The Rotary Club of Faringdon and District held its Annual Polio Dinner on Wednesday, 22 October 2025 at The Snooty Mehmaan in Littleworth, welcoming Rotarians and guests from across the region to support Rotary’s continuing mission to eradicate polio worldwide.
The evening was both warm and uplifting, with excellent food, good company, and inspiring reflections on global progress towards a polio-free world. Guests were especially delighted to watch an engaging video message from Aziz Memon, Chair of the Pakistan National PolioPlus Committee and Rotary Foundation Trustee, who spoke powerfully about the ongoing work to vaccinate children and eliminate polio in one of its final endemic regions.
Polio, once a global scourge, has been reduced by more than 99 per cent since Rotary launched its PolioPlus campaign in 1985. The disease remains endemic in only a few areas thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers and the partnership between Rotary International, the World Health Organization, UNICEF and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
This year’s dinner raised thousands of pounds for the End Polio Now campaign. Every pound raised will be more than matched by the Gates Foundation, magnifying the generosity of all who took part.
The Club extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make the evening such a success — Rotarians, guests, organisers and helpers — and to the chefs and staff at The Snooty Mehmaan for their outstanding hospitality and delicious food.
Together, Rotary members continue to show how local fellowship and action can make a lasting global difference.
Mohinder
President
Rotary Club Faringdon