The Rotary Club of Bracknell was inaugurated on 7 July, 1961, our Mother Club being Ascot. Our Charter was presented in March, 1962.

For the greater part of its life the Rotary Club of Bracknell has enjoyed a membership of 20-30 members. The membership fell below the 30 mark but with the changes to membership requirements we are gaining new members and the future looks good. Enlightened Clubs have voted to encourage Lady membership and the scene is rapidly changing with their enthusiastic input and support.

The Club has always been run on Rotary International guide lines and over the years the Service Committees have helped very many deserving causes and from these activities have sprung longer commitments. In the past, the Rotary Club of Bracknell has combined with other organisations, such as Bracknell Round Table, to run a number of events, including the Donkey Derby and the Bracknell Show. In more modern times we organise and run the Three Counties Charity Cycle Ride which attracts some 700 riders and has over the years raised over £365,000 for a variety of deserving charities. Money was raised from these events for such causes as Freedom from Hunger, the Air Ambulance and other local and national causes.

From its inception the Rotary Club of Bracknell has held a Town Centre collection each Christmas, spread over two days, thereby raising considerable funds to assist the local community.

Other ongoing commitments include a Carol Service and we take part in a literacy programme assisting local Primary Schools. We are trying to increase Cancer Awareness in Schools, we organise a Stroke Awareness programme in Charles Square in Bracknell, help and run a Young Chef Competition, make Christmas Street Collections and help Age Concern with the packing and distribution of Christmas hampers.

The Rotaract the Rotary Club of Bracknell used to run the Rotaract Club of Bracknell and we would be very interested in hearing from anyonewilling to help our Club restart the Rotaract Club.

We were responsible for initiating the formation of Easthampstead Rotary Club, with full support of Ascot and Wokingham Clubs.

Over the years we have also been instrumental in forming a Probus Club, a Retirement Association and also a Victim Support Group.

We are particularly proud of our past contribution to Polio Plus and also a project jointly with Rotary Foundation, Aquarius'89. This involved the support and funding of an expedition to Kenya by local Adventure Scouts to provide water supply and storage for a village.

On the social side we have consistently supported the District Darts' Competition by entering two/three teams each of 4 players. Our 'A' team have won the competition no less than 12 times. We regularly have an International meal at various local restaurants, have enjoyed and evening skittles session, a canal boat ride with refreshments and are due to spend a couple of days in calais, guests of the Calais rotary Club.

We have participated in and supported many Civic occasions and each year a large part of our membership joins the Royal British Legion in their wreath laying ceremny and procession.

Why not join us for a meeting? Email us for more information.