The Satellites.
A formal bunch of all sorts.
But informal at the same time.
And gung-ho.
A Satellite Club is a leaner version of a full-fledged Rotary club. Everything is Rotary with an added advantage of having the flexibility to meet as per convenience and to meet wherever convenient.
(a member's home, a pub, a restaurant, a park, a coffee shop - whatever works best.)
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We have two Satellite clubs.
Rotary Satellite@Sunderland Hospital and Rotary Sunderland City.
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Both have an informal meeting structure and meetings are held once a month. Our Satellites integrate with Parent Club members to enjoy fellowship and provide a range of community, vocational and fund raising services to support local and international causes.
Rotary Satellite@Sunderland Hospital organise evening meetings at the residences of members, and at times in restaurants. Rotary Sunderland City meets at various restaurants and pubs in the City. By rotating the meetings at various establishments in the City, this contributes towards supporting local businesses getting increased footfall.
How the Satellite came to Sunderland
The creation of a Satellite club was the principal objective of President John Bowskill, in the 2015-16 Rotary Year. John, a retired Hospital General Manager, contacted former colleagues whom he thought might be interested in joining Rotary and received a positive response. In order to broaden the membership he also approached guest speakers to speak at Club meetings.
By the end of the Rotary Year, the first Satellite Club was established, with 9 founder members being inducted by District Governor Terry Long.