Rotarians celebrate 50th birthday

HELPING good causes in Caithness and across the world, Wick Rotary Club has marked half a century of existence with a celebratory evening.

They were joined by Rotary colleagues from as far afield as Cornwall to mark the milestone at a function at Mackay’s Hotel in Wick.

Over 90 people attended the event where guest speakers included Wick Sheriff Andrew Berry while among the written tributes was a letter from honorary member, Prince Charles, who offered the club his best wishes.

The club was first established 50 years ago after Dingwall Rotary Club felt there was a need to expand the network in the Highlands.

After gathering a number of interested people, the Wick branch was established in February 1963.

Since then, through The Rotary Foundation, it has helped raise thousands of pounds for charities and organisations based in the far north and further afield. It also has provided opportunities for young people to gain new experiences by sending them to camps to take part in special workshops to learn about leadership.

It is also heavily involved in organising litter pick-ups in Newtonhill and South Head and helps organise activities in Wick such as Harbourfest 2012.

Thurso Rotary Club will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in May.