Ballymena Rotary Club

24/05/2026

400 Million Steps for 400 Years – A Remarkable Achievement!

Rotarians stepping out at Saturday's Ballymena 400 parade around Ballymena.

Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Ballymena on reaching an incredible 400 million steps on the Treekly App —a truly fitting way to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Ballymena’s Town Charter.
This milestone is a powerful reflection of community spirit, teamwork, and dedication. Every step taken has not only honoured Ballymena’s rich history but has also contributed to a healthier, more connected community.
The Treekly App itself is built around a simple but inspiring mission—encouraging people to walk more for their own well-being while making a positive impact on the planet. By achieving daily step goals, participants help fund real-world tree-planting projects, support global reforestation, and help reduce carbon emissions, all while fostering friendly competition and community engagement.
Through this initiative, the Rotary Club of Ballymena has demonstrated how local action can have a truly global impact. In addition to improving health and strengthening community bonds, we have helped protect our environment for future generations by planting over 16,000 mangrove trees, thereby counteracting climate change.
An outstanding achievement—well done to everyone involved!

24/05/2026

ROTARY SIGNPOST CELEBRATES BALLYMENA 400
As part of Ballymena 400 celebrations, the Rotary Club of Ballymena has unveiled a new international signpost in the People’s Park, highlighting Ballymena’s links across the world and to the Rotary movement.
The signpost has six ‘directional fingers’ which point to the following places:
Chicago- this is where the Rotary organisation was first established by Paul Harris in 1905.
London- location of the first Rotary Club outside the USA
Toronto- Timothy Eaton from Ballymena established the first Eaton store in Toronto
There are also fingers which point in the direction of Morehead, Kentucky, as well as Gibraltar. Ballymena is ‘twinned’ with both locations.
The international signpost also has a finger which points towards Slemish, one of the most famous landmarks close to Ballymena.
The sign was manufactured by Harryville Men’s Shed and unveiled by Mayor Councillor Jackson Minford during the Ballymena 400 Celebration Parade and Fun Day.
The plaque at the base of the new sign includes the following inscription…
This signpost has been donated by the Rotary Club of Ballymena in recognition of the 400th Anniversary of the granting of the Ballymena Estate to the Adair Family by Charles I.
A lasting reminder of Ballymena’s local and international connections for future generations.

19/05/2026

Our AGM today. Thanks to all who came 😊

09/05/2026

On a somewhat blustery morning, the Rotary Club embarked on a new litter picking campaign as part of our Environment initiative. This morning's collection from the cinema to the Ecos Centre was the first in a series of quarterly litter picks to be held in various areas of the town. Our thanks to Mid & East Antrim Borough Council for the use of litter pickers, bags and PPE. We are delighted that staff from our Corporate Member, Cranswick Country Foods, will join us in this project as part of the company's policy for community engagement. Thanks to Rotarian Cosi for organising 😊

05/05/2026

At today’s Rotary Club meeting, President Elect Chris Wales and Membership Chair Lynda Bell were delighted to welcome our newest Corporate member, Laura Kirk, from Knockdene HealthCare Ltd.
Laura was presented with a comprehensive Welcome Pack highlighting the inspiring work led by our Committee Chairs, spanning Community, Youth, Membership, International, Public Image, Foundation, and Environmental initiatives.
She also received our 80th Anniversary booklet, ‘Reflecting on 8 Decades of Service’, together with a framed Certificate of Corporate Membership and Rotary pin. We wish Laura well on her Rotary journey!

30/04/2026

𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐍 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐍 𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐁 𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐅 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐑𝐘 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋

Three talented students from Northern Regional College have been named winners of the recent Rotary Club Chef Competition, held at the College’s Coleraine campus last Thursday, following a competitive event that brought together aspiring chefs to showcase their culinary skills and professionalism.

Organised by the Coleraine and Ballymena Rotary Clubs, the competition gave students the opportunity to experience the pace and pressure of a real working kitchen and restaurant environment. Competitors were tasked with creating, designing, cooking and serving a three-course menu using local, sustainable produce.

Read More! https://loom.ly/Y2QDG3g

23/04/2026

A Memorable Evening for Our Club
The Rotary Club of Ballymena is creating four new Honorary Members in 2026 as part of our contribution to the celebration of Ballymena’s 400th Anniversary this year.
We were delighted at our recent Speaker Evening to formally welcome three of the four to the Club, with the presentations made by President Debbie and Membership Chair Lynda.
Our new Honorary Members are:
• Gordon Kane, formerly of NRC and the key link with the College for our annual Technology Challenge
• Declan Lawn, investigative journalist and now a screenwriter of note — including joint writer of Blue Lights
• Stephen Walker, former BBC political correspondent and now a highly regarded author
Gordon was introduced by Rotarian John Adams, Declan by President Elect Chris Wales, and Stephen by Past President Alastair Martin.
Each of our new Honorary Members expressed their genuine delight at receiving this recognition, and members enjoyed a very entertaining and engaging Q&A session with them afterwards.
A significant and memorable evening for our Club — thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance.

21/04/2026

20/04/2026

Two NI Hospitality School chefs have reached the Generation Chef National Final after impressing judges with a sustainable three-course menu.

19/04/2026

The Rotary Club of Ballymena is pleased to invite golfers and supporters to participate in our forthcoming Charity Golf Event at Ballymena Golf Club.
📅 Friday 22nd May 2026
📍 Ballymena Golf Club
⏰ Shotgun Start at 2.00 pm
This event promises an enjoyable afternoon of golf, fellowship, and friendly competition while raising much-needed funds for local charities.
Your participation and support will be greatly appreciated as we continue our work in serving the local community.
For further information or to enter a team, please get in touch with Leslie Crawford.
Mobile: 078 4104 5958
Tel: 028 2564 2222
We look forward to welcoming you on the day.