PREFACE

From time to time considerable interest has been expressed by members of the Rotary Club of Northallerton as to how the club came to be formed and why Rotary was not introduced into Northallerton earlier.

From an old collection of notes together with copy of correspondence received from the senior member of the Extension Committee of the No. 4 District of R.I. (Now 104). covering the period 1937 to 1947. I have endeavoured for the information of present and future Rotarians to give some indication as to how the foundation of the Club was laid.

I know the remaining founder members as well as the present will welcome this as a permanent record for future generations.

Albert Dixon

Founder President

22nd October 1968

In order to give some idea how the Rotary Club of Northallerton came to be formed, it is necessary to go back to the year 1937, when the “Annual Convention of Rotary International” was held at “Nice”.

I was informed that at this Convention the extension of Rotary in RIBI was one of the main objects.

Delegates returned from the Convention, and soon plans were put into operation by the “District Extension Committee” of No. 4. District (now 104) to carry out the object of the Convention by the extension of Rotary in No. 4. District (Now 104) of which Northallerton was one of the towns selected.

It was in March 1938 when I was first approached by the Senior Member of the Extension Committee, Rotarian Herbert Wells a Past President of the Rotary Club of Barnsley, to assist in forming a Rotary Club in Northallerton.

Rotarian Herbert Wells was a very enthusiastic Rotarian, and it was due to his enthusiasm that the Northallerton Club came into being.

Although at this time I was favourably impressed by the suggestion, I was compelled to point out that a previous attempt had been made by District No.3. (Now 103) to form a Rotary Club in Northallerton, but had failed, because at that time there was a strong Luncheon Club operating in the town, and it was felt that the two would clash.

As it was my year as President of the Luncheon Club, I was in honour bound to protect the interest of the members of the Luncheon Club, One of the main difficulties was the Classification System which would have excluded many of the members of the Luncheon Club, it appeared therefore that the one obstacle which had faced No.3. District (Now 103) was still with us. It was felt therefore that the time was not opportune for the introduction of Rotary.

Further conversations took place during the year but the position remained unchanged.
At this time Europe was heading for a Second World War, and it was suggested that any further conversations be deferred until a more favourable opportunity presented itself.

Then the War came, and in due course an interview was sought with the Representative of the Extension Committee requesting that no further action be taken for the time being.

During the War, the Luncheon Club ceased to function, and in due course was disbanded, thus presenting a more favourable opportunity to further consider the Rotary suggestion.

It was not until late 1943 that a further approach was made when I received a visit from Rotarian. Herbert Wells on behalf of the Extension Committee, to enquire into the present position and to request a resumption of our former conversations.

It was at this interview that I finally agreed to assist the Committee in forming a Rotary Club in Northallerton.
During this visit I introduced Rotarian Wells to the then Clerk of the Urban Council who furnished certain information which was required in accordance with the Constitution of Rotary.

In June 1944 I received word that the Extension Committee proposed to visit Northallerton. "This was the first time I had met the Committee as a whole.  I welcomed this visit, comprising:  Rotarian Norman Collins (Chairman), Rotarian Herbert Wells,  Rotarian’s John Wordsworth (Secretary),  Jack Carley, No.1. Rotarian, Leeds.

During this visit our conversation took a more decisive turn.

A call was made on the late Clerk of the County Council who had intimate knowledge of Rotary and although he was unable to become a founder, the project received his blessing.

Later a request was made to call a public meeting which was held in The Russell Cafe, and addressed by the Chairman, Rotarian Norman Collins, Rotarian Chas. Davis, M.Sc., District Secretary, and others. About 35 people attended the meeting together with Rotarians Jack Carley, George Byers and Will Jackson, all Officers of District No.4. (Now 104).

Following this meeting I was requested to furnish the Committee with a list of 25 potential members, not an easy task in a small town. It was here I sought the help of the late Rotarian L.W. Atlay, late Secretary of the Luncheon Club, and the late Rotarian George Hird who readily agreed to assist in compiling a list of names to whom the Extension Committee could send out Official invitations. It was at this juncture that I was informed that the Rotary Clubs of Thirsk and Ripon were to be our Sponsors.

During the interim period that Constitutional machinery was been put into operation, many evening meetings were held at The Russell Cafe which were attended by representatives of our Sponsor Clubs, thus helping to prepare us for our Inaugural meeting.

Although we were now actively working towards our Inaugural meeting we were not able to meet under the auspices of  'Rotary’ pending the approval from the Extension Committee of the names and classifications of the founder members already submitted.

In due course the official approval was received and we were now able to prepare for our 'Inauguration’, which was eventually arranged to take place on 8th May, 1947.

Founder Members
The following are the founder members in alphabetical order with classifications:-
 
 

It will be noted that two of our founder members, Rotarians Norman C. Bryning and David Willoughby served on the first Club Council and are still Active members of the Club.

It will be appreciated by those who read this, that everything was in the embryo stages, and we were not yet qualified to meet as a Rotary Club.

Our Inaugural Night was originally arranged to take place on the 11th March, 1947, but on account of previous commitments of the District Chairman, Rotarian A. Norman Cooke, Rotary International Representative No, 4. District (Now 104) R.I. this had to be deferred until the 8th May, 1947.

We had all looked forward to this occasion with pleasurable anticipation, as it marked the first step towards the years ahead. 

The 8th May duly arrived and with: it a great influx of Rotarians from far and near, "Representatives from almost every Club in No. 4. District (Now 104).  The Russell Cafe was filled to overflowing and between 80 and 90 people sat down to dinner.

After having dined well, we all adjourned to the adjoining room where the Inaugural Meeting was to take place.

The meeting followed the pattern of other Inaugural Meetings, but to the members of our Club it was something special, as from new on we should be entitled to be addressed as *Rotarians* and meet under the auspices of  ‘Rotary’.

In order that you may follow the pattern of the meeting I give you herewith a copy of the original Toast
List and procedure.

TOAST LIST

H.M. THE KING –

Proposed by Rotarian A. Norman Cooke
Rotary International Representative and Chairman of No.4. District R.I.

ROTARY ROLL CALL –

By Charles Davis, M.Sc.- Hon Secretary No.4. District R.I. - President Rotary Club of Leeds.

FORMAL RESOLUTION OF ACCEPTANCE OF ROTARY

Proposed by Rotarian William Haste Campbell, 1st Vice-president Rotary Club of Northallerton.
Seconded by Rotarian Bevan A.R. Wood.

INSTALLATION OF PRESIDENT

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL –

Proposed by Councillor A.S. Skelton, J.P., Chairman of Northallerton U.D.C.

Response by Rotarian. A. Norman Cooke, Rotary International Representative and Chairman of No. 4. District R.I.

THE ROTARY CLUB OF NORTHALLERTON

Proposed by Rotarian Norman Collins,
Chairman of No.4 District Extension Committee and Senior Vice-Chairman of No.4 District R.I.

Response by Rotarian Albert Dixon, President Rotary Club of Northallerton.

GUESTS AND VISITORS –

Proposed by Rotarian John (Jack) Swain, 2nd. Vice-president Rotary Club of Northallerton.
Response by Rotarian John (Jack) Carley, First Founder Member of Rotary in No.4. District R.I.

ROTARY ROUND THE WORLD –

Proposed by the President.

This brought to a close our Inaugural Meeting, a wonderful time for all who were present.  I need hardly say that in the hearts of all our Founder Members was a feeling of a great achievement, and the pride I felt when Rotarian Norman Cooke, adorned my lapel with the first Rotary Badge, which I still treasure.

Our "Inaugural" night had come and gone, now we were able to meet for the first time as "Rotarians”
This was the beginning of our "Interim" period which would continue until we qualified for our "Charter".

It was during this period of probation that we, like all other Interim Clubs had to learn to stand on our own feet. I It would be futile to say that our Interim period was all I plain sailing, we had what is usually described as our "Teething troubles", and it was at these times that the spirit of loyalty of all our founder members was very much in evidence.  We were continually under the supervision of the District Extension Committee, and were visited from time to time by one or another, and their help and guidance was much appreciated, and we all realized that we had much to learn.

Rotarian, The Rev. Canon Tom Cashmore, Past District Chairman No.4. District R.I. was always a welcome guest, always accompanied by his wife who shared our fellowship.

Rotarians: Norman Collins, Harry Johnson, Chas. Davis M.Sc., Jack Carley. Will. Jackson and others were constantly with us, their help and co-operation during our Interim period was very welcome.
We had already formed our Committees under their respective Chairmen and these functioned with the same team spirit which is so much in evidence in the Club today.

Council

Our Council too, met and worked together as a team, as succeeding Councils have done throughout the years.  They were the supreme authority of all the Clubs activities, and it is pleasing to note that the pattern set by our first Council is still been followed to the present time.

We were now looking forward to our "Charter" presentation for which we had been preparing during the Interim period, and here I feel that it would be fitting to pay tribute to our old friend Rotarian -Jack Carley who spared no effort in the launching of the Rotary Club of Northallerton.

Jack had visited Rotary Clubs in many parts of the world, and his experience to us at this time was invaluable. Those of you who remember him, I know, will share with me in paying tribute to his memory.

I was privileged to visit many Clubs with him during my year as President, and so gained inspiration and experience from such a widely travelled Rotarian.

We were now approaching our Charter presentation which was originally arranged to take place on the 15th February, 1948.  Preparations were therefore going ahead for what to us was to he the Climax of a long probationary period.

Our disappointment will be fully realised when we were informed that our Charter date had to be postponed until 20th November, 1948.

This was entirely out of our control, therefore we had no alternative but to carry on for a further period as an Interim Club.
We were informed that the postponement was in accordance with the Constitution of Rotary and were therefore compelled to accept their ruling.

Our preparations were well in hand and we confidently awaited the presentation of our Charter.

It was on Friday November 20th, 1948 when the Rotary Club of Northallerton was presented with its "Charter" by Rotarian Norman Collins, Rotary International Representative, and Chairman No.4. District R.I. (Now 104) at the Russell Cafe, Northallerton.
There were present a number of distinquished Visitors in addition to our own District Chairman, including Rotarian Charles Davis. M.Sc. No. 4. District Secretary and Past President Rotary Club of Leeds, Rotarian Harry Johnson, now Chairman, District Extension Committee No.4. District R.I. and Past President Rotary Club of Normanton.
Sir T.L. Dugdale Bart. (Member of Parliament Richmond Division), Rotarian Harry Jackson M.B.E.. J.P., Rotary International Representative, Chairman No.3 District R.I, (Now 103) and President Rotary Club of Newcastle-upon-Tyne (West), also our old friend and supporter Rotarian Jack Carley.
Almost every Club in No.4. District was represented, together with the Presidents of our sponsor Clubs Thirsk and Ripon.
Again the Russell Cafe was filled to overflowing, and in spite of the arrival of a number of unexpected guests, we managed to find seats and cater for all their needs.
After dinner we again adjourned to another room where the Presentation was to take place. Those of you who have attended Charter Presentation of other Clubs will be familiar with the usual procedure.
For the Benefit of those who may not have witnessed a Charter Presentation, I herewith give you a copy of how the ceremony was conducted and those taking part.

TOAST LIST

H.M. THE KING

 Proposed by  THE PRESIDENT.

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL

 Proposed by  TEE PRESIDENT

ROTARY ROLL CALL
 by
CHARLES DAVIES, M.Sc. No.4. District Secretary and P.P. Rotary Club of Leeds;

PRESENTATION OF THE CHARTER

 by  NORMAN A. COLLINS.
 (Rotary International Representative, Chairman No 4.  District R.I. and P.P. Rotary Club of Halifax).

PRESENTATION OF GIFTS
 Our Rotary Wheel was presented by Rotarian L.K.Piddell (P.P. Rotary Club of Leeds).

 The Rotary Club of Ripon presented our Reading Desk.

 The Rotary Club of Thirsk the Charity Box.

 Rotarian H.R. Johnson, Chairman Extension Committee presented the Bell.

 The Visitors Book was presented by Rotarian Albert Dixon President Rotary Club of Northallerton.

 Proposed by
HARRY R. JOHNSON. (Chairman District Extension Committee, No.4. District R.I. and P.P. Rotary Club of Normanton).

 Response by  ALBERT DIXON (President, Rotary Club of Northallerton),

VISITING ROTARIANS AND OTHER VISITORS

 Proposed by   WILLIAM H. CAMPBELL.
(First Vice-President, Rotary Club of Northallerton).

Response by SIR T.L. DUGDALE Bart., (Member of Parliament for Richmond Division).

and

HARRY JACKSON, M.B.E., J.P.,   Rotary International Representative. (Chairman Ho- 3 District R.I. and President Rotary Club Newcastle-upon-Tyne (West).

ROTARIANS THE WORLD OVER

Proposed by  THE PRESIDENT
Toastmaster:   HORACE W. TOASE

This brought to a close what was to the members of the Rotary Club of Northallerton a most wonderful evening, we had received our "Charter" and were in course of been registered with "Rotary International" in Great Britain and Ireland".

The object of the Extension of Rotary in R.I.B.I. now included the town of Northallerton. No wonder that the Rotarians of Northallerton had every right to feel proud of their achievement.

Those of our founder members who are still with us will never forget the Presentation of the "Charter" to the Rotary Club of Northallerton, District No.4. (Now 104).

It is said that all journeys whether one mile or 1,000 start with a single step, and while the Presentation of the Charter is an important land mark in the history of any Club, it also marks the end of a long probationary period, and the beginning of a long road ahead. We as a Club have travelled these roads for twenty one years and it is gratifying to me personally, and to all the remaining founder members to note by determination and loyalty the progress that has been made over the years, and the pattern laid down in our early years is still being followed today.

Following the Presentation of the Charter we now had to plan for the future activities of the Club.

Our Committee's met regularly and submitted their plans for approval of the Council.

CLUB SERVICE:

The Club Service Committee arranged for our first 'Family Party' to take place in January, 1949, at the Russell Cafe. At that time it was only for the member's of the Rotary Club, their wives and families, hence the name 'Family Party'. This has continued over the years to the present time, and from that humble beginning has developed into an Annual Social function, including not only Rotarians and their families but also their friends.

COMMUNITY SERVICE:

The Community Service Committee were working out plans for an old people's outing to take place later in the year.

About twenty old people were taken in members cars on a tour of Wensleydale and Swaledale, and afterwards entertained to tea at the Allertonshire School, through the good offices of Rotarian N.C. Bryning the Commit lee's first Chairman. Concerts were given at the Rutson Hospital, gifts of toys were made to children in the Isolation Hospital, The Oak Mount Nursery and County Maternity Home. A cheque was also sent to the Lord Mayor of London's childrens appeal fund. A worthy accomplishment for the Committee in its first years activities.

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE:

Many contacts were made with Clubs abroad especially on the Continent. Many of these Clubs have since been visited by some of our members, evidence that can be seen by the various Banners at our Weekly Luncheons today, thus keeping alive those early contacts.

VOCATIONAL SERVICE:

The Vocational Service under the Chairmanship of Rotarian David Willoughby, spared no effort "-n laying the foundation for the present high standard that our Vocational Service Committee has attained.

Vocational Service was an arm of Rotary requiring a great amount of thought and careful planning.  David and his Committee assiduously applied themselves during their first year of office in laying the foundation on which the present structure of our Vocational Service was built.

This then was our task during the first year of the Rotary Club of Northallerton and I am happy to record that each Committee faced up to their responsibilities by determination and loyalty in their effort to build for the future.

The end of our first Rotary year was now approaching and with it the duty of installing our first Vice President, William Haste Campbell as President for 1949-50.

It was a great joy to me when I installed Bill Campbell into the Chair, knowing full well that he would fill that office efficiently and with distinction.  We all regretted his passing and on behalf of all the founder members, I would wish to pay tribute to his memory.

Having completed my term of office, I took the opportunity to thank all the founder members for their loyal support and help during the formative period of the Rotary Club of Northallerton.

In conclusion, may I express the wish that as a builder raises his column for the erection of the building, we as Rotarians may continue to build so that we may hand on to future Rotarians, a heritage of which we and they can be justly proud, by living and practicing our Rotary Motto