A ROTARY Club has thanked residents for their "kind" donations on its fundraising Santa Sleigh runs before Christmas.

The Rotary Club of Heybridge Blackwater would like to thank residents of Heybridge, Goldhanger, Great and Little Totham, Tolleshunt D’Arcy, Tolleshunt Major, Boreham Primary School and Tolleshunt D’Arcy Primary School for their kind donations on the Santa Sleigh runs just before Christmas.

All monies collected will be going to good causes locally, nationally and internationally.

The club would also like to thank Friends of Rotary and volunteers for helping on these runs, especially those involved with the refurbishment of the sleigh.

It was on occasions wet and windy, but the children enjoyed seeing Santa whatever the weather and in spite of the difficult situation with Covid.

The club will be organising various events in the coming year so please keep a look out in the Standard and on the club’s Facebook page.

If you would like to be involved with or find out more about Rotary and the work it carries out then please drop in at one of our monthly meetings.

We meet in the Claydon Room at Plantation Hall, Heybridge, on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm. On the fourth Tuesday of the month we meet in a restaurant or pub for a meal out.

Through volunteering their skills, time and resources, our members make a positive difference to the lives of others.

Rotary clubs work tirelessly to raise funds for local good causes, placing them right at the heart of their local communities.

Our projects include organising and supervising community events, promoting the achievements of young people including setting up RotaKids (ages seven to 12) or Interact (ages 12-18).

Clubs at local schools and helping those who are disadvantaged or disabled, co-ordinating educational programmes and working in partnership with local businesses, charities and Heybridge Parish Council.

We also get involved with other Rotary clubs nationally as well as with Rotary International on humanitarian programmes across the world including spearheading the movement to eradicate polio.

In the meantime the Rotary Club of Heybridge Blackwater wishes all residents a very Happy New Year.

Michael Edwards

President of The Rotary Club of Heybridge Blackwater