Rotary's Wheel Emblem - Week of August 27, 2007

Rotary’s Wheel Emblem

A wheel has been the symbol of Rotary since our earliest days. The first design was made by Chicago Rotarian Montague Bear, an engraver who drew a simple wagon wheel, with a few lines to show dust and motion. The wheel was said to illustrate “Civilization and Movement.” Most of the early clubs had some form of wagon wheel on their publications and letterheads.

Finally, in 1922, it was decided that all Rotary clubs should adopt a single design as the exclusive emblem of Rotarians. Thus, in 1923, the present gear wheel, with 24 cogs and six spokes was adopted by the “Rotary International Association.”


A group of engineers advised that the geared wheel was mechanically unsound and would not work without a “keyway” in the center of the gear to attach it to a power shaft. So, in 1923, the keyway was added and the design which we now know was formally adopted as the official Rotary International emblem.


For more information about Rotary, check the website http://www.rotaryanguilla.org or speak to any local Rotarian. The Rotary Club of Anguilla meets every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. upstairs at the English Rose.

…from The ABCs of Rotary

Fellowship along with Service - Week of August 20, 2007

Rotary means Fellowship along with Service

From the earliest days of Rotary, members have referred to each other on a first-name basis. Since personal acquaintanceship and friendship are cornerstones of Rotary, it was natural that many clubs adopted the practice of setting aside formal titles in conversations among members. Individuals who normally would be addressed as Doctor, Professor, Mister, the Honourable, or Sir are regularly called Joe, Bill, Charley, or Jerry by other Rotarians. The characteristic Rotary club name badge fosters the first-name custom.

In other parts of the world, mainly in Asian countries, the practice is to assign each new Rotarian a humorous nickname which relates to some personal characteristic or which is descriptive of the member’s business or profession. A member nicknamed “Oxygen” is the manufacturer of chemical gas products. “Trees” is the nickname for the Rotarian in the lumber business, “Building” is the contractor, and “Paper” is the stationery or office supply retailer. Other members might carry nicknames like “Muscles, “Foghorn” or “Smiles” as commentaries on their physical features.

The nicknames are frequently a source of good-natured fun and fellowship. But whether a Rotarian is addressed by a given first name or a nickname, the spirit of personal friendship is the initial step which opens doors to all other opportunities for service.

For more information about Rotary, check the website http://www.rotaryanguilla.org or speak to any local Rotarian. The Rotary Club of Anguilla meets every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. upstairs at the English Rose.

[Source: The ABCs of Rotary]

Exchanging banners - Week of August 13, 2007

Rotary Traditions - Exchanging banners

One of the colourful traditions of many Rotary clubs is the exchange of small banners, flags or pennants. Rotarians traveling to distant locations often take banners to exchange at “make-up” meetings as a token of friendship. Many clubs use the decorative banners they have received for attractive displays at club meetings and district events.

The Rotary International board recognized the growing popularity of the banner exchange back in 1959 and suggested that those clubs which participate in such exchanges give careful thought to the design of their banners in order they be distinctive and expressive of the community and country of which the club is a part. It is recommended that banners include pictures, slogans or designs which portray the territorial area of the club.

For more information about Rotary, check the website http://www.rotaryanguilla.org or speak to any local Rotarian. The Rotary Club of Anguilla meets every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. upstairs at the English Rose.



Shown in the photograph is Rotarian Ralph Smith recently exchanging banners with the Rotary Club of Nassau.

A Century of Service - Week of August 6, 2007

Rotary - A Century of Service

Rotary International, the world’s first service organization, was founded by Paul Harris in 1905. Within a few years after that founding, Rotary had grown immensely and had become a powerful force for world peace and service to humanity. “Rotarians not only sensed that they had an organization in which they could enjoy fun and fellowship, but also were beginning to believe they could make the world a better place.”

Ethics and service became a large part of Rotary’s policy even in the early years. “During the worst days of World War II, Rotarians in England convened a conference on education and cultural exchange, and that meeting subsequently led to the formation of UNESCO, one of the agencies of the United Nations. When the UN charter was signed, Rotarians were serving as ambassadors and ministers, captains of industry, and religious leaders of all faiths.”

Some characteristics and principles have been paramount to Rotary’s success through the years. Rotarians maintain a commitment to tolerance, high ethical standards, fellowship among members, community service – especially toward children – and world peace.

Rotary shares is the international theme for this year, and Rotarians have shared their time and efforts since the first club was founded. They continue to share their time and efforts to serve their communities today.

For more information about Rotary and how you might join us, check the website http://www.rotaryanguilla.org or speak to any local Rotarian. The Rotary Club of Anguilla meets every Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. upstairs at the English Rose.

(With excerpts from A Century of Service by David C. Forward)