Woking Rotary Club meets in the Hill Room at the Hoebridge Golf Centre every Monday lunchtime (except on Bank Holidays).
Woking Rotary Club is part of Rotary International a global network dedicated to uniting individuals from all walks of life, driven by a shared commitment to community enhancement and humanitarian service. Founded in 1905, this non-political, non-religious organisation transcends boundaries of race, religion, gender, and political affiliation, welcoming over 1.4 million members across more than 35,000 clubs in over 200 countries.
Rotarians, as members are known, believe in the power of collective action to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges. From local initiatives to international projects, they have consistently put their passion, energy, and expertise towards delivering sustainable solutions that make a tangible impact on the communities that need it most.
Membership in Rotary offers more than just an avenue for service; it provides a platform for personal growth, meaningful connections, and the chance to make a lasting difference. With its flexible structure, Rotary accommodates the diverse lifestyles of its members, allowing them to contribute in ways that align with their individual commitments while fostering lifelong friendships along the way.
A century of service and commitment
to community and global impact
Since its founding in 1922, the Woking Rotary Club has been a steadfast presence in the local community, dedicated to the principle of “service before self.” For over a century, the club’s members—men and women alike—have worked tirelessly to support both local initiatives and international relief efforts.
Locally, the club plays an active role in events like Kids Out, the Woking Rotary Charity Swimathon, Rotary Mizens Railway Kids Day, and annual Christmas collections. On a global scale, the club provides crucial aid during crises, supplying ShelterBoxes and AquaBoxes, and fundraising for essential projects like Polio Plus.
If you’re interested in contributing to our efforts or becoming a member, we welcome you to join us in making a difference.
Rotary Club of Woking
A brief history
On March 9, 1922, a group of Woking’s prominent business and professional figures convened at the Rendezvous Restaurant with a shared vision: to establish a Rotary Club in their town. The gathering, which included notable guest Rotarians like Mr. V Carter, Secretary of the British Association of Rotary Clubs, sparked discussions about the value of Rotary and the logistics of setting up a local branch.
Formation and early steps
Inspired by the insights shared, the group resolved to form the Rotary Club of Woking. A sub-committee was swiftly established to draft a list of potential members and classifications (representing various trades and professions). Just two weeks later, on March 23, the committee’s recommendations were approved, and 15 invitations to join the club were extended—13 of which were promptly accepted.
Inaugral events and initial meetings
The Rotary Club of Woking officially began its journey on April 28, 1922, with an inaugural dinner at the Albion Hotel, strategically located opposite Woking Station. This event was followed by the club’s first meeting on May 12, where Dr. John Laurie was elected as the club’s first president. The group decided to meet twice a month at the Rendezvous Restaurant. By August of that year, the club received its official charter from Rotary International, becoming the 1,249th club worldwide.
Resilience during the Second World War
Despite the turbulence of World War II, the club’s activities persisted with minimal disruption. The minutes from that era, while sparse on war-related content, reveal the club’s continued commitment to supporting various organisations and causes. Even as many members took on military or civilian roles, the club maintained strict attendance rules, urging those unable to meet their commitments to step down.
International connections and twinning
In September 1951, the Woking Club strengthened its international ties by hosting members of the Rotary Club of Bruges, thanks to personal connections between the two clubs’ members. This relationship blossomed, leading to the formal twinning of the clubs in 1956.
Transition to a dual-gender club
The Woking Rotary Club remained an all-male institution until early 2000 when members voted to become a dual-gender organisation. Shortly after this landmark decision, the club welcomed its first female member, and in 2009, it celebrated another milestone with the election of its first female president.
Changing venues and meeting schedules
Throughout its history, the club has relocated several times, though the Albion Hotel served as its primary base until 1962, when the venue was redeveloped by Norwich Union. Subsequent meeting places have included the Cotteridge Hotel (later the Litten Tree), the Conservative Club, and Hoebridge Golf Club, where the club has been based since March 2003. Originally meeting fortnightly, the club decided in 1942 to switch to weekly lunchtime meetings, a tradition that continues every Monday, except on Bank Holidays.
Celebrating a century of service
In July 2023, the Rotary Club of Woking celebrated its centenary at Gorse Hill Hotel, marking 100 years of service with friends and local charities, a testament to its enduring legacy in the community.