THE Cornish-based international charity ShelterBox, CHICKS, Mercy Ships and the Go-Go Trust are just four of the charities benefiting this year from the work and fundraising activities of the Callington Rotary Club.

A Christmas raffle, the annual race night at Callington College, a Big Breakfast in the town hall, a special cookery demonstration and fundraising quizzes have all helped to raise money for these and other charities such as Rotary's own charity, the Rotary Foundation, the British Heart Foundation and Macmillan Cancer. The elimination of polio from the world — another objective of Rotary International — is close to being achieved.

President Tony Rowe, a former Royal Navy Commander and more recently a member of the cabinet office working closely with the Prime Minister, is proud of the Memory Café, started two years ago by other members of the club and which is now a popular venue for those suffering with dementia and their carers, and he is keen to see members continue to contribute to local events such as organising Callington Carnival and assisting at Mayfest.

The Santa Fun Run will again be taking place this Christmas in aid of CHICKS and Rotary will be very much to the fore.

The annual Youth Speaks competition organised by the Rotary Club is increasing in popularity with the local schools and colleges, and members also organise a lunch each September for the Callington Disabled Club. The Royal British Legion is grateful for the assistance given by Rotarians in its Poppy Appeal each year, while other local charities such as the Caradon Befriending Scheme and the Callington and Delaware Children's Centres are also on the Rotary 'help list'.