THERE will be no birthday celebration this August for the Rotary Club of Wem and District, with COVID-19 putting plans on hold.

The organisation was due to celebrate their 40th anniversary this year, and had planned a celebration on the town's recreation ground on August 1.

Club chairman, Derek Lance insists that the event has not been cancelled though, and will still be held at a yet to be revealed later date.

He said: "The Rotary Club of Wem and District celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and to say a proper thank you to the people of the town for their unfailing generosity we were planning a summer party.

"The Rec was booked for August 1. The stage was organised, the bands were booked; hog roast, burgers, hot dogs, ice cream, tea coffee and cakes were sorted, we had a license for the licensed bar, the children’s entertainment was organised.

"Stalls in the craft village were filling up nicely. All the necessary permits permissions and licenses were applied for, approved and paid for.

"Third party, public liability and employers’ liability insurance was sorted.

"The posters were designed and we were just about to publish all the details when, well you know the rest.

"But this is not a cancellation, it’s only a postponement.

"Watch this space."