A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FORMATION, GROWTH AND EARLY PROGRESS OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF LANGLEY PARK
1974-76
1974-1975
JOHN WILLIAMS, a Partner in the local firm of solicitors, Williams & Williams, was approached by the Rotary District Extension Officer, Charles Stock (a Beckenham Rotarian) to form a new Club with territory subscribed by both the Beckenham and West Wickham Rotary Clubs.
On the 8th July 1974 the first meeting was held at the Elmers End offices of Williams & Williams and attended by D. Buchanan and R. Brown who both later resigned, Nick Stone who became the Club’s Founder-Secretary and David Connolly who survived the pace and finally became President during the millennium period 2000/2001.
From this time regular meetings were arranged and held on Monday evenings at the Dominique Restaurant in Beckenham High Street and membership slowly began to grow.
1975
The Inaugural Dinner and meeting was arranged for 7th April 1975 and was held at the Eden Park Hotel in the presence of the then District Governor Harry Howard and many other District Officers. At the meeting John Williams was confirmed as Interim President and other officers and committees were elected.
Monday evening meetings continued on a regular basis although the venue changed to the Eden Park Hotel until membership reached the required minimum number of 25
1975-76
The Charter Dinner was held at the Grasshopper Inn, Moorhouse, Westerham, Kent on Friday 20th September 1975 and the Club’s Charter was presented by District Governor Harry Robinson in the presence of other District Officers and representatives from 35 Rotary Clubs within District 112 (now 1120) and from 9 Clubs from other Districts. John Williams was confirmed as Founder-President for the remainder of the Rotary year ending 30th June 1976.
During his period in office, President John arranged several social functions for the growing membership, their wives and families, including a sherry party with carols during Christmas 1975 and a garden party in the Spring of 1976, both of which were held at his home, Normanhurst. Many visits were made to other local Clubs during this period and the Club took a growing interest in the affairs of District 112 including attending their first District Conference at Eastbourne in October 1975.
A more comprehensive history of the Club can be found in the Club’s 25th Anniversary biography - "From Thatcher to the Dome" - which can be purchased from the Bromley branches of Waterstones or Ottakersor direct from the Club Secretary forwith FREE post and packing!!
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