Rotary Conference comes to Bournemouth

Photograph: The iconic Bournemouth Pier

Bournemouth is rolling out the red carpet as Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI) holds its annual Conference . In a new move, the doors to a special Rotary Showcase exhibition, highlighting a wide range of Rotary-supported charities and projects, are being opened to the public on Friday 16th April.

The Conference at the Bournemouth International Centre is the highlight of the Rotary year and will draw more than two thousand delegates along with exhibitors and members of the public. Important debates about the future of Rotary will take place and members will have an opportunity to meet the worldwide President of Rotary International, Scotsman John Kenny, who is making a special appearance.

President of Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland, David Fowler, said: “I always look forward to visiting Bournemouth. This stunning seaside town is the perfect setting to renew friendships and welcome new members to the Rotary family. 

“My visit to Julia’s House is of particular interest. I have heard many wonderful stories of the excellent work of this children’s hospice and hope our delegates will take part in the Anyathon on Saturday and raise more funds for this excellent organisation. I am honoured to plant a tree in the grounds of the house which also reflects Rotary’s commitment to the environment.

“In the past twelve months, much has been achieved through the combined efforts of Rotary clubs across Great Britain and Ireland. Starting with a presence on the 4th Trafalgar Square plinth to highlight Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign to delivering the polio vaccine during National Immunisation Days in India, and raising over £2.3m for ShelterBox towards disaster relief. Rotary is making a huge difference the world over.

“There is so much to see in the Rotary Showcase with exhibitions from our clubs and the projects we support and I am delighted to invite the public to view it on Friday. This will help people understand more about what Rotary does in the community, how we help overseas and provide insight to the wealth of youth opportunities available through Interact and Rotaract .

“Being in Bournemouth during the town’s bi-centennial celebrations makes our Conference even more of a magical affair.”

Speaking of magic, Paul Daniels and the lovely Debbie McGee will add a bit of their own magic to the weekend with rumours of a new illusion being revealed. Guest speakers at Conference include entertainer Alistair McGowan, critic Quentin Letts, soprano Denise Leigh and John Bird MBE .

Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland is currently undertaking a national membership recruitment campaign and is looking for women and men of all ages to join their local clubs and make a world of difference to their local community and those across the world.