In response to the second International Service objective, we have formed a link with the Rotary Club of Emmen Monarch in the eastern area of the Netherlands. Through a number of exchange visits between the clubs during the last 5 years this relationship has grown strongly. Unlike other International Service projects the members themselves fund these exchange visits. The success of the link led the clubs to decide that the relationship should now be further established through a twinning arrangement.

 At a meeting held in the Mill Hall, Rayleigh. on the evening of Friday, 19th May 2000 the club presidents signed certificates to recognise the friendship between the two clubs. The pens used for the signing were exchanged and these, together with both English and Dutch versions of the certificates, will become part of the club’s regalia to be placed on display at their meet places. 

Emmen

Emmen is the largest town in the Drenthe region and the second largest town in the Northern Netherlands. It has approximately 105,000 inhabitants and is the leading city for education in this part of the country. Glasshouse horticulture covers more area in Emmen than in any other municipality in the Northern Netherlands, in fact in just a few more years Emmen expects to have 400 hectares covered by greenhouses. Many of the beautiful cut roses which appear in our florist shops throughout the year are grown in Emmen.

Although Emmen has eleven developed industrial and office parks it still boasts plenty of space and landscaped areas. It is internationally famous for its “Noorder Dierenpark” a zoo that attracts almost two million visitors each year. Within the zoo is a wonderful butterfly house in which can be seen the famous Monarch butterfly. This has given its name to the Rotary club of Emmen Monarch. The club currently has 30 members and is a dual gender club. The ages of the members are very similar to those in Rayleigh Mill. Emmen Monarch club was officially twinned with Rayleigh Mill on May 19th 2000.