100 Years In The Making

One of Darlington’s oldest charitable organisations has launched a year of
celebrations for its 100th year.
Darlington Rotary held its first meeting at what was the Kings Head in Darlington
(now the Mercure Kings Hotel) in March 1923 and last week held a lunch in the same venue to start its centenary year.
Most of the around 80 members, honorary members, partners and friends of the organisation were there, many dressed in 1920s outfits.
President Robin Raine said: ‘It was a wonderful occasion which marks the start of many events to celebrate our 100 years of service to the community.’
Rotary is part of a worldwide organisation with around 1.3 million members and 1,500 clubs in the UK.
Darlington Rotary raises and donates thousands of pounds to local and
internationally charitable causes. It was instrumental in the formation of Darlington
Memorial Hospital and has supported many local other projects.
It has a strong social side and also helps with activities such as helping tidy gardens for individuals and schools and marshalling events such as the Darlington 10k run.
A dinner to mark the date Darlington Rotary was chartered will be held in August.

Pic – left to right - Junior Vice President Jeff Mann, Senior Vice President Michelle
Thompson and President Robin Raine at the lunch