What do Pooh Sticks, serving vegetarian food at TruckFest, and eradicating Polio from the world have in common? They are all events, or aims, of the Rotary Club of Oxford Spires.

In 2013, the club will be celebrating its 10th anniversary. Oxford Spires Rotary a young and dynamic group; the average age of Rotarians is around 40 and most work full time, and some have young children.

It’s a mixed group with members living in Abingdon, Witney, Oxford, Kidlington, Bicester and Wallingford and beyond The World Pooh Sticks Championships, which is held at Little Wittenham each March, is the club’s main event. Countryfile Magazine Awards 2012 crowned it ‘Britain’s Favourite Quirky Event’ and if this intrigues you, why not pop along in March to help celebrate the event’s 30th anniversary (visit pooh-sticks.com to find out more).

The Rotary motto ‘Service Above Self’ conveys the humanitarian spirit of the organisation’s 1.2 million members globally. Strong fellowship among Rotarians and their meaningful community and international service projects, is what characterises Rotary worldwide.

Locally, Oxford Spires has helped a variety of charities including SSNAP (Support for the Sick Newborn And their Parents), Aspire Oxford, Oxford Food Bank, Cultivate, The Ley Community, Oxford Homeless Pathways and the Air Ambulance. But it is not all about giving money — volunteering is an important part.

The club’s Rotarians take on diverse voluntary roles, for example one of the club’s members was a Gamesmaker at Earls Court for the Indoor Volleyball at the London 2012 Olympics.

Carol singing every December in the pubs and restaurants of Woodstock raises money for the Club President’s charity. This year they will be singing on Friday, December, 14, to raise funds for Vale House, a nursing home that provides specialist care for people who suffer dementia in its severest forms.

So what can you do now? The club understands that people lead busy lives and so only meets every second and fourth Tuesday evening of the month at the Red Lion, High Street, Islip, OX5 2RX. Why not go along to the Red Lion to meet them — you will be assured of a warm and friendly welcome.

Whatever time and help members and friends of Rotary can give is always welcome.

They are a friendly bunch and have regular social events including an annual quiz, darts and dinners.

Visit oxfordspiresrotary.org.uk to find out more information about the Rotary Club of Oxford Spires or visit ribi.org to find out more about Rotary.