Founded 1996 Members none | Area served World Wide | |
Origins The Rotary International Family Slogan Fellowship Through Service | ||
Rotaserv was started by members of Caterham Rotaract Club who were coming to the end of their time in that club and wanted to stay in a club that was still connected with Rotary. The club started in 1987, it originally met at Caterham Rugby Club but moved onto Caterham British Legion and then to Whyteleafe Football Club. The next clubs to be formed were Croydon South and Brentwood with Maldon and Wallington following soon after. A steering committee was set up for Rotaserv soon after South Croydon formed, its aim was to expand the number of clubs, get official recognition from Rotary International and to develop a standard set of club bye laws. After more clubs were formed a National Organisation was formed. The first national conference was held in Caterham at the White Hart Barn. A subsequent National Conference was held in Harpenden. The National Body has a Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer initially, although eventually it had other officers. Rotary eventually recognised Rotaserv in 1996 and took it fully under its wing. It was a professional service, leadership and community service organisation for young men and women between the ages 31–40. Rotaserv was designed to bridgethe gap between Rotaract 18-30 and Rotary.
"Rotaserv" stands for "Rotary in Service",
About 30 clubs were formed in the UK but with no interest from other districts the decision was taken to drop the programme. Rotaserv was disbanded by Rotary International in 2003 with clubs either folding, becoming Rotary clubs or continuing as independent clubs.
Rotaserv clubs held formal meetings, usually every two weeks, which featured speakers, special outings, social activities, discussions or visits to other clubs. Club members got together on designated days for service project work, social events.