History of the Club
A brief Club history
The President's Chain
Then and now
Past Presidents
A brief Club
history
When the Rotary Club of
Portadown was founded in 1936, it was the sixth club in Ireland,
and from its inception proved successful, integrating with other
clubs, North and South.
In 1944-45 the Club produced its first District Chairman, R.V.
Hawthorne, and in 1958-59 its second, John Jeffers. Later the
title was changed to District Governor, and Portadown has
produced three District Governors, R.A. Elliott (1986-87), H.
Shields (1990-91) and E. Lawson (1999-2000). From its inception,
many members of the Club have held District offices.
The Rotary Club of Portadown has a proud record of supporting
many worthy causes. Hundreds of charities have benefitted, both
locally and internationally. As well as fundraising, members have
helped in practical ways. Strong support has been given to the
"Polioplus" scheme, and to the Rotary Foundation.
Always progressive in its outlook, the Club dropped single-gender
status, and in the year 2000 welcomed its first women Rotarians.
This gave added stimulus to its activities and was so successful
that in 2001, the seven new members appointed included two
ladies.
All of the Club's achievements spring from the fact that it
is an active, friendly Club, its meetings being marked by
fellowship and good humour.
The President's Chain
Charles Montgomery JP, a founder member of this club, was an expert tea-blender, creating blends of tea suitable for local conditions. Winning many blending competitions
throughout the UK he acquired Gold and Silver Medals. These medals were used to form our chain, which he
donated during his Presidential year, 1940/41
Then and Now
A comparison of Club membership between the Foundation meeting of 1936 and the present composition reflects both change in the Club itself and in the local community.
The backbone of the Club for many years was the local man who owned or managed a business, or was in a profession or service industry.
The original 29 members included 20 in business or industry. Some represented industries which still continue in the Portadown area, such as linen manufacture and food manufacturing (for instance, baking and bacon curing). Others represented businesses which are no longer important on the local scene - two of the original Charter members, for instance, sold bicycles, and another described his business as "radio service". Representing the professions, there was one surgeon, a GP, one vet,an accountant and a banker.
The current membership is both larger and more diverse. The number of members in the professions is much higher; professions represented include architecture, the law and consultancy, as well as IT. A number of members are involved in education, whereas none of the original charter members was. The lower proportion of locally-owned retail businesses represented reflects the grown of the chainstore and supermarket.
The other major change in membership is the inclusion of women members, a development undreampt-of in 1936.
Past Presidents
This photograph was taken during 1966/67
Back Row:R. Heathwood: G. Dougan: G. Rodgers: D. Stevenson: D. Sloan
Front Row:D.A.Robb: B. Martin: T. Patton: J. Jeffers: C. Cooper
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