In what, we believe, is a trail-blazing first for our region, Middlesbrough Council have become Corporate members of Middlesbrough Erimus Rotary Club.
In a trailblazing first Middlesbrough Council became the first major local authority in the North East of England and perhaps the first in the UK to become a Corporate member of a Rotary club. On Tuesday October 6th mayor Chris Cooke and his Council were inducted into Middlesbrough Erimus Rotary.
The two bodies have collaborated on projects for the public good for some years planting trees, working with local primary schools, and supporting local charities together. The new move sees the Council linked to other Corporate members including Middlesbrough College,AV Dawson, Fareshare, TUNN (Tees Urban Nature Network) and King’s Academy.
Speaking for Erimus, President Barbara Bolton said “We are delighted to welcome the Council and Mayor Chris Cooke into a partnership with Erimus and are sure that the town and its people will benefit from this unique link. Rotary is non political and a not for profit body which has an ethos of ‘Service above Self’ which all of our Corporate partners share in our joint endeavours”.
Professor Joy Palmer-Cooper, Rotary’s National lead for 2027-28 expressed her pleasure in similar terms stating “Across the United Kingdom members are recognising that bringing positive community minded groups and companies into partnership creates a win-win for everyone involved and delivers advantages for all. The Erimus initiative is a first which I wholeheartedly welcome.
Speaking for the Council , Mayor Chris Cooke confirmed the growing bond asserting “We have seen how a partnership with Rotary can enable good things to happen across our town and are happy to formalise our teamwork in this way. - Several of my predecessors have cooperated with Erimus and it makes sense to keep developing a positive partnership. There are many opportunities for local groups to work with our council for mutual benefit and this one seems perfect for us all”.
Over the years Erimus Rotary has pioneered several fundraising initiatives including becoming the first group to use the iconic Transporter bridge for fundraising which led in turn to several charities following a similar route. Many outlets across the town are currently taking part in Erimus Rotary’s “Wrap Up’ campaign which sees people’s surplus winter coats distributed via local charities to those in need.