The Rotary Club of Reading has been serving our community for many decades, bringing together local professionals, business owners, and community leaders who share a passion for helping others.
Over the years, our club has supported a wide range of projects – from raising funds for local hospices and supporting Reading’s food banks, to backing youth leadership programmes and contributing to global Rotary initiatives such as polio eradication.
While the town and the world have changed, our commitment to practical, hands-on service and fellowship has stayed the same. We are proud of our history and always looking for new ways to build on it.
Our mission is to bring together caring people from across Reading to take action on local and global challenges, while enjoying friendship, networking, and personal growth.
As Rotarians, we are guided by Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self”, and by the Four-Way Test of the things we think, say or do:
- Is it the truth?
- Is it fair to all concerned?
- Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
- Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
These values shape the projects we choose, the way we work with partners, and the way we treat one another within the club. We welcome people of all backgrounds who share these principles.
Today, the Rotary Club of Reading includes members from a wide range of ages, professions, and backgrounds. Some have been members for many years; others are new to Rotary and keen to get involved.
We typically meet weekly for a mix of in-person and online meetings. A typical meeting might include a guest speaker, planning for upcoming projects and events, and plenty of time to catch up with fellow members.
Alongside our regular meetings, we run hands-on volunteering activities, fundraising events, social gatherings, and opportunities to connect with other Rotary clubs locally and internationally.
If you are curious about Rotary, the best way to find out more is to visit a meeting and meet our members.
| Role / Committee | What they do |
|---|---|
| Club President | Provides leadership for the club, chairs meetings, and represents the Rotary Club of Reading within the local community and Rotary International. |
| President-Elect / Vice President | Supports the President, helps shape plans for the coming year, and steps in to lead when needed. |
| Secretary | Manages club administration, membership records, meeting minutes, and communication with Rotary at district and international level. |
| Treasurer | Oversees club finances, including membership subscriptions, charitable funds, and financial reporting. |
| Community Service Committee | Develops and delivers projects that benefit local people and organisations in Reading. |
| International and Foundation Committee | Leads our support for international projects and Rotary Foundation programmes, including global grants. |
| Youth and Vocational Committee | Runs programmes for young people, such as Rotary Youth Leadership Awards and youth competitions. |
| Membership and Fellowship Committee | Welcomes visitors and new members, supports member engagement, and organises social activities. |
| Fundraising and Events Committee | Plans and runs fundraising events, principally the annual Santa Fun Run, often in partnership with local charities and sponsors. |
The Rotary Club of Reading is part of Rotary International, a global network of 1.4 million neighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers. We belong to Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland and are a member of Rotary District 1090 (Thames Valley).
Locally, we work alongside a range of partners, including charities, community groups, schools, youth organisations, and businesses in and around Reading. By collaborating, we can combine skills and resources to make a bigger impact.
We are always interested in building new partnerships that align with our mission and values, whether for a one-off event or a longer-term project.
Thinking about joining Rotary or simply curious to see what we do? You are very welcome to visit one of our meetings as a guest, with no obligation to join.
We will make sure you are introduced to members, explain how the meeting works, and answer any questions you may have about membership, volunteering, or partnering with us.
If you like what you see, we can talk about the different ways to get involved, from becoming a member to supporting specific projects.