Page 29 - GOVERNOR'S LETTER JULY .cdr

Let's Update Our Rotary Knowledge

History of the Rotary Bell

In 1922, US Rotarians held a "Attendance to Club" contest; the only requirement was the losing
Clubs to give a prize to the winning Club. The New York Rotary Club was announced as the
winning Club and was awarded a "Bell" which was set on a piece of wood taken from the
popular patrol boat HMS "Victory". The battleship of Admiral Nelson at the battle of Trafalgar.
Since then, the bell used at all Rotary meetings, like on ships, has started to represent order,
discipline and the time that guides us in the weekly hour-and-a-half meetings.

The toll notifies us that the Rotary meeting has started, during which those present stand up to
salute the Country and Rotary flags, as well as at the end of the meeting.

The one who rings the bell symbolizes the authority delegated to a Rotarian, who has been
elected for the highest position in a Rotary Club, and reminds her/his authority to those
present.
At the end of their term of duty, the Presidents hand over their positions to their successors
with their final toll. This symbolizes the delegation of authority.
Rtn. Sahar Sobeih

District 2430

29