MEMBERS of the Swanage and Purbeck Rotary Club turned out in force for an annual event celebrating the year’s work.

The Swanage School hosted the group and supporters on Wednesday, February 28, with more than 50 Rotarians and guests gathering to hear about achievements in the past year and plans for the future.

Opening the evening, President Chris Le Fevre explained the main purpose was to thank all those present for the help given both to Rotary and the community in Swanage and the surrounding area.

Chris added: “During the last Rotary financial year we were able to donate over £36,000 to 25 organisations and projects both locally and internationally.

“None of what we do could be achieved without the help of many of you in the local community either in person or through your businesses: so again a very big thank you.”

Short presentations followed on the Rotary’s international, community and youth projects.

Among them was a major project to support Purbeck Youth Music with a £7,500 grant to send a woodwind orchestra into eight primary schools.

The audience enjoyed a short video demonstrating the work of the charity.

Presentations of prestigious Paul Harris Fellowships (PHF), the ‘gold medal’ of Rotary, were also made to selected members.

This year, PHFs were handed to the founders of Swanage cancer charity Cancare, Vicki Fooks and Gill Norman.

The previous week, PHFs were awarded to Bob Paine and Daphne Saville at a celebration tea-party, Silver Saturday.

Bob and Daphne have provided significant service to the Swanage Disabled Club and been long-time supporters of Swanage Rotary.