ELLESMERE Rotary Club says it is planning for a full programme of events in 2022 despite ongoing uncertainty around Covid-19.

At a meeting held on Wednesday, January 5, it was announced there will be a meeting of the Regatta Committee in February, when the details of Rotary’s traditional July Regatta on The Mere will be outlined.

While a firm date has not been set, much of the work for the annual Charter Anniversary has been completed and for the Winter Presentation Evening, when the Tree of Light proceeds will be distributed, along with other disbursements.

Club President Derek Clifford will remain in his current role for the year ahead, as many of the club’s events were cancelled during his previous tenure, so retaining his position will allow him to oversee the ones that they are hoping to hold in 2022.

As well as planning for the year ahead, the meeting also reflected on the club’s actions in 2021, saying: “Happily, Rotary were able to display Remembrance Cards on the Christmas Tree in the Ellesmere Tesco store for the 2021 Tree of Light Appeal.

"We are extremely grateful to Tesco’s Chris Harris and his team for enabling this to take place.

“So far, the total collected stands at £1640-00, which will be shared equally between the Trussell Trust’s Food Bank in Oswestry (which also serves Ellesmere) and the Ellesmere Carnival Committee.

“From Ellesmere Rotary’s own charity fund, members voted to make donations to the Tesco Charity Fund, which supports worthy causes.

"(This includes) the Shropshire Branch of The Royal British Legion, to help with the support that it gives to needy veterans, and the Ellesmere Yarn Bombers group, whose colourful knitted and stitched creations adorn the town and help to celebrate all momentous events and occasions.”

The next meeting of Ellesmere Rotary will be on January 19 and anyone wishing to find out more about the group’s activities, or who might like to join, is encouraged to contact 07763 945161.