Our Club

We run a very open, relaxed and informal club.  The Rotary Club of Westbourne is not only about raising money and supporting the local community.  It is also about meeting new people, developing friendships and having fun.

During the year, our club members enjoy many social and sporting occasions with fellow Rotarians and their partners, which develop long-term friendships with like-minded people.​

​Meet the President

President - Revd Chris Colledge

​President of Westbourne Rotary for the year 2021 – 2022 is Revd Chris Colledge who has been an ordained Church of England clergyman for 39 years.  Chris has a wealth of experience, having worked around the World and served on a Voluntary Service Scheme in Australia before Theological College Training.
 
His first parish was in Deal, Kent, where he drove to Poland twice in the winters of 83 and 84 taking medical supplies and food.  Such a journey meant navigating the then 'Iron Corridor' between East and West Germany.  Other responsibilities include having served in a Parish in Bermuda where he raised funds for the building of a Hospice, Chaplain of a Psychiatric Hospital and for a number of years worked with people who were profoundly deaf and deafblind having qualified as a Sign Language and Deafblind Interpreter.
 
Chris is no stranger to all that happens within the Westbourne area and beyond, with having been Chairman of Bournemouth in Bloom for a number of years, Chairman of Westbourne in Bloom, A Qualified Watchkeeper at Hengistbury Head Coastguard Station, Recently Chair of Governors at Queens Park Academy and continues in a non stipendiary capacity as Associate Minister at St.Andrew's Church Boscombe.
 
In 2015 Chris was awarded the National Honour at the House of Lords of a British Citizens Award for his work in the Community especially in support for people who were isolated and lonely.  Hobbies include Sea Angling, Horticulture and Art Deco.
 
Chris sees his Presidential Year as one of captivating the enthusiasm and regeneration of Rotary, especially to reach new members and amongst younger people.  His chosen charities for this year are MacMillan Caring Locally and National Coastwatch.

Club Socials

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Our social activities include:
  • ​restaurant trips & barbeques
  • wine tasting and an annual Mad March Meal
  • coffee & chat social get togethers
  • horse & dog racing evenings
  • boat trips & visits to gardens and museums
  • fun quiz nights
  • sports events - bowling, snooker, skittles, boules
  • And much more......
  • Because volunteering can be socially fun too....

We firmly believe that being a Rotarian should be an enjoyable experience as well as a fulfilling one.  It's a lot easier to help others when you're having a good time doing it -and that includes involvement in club projects too, as helping others can also be fun - well it can be in Westbourne Rotary.

Bournemouth Rotaract

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The Rotary Club of Westbourne sponsored Bournemouth Rotaract when it was founded in November 2000 - this is part of the Rotary Family aimed at young adults.

Rotaract, at that time was aimed at 18-30 year olds offering a a wide range of activities that enables members to try something new, whilst                                                                      having a great time and meeting others.

As a member of Rotaract, members have the opportunity to develop their personal skills and gain new life experiences, both the in UK and abroad.

To find out more about Bournemouth Rotaract visit www.rotaract.org.uk/bournemouth or email Bournemouth@rotaract.org.uk