Wellington Monument will be illuminated to commemorate World Rotary Day on Wednesday (February 23).

Lawyer Paul P Harris, mining engineer Gustavus Loehr, coal merchant Silvester Schiele and tailor Hiram E Shorey gathered in Loehr’s office in Chicago, USA, for what would become known as the first Rotary club meeting.

Harris’s desire for camaraderie among business associates brought together the four men and eventually led to an international organisation of service and fellowship.

Rotary has 1.4 million members in 46,000 clubs in 221 countries across the globe, uniting people from all continents and cultures who come together to strengthen their connections to friends and neighbours - and their commitment to community service.

As a global network which strives to build a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, Rotary values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of age, ethnicity, race, colour, abilities and religion.

For further information about local Rotary Clubs contact Mike Parsons, secretary of the Rotary Club of Wellington. Email [email protected] or phone 01823 252635.