In 1995 Alan Bowhay, as a former member of Rotaract was approached by a neighbour Rotary Club to consider setting up a new club in the area as it was believed to be sufficient potential members locally to warrant another club.

Almost 30 years to the day later Alan remains a member and current president of the club.

Alan offers his reflections on 30 years of SVRC

“Our inaugural meeting (16 May 1995) was held at a member’s house as we had no venue, although this was quickly set right when John and Hilary Denning offered to host the club meetings at The Fromeway Inn, Radstock which continued for many, many years”

When asked what his most memorable occasion has been in Rotary over 30 years he says “There have been literally thousands! The emphasis of the club and something I think has sustained it has been that people wanted to attend, they had fun at meetings and in the volunteering we have done. Personally, I met and made hundreds of new friends through Rotary and many remain close friends now”

“The Club has adapted and changed several times along the way, shaping itself to meet the needs of its local community, its membership and Rotary itself”

“I am staggered to learn that over 30 years the club has raised £170,000 which has funded hundreds of grants for local groups and activities as well as overseas projects, an example being the partnership with the Bugosa Trust, in Uganda where Somer Valley Rotary Club funded the renovation of a borehole to provide clean and safe water for local households and approx. 400 people, defibrillators at local businesses, enabling local kids to join the annual Kids Out trips to Longleat, shopping trips for our older generation and just so much more”

“Simply put, for me, Somer Valley Rotary Club has been a platform to use my skills for the benefit of other people,  and has provided me with a terrific social life”

A founding member of S.V. Rotary, I’ve proudly served in various roles over the years, including president, treasurer, and currently, secretary. Professionally, I’m a semi-retired architect gradually winding down my practice.

Outside of work, I enjoy playing badminton—enthusiastically, if not skillfully—and make an annual pilgrimage to the ski slopes, despite a knack for coming home with at least one injury. My partner, whom I’ve been devotedly pursuing for 32 years, continues to tolerate my antics.

Together, we spend a couple of months each year in the Spanish Pyrenees, where I’m slowly converting an old agricultural building and catching up with our Dutch and Irish friends.

AKA The Money Man, I’m Married with 3 children and 5 grandchildren. Career highlights – Corporate Banker with Barclays, Business Adviser and then MD of a security company in Bristol. Now happily retired.

Moved from Northampton 12 years ago where I was in Rotary, becoming President of the club. Joined Rotary in Somerset to make friends and continue helping people. Somer Valley club has been excellent for both activities.

I’m a trustee of SWALLOW charity – helping teenagers and adults with learning difficulties. Also a season ticket holder for Bath Rugby and have followed them around Europe over the past few months. Attached photo taken at the Rugby World Cup in Marseille, 2023.