The world’s first service club was the Rotary Club of Chicago, Illinois, USA and formed on 23rd February 1905 by a lawyer, Paul P. Harris and three friends – a merchant, a coal dealer, and a mining engineer.

The name “ROTARY” was derived from the early practice of ‘rotating’ club meetings to different members’ offices.

Paul P. Harris formed the club to promote fellowship among its members. Word of the club soon spread and other businessmen were invited to join.

By the end of 1905, the Rotary Club of Chicago had 30 members. Three years later, a second club was formed in San Francisco, California, USA.

The first Rotary emblem was a simple wagon wheel (in motion with dust) representing civilisation and movement. In 1923, the present gear wheel with 24 cogs and six spokes was adopted. In 1929, royal blue and gold were chosen as the official colours.

Rotary International today is the world’s largest service organisation for business and professional people, with some 1.22 Million members operating in 168 countries world-wide.

In Great Britain and Ireland there are over 59,000 Rotarians in 1,816 clubs, helping those in need and working towards world understanding and peace.

It’s a fulfilling role, and Rotarians can get involved as much or as little as their time will allow.

Rotary Clubs meet on a regular basis, which allows members to build firm friendships.

Carl-Willhelm Stenhammer
Rotary International President 2005/06

Every Rotarian has a right to attend any Club meeting anywhere in the world, so there is always somewhere to go, and people to meet, wherever business or leisure travel may take you.

Rotarians – men and women alike – volunteer their efforts to improve the quality of life in their own communities and beyond.

The world’s clubs meet weekly and are non-political, non-religious, and open to all cultures, races and creeds. Club membership, by invitation, represents a cross-section of local business and professional leaders.

Worldwide Statistics

Current Membership Figures Worldwide (as at 30 June 2007)

In nearly 100 years, Rotary has grown from a small club of four members to a worldwide network of men and women who share a common vision for a better world. The world’s first service organization, Rotary has a long history of helping those in need and uniting people of different cultures and beliefs.

Through the work of individual Rotary clubs, and through the programmes of Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation, Rotary is making the world a better place.

Rotarians initiate community projects that address many of today’s most critical issues. Clubs are autonomous and determine service projects based upon local needs. The main objective of Rotary is service to the community and throughout the world.

The Rotary motto is “Service Above Self.”

The Rotary Club of Newton Aycliffe was Chartered in June 1977.