Rotary is an organisation of business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service and help to build goodwill and peace in the world. There are 1.2 million members in 32,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas.

And there is a strong Rotary presence here in town with two clubs – Melton Mowbray Rotary Club and Melton Mowbray Belvoir Rotary Club and a now well-established Interact club at King Edward Vll School.

The latter is a club for young people, aged 14 to 18, which introduces to them the Rotary principles of fellowship and community service. A Rotaract Club for more adult young people has been set up on the Fairmead estate.

The Rotary movement's motto is 'Service above Self' and it is a service organisation of business and professional leaders whose objectives are to help those in need, the underprivileged, the ill and the disabled, both locally and internationally.

The town's clubs have many specific projects for members, but also work closely together on many others to optimise the available skills and effectiveness.

Examples of the wide range of projects include:-
Life Education: The education of local children in good life habits. Achieved by funding specialist trainers to visit schools to educate students in anti-drugs, diet issues, and anti-bullying.
Kids Out: Taking 100 deserving children for a day out at Wicksteed Park.
Stroke Awareness: Organising free blood pressure tests and working with Stoke Association and nurses from local surgeries and hospitals.
Christmas Food Parcels for the Elderly: A joint project with Melton's two Lions' clubs to give Christmas cheer to deserving elderly people.
Youth Competitions: Organising Young Musician, Youth Speaks, Young Chef and Young Photographer competitions.
Youth Exchange: Rotary families and friends host two deserving young people from Poland over eight weeks.
Santa's Sleigh Run: At the Victorian Christmas Market and around the streets of Melton.
Carol Concert: More than 100 people from residential homes and sheltered accommodation around Melton were treated to a carol service and festive tea.
The Itala Project: An international project supported by Melton Belvoir and its twin club in Coesfeld in Germany to connect a school in Zambia to an electricity supply. A lap top computer and mini bus were also provided.

There are many international projects, too – a gap year bursary, water aid, shelter boxes, mercy ships, solar pumps, extensive work in the Philippines.

To fund such a vast array of projects both clubs organise a wide range of events which would not be possible without the support and generosity of Melton townsfolk, for which they are extremely grateful.