KESWICK ROTARY – OUR CLUB AND OUR COMMUNITY
Keswick Rotary is part of Rotary International, a worldwide organisation dedicated to strengthening communities locally, nationally and internationally. Rotary has around 1.2 million members in some 35,000 clubs across most countries, bringing together people who want to make a positive difference while enjoying friendship, fellowship and shared purpose.

One of Rotary’s most notable achievements has been its leading role in the near eradication of polio worldwide, working with partners including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Its charitable arm, the Rotary Foundation, is recognised as one of the most respected charities globally. In the United Kingdom and Ireland there are about 1,600 clubs, organised into districts; Keswick is one of 65 clubs in the Cumbria and North Lancashire District. Founded in 1942, our club has supported the local community for more than 80 years.

We meet weekly, combining fundraising and community service with a strong social programme of meals, guest speakers and shared activities. Locally, we support organisations and initiatives such as KAFS, Two’s Company, the Keswick Heating Fund, and projects for the frail and elderly including Tuesday Tonic and The Friday Club. We also work with local schools through competitions, project assessments and mock interviews, and we have recently helped provide activities at the Youth Club. A highlight of our year is our involvement with the Calvert Trust: supported by our Rotary District and organised by the Keswick club, we run an annual Rotary Week in which Rotarians take over the Calvert Centre to deliver a full programme of sporting and outdoor activities for people in need and their carers. Internationally, we support projects such as the Teal Leaf Trust in Sri Lanka, improving educational opportunities for children on tea plantations, and we regularly back ShelterBox, which provides emergency shelter and essential supplies after disasters. While service is central to our mission, we place equal value on the friendships built within a relaxed and welcoming club—having fun while doing good.