Join Us:
Upcoming Meetings, Fellowship & Social Evenings
Monday
14.09
Blackmore Vale Rotary
Business Meeting
A Business Meeting is our opportunity to catch up on forward planning, review forthcoming projects, and focus on member training — all essential parts of keeping our club active, organised, and ready to serve. It’s also a space where new Rotarians are warmly welcomed, bringing fresh ideas, new perspectives, and insights into community needs that we as a club can support or promote.
By sharing updates, exploring opportunities, and listening to the voices of both long‑standing and newly joined members, we ensure our club continues to grow in ways that genuinely benefit our community. If you’d like to see how Rotary plans its work behind the scenes — or you’re interested in getting involved and shaping future projects — you’re very welcome to come along and join the conversation.
Wednesday
30.09
Blackmore Vale Rotary Social -
🎯 Retro Pub Games Challenge Are You Up for It?
This September, Blackmore Vale Rotary is hosting a Retro Pub Games Challenge evening in support of Rotary projects and good causes. Teams of three are invited to come along and test their skills in classic games such as Bar Skittles, Shove Ha’penny, Tiddlywinks, Wall Quoits, and Cornhole — all guaranteed to bring plenty of laughs and friendly competition. Trophies will be awarded to the top‑placed community team and Rotary team, with prizes for second place… and even for the team that comes last. It’s a fun, relaxed fundraiser designed to bring people together, and while it’s a Rotary event, we’d love to hear from anyone who’d like to join in or find out more about what we do. If you’re up for the challenge, come and be part of a great evening for great causes.
Saturday
3.10
Rotary District 1200 Forum – Connecting, Learning, Growing
Rotary doesn’t stop at the club door — and our District 1200 Forums are one of the best ways to discover the energy, ideas, and opportunities that come from being part of something bigger. These forums bring Rotarians from across Somerset, Wiltshire, and parts of Dorset together to share experiences, explore new projects, and learn from one another. They’re a chance to hear fresh perspectives, pick up practical skills, and see how other clubs tackle challenges and create impact in their communities.
For new Rotarians, District Forums are a brilliant introduction to the wider Rotary world: a place to meet inspiring people, find support, and bring back ideas that help your own club grow. For long‑standing members, they offer renewed motivation, leadership development, and the chance to shape Rotary’s direction at a broader level. Whether it’s project planning, membership development, training, or simply connecting with fellow Rotarians, these sessions help strengthen our collective ability to serve.
Blackmore Vale Rotary is proud to be an active part of District 1200, and we encourage anyone curious about Rotary — or looking to get more involved — to come along. You’ll see first‑hand how Rotary works beyond the club, discover opportunities you may not have known existed, and become part of a supportive network that’s making a difference across the region.
Monday
12.10
Blackmore Vale Rotary
Business Meeting
Our monthly Business Meeting is where members come together to plan ahead, review upcoming projects, and strengthen the training that keeps our club running smoothly. It’s also a welcoming space for new Rotarians, whose fresh ideas and insights into local needs help shape the work we do. By sharing perspectives and exploring new opportunities, we ensure our club stays active, relevant, and ready to serve. If you’d like to see how Rotary turns ideas into action, you’re warmly invited to join us and be part of the discussion.
Friday
23.10
Blackmore Vale Rotary Special End Polio Now Event -
An Evening with Dr. Mark Townsend & Cate Whitewood MSc. – End Polio Now in Action
We are delighted to welcome Dr. Mark Townsend and Cate Whitewood MSc. for an inspiring evening as they share their recent experiences immunising children in Pakistan as part of Rotary's End Polio Now campaign. Working alongside the Government of Pakistan, the World Health Organization, and dedicated local health teams, they witnessed first-hand the extraordinary efforts being made to eradicate this devastating disease. Pakistan remains one of only two countries in the world where polio is still endemic.
Dr. Mark and Cate, together with other members of Rotary District 1200, joined frontline workers in the global fight against polio. Their experiences offer a powerful insight into the challenges, hope, and determination behind Rotary's mission to eradicate polio worldwide. Their presentation will highlight the life-changing impact of vaccination, the courage of those delivering it, and how Rotary clubs like ours play a vital role in supporting this historic global effort. It's a chance to hear first-hand how Rotary continues to make a difference where it matters most.
Monday
26.10
Blackmore Vale Rotary Social -
An Evening With Tony Quinn talking about Lend With Care charity
Lend With Care is a CARE International UK initiative that helps entrepreneurs in developing countries build sustainable livelihoods through small, life‑changing loans. With strong support from Rotary clubs across the UK, these microloans have helped thousands of families start businesses, create jobs, and work their way out of poverty. Our speaker will share real stories from the entrepreneurs they support, explain how Rotary’s involvement has amplified the charity’s impact, and show how even a small loan can transform a community. It’s a chance to learn how Rotarians can continue making a difference through simple, practical support.
Sunday
8.11
Remembrance Sunday in Wincanton
Blackmore Vale Rotary will join the town in observing the two‑minutes silence at 11:00 and in laying a wreath at the Bayford Hill Memorial. This will be followed by the parade and memorial service, where we stand together in remembrance and honour of those who served.
Monday
9.11
Blackmore Vale Rotary
Business Meeting
Our Business Meeting is a chance to get together, look at what’s coming up, and make sure we’re all on the same page. We talk about future projects, club activities, training, and ideas for supporting our local community.
It’s not just about business — it’s about conversation, collaboration, and making things happen. New members are especially welcome, as their ideas and experiences can bring a fresh perspective to what we do.
If you’ve ever wondered how the ideas discussed in Rotary become real projects and activities, this is a great place to find out — and to have your say.
Monday
23.11
Blackmore Vale Rotary Social -
RYLA Reflections & Fellowship Evening
After an exceptionally busy September, October, and November, our Fellowship Meal offers the perfect moment to pause, catch up, and reflect on all we’ve achieved together over the last quarter. It’s a relaxed and welcoming evening where members can enjoy the friendship, support, and camaraderie that define Blackmore Vale Rotary. We’re also delighted to welcome Felicity, our recent RYLA alumna, who will share her inspiring experience from this summer’s course. As we celebrate our hard work and shared successes, we also honour the fellowship that keeps our club thriving and moving forward.
Friday
4.12
Blackmore Vale Rotary -Christmas Social
Each year we come together for our Christmas Social — a relaxed, festive evening where members, families, and friends share a meal, exchange Secret Santa gifts, and simply enjoy the fellowship that Blackmore Vale Rotary is known for. It’s a chance to celebrate the friendships we’ve built, reflect on the year, and welcome anyone who’d like to experience the warmth and camaraderie of our club. Whether you’re a long‑standing Rotarian or someone curious about what Rotary is all about, you’re invited to join us for a joyful evening filled with laughter, community, and Christmas cheer.
Monday
14.12
Business Meeting & Special Annual General Meeting
Our Business Meeting this month will be a short one, focusing only on any urgent matters that need to be dealt with before we move into the seasonal period.
We’ll also have a quick opportunity to confirm any immediate forward planning for forthcoming projects and training, ensuring anything essential is covered before we move on.
We will then move into our SGM (Special General Meeting), where members will have the opportunity to vote for the new club leadership team for the Rotary Year 2026/27.
Keeping the Business Meeting brief allows us to deal with what needs attention while giving the SGM the time and focus it deserves.
Monday
11.012027
Blackmore Vale Rotary
Business Meeting
From Ideas to Action
Our Business Meetings are where ideas begin to take shape. Members come together to discuss what we want to achieve, decide what needs to happen next, and look at how we can work together to turn plans into action.
We review upcoming projects, consider new opportunities, share information, and make sure members have the knowledge and support they need to get involved.
Everyone has something to contribute. Whether you’ve been a Rotarian for many years or have only recently joined, your ideas and perspective can help us decide where we go next..
Monday
25.012027
Blackmore Vale Rotary
Burns Night 2027
🏴 BURNS NIGHT – AN EVENING OF SCOTTISH TRADITION 🥃
We’re delighted to join our friends at the Rotary Club of Langport & Somerton to celebrate Burns Night — an evening of Scottish tradition, good food, friendship and, of course, a little whisky!
The evening gives us a chance to come together, enjoy some great company and experience the traditions that make Burns Night such a special occasion.
And then comes the moment everyone is waiting for… the arrival of the Haggis! 👀🥁
With poetry, music, laughter and the traditional Address to the Haggis, it promises to be a memorable evening shared with fellow Rotarians and friends.
It’s another great opportunity to enjoy Rotary fellowship, strengthen friendships between our clubs and simply have a fantastic evening together.
🏴 A wee bit of Scotland, right here in Somerset!
Monday
08.02
Blackmore Vale Rotary
Business Meeting
A Meeting Where Everyone Can Have a Voice
A Rotary Business Meeting is an opportunity for members to be involved in the direction of our club. It’s where we share information, discuss plans, raise ideas, and consider how we can make the greatest difference in our community.
For newer members, it’s a chance to learn more about how the club works and discover opportunities to get involved. For established members, it’s an opportunity to share experience, support others, and help shape our future.
It’s a meeting for participation — not simply listening. Your questions, ideas, and enthusiasm all help make our club stronger.
Monday
22.02
Blackmore Vale Rotary
Peace Pole Dedication Event
☮️ PEACE POLE DEDICATION – A SYMBOL OF PEACE IN WINCANTON 🌍
We are proud to come together in Wincanton to dedicate and unveil a Peace Pole — a simple but powerful symbol carrying a message that remains just as important today as it has ever been:
May Peace Prevail on Earth.
In a world where conflict, division and uncertainty can sometimes dominate the headlines, it is easy to feel that peace is something beyond our influence. The Peace Pole reminds us that peace begins with each of us — in how we treat one another, how we listen, how we respect differences and how we support our neighbours.
The Peace Pole Project began as a way of creating visible reminders of peace in communities around the world. Today, thousands of Peace Poles stand in countries across the globe, bringing people together around a shared hope for a more peaceful world.
Our Peace Pole in Wincanton is therefore more than a monument. It is an invitation — to pause, reflect and remember that building peace is not simply the responsibility of governments and world leaders. It is something we can all contribute to through kindness, understanding, tolerance and cooperation.
For Rotary, the message has a particular significance. Peace and conflict prevention are at the heart of Rotary's work, and the Peace Pole provides a wonderful local expression of those values.
❤️ May this Peace Pole stand as a lasting reminder that, even in uncertain times, we can choose understanding over division, cooperation over conflict and hope over despair.
May Peace Prevail on Earth.
Monday
08.03
Blackmore Vale Rotary
Business Meeting
Planning Today for Tomorrow
Our Business Meeting is about looking forward. We take time to understand what’s happening across the club, plan our next projects, identify opportunities, and decide how we can best use our time and resources to support our community.
It’s also an important part of learning and development within the club, helping members — especially those new to Rotary — understand how they can get involved and make a difference.
Come along, find out what’s happening, bring your ideas, and help us decide what we can achieve together.
Monday
27.07
Happened
Blackmore Vale Rotary Social -
An Evening With Maymie White from The Treatment Bag charity - Happened
Maymie is a Founding Trustee of The Treatment Bag who are a UK-based but locally registered charity that provides luxury gift bags to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy to support their wellbeing and lift their spirits
Monday
24.08
Happened
Blackmore Vale Rotary Social -
🚗 Rotary Car Treasure Hunt – A Fun Summer Challenge!
On a light summer evening, Rotarian Steve hosts our annual Car Treasure Hunt — a thrilling self‑guided road adventure where teams follow cryptic clues, map coordinates, and clever riddles to navigate through Wincanton and the surrounding villages. Along the way, you’ll test your observation skills, discover hidden landmarks, and enjoy plenty of laughs as you try to outsmart the clues and other teams. The challenge usually finishes at a local pub, where we gather for food, fellowship, and all‑important score‑checking to see who takes home the bragging rights. It’s a fun, relaxed event for Rotarians — but if you’re interested in joining us or want to find out more about Rotary, we’d love to hear from you. Just get in touch and come along for the adventure.
