Newsletter for the Rotary Club of Greater Geraldton - Issue No.: 781 Issue Date: 22 Apr, 2024

Raffle and Rotary Corner with Grant Woodhams:

Rotary has a long history in China that dates back to 1919 when the first club in China (and the second club in Asia) was chartered in Shanghai. This first English-language club was predominantly comprised of expatriate Americans and British, but it soon took on a very international flavor as it welcomed other nationalities to its roster including prominent local Chinese businessmen.

Rotary flourished in China before and after the 2nd World War, and ultimately spawned 33 clubs throughout the mainland up to Liberation in 1949. After 1949 however it quickly became impossible for Rotarians to meet and most members moved abroad and so Rotary International formally disbanded the remaining clubs in 1952.

In 2016:There were currently 11 chartered Rotary clubs and 5 *provisional Rotary Clubs in China including Rotary Club of Hangzhou (Provisional) WA's Sister State.

*The status granted an organizing group of charter club members by the district governor, after the club meets weekly and has elected club officers who subscribe to the Standard Rotary Club Constitution. This designation entitles the provisional club to issue make-up meetings to visiting Rotarians.