The concept of fostering Rural-Urban relations was recognised from the start of the Club with a Rural-Urban committee being established during the Charter Night on the 6th June 1959.
Gil Cooper, who joined the Club in 1960, and was given the task of fostering the relationship, stated the aim of the committee was to promote understanding between Club members, who were all largely from an urban background, and their near neighbours in the country.
This relationship has been fostered through rural people meeting with Club members for a meal either in town or in a country hall. This event is highly regarded on the Taradale Rotary Club calendar and is the oldest activity in the Club’s history.
The latest meeting carried on the tradition with a great evening at the Puketapu School Hall organised by Richard Hay and the Club Service committee. 58 members, wives and partners met together with 33 local community (rural) people to enjoy a great meal prepared by Club member Claire Connor and her team followed by a gripping talk by Syrian refugee Tammam Tamin.