Press Release from RIBI

March 2004

2005 Rotary Centennial Teapot

A teapot commemorating the centennial of Rotary International has been commissioned by Rotarians in West Yorkshire, England. Celebrating one hundred years of Rotary service in 2005, the teapot has an unusual and eye catching design.

Designed as an antique globe on a stand, with an antique effect map of the world, it reflects the international nature of Rotary. The world famous blue and gold Rotary wheel sits on the lid. On the globe stand is Rotary’s motto ‘Service above Self’, 1905-2005 is written under the spout and the Stars and Stripes highlight Chicago, the birthplace of Rotary International.

The teapot designed by Rotarian District Governor Milton Frary took a year to develop because of its unusual shape.

All teapots are individually hand made in England by craftsmen in a limited edition to order. Each teapot is numbered and has a Certificate of Authentication. The teapot costs £100 , which includes a donation of £30 to the Rotary Foundation, Rotary’s corporate charity.

The first teapot was presented to Past World President Cliff Dochterman by his club in recognition of his 45 years of Rotary service as well as his position as Chairman of Rotary Internationals Centennial Committee.

Cliff Dochterman commented, “It is an honour to accept this first teapot to commemorate Rotary’s Centennial. A cup of tea is a splendid expression of friendship between Rotarians, worldwide. This unusual design will tell a very special story of Rotary spanning the globe in its first centenary of service. We are pleased that Milton Frary took the creative step to create this teapot for our centennial year”

Milton has set a goal of raising US $1 million for Rotary clubs and the Rotary Foundation through the sale of the Centennial Teapot.

Each of the 530 districts throughout the world will have their own limited edition numbers of 1-500 and obviously the early numbers will carry a premium value so it is hoped that each district will purchase the early numbers to later use as premium gifts or to raise further monies for the Rotary Foundation.

The teapot is available for purchase by Rotarians and non-Rotarians from Rtn Milton Frary. Telephone 01937 580725 e-mail FraryM@aol.com

For PHOTOGRAPHS and more information please contact Judith Diment on 01628 672965 or 07860 162313 or judithdiment@aol.com

Notes to Editors

Rotary is an organisation of business and professional men and women who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards, and help to build goodwill and peace in the world. Paul Harris formed the world’s first service club in Chicago on 23rd February 1905. The name Rotary is derived from the early practice of rotating meetings among members’ offices. Today there are some 1.2 million Rotary club members of more than 30,000 clubs in 166 countries.

In Great Britain and Ireland there are 1833 clubs with 58,000 members. The oldest Rotary Clubs in Great Britain and Ireland are Dublin, Belfast, London and Manchester, which were founded in 1911.