Why join Helston Rotary Club?
The Rotary Club of Helston received its Charter from Rotary International in 1957 and at that time had 28 founder members. Since that time, the Club membership has been as high as the mid 40s and currently the membership stands at 34. The Club is also involved with the larger area of Rotary District 1290, which comprises 39 clubs and includes the communities of the far South West of England. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, along with the City of Plymouth and the towns and hamlets nestling on the western edge of the granite uplands of Dartmoor all fall within the Rotary district. District 1290 holds periodic District Council Meetings, an annual District Assembly, and an annual Conference, usually at a seaside resort. All members can attend District meetings and the Conference. Our Club is also a constituent of Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland; which has a Secretariat at Offices based in Alcester, Warwickshire. RIBI operates under its own Rules and Constitution, though under the overriding umbrella of Rotary International (RI) based in Evanston, Chicago USA.

We enjoy our Rotary and do our utmost to create an atmosphere of fun at all our meetings, which are usually filled with banter, humour and lots of good fellowship. The latter is one of the key ingredients in Rotary and is essential in making what we do enjoyable. Our regular weekly meetings are held on Thursdays at 5.45 for 6pm in the comfortable surroundings of the Wheal Dream Restaurant, where we enjoy a meal together and often listen to an invited speaker. Other events take place at regular intervals throughout the Rotary year. There is a mixture of social events, activities aimed at fund raising or using our manpower and talents to help the local community. Whatever the event, we aim to enjoy ourselves and in many activities, we are joined by our partners.

Why do we want new members?
Every organisation often requires new blood and whilst the Rotary Club of Helston has a stable membership, inevitably, membership is lost because people move jobs, fall off the planet, or experience extreme pressures of business etc.

Who are able to join Rotary?
We would particularly welcome new young members who are keen to use their time and talents for the benefit of the local and international communities. There is no age requirement for membership of Rotary but young blood brings with it enthusiasm, new ideas and perhaps a more modern approach to some of our activities.

Membership of Rotary is by invitation only and potential members should be aware of the following criteria:

• Be of good character and ethical business, professional, and employment reputation..
• Hold a position of importance and responsibility within a recognised business or profession.
• Have a place of business/employment or residence in or near to Helston.

We do however; base our opinion of suitability for membership on three points:

Firstly, we explain that Rotary, like any worthwhile activity, is not particularly cheap.
The annual subscription, which includes a substantial percentage sent direct to our District to R.I.B.I. (Rotary International Britain and Ireland) and Rotary International. There are other expenses such as a weekly meal, social activities, President's nights etc. All these activities are explained to prospective members at an 'information meeting'. However, taken overall, Rotary is probably no more expensive than playing Golf or Squash on a weekly basis and whether the expense is justified can only be a personal decision.

Secondly, will you share in our fellowship?
Fellowship is an important part of Rotary as taking part in running of the Club and supporting social activities. Our Rotary Club is not a 'dining club' or a 'business club' where that is all that is involved. Non-members often think that we spend our time discussing business affairs and doing deals with other members. In fact, little or no business advantage is to be gained from Rotary, other than the knowledge that a person wearing the Rotary badge is a good guide to the standard of business ethics that can be expected. A member is expected to achieve an attendance at 50% of the appointed meetings, which can be made up by attendances at other Clubs.

Thirdly, do you want to help the community?
Just as it is not a 'dining club', Rotary is not a social club whose members provide charity from their own pockets. We do not like the phrase 'cheque-book Rotary'. For our members, Community Service means giving time and getting involved. This may mean helping out at the Carol Singing, taking blood pressures at Helston Motor Show, taking part in a beach clean or organising one of the many events that raise money, or helping directly in the community in various ways. It is members' time that matters. If you are interested in putting something back into society, feel the need to help others when they struggle to help themselves and want to be part of an impressive international organisation of over 1.2 million members in just about every country that you can think of, then Rotary is for you.

If you think you would like to know more about Rotary - what do you do now?
If you know one of our Members, and express an interest, they will suggest that you come to a few meetings, and find out more for yourself. If you do not know one of our Members, but think that you would share our ideals and attitudes to Community Service, and would like to find out more, please ring our Secretary or President. If you agree that a visit would be appropriate, they will arrange for a member to 'look after' you with a view to prospective membership. However you arrange to visit us, you will be made welcome.

It’s as easy as that!
After a few meetings, an ‘information meeting’ would be convened (usually after a regular club meeting) where a few of the members would talk to you to and explain about the duties and responsibilities involved and answer any questions. If this goes well, your details are circulated to all of the members in the club, objections can be raised, but have to be justified, and would be discussed by the Club Council. Prospective members are then inducted formally, and welcomed into the worldwide family of 1,200,000 Rotarians. Don’t worry, there are no secret ceremonies, the induction is merely a formal welcome!

There is so much more that we could do with your help.
Still interested? View our contacts page, or speak to any of our members.