Club member and keen historian Ray Welsford and club chairman Peter Reeve want former club members and partners to make contact before the end of June in anticipation of 50th anniversary commemorations.

“It is the 50th anniversary of the club on June 28, 1967 and we plan to commemorate this very important anniversary with a number of events to mark the occasion,” Mr Welsford said.

“We want all past members and partners to contact us and be part of the activities planned for July 1.”

Mr Welsford said festivities would include a memorabilia display in the afternoon followed by a formal dinner and speeches.

“The evening will incorporate our annual changeover dinner, speeches on the history of the club, recognition of members and certificates for award winners,” he said.

Mr Welsford said Rotary was originally founded in 1905 with the sole purpose of fellowship.

“Paul Harris and three business friends founded the organisation in Chicago as a means of country-minded men maintaining friendships in a city,” he said.

“There were just four of them back then, now there are over a million worldwide, but we still maintain those country-style friendships.”

Warrnambool East Rotary Club, Warrnambool’s second Rotary club, currently has 52 members.

“The club was chartered in 1967 when Warrnambool was deemed big enough for another Rotary club,” Mr Welsford said.

“During the next 40 years there have been 253 Rotarians inducted into the club, and along the way two new Rotary clubs have also been chartered in the city.

“Warrnambool East has indeed come a long way.”

Chairman Peter Reeve, himself a past club president, said he hoped the event would attract large numbers.

“I’d love at least 200 to come and celebrate with us,” he said.

“It’d be great to have a round up of past presidents, Paul Harris Fellows, and past members and, of course, we want to encourage partners to attend as well.”

Mr Reeve hopes club celebrations generate fond memories.

“It’ll be a great chance for some to see themselves in old photos and celebrate 50 years with the club,” he said.

“Its just a great chance to remember old times and have a laugh.”

Celebrations will be held at the Warrnambool Football Club followed by dinner at the Carmichael room at Warrnambool’s City Memorial Bowls Club.