Fonds YRO - Rotary Club of York

Identity area

Reference code

YRO

Title

Rotary Club of York

Date(s)

  • 1921-2021 (Creation)

Level of description

Fonds

Extent and medium

11 boxes, 1 oversized volume, and 1 oversized rolled item

Context area

Name of creator

(1921-present)

Administrative history

The Rotary Club of York was founded on 12th January 1921, with a preliminary meeting at the Mansion House. This was followed by an inaugural meeting on 4th February 1921. York became the 36th club in the British Association of Rotary Clubs. The initial President was the Lord Mayor of York, Alderman Edward Walker.

The original structure of the club, which is largely similar to the structure today, was one of committees, including membership, proceedings (speakers), fraternal and social (fellowship), civil (community service), and education (foundation).

Over the years, the community engagement activity of the club has become more diverse, and social activities widened. Tom Shouksmith, a keen golfer, organised a number of annual visits to golf clubs throughout Yorkshire and following his Presidential year in 1933/4 presented a trophy to be played for annually on these visits. The same format was followed until the late seventies, when it was changed to a knockout competition, which now attracts around thirty entrants every year.

The Club was involved in the formation of several other Rotary Clubs, including the Thirsk Club in 1934, the Malton & Norton Club in 1946, the York Ainsty Club in 1960 and the York Vikings Club in 1979.

International links have been established with the Rotary Clubs of Aubusson in France, Erlangen in Germany, and Gorinchem in Holland with reciprocal visits being made on a regular basis.

Today, the Club is committed to numerous fundraising ventures to support its charitable aims, including the annual York Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge, first held in 2003. This event now takes place each year in early July and annually raises over £70,000 for charity.
Helped found the York Ainsty Rotary Club in 1960 and the York Vikings Club in 1979.
See Also - York Subscription Library

Content and structure area

Scope and content

This collection currently only comprises committee minute books and visitors books for the club.

PLEASE REQUEST THESE ITEMS ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE - HELD IN OFFSITE STORAGE

Accruals

System of arrangement

Conditions of access and use area

Conditions governing access

Open

Material is available subject to the usual terms and conditions of access to Archives and Local History collections.

Conditions governing reproduction

Images are supplied for private research only at the Archivist's discretion. Please note that material may be unsuitable for copying on conservation grounds. Researchers who wish to publish material must seek copyright permission from the copyright owner.

Language of material

  • English

Script of material

    Language and script notes

    Finding aids

    Allied materials area

    Existence and location of originals

    Existence and location of copies

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    Related descriptions

    Publication note

    Ownership remains with the Rotary Club of York.

    Notes area

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