Venue: Welcome Gallery Reading Museum
Rotary: A Century of Service and Friendship
Founded in Chicago in 1905 by lawyer Paul Harris, Rotary began as a forum for professionals to exchange ideas and build lasting friendships. Early meetings rotated between members’ offices—giving rise to the name “Rotary.” While the format evolved, the name and spirit of connection endured.
Over the past century, Rotary has grown into one of the world’s largest humanitarian organisations, with 1.4 million members in over 200 countries. By 1922, Rotary had already become an international network, and that same year saw the founding of the first Rotary Club in Reading. Two years later, the counties of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire were designated as Rotary District 9—now known as District 1090. Today, the Thames Valley is home to 53 clubs, including seven in Reading alone.
Through fundraising, hands-on projects, and community partnerships, Thames Valley Rotarians bring people together from all walks of life. They are neighbours, friends, and problem-solvers—still making a difference more than 100 years on
This display showcases just some of the Rotary’s many activities, spotlighting the empowering opportunities that this unique charity offers.
