HISTORY OF STONE & DISTRICT ROTARY CLUB

Rotary International started in 1905 in America but the idea soon spread to the U.K. and by the mid 1930’s there were several Clubs around our local area. For example, Stafford’s first club was formed in 1924; Stoke-on-Trent’s in 1927; and Newcastle under Lyme’s in 1929. These clubs - together with several more - made up a Rotary “District” which was keen to form new clubs and thereby further the aims and objectives of the movement.

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In 1938 it was decided to try and start a club in Stone. Representatives of many of the Rotary Clubs from throughout the Midlands attended an “interest” meeting held at the Crown Hotel in May 1938.

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The meeting concluded with a proposal from Mr Ernest Shufflebotham (the Manager of the District Bank) and seconded by Mr Thomas Bagley, the Chairman of Stone Urban District Council that a Rotary Club should be formed in Stone.

Mr Shufflebotham was elected the Interim President and he together with the prospective members nurtured the new Club during the early months of its formation.

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The Club received its Charter of Incorporation from Rotary International on 16th May, 1939 and a celebratory Dinner was held at the Crown Hotel on 5th July 1939 to mark its granting. Rotary in Stone was officially born.