Omagh Rotary Club celebrates 70 years of fellowship and service

SEVENTY years ago, a small group of like-minded individuals came together for what proved to be the start of an amazing journey of community service, fellowship and international goodwill.

That small gathering led to the formation of Omagh Rotary Club, which celebrated its impressive milestone at its 70th anniversary charter dinner in the Silverbirch Hotel in Omagh on Friday night. Around 100 Rotarians and guests attended the sparkling event, including the District Governor of Rotary Ireland, Michael Fleming, and several other past district governors and representatives of numerous Rotary clubs from various parts of Ireland.

All present were warmly welcomed by Master of Ceremonies, John Gilmour, and current Rotary president, Ronald Oldcroft, with Grace being said by Very Rev Liz FitzGerald before all enjoyed an excellent meal.

During the evening, Mr Oldcroft proposed a toast to Rotary International, the guests and past presidents, as well as outlining the history of the club.

In marking its 70th anniversary this year, the club honours a legacy that began with a phone call in September 1954. Captain Nelson Rountree, one of the club’s founding members, received a message from Charles E. White, an 86-year-old former president of the Association of Rotary Clubs in Great Britain and Ireland and a close friend of Rotary founder Paul Harris. Mr White expressed a wish to see new clubs formed in Enniskillen and Omagh.

Inspired by this, Captain Rountree brought together a group of civic-minded local businessmen, including Jack McMillan, Norman Wilson, John Aitken and Captain Rountree’s brother Stanley.

After a stirring discussion on the values of Rotary, friendship, fellowship, and community service, the group held its first get-together at Dickie and Carson’s Solicitors’ office on March 26, 1955.

Weekly Thursday luncheons soon followed at the Carlisle Restaurant on High Street, generously hosted by Norman and Emma Wilson. Notably, Charles White made the weekly journey to attend both Enniskillen and Omagh meetings on the same day - a remarkable testament to his dedication.

In November 1969, the club’s weekly meetings moved to the Royal Arms Hotel, continuing a long tradition of fellowship in a new setting. Then, in 1999, the meetings found a new home at the Hawthorne House restaurant on Old Mountfield Road - owned by fellow Rotarian Michael Gaine before moving to its present base in the Silverbirch Hotel.

Back in 1955, members enjoyed a four-course lunch for just five shillings, with annual dues of £3 and 3 shillings - a modest sum for the enduring bonds and transformative work that would unfold across the decades.

The club received its formal charter on June 30, 1955, a date now etched in its proud history as the official beginning of seven decades of ‘service above self’.

Over the decades, the Rotary Club of Omagh has demonstrated unwavering commitment to both local and global causes. At home, in the 1960s it helped enhance the town’s public spaces by installing seating for older residents and, in the 1970s, raised funds for a disabled hoist in the local swimming pool - advancing accessibility long before it was widely prioritised.

More recently, the Omagh Rotary Club has supported cherished local charities such as Marie Curie, Care for Cancer, the Samaritans, Daisy Lodge and the NI Air Ambulance, providing help where it matters most.

Internationally, Omagh Rotarians have proudly contributed to Rotary’s global campaign to eradicate polio, funded school resources including computers and books, and supported emergency relief efforts by supplying vital equipment during humanitarian crises.

During the 70th anniversary celebratory dinner guests received a copy of a book entitled “Images of Omagh Rotary 1955-2025 – 70 Years of Service, Fellowship and Achievement”. In an introductory piece in the book club president, Mr Oldcroft, said: “Since our charter generations of rotarians in Omagh have given freely of their time, talents and resources in service to others – locally, nationally and internationally.”

He went on: “A charter anniversary is not only about honouring the past; it is also a time to rededicate ourselves to the future. As we face new challenges in our community and across the world, the ideals of Rotary remain as relevant and necessary as ever. The work we do – whether supporting youth, promoting peace, tackling disease or improving lives – reminds us that Rotary continues to be a force for good.”

He said that the publication of the 70th anniversary book would not have been possible without the support and dedication of members of the club who have provided the images and their memories over the decades.

“I want to thank the members of the 70th Charter Anniversary Committee for their ideas for the book but, in particular, I want to thank vice-president, Nick Smith, who has devoted many hours compiling the images and stories.”

Club secretary, David Killen, was thanked for compiling the onscreen personal reflections of long-time Omagh Rotarians and past presidents, Dominic Pinto, Oliver Loughran, Bill Reilly and Sean FitzGerald, also a past district governor.

In response to the toast to Rotary International the District Governor, Mr Fleming, from Ballymoney, praised the Omagh Club on its successes over the years and said to reach such as anniversary was a great achievement. He also said the commemorative book was a lasting tribute to the history of the club.

Other highlights during the evening included the unveiling of a new club presidential dress chain of office, while there was a standing ovation for past president, Peter Waterson, immediate past president, on receiving a prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship award which was officially presented by Mr Fleming.

Tribute was paid by Mr Oldcroft to Mr Waterson’s unstinting dedication and leadership during his year in office and beyond despite his health issues.

In keeping with its support of local and international charities the substantial proceeds of the tombola on the evening are being donated to Cancer Research UK.

On arrival dinner guests were treated to music from the Loreto Irish Trad Group and a drinks reception sponsored by Scotts Fuels, while during the meal there was excellent background keyboard music provided by Gerard Bradley.

Mr Oldcroft said this week he was delighted by the success of the evening, the support it received and thanked all who contributed in any way to make it the memorable event that it was.