Over the 70-year period that the Rotary Club has been established in Tenby, it has raised in excess of £750,000 for charities and good causes. It was fitting, then, that this 70th birthday was celebrated in style with a black tie ball at Tenby’s De Valence ballroom - and raised over £2,300 that night alone!

The format for the evening was a drinks reception, followed by a dinner and dance. Tom Cullen, a former president of Tenby’s Rotary Club, acted as master of ceremonies and smoothly introduced the different elements of the evening which included a very successful raffle (raising just over £800) and an auction - for a flight over Pembrokeshire - conducted by Charles Hopkinson from Saundersfoot Rotary Club and which raised £370.

Tom said the whole evening was a success from start to finish, with delicious food from Ian Eynon, the caterer, and excellent service from the De Valence bar staff and waitresses.

“People were up on the floor dancing from the word go,” said Tom of the live music provided by The Elastic Band, “and the numbers we had attending this community event were just right for everyone to enjoy themselves.”

The ball was a commemorative event sponsored by the Rotary Club of Tenby, but open to others to help celebrate their anniversary. The idea was brought to fruition with the assistance of Caroline Williams, chair of the Tenby branch of Save The Children, and her committee of ladies. Indeed, in his speech, Rhodri Evans, current president of the Tenby Rotary Club, included a special thank you to Caroline, saying: “If it wasn’t for her, I don’t think this evening would have gone ahead. Caroline - the club are really grateful to you for helping us organise tonight. Thank you very much.”

Rhodri’s speech focused on the three main aims of the Rotary Club of Tenby - namely to raise money for charity, improve the local community, and fellowship - pointing out that it was much more than an ‘excuse to meet up on a Tuesday night for a couple of pints and a bar meal.’

The Rotary Club raises funds in several ways, but the main events that take place annually in Tenby are two Summer Spectaculars in the harbour (weather permitting!), a bonfire night every November in association with and held at Tenby United Rugby Ground, a golf competition with Saundersfoot Rotary Club, and of course the up-coming Christmas concert in St. Mary’s Church. Monies are raised throughout the year from the Wishing Well on the north side, the telescopes dotted around Tenby and the blind box just outside the town walls on The Esplanade.

Additionally, Tenby Rotary has joined the 21st Century and there is now a Just Giving page allowing people to donate direct from anywhere in the world, as well as donating via their Facebook page or even choosing them as a recipient charity for individuals undertaking their. own fundraising ventures.

A number of good works that are undertaken by Tenby Rotary were mentioned by Rhodri but, as he said, there are really too many to name individually. However, locally he mentioned the sponsorship of such events as the young writers and young musician competitions, sponsorship of the Rotary Youth Leadership Award, support to around 30 local charities, including Paul Sartori, MAMS and Wales Air Ambulance, and in particular, Kids Out (taking under-privileged children to Folly Farm giving them free entry and supplying food etc), supporting The Tenderfoot Sports Team (in conjunction with Saundersfoot Rotary Club) helping to enable them to compete every year in the Welsh Disabled Sports Team Championship, and the Christmas party held every year for the Tenby Gateway Club (for members with special needs) with a visit from Father Christmas and presents.

Many thanks were also extended to T. P. Hughes (for lending a red carpet for the event), Lydstep Garden Centre, Graham Fry for donating the Prosecco for the welcome drinks, Tredeml Printing for printing the menus, Bruce the sound engineer and everyone who had helped or donated money or prizes. Monies raised through this event were donated to Save the Children.