William C. Carter was Rotary International President in 1973 – 74, with his theme “ A Time For Action”.
"On joining Rotary I was not what you would describe as a "clubbable" person, but I soon integrated and learned to be, I hope and believe, a good club member."
William was born in Lancashire in 1906. He went to Marlborough College, and then went on to university to study law. He was admitted to the Law Society in 1930, and then went on to practice in Sheffield following his war service.
William joined the London law firm and eventually became the senior partner. At the same time, he was also the president of the Battersea Chamber of Commerce and he had the honour of being a Freeman of the City of London.
William joined the Rotary Club of Battersea in 1948, and then became club champion in 1955, during the Rotary 50th anniversary year. William then become the governor of District 1130 and was elected to serve as President of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland during 1963 to 64. William served on the Rotary International Board of Directors during 1967 - 69. He was the first vice president during his second year as director The Rotary world responded to his leadership by selecting him as Rotary international 63rd president for 1973 – 76.
"Rotary fellowship helps the person who has a powerful inner urge to serve but who lacks the confidence to go out into the world to do so, to find and fully express themselves."
Of his presidency the Rotary Club of San Francisco wrote,
"Rotary International President Bill Carter has given us one of the greatest reasons to propose a new member to join Rotary when he noted: 'A well-ordered club improves the quality of life for all its members ... Members can, by unpatronising concern, fellowship, and encouragement, help their fellow member to become a whole person.'"
