People of Action: Rolling Up Our Sleeves for the Scouts
When people think of Rotary, they often picture fundraising events, international projects, or global campaigns to end polio. But some of the most meaningful impact happens much closer to home. It’s found in small acts of service that bring neighbours together, brighten a community space, and show what it means to be people of action.
That spirit was alive and well last weekend when members of The City of Liverpool Rotary Club joined forces with one of our own, Rotarian Elizabeth Bridgelock, to help transform the local Scout hut.
For years, the Scout hut has been a cornerstone for young people in the area. It’s a place where children learn teamwork, build confidence, and develop a sense of adventure. But like many community buildings, it needed some care and attention. As the new term approached and the group began preparing for its big anniversary next year, Elizabeth reached out for a little help. And in true Rotary fashion, help arrived in the form of willing hands, warm smiles, and a few tins of paint.
“Yesterday The City of Liverpool Rotary Club came to help me clean up the Scout hut in preparation for the beginning of term but also getting ready for the group’s big anniversary next year! I’m so proud to be a member of a group of such wonderful people always helping others. My Scout group needs a little helping hand and the Rotarians came and gave it their all. Thank you doesn’t come close to how grateful I am. We cleaned, we filled a skip, painted a room, did the garden and built a fire pit.”
— Elizabeth Bridgelock, Rotarian and Scout Leader
A day that reflected who we are
Elizabeth’s words capture the heart of Rotary: practical help, real outcomes, and the joy of shared effort. On the day, Rotarians arrived early, equipped with brushes, tools, and enthusiasm. What started as a modest plan to tidy up quickly became a full-scale community project.
By mid-morning, the sound of laughter mingled with the buzz of lawnmowers and the scrape of shovels. Some members tackled the overgrown garden, clearing weeds and creating space for outdoor activities. Others worked indoors, cleaning, sanding, and painting to give the meeting room a fresh new look. One group took on the less glamorous but vital job of filling the skip, removing years of clutter to make the space safe and inviting again.
The highlight of the day was the new fire pit, built by a small team of determined Rotarians who, despite the odd debate over the best bricklaying technique, managed to create a perfect spot for future campfire gatherings. It’s easy to imagine the Scouts sitting around it in months to come, roasting marshmallows, sharing stories, and learning about teamwork and friendship, the very values Rotary holds dear.
Service above self in action
The project was about far more than paint and planting. It was an expression of Rotary’s guiding principle, Service Above Self. Each person who gave their time that day did so with one simple intention: to make a difference.
Days like this show how powerful community can be. A few hours of collective effort created something lasting, not just for the Scouts but for everyone who took part. There’s a deep satisfaction in seeing what can be achieved when people come together with purpose.
Elizabeth’s connection to both Rotary and Scouting made this project particularly meaningful. As a Scout Leader, she knows the value of hands-on learning and giving young people the confidence to step forward, try new things, and lead. As a Rotarian, she understands that these are the same principles that drive our movement. In many ways, this collaboration was a perfect reflection of what Rotary aims to nurture: leadership, responsibility, and service within the next generation.
The ripple effect of doing good
Community projects often create ripples that go far beyond the immediate outcome. A freshly painted room is uplifting, but the real legacy lies in the relationships strengthened and the example set. Young people who see adults volunteering their time for no reward other than helping others learn an invaluable lesson about civic responsibility.
Parents and neighbours who pass by see a group of people taking action and realise that small local acts can make a big difference. And for the Rotarians who took part, there’s a quiet pride in knowing their effort contributed to something lasting, not through talk or meetings, but through genuine, visible work.
A reminder of why we do what we do
For The City of Liverpool Rotary Club, this project was a reminder that our purpose is not limited to large-scale initiatives or international partnerships. It’s also about seeing a local need and responding with compassion and commitment. Whether that’s supporting a charity, mentoring young leaders, or helping a friend prepare for a milestone, Rotary’s strength lies in its ability to turn intention into action.
As one member put it while cleaning paint brushes at the end of the day, “It’s not about what we did, it’s about who we did it for.”
That sense of shared humanity is what keeps Rotary thriving in communities across the world. Every club has its stories of service, moments when ordinary people come together and achieve something extraordinary. This was one of those moments.
Looking ahead
With the Scout group’s anniversary on the horizon, the newly revitalised hut is ready to host another generation of young people eager to learn, explore, and grow. The fire pit will no doubt see many evenings of laughter and friendship. The garden will continue to bloom, tended by Scouts who will take pride in their space.
And as for our members, they’ll carry the memory of a day well spent: tired but happy, united by purpose, and reminded once again why Rotary matters.
A final thought
The motto People of Action is more than a phrase. It means showing up, lending a hand, and leaving things better than we found them. It’s about recognising that every community, no matter how big or small, needs people willing to act.
At The City of Liverpool Rotary Club, we’re proud to be those people.
