The Rotary Club of Midsomer Norton and Radstock hosted an appreciation evening to thank sponsors and volunteers who contributed to the success of last year's Wessex Beer Festival.

On Wednesday, January 8, the club wanted to express their sincere thanks to their ‘incredible’ sponsors as well as volunteers from the Mendip and District Ladies Circle, Norton Radstock Tangent, Mendip and District Round Table, and Norton Radstock 41Club all of whom made last years Wessex Beer Festival possible.

During the evening, past Rotary president Kevin Chard presented a cheque for £5,000 to Dorothy House Hospice, one of the charities he selected during his term.

Paul Hewitt, representing Dorothy House, gratefully accepted the generous donation and took the opportunity to explain how the funds would be used to support the hospice's vital services, benefiting those in need within the community.

The evening culminated with club president, Debby Huxham awarding Tim Curtis the honour of a Paul Harris award. Tim has served with the Mendip and District Round Table, was chairman of the fireworks committee, served for many years as a Governor of St. Vigor and St. John’s Primary School in Chilcompton.

He joined the Chilcompton Parish Council in 1994 and persuaded councillors that a sports facility was much needed for which Tim oversaw the fundraising and he has been the driving force that brought this project to where it is today, for which he volunteers many hours.

Rotary district governor, Stuart Gilbert, concluded the evening advocating the excellent merits of Rotary and all that it does not only on a community level, but worldwide.

For those interested in learning more about the activities and opportunities offered by the Rotary Club, or in getting involved in local community projects, further information can be found on their website at www.rotarynr.org.uk.