet each week for dinner which is mainly for members plus some invited guests but we often have evenings and events where our partners and family are most welcome to come along as well. We are always pleased to see members' families helping out when we are putting on fund-raising events.
Do you have a headquarters or a club building?
RIBI have a National headquarters in Warwickshire where all the administration is carried out but we use the "Crown Hotel" ! Most (but not all) of our local club meetings are held in a function room above the pub but numerous regional and national events are held in conference centres etc. We also have several small committees and interest groups arranging some event or another and we usually take it in turns to meet in someone's home.
Can anyone join?
If you are a fair-minded sort of person who likes helping others less fortunate than you then we would make you most welcome! There is no "typical member" but you can read about the sort of person who likes to join Rotary here.
Is it expensive?
There is an annual membership fee (less than your TV licence). The meals in the pub are inexpensive.
How can I find out more?
You can download our club brochure and you can visit the Rotary and RIBI websites. To see what we are up to locally, in Manningtree, why not have a look at our pages in the "News" and "Annual Events" sections of the site? If you want to ask us something or have a chat you can use our contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions