MEMBERS of Tavistock Rotary Club enjoyed greeting a special visitor last Thursday, to thank them for the important work they do for their local community and to endorse a initiative started by the club that is now 'going national'.

Ray Burmah, president of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland, met town members and others from Rotary district 1290 at the Anchorage Centre, the home of Tavistock Area Support Services.

He told the Times: 'I am here today to lend my support and thank all the Rotarian members for all the tremendous work and ideas they are doing to benefit the local community. What Rotarians do make a massive difference.

The Prime Minister talks about people being part of a "Big Society" —well this is what Rotarians have been contributing to for more than a 100 years.'

Mr Burmah urged people to join their local Rotary club and to offer their valuable individual skills, ideas and time and to take the opportunity to put something back into society.

'The contribution to the community by Rotarians has never been more needed,' he said.

He was especially impressed with their REPOD project (Rotarians Easing Problems of Dementia), which originated at Tavistock.

Tavistock Rotary Club was one of the founders, along with Tavistock Area Support Services (TASS) and other individual and groups who helped set up four years ago at the Anchorage Centre the successful Tavistock Memory Café — a drop-in centre for those living with dementia together with their carers.

Since its inception REPOD has spread throughout Devon and Cornwall and has now caught on with other Rotary clubs nationwide.

Tony Whitehead, a spokesperson for Tavistock Rotary Club said: 'We try to assist people suffering from dementia and their carers by finding help in whatever way we can. It can be everyday things such as finding a plumber, helping them with advice on finances or what benefits they are entitled to. Many of our members have expertise in many relevant professions and trades.'

Tavistock Rotarians have donated 'memory boxes' worth £70 to Derriford Hospital and plan to give another to Tavistock Community Hospital.

These boxes contain objects can act as triggers to memory and release reminiscences, providing a wonderfully effective therapeutic tool for people with dementia.

Local Rotarians have also contributed £4,500 to start up the mobility scheme based at TASS, which helps people with disabilities get out and about in the town.