Like most other Rotaract Clubs, we meet twice a month to discuss what events we have got coming up. The real fun is in attending those events!
We have a committee, re-elected every year, who are in charge of organising the events. You may ask, "do you ever do this, or go here?" The answer is, we'll do anything that people are interested in.
Club Social Events
Good social events are what makes a Rotaract Club tick. As well as events for the members of our club, we often have joint events with neighbouring clubs.
Following are some examples of the sort of events the club organises:
- Cinema evening - We often meet up on a weekday evening to see the latest films.
- Badminton - A few games at the sports centre in iver.
- Pub nights - We meet up for a drink in a local pub at least once a month.
- Meals out - One of our most popular activities, we go to restaurants of all types.
- Ten-pin bowling - We visit the local centres in Heathrow or Maidenhead.
Larger Social Events
A few times a year, one of the other Rotaract clubs in our district
organises a formal event for all the district to attend (often over 100 people go).
Examples we have attended recently are:
- Spring Ball - A formal sit-down meal, followed by entertainment such as a live band.
- Murder-mystery evening - Another formal meal, at which a group of professional actors perform a play between courses, resulting in a murder!
- Barn dances - Typically accompanied with either a ploughman's buffet or fish and chips supper.
- Burns' Supper - In January, we dress formally for a Burns meal with Haggis, Neaps and Tatties, this is followed by a Ceilidh.
Conferences and Rallys
Every year, the Rotaract district we are in (which covers the Thames Valley) organises a weekend away in a hotel, somewhere in Britain. During the weekend, there is food, drink, entertainment, speakers, quizzes and much more. There is also an annual national conference, and European and world conferences as well.
Each August Bank Holiday weekend, a camping rally is organised in Banbury, which is usually attended by hundreds of Rotaractors from all over the country.
Community Events
We often try to give a little back to the local community. Regular activities include gardening for the elderly, tidying churchyards, and helping to maintain Thames Valley Adventure Playground.
Other activities have included conservation projects, carol singing, dog walking, and charity collections. A social aspect is often included, such as going to the pub afterwards!
Fundraising
Every year, our club raises thousands of pounds for good causes. This money is raised in many different ways.
In the past we have raised money by holding Rotaract District Social events, charging admission and sometimes running a raffle. We have also raised funds from running stalls at fetes, sponsored activities, and helping other organisations with large events.