“HEREFORD City Rotary has used the £55,000 to support charities locally which include: Children at Number 1 Ledbury Road, Hope Scott House, Herefordshire Mock Trials, St Michael’s Hospice, The Haven and Hereford Sea Cadets.

Nationally we have supported Cancer Research UK, Help for Heroes and the Samaritans. Internationally we have built a school in Nepal, helped fund teachers in Namibia, helped fund a project in the slums of South Africa as well as supporting polio eradication around the world,” Paul continued to explain.

“We could not have done this without the support of people in Herefordshire, whether we are organising a collection in the centre of Hereford or our Hereford River Festival, you can always guarantee that the people and businesses in our county will step up the mark and help others less fortunate than themselves,” said Paul.

Every penny that is raised goes to charitable projects, and most of the time there is a Rotary Club on the ground that can put money into action straight away. In fact, if the project fits the criteria, Rotary are able to double or even quadruple the monies raised locally by applying for a matching grant from Rotary International.

A good example of what Rotary does locally is only a few weeks ago when the club raised nearly £6,000 from a collection in High Town Hereford for the Philippines disaster. This was all from Herefordians digging deep into their pockets. This money has been used to send Shelter boxes and Water Aid boxes to people in desperate need.

Rotary is a worldwide organisation of over 1.2 million men and women and Rotary is the biggest voluntary organisation in the UK. They are a very active club and meet on a Monday at the Bay Horse, Kings Acre Road, Hereford, alternating weekly for lunchtime to evening meetings. There are currently 46 men and women in our club aged from 28-92 and members like to think that they are a friendly bunch, enjoying themselves socially and also raising thousands of pounds for local charities and good causes while supporting national and international Rotary projects.

Evening meetings include a speaker and we have been educated and entertained by a huge variety of people. Recently members have heard about how people in Nepal are being helped to see again and had a fantastic tea tasting. Members have had quizzes, barbecues and found out about the history of Hereford. Evening meetings are from 6.30 until 9pm and lunchtime 12.30 until 2pm. Find out more about members and activities by visiting www.herefordrotary.co.uk and if you think you would be interested in joining, please contact membership chairman Heather Gorringe on 01981 500391 or email heather@wigglywigglers.co.uk.