The Midsomer Norton and Radstock Rotary Club celebrated sixty years of community service with a Ball in Bath.

On Saturday, 3rd December, 150 Rotarians, their families and guests from business and community networks gathered in the Assembly Rooms for dinner and

dancing.

The club, which is one of 33,000 around the world, first met in the Bell Inn, Radstock on 7th December 1956. One of the achievements of those days was to bring the carnival to Midsomer Norton, which is still going today.

Rotary clubs essentially exist to provide services to their communities. Involvement with schools has been a strong constancy of the club’s history, from mock job interviews with students of the 1950s to the Big Pitch project at Writhlington School where today’s members mentor students with business projects.

As well as local activities the club, in common with all Rotary clubs, contributes to the work of Rotary International. This helps combat issues around poverty, illiteracy, and malnutrition, by using Rotary’s exceptional ability to operate in severely challenged parts of the world.

Coincidental to the club’s anniversary, Rotary International is in its centenary year. Committed to finding sustainable solutions, Rotary International is a key

partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

Speaking at the event, Club President, Rob Porter, said: “What a fantastic night celebrating the sixtieth anniversary of the Charter of this great Rotary Club of

Midsomer Norton and Radstock. Here’s to another sixty years of serving the local and global communities.”

The evening raised over £1,000 for Rotary International. Mayor of Midsomer Norton, Councillor Paul Myers, who attended the event, said: “The Midsomer Norton and Radstock Rotary Club works incredibly hard supporting numerous community initiatives from M-Fest, Carnival and the Talent night at Writhlington School. I felt particularly proud on Saturday night to see the Assembly Room in Bath full of residents from across Midsomer Norton, Radstock and the Somer Valley celebrating the sixtieth anniversary of this much-loved local community group.”

Patricia Naish, who was the main organiser of the event, added: “The evening was a great success and enjoyed by everyone. Bath Assembly Rooms was a stunning

location.”

The club is welcoming new members from across the communities of Radstock, Midsomer Norton and surrounding districts. Anyone interested in finding out more should contact Tina Veater, email: [email protected] or visit: www.facebook.com/

MNRRotaryClub