A message from the 2008/9 President, Stephen Howard

"Rotary is about friendship and helping people where we live and throughout the world.

Chippenham Rotary Club has now been in existence for almost sixty years and is an active and friendly Club. We have more than 35 members and our primary objective, in common with all Rotary Clubs, is to offer support and humanitarian services to our local community and throughout the world.

Our membership includes a cross section of people from the Chippenham area. Membership is extended to skilled and influential people from within the community who are willing to offer their expertise and time to the Club's activities.

We offer 'Service Above Self'. Every year we support a wide range of local and international causes through funds raised principally from the annual bonfire and fireworks display and from the annual Bowood and Spye Park charity horse ride. We also raise monies from letting out our Rotary Hall in Chippenham. The Club actively promotes a range of Youth focused initiatives and enjoys yearly exchanges with the Rotary Club of Blois in the Loire Valley region of France.

The Club has established a charity, SNAP (St Nicholas Needs a Pool), which was initiated specifically to commemorate Rotary's Centenary Year (2006). St. Nicholas School is located in our home town of Chippenham and has children aged between 3 and 19 years who have a range of complex and severe learning disabilities We are working on an ambitious project with the staff and parents to build a hydrotherapy pool and are co-ordinating the raising of funds in excess of £550 000.

Rotary is both fun and fulfilling. In addition to our community, charity and worldwide services, we have an active social calendar including a wide range of activities such as barbeques, outings to shows and concerts. We enjoy regular talks from guest speakers during our weekly lunchtime meetings, and have various activities and outings throughout the year. As Rotarians we take part in cricket, bowls, golf, skittles, and other sports competitions with other Rotary Clubs in our area.

We meet every Monday at 12.15 PM for 12.45 PM at our own licensed club premises at 16 Station Hill in Chippenham, and finish promptly at 2pm. When there is a fifth Monday in any month, we move the meeting to 7.30pm for an evening meal and then also include member's partners.

Please look round this website to find out more about our current activities and fund raising projects. Also will see how you can join us in Rotary and participate in our club's activities."

Stephen Howard - President Chippenham Rotary Club 2008/9