LAST month saw a special lunch held to mark 75 years of Wimborne Rotary.

It was on April 17, 1950, that Wimborne Rotary was first chartered, with 30 founder members meeting every Thursday for lunch in the Ballroom of the King’s Head Hotel in Wimborne Square.

On the same day, 75 years later, members gathered for a special anniversary lunch at the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club.

Current members of the club, together with partners and friends were joined by past members, members of other local Rotary Clubs and Rotary Wessex District Governor, Debbie Dunford, were in attendance.

After their lunch, Wimborne Rotary President, Sue Young, spoke briefly about the history of the club and Debbie Dunford congratulated Wimborne on their hard work and for their support of the local community over the years.

Wimborne Rotary has supported numerous local organisations and charities over the years by organising fundraising events, including the annual Jazz at the Allendale concert, the Craft Fair, and the increasingly popular Great Santa Stour Fun Run, which last year saw nearly 200 runners enter resulting in £2,000 raised for Julia’s House.

President Sue said: “As we celebrate 75 years of service to the local and wider community, I am conscious that our membership is ageing, and we do need to attract younger members.

“Membership of Wimborne Rotary is open to all. Whether in work, retired, or simply at a loose end, membership will provide an opportunity to engage with the local community, socialise and make a new circle of friends.”