A Joint Conference of Rotary Districts 1120 (of which we are a member) & 1130 took place at the Congress Theatre Complex in Eastbourne from Friday 18th – Sunday 20th October. It was a chance for over 450 delegates to enjoy a series of insightful talks from a wide array of speakers, each offering unique perspectives on Rotary’s future.
The conference kicked off in glorious autumn sunshine, setting a vibrant tone for the event. One of the key highlights was the enthralling speech by Nitesh Joshi, the Chair of Rotary Great Britain & Ireland (RGBI) who addressed the pressing issue of declining membership. His call to action sparked thoughtful discussions on strategies to revitalize engagement within the Rotary community.
In addition to the inspiring talks, the showcase area was a bustling hub of activity, featuring displays from a variety of charitable organisations supported by Rotary. Rotarian Irina Marta, from our club, was on hand to offer free financial planning and several charities, including those focused on youth empowerment, disaster relief, and medical aid, captured the interest of delegates eager to extend their support.
The evening gala was yet another highlight of the conference, bringing together attendees for a night of celebration and philanthropy. Funds raised during the gala contributed further to the vital cause of the Air Ambulance Support Vehicle, reflecting Rotary’s continued dedication to life-saving services. Our sister club, Rotary Canterbury Sunrise won the prestigious award for being the number one club in the district for per capita fund giving.
As the conference ended, delegates expressed their deep appreciation to past, present, and future Rotary presidents for their tireless efforts in steering the organisation through challenges and opportunities alike. With a renewed sense of purpose, attendees left with promises of an exciting and impactful year ahead for Rotary, filled with new projects, partnerships, and growth.
Picture: At the Joint Annual Conference. Picture credit: Roger Hickman/Rotary Club of Canterbury.
With thanks to Rtn Roger Hickman for drafting this report.
