The History of
Whitchurch Rotary Club
1938 - 2008

Visitors Welcome

We meet in the Dodington Lodge Hotel every 1st & 3rd Tuesday evening at 6:30pm for Dinner, every 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 12:45pm for lunch, and if there's a 5th Tuesday, we meet at 7:00am for Breakfast. Visitors are welcome.

Presidents of Whitchurch Rotary Club

PRESIDENT. 1957/58 and 1978/79
G. LEN BOWEN

Len Bowen was born and bred in Wem. He followed his father and two older brothers into the family drapery business which developed into Bowens Ltd., with shops in towns all over Shropshire. He worked for the family firm for over 40 years. He married Millie just before the outbreak of the 2nd World War and the marriage was to last 63 years.
He served in the RAF during the war as a radio operator. He was involved in many aspects of local life including the Operatic Society, Bridgewater Bowling and Tennis club, the chamber of trade and 50 years in Freemasonry and 56 years in the Rotary club. He was thoroughly committed to activities within the club and the wider Rotary world; and became the 2nd person to be president for two terms after Charles Hubbard. He played an important part in the formation of new Rotary clubs in Wem and Ellesmere and also travelled to South Africa as a member of group from the Whitchurch club. He was created a Paul Harris fellow in 1988 at the club's Golden jubilee dinner along with his great friend George Harris and in 1996 presented with a multiple recognition pin and in May 2002 a framed international presidential commendation, recognising his massive contribution to the Rotary movement.
Joined Rotary 5/11/46. Died 7/7/2002, aged 87 years. President 1957/58 and 1978/79; treasurer 1952/54. His wife President of Inner Wheel 1978/79.