Bangor Rotary Club has been described as a beacon of service and leadership to the local community and to the wider Rotary movement in Ireland.
The compliment came from the District Governor of Rotary in Ireland Seamus Parle, speaking at a gala dinner to mark the Club’s 90th Anniversary.
In 1935 Bangor became the fifth club to be established in Ireland and the District Governor said it had played a major part in the development of Rotary in the country and had helped form a number of clubs including North Down and Donaghadee.
It also provided four District Governors, a District Secretary and a District Treasurer.
The driving force behind the formation of the Club was John F Neill, a local coal importer, who along with a group of businessmen, was inspired by the vision of Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary in Chicago in 1905.
The District Governor said Rotary was a unique organisation, built on values of service, fellowship, diversity, integrity and leadership.
For over 100 years, Rotary had touched lives all around the world, providing clean water to communities to fight disease, supporting education and helping with disaster relief. But it was not just about global impact, it was about local impact too, with clubs like Bangor making a difference in their own backyard.
He said every donation made, every hour spent volunteering and every connection built, helped to create a ripple effect that can change lives, sometimes in way that may never be fully understood and he thanked the members of the Club for their commitment to making the world a better place.
Welcoming everyone to the Dinner the Club President, Bill Aiken, said it was a time to reflect on the remarkable journey that had brought the Club to this “important historical occasion”
He reminded everyone of the values that guided Rotary over the years, including service above self, fellowship, high ethical standards, diversity and inclusion and collaboration.
These, he said were the elements that had anchored the Club since 1935 and were testament to the enduring spirit of service and fellowship for the past 90 years.
President Bill highlighted the fundraising efforts that had been carried out with various charities as well as the other Rotary Clubs in the area and said they had all “punched above their weight” in their endeavours to help others.
“Tonight”, he said, “we celebrate not only the longevity of our Club but also the extraordinary legacy – a legacy we are proud to pass on to future generations”.
And he looked forward to the Club continuing to be a force for good with strong leadership and renewed passion to meet future challenges.