Club History

The first recorded informal meeting was held on Monday, 8 November 1937, when it was agreed to hold regular lunch meetings at the Raven Hotel, Droitwich. The first appointments recorded are the Speaker Secretary, Mr T. Harold Platts, Proprietor of the Raven Hotel and the Attendance Officer, Mr Gilbert Dowell, owner of the Salters Hall Cinema, now the Library. The informal Club met regularly during 1938 gradually growing in numbers until 25 January 1939 the date of the Charter Presentation.

Droitwich Rotary Club was sponsored by the nearby Club of Bromsgrove, which was evidently a lusty infant, as it had only been in being about a year itself. The first recorded informal meeting was held on Monday Nov. 8th. 1937, when it was agreed to hold informal Meetings at the Raven Hotel. The cost of the lunch was 2/6d plus a tip of 3d, with a subscription of 10/- per Member, presumably an Annual Subscription.
The first appointments recorded are the Speaker Secretary who was Mr. T. Harold Platts, Proprietor of the Raven Hotel, and the Attendance Officer, Mr. Gilbert Dowell, owner of the Salter's Hall Cinema, now the Library.

The first problem was how should money be raised to get the Club off the ground? It was proposed to have a Grand Ball, not a very original idea, but nevertheless 400 tickets were sold yielding a profit of £13.50 which allowed an account to be raised at the Midland Bank. The informal Club met regularly during 1938 gradually growing in numbers and experience until January 1939. January 25th 1939 saw the Charter Presentation, and the acquisition of the President's Jewel and Badge of Office.
Soon after becoming Chartered, clouds appeared upon the horizon and the possibility of War raised its ugly head. The Club concentrated its activities towards the support of the Rotary Fund for Refugees, to help Refugees, particularly teenagers, endeavouring to get away from Central Europe and often needing support. Many Rotarians often helped by giving them temporary accommodation as they passed through Britain on their way to relatives or friends in other Countries. The First Annual General Meeting took place on Monday 22nd May 1939 when the four Committees of Rotary were appointed. The signing of the Munich Agreement and the famous "Piece of Paper and Peace in Our Time", somewhat reduced the fear of war and the Club agreed to transfer the monies in the Peace Fund to an appeal fund for the Sons of Rest Hut. It is interesting to read that one of the first appeals to the Club for assistance came from the Matron of the Coventry Charity Hospital (situated at the Coventry Homes, Droitwich as we know them today.) The appeal was for Rotarians to take some of the patients on occasional outings. (This Hospital an old and valued part of the Coventry Charity continued until the commencement of the N.H.S. Scheme after the War.) The threat of War became a reality and problems soon arose. Difficulty of catering was quickly before the Club as Military requirements at the Hotel had to be given priority. Alternatives in the form of monthly meetings or teatime meetings were considered but no agreement was reached. Eventually in October 1939 fortnightly meetings were agreed and these continued until the end of the war. Volunteers were requested for Air Raid Precautions and everyone was urged to rent Allotments and "Dig for Victory". (One wonders if allotments might help the present generation with its health problems.) The subscription was increased to £1.00. The Presentation of the Charter saw the late Dr. J. W. T. Patterson inaugurated as the first President and the appropriate Jewel and Badge of Office was presented. We are glad to record that his widow Mrs. Joyce Patterson still lives in the Town. A list of past Presidents to date is appended.

THE COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE

The very first thoughts about Service to the Community centred upon the suggestion that a Droitwich Sons of Rest Building be provided in which elderly retired men folk could have a warm clean and acceptable meeting place available for anyone who wished for fellowship with their friends, and not have to stand at the street corner for this purpose as was common in those days. A "Sons of Rest" Club and Building had been opened in Kidderminster and Worcester, and it was felt that Droitwich should follow suit. It is not known from whence came the name but it has continued ever since. The Town Council was asked to provide a suitable building upon Covercroft (now approximately the site of the new Day Centre Building) and the Rotary Club would maintain it. This however was apparently not acceptable to the Council. At last a wooden building was acquired by rental and eventual purchase after some years of usage. The Building, really little more than a hut, was situated at the corner of Albert Street and Ombersley Street, it is now an empty space, the building having been demolished some years ago. The Building had two rooms and some storage space and was much frequented by retired men upon each day of the week other than Sunday, and so continued until the late 1940's when efforts were made to obtain a permanent building, as the wooden hut had become very dilapidated. After considerable effort and many false starts a piece of land was leased from the Borough Council fronting onto Corbett Avenue. The Rotary Club then set about raising some £3,500 (a lot of money in those days) to build a brick permanent home for the Sons of Rest on this site. A local benefactor then offered a gift of £500 privately if the building was erected by a certain date. With this spur, Rotary made a public appeal and organised a large sale of household furniture, which was stored temporarily in one of the large garage buildings at Chapel Bridge, then H. B. Everton, Hauliers. The Sale was undertaken by Mr. W. H. Thomas, Auctioneer, and lasted the best part of three days, and raising the residue of the funds required, about £3000. The scheme went ahead and the present brick Building (now known as Rotary House) was erected in 1958. It is in full use by various organisations of the Town. The present Sons of Rest Club is no longer relevant as times have changed. However it to serve a real need and Droitwich Clubs has much benefited by its provision. Returning now to early days again, 1940 saw the first issue by the Rotary Club of Christmas Parcels to the old and needy and this has continued in various forms for many years. Now at Christmas time a contribution is made to the W.R.V.S. for meals on wheels for that little extra which is so much appreciated at this time of the year. The Weston Boys Home for holidays for needy boys was owned by the Rotary District and continued in use until 1983. Every year the Droitwich Club sent two local boys, needing a holiday, and over the years this has given a memorable holiday to many Droitwich boys who otherwise would not have had one. Members gave their spare halfpennies each week to Rotary Charities, which helped to fund the operation. The Charity Fund contributed £25 in 1944 for benefits for wounded soldiers. An interesting note tells us that concern was voiced publicly by Droitwich Rotary Club about the association of young girls with troops, and it was decided to send letters to the Police and leaders of Religious Bodies offering any help in furthering Moral Welfare. The Inner Wheel were asked to co-operate and it was suggested that a Police Woman be appointed. A grant of £1 was made towards the purchase of a perambulator for a poor woman. Whether there is any connection with the last paragraph is not known !

THE CLUB SERVICE COMMITTEE

The first luncheons were held at the Raven Hotel and continued there right through the war years and for some time afterwards, then on to the Worcestershire Hotel for a while and to the Diana Cafe at the Salter's Hall and so to the St. Andrews Parish Room in Rickets Lane where the Club remained for a number of years. Lunch was provided by an outside caterer, (the room was heated by a free standing stove and Members attending had the experience of being cooked or frozen depending upon their position at the luncheon table.) Then on to the Golf Club for a stay and so to the Chequers at Wychbold for a while. Eventually to our present venue at St.Andrews House which has probably been our longest home. The time of war has already been mentioned in an earlier Chapter, it is hard to appreciate the difficulties encountered during those years and the Club did well to keep up regular meetings even fortnightly.

LADIES LUNCHEONS.
The first of these annual events took place in April 1939 and they have continued to be very popular. In the late 1960's they were changed to dinner and of late years have become a Christmas Event.

IMPEDIMENTA & INSIGNIA.
Various Items of value to the Club have been acquired over the years, e.g. the Rotary Wheel for attendance cards, believed given by Rotarian Hodgkinson, probably of Hampton Lovett, the Bell by the late Rtn.Walter Bentall. A Presidents Board or plaque was purchased and moved from venue to venue and now permanently in Rotary House, a president's Jewel and Chain were acquired shortly after formation. Some years later a Past Presidents Badge followed and then the first Vice Presidents Badge and past presidents lapel badges. A brass nameplate was purchased and also a very large Rotary Wheel, probably about 6ft. diameter for use on special occasions. Over the years many Club Banners have been acquired by Rotarians visiting other Clubs in many parts of the world, these were carefully and tastefully arranged and fastened to two large wall length banners capable of being hung, by the late Mrs. Norman Jones widow of our Past President Norman Jones, now unfortunately deceased. Presidents over the years appear to have all suffered with similar problems, speakers too long winded, too many notices, too many questions, not enough questions, members leaving during the talk, too much gravy or not enough, you name it the Presidents had it, but somehow they come through with colours still flying. "My Job Talks" by Rotarians have always been popular and the different vocations of Rotarians are quite remarkable and always of interest For many years the installation of a new President at the first Luncheon in July was followed by the President holding a Tea Party, at one time upon the Raven Hotel Lawn. The President invited all the Rotarians, their wives, the Mayor and Mayoress and other local personalities. This became quite a Civic Occasion over the years and a very popular event. Gradually it ceased for no apparent reason, one would think probably because it became too expensive. The problem of obtaining speakers became a very real one, and a Rota system was adopted whereby each Member was responsible for a speaker in turn, usually about every 12 months, this has worked well for many years.

THE INNER WHEEL
December 6th. 1943 is an important date, as upon that day it was proposed to form a branch of The Inner Wheel in Droitwich, and the Worcester Inner Wheel Club be requested to sponsor a Droitwich Club. The inauguration took place on January 31st. 1944. Whilst this is not a history of Droitwich Inner Wheel, one must record the good work undertaken by the Inner Wheel with grateful thanks to the Inner Wheel for their support which has always been forthcoming. In 1946 it was agreed to toast Rotarians at the weekly luncheon on the occasion of their Birthday, further to send a Greetings Telegram to wives of Rotarians upon their Birthday. The latter continued for a while but produced unexpected problems and was discontinued. The Club decided to hold a public meeting to inaugurate a Branch of the United Nations Association, this was done and a local Branch flourished for some years. On an interesting occasion, the Club debated whether to support the proposed National Health Scheme being considered by the Government.

THE CHARTER NIGHT OR THE CLUB BIRTHDAY.
From its inception Charter Night has always been recognised as a special occasion. For many years this was a purely Rotary affair attendance being limited to Members of the Club, their Ladies and a few personal guests of the President. A dinner was arranged followed by musical items, games, quizzes etc. In 1948 a proposal to have an Annual Ball was a~ apart from Charter Night as a separate occasion. The first was held with a loss of £16. Despite the loss further Annual Balls, in conjunction with the Inner Wheel were arranged annually and usually a satisfactory profit for charitable purposes resulted. It is believed that in the late 50's the Charter Night and the Ball were merged resulting in the present function. 1949 produced an occasion of another sort when a letter was received from the Bank about our debit balance, due apparently to loss on the concerts already recorded and 24 members owing their subscriptions. Serious efforts were made to rectify the position, which has never been allowed to re-occur. Such was the problem that a series of Snowball Teas were held amongst Members to clear the debt. An interesting though minor matter took place in October 1945 when it was resolved that all Rotarians should address one another by their Christian names, now a normal occurrence, then exceptional. An interesting minute is noted that because of the increasing cost of luncheon, the Club proposed to commence bi-weekly meetings, but approval was not forthcoming from R.I.B.1. and the matter dropped. A District Golf Tournament was commenced about 1947. Over the years a continual problem of membership has always been with the Club, generally fluctuating between 30 and 45, on one occasion dropping to 25. 1951 saw the Festival of Britain, a national effort to stimulate the Country and also Trade. The Club was quite active in supporting local events. It was decided that each Member should wear a classification badge at luncheons, this was arranged but proved unsuccessful and soon ceased. Bannerettes were purchased including the Borough Arms thereon (with the approval of the Town Council).

THE DISTRICT ASSEMBLY.
In 1952 the Club invited the District to hold its Annual Assembly in Droitwich and this was accepted. A most successful and well attended Assembly took place with lunch at the Raven, the Assembly being held in the Winter Gardens. (Now demolished and replaced by the new Brine Bath and Hospital). The various Committee Meetings held by the Assembly took place in a number of rooms in the town. Fellowship Visits with other Clubs (some at quite a distance) have been regularly arranged by Past Presidents in turn. 1967 saw the innovation of a very successful Worcestershire evening Concern was expressed that various organisations in Droitwich were making small nominal contributions to Rotary Charities in order to obtain extensions to licences. The Club took action to have this unsatisfactory procedure stopped. The Rotary Club after a vigorous debate strongly opposed the deliberate spread of Myxamatosis, a contagious disease deliberately spread to control the rabbit population. Clive Everton son of Rtn. H. B Everton won the Junior National Billiards Championship. A Grand Dance was held at Westwood House by Rtn. and Mrs Willetts yielding £150. Once again in 1959 the Club considered having Evening Meetings but reached no decision. The Club considered help to people suffering from Mental Illness, and organised a Rally for Rotary held in the Winter Gardens, unfortunately attendance was disappointing. It is interesting to note that about 10 years later 1972, the Club organised a large public sale of furniture to assist in work for mental Health locally. In 1969 the Rotary District was reviewed which resulted in Droitwich and our neighbour Worcester being placed in different Rotary Districts and so we remain. A popular Club event held on several occasions was a farm supper held at the Nurseries at Hanbury by invitation of the late Rtn. Cyril and Mrs. Curnock. The Vocational Service Committee This has always been a somewhat difficult Committee, but on reviewing the activities undertaken, a good deal of useful work has been done. Two very successful Exhibitions have been held, both were well patronised by the public.
The first was:- THE DROITWICH MAKES IT EXHIBITION - held in the Old Drill Hall in Rickets Lane (now demolished) lasting several days from April 21st to 23rd. incl., 1955. 2947 people attended and 1450 brochures were distributed. The object was to show and introduce to the townsfolk the many and varied industries coming to the town and the opportunities for work and availability of apprenticeship schemes. This proved a popular exhibition with 24 Exhibitors.
The second was:- THE DROITWICH 69 EXHIBITION OF INDUSTRY, COMMERCE AND CAREERS The exhibition was held in the Secondary School Hall, Old Coach Road over a holiday week-end, Aug.14th, 15th, & 16th. 1969. This also was well patronised, the public being introduced to the large amount of industry and commerce in the Town and also the large number of hobbies practised. The Droitwich 69 Exhibition was a major undertaking and it required the best part of three years to organise and eventually the whole club and every Member became engaged upon it. The Exhibition received the goodwill of the Town Council (who agreed to a guarantee of £200 against loss) the Development Committee and the Droitwich Industrial Association. The colour block obtained for printing the Borough Coat of Arms in this connection was on conclusion given to the Town Council for their use and safe keeping.

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EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT

Contact with the Secondary Modern and later the High School has been continuous with considerable mutual advantage in a variety of ways. Rotarians have always made themselves available to discuss with pupils professional and industrial training, apprenticeship schemes, with practical advice upon interviews for appointments.

VISITS TO INDUSTRY
A large number of visits to factories and undertakings covering a large field from manufacturing, postal sorting, and delivery, to water supply and sewage disposal. A memorable visit to a coal mine was also undertaken Members going down and traversing right to the coal face. Other visits have included the Blue Bird Toffee Factory, Bourneville Chocolate, Harris' Brush, Nu-way, Deritend Precision Castings, Garringtons, B.B.C. (Wychbold and Woodmanton) and Barton Rivet. The Club has also undertaken studies into matters of Public Interest such as "Shop lifting" the police, shop store detectives and others being invited to attend meetings of the Committee to advise and discuss the problem. Finally a report was drawn up upon the conclusions of the Committee and circulated to Members and other interested people. In the same way a study into computerisation was undertaken. A special study was made into the Employment of the Handicapped, and the obligations of Students receiving University Grants, and the Problems associated with Retirement. (These latter studies lead to the setting up of a series of Leisure Groups called the Rotary Association of Retired Friends, which was and is successful, still having some 40 members after 14 years).

VENTURE COURSES
Over several years a series of weekend courses for teenage boys and it is thought girls, were undertaken. These included biking both day and night out in the Country, map reading, abseiling in Malvern Hills and similar activities. This proved popular, certain younger Rotarians undertaking the work. A film was prepared and shown widely to many Rotary Clubs. It is thought that the film was borrowed by an Overseas Club and not returned which is most unfortunate.

RECREATIONAL NEEDS OF DROITWICH
A considerable and detailed survey was made of the Recreational Needs of Droitwich and a detailed report was prepared and sent to the Borough Council. Back in 1960 the Club endeavoured to arrange the commencement of a Young Farmers Club, apparently without success. A very successful series of Meetings were held to assist young people during their first year of employment. This seemed to be an area of work where help was often needed but not easily available. A study of welfare arrangements in Droitwich was undertaken various professional speakers attending the meetings of the Committee following which a report was prepared. For several years the Club gave a money prize to the Best Boy and Best Girl at the Secondary Modern School. It has been decided to commemorate the Golden Jubilee by awarding an annual service shield to the boy and girl attending Droitwich High School who has made the greatest contribution to the community. Trees were presented to establish an arboretum in the Lido Park in 1975.

THE INTERNATIONAL SERVICE COMMTTEE
This is a popular and important aspect of Rotary, which the movement is particularly fitted to undertake, with Rotary Clubs spread widely throughout the world. The Droitwich Rotary Club has since its inception been very active in this connection. For many years there have been close links with the German Club of Emden, visits taking place in opposite directions every other year and lasting friendships between Rotarians have been built up in this way. Visits by Study Groups from Overseas have been hosted by the Droitwich Club, as have visits by young people on a reciprocal basis by the sons and daughters of Rotarians with their counterparts in other countries. Members of the Club have themselves made visits and exchanges with Rotarians and their wives farther a field particularly to the United States, South Africa etc. EDWARD WINSLOW MEMORIAL - A notable piece of work was the provision and placing in St. Peters Church of a bronze Memorial Plaque in Memory of the Birth and Christening of Edward Winslow, a Pilgrim Father who emigrated on the Mayflower to America. Many Visitors come to Droitwich to visit the Church in order to see this Memorial, which was unveiled in 1946. "Rotary" Service" carried an account of the unveiling. One wonders whether sufficient publicity is given locally in view of its international interest. A visitor's book was presented for use by visitors to see the Memorial. The 300th Anniversary of the Death of Edward Winslow was marked in 1955.

R OTARY AMONGST BLACK COMMUNITIES
The Droitwich Rotary Club were concerned to learn that there were no Rotary Clubs amongst the black communities in the West lndies. Efforts were made by Droitwich to try and rectify this omission. This we are glad to say is now of the past.

AID TO GREECE
1952 was a time of strife in Greece with the people of that Country having inadequate supplies of many kinds. The Club made a public appeal to local residents and a large truck load of goods including clothes and household articles was collected and despatched to Greece. The Rotary District held an International Rally in Droitwich in 1952. Also a contribution was sent to the East Coast Flood Disaster Appeal Fund. ESSAY COMPETITION - For a number of years an Essay Competition was held open to all secondary schools in the Town. The Rotary Club set the subject of the Essay each year, such as "Why do emerging coloured Nations wish to be autonomous and yet remain in the Commonwealth"? "What 1 would do to improve the lot of children, less fortunate than myself in other Countries"? "How could a Channel Tunnel affect our way of living "? Keen competition resulted and large numbers of well researched Essays were submitted from year to year. The winners received good money prizes. A framed photograph of Paul Harris (founder of Rotary) was received from one of the Clubs Members following a visit to the U.S.A. Unsuccessful efforts were made to link with the Rotary Club of Sorrento, Australia.

LEPROSY RELIEF
Following a talk upon Leprosy Relief, the Club agreed to meet the cost of treatment of a young African, reports were received from time to time about his progress until a cure had been certified. This support was continued with a second boy, and afterwards with a girl patient who was sponsored for some years. Contact was made with her and greetings cards exchanged with her and also Christmas Presents were sent. A contribution was sent to the Town of Florence in Italy towards flood relief. The Club sending a resolution to Rotary International urging that a register of civil engineers, surveyors etc, should be set up so that in an emergency trained assistance could quickly be made available to any country in the world having such needs. For several years an International Evening was held, to which Overseas Students were invited from a wide neighbourhood, particularly from Bromsgrove College of Further Education. These were very happy occasions for everyone including the students, and quite a number visited Rotarians Homes as a result. RANFURLY LIBRARY - Books have been sent to this Library in large numbers since 1967 and are still continuing. (Books particularly those of a professional or technical nature are badly needed in developing countries even if somewhat out of date).

POLIO - PLUS 1987 - 88 - WHAT 1S IT?
Rotary International has determined to try to stamp out Polio (a scourge to so many children throughout the world) once and for all, by inoculating every child world wide against Polio by 1989; not only supplying the money but also a great deal of the professional help needed for the undertaking. At the same tune they will be inoculated against Whooping Cough, Tetanus and Measles. Every Rotary Club throughout the world has been set a target for their contribution. We in Droitwich were asked to raise £3,200 by June 1988, a large task for us in two years. We have achieved our target from Raffles, Social Evenings, and efforts by individual Rotarians, a Trolley Raid, and an appeal to the local business community and a Brass Band Concert.

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