Club folds after 90 years

A GROUP which has helped thousands of people in need is closing down after almost 90 years.

The Rotary Club of Macclesfield is part of Rotary International, a world-wide organisation, which helps locally and abroad by fundraising.

The club thrived in its early years, so much so a break-out club was formed around 40 years ago, called Rotary Club of Macclesfield Castle.

But while the Castle branch has survived, the original club has struggled to recruit the next generation of members. Now, with its membership typically in their 80s or 90s, the club has decided to fold.

It is now looking for a place to store or display its regalia, which include two collars which bear the names of each of the former presidents, a bell used to start and finish meetings and minute books.

Former member John Gunning said: “It has been a very successful club, but most Rotarians are getting too old and there has been a lack of interest from youngsters to join.

“Our major concern is the regalia and we are in talks with the town council to take them on as many former members were councillors and former mayors. There is even some suggestion the bell could replace the town council’s use of the gavel during meetings.

“They deserve a final resting place in the town where they can form a fitting tribute to all of those who have served the club and the town.”