Exeter Chiefs coach Rob Baxter is guest speaker as Sid Valley Rotary dinner nets £9k for charity

An evening with the Exeter Chiefs head coach, organised by the Rotary Club of Sid Valley, is expected to raise more than £9,000 for a trio of causes.

Guests looking relaxed and enjoying the atmosphere at Sid Valley Rotary Club's gala dinner which featured Rob Baxter as its guest speaker. Credit: Nick Smith - Credit: Archant

The club welcomed more than 200 guests to its gala dinner at Sandy Park. Rob Baxter was the guest speaker.

The money will be split between Sidmouth Lifeboat, the RNLI and the Respect the Water initiative, which the Rotary has set up to educate young people about keeping safe in water.

On the night, Mr Baxter spoke about the team’s success over the last six years.

Following the talk and dinner, the club held an auction to boost proceedings with the club’s owner Tony Rowe donating two prizes.

Organiser Paul Dowen from the Sid Valley Rotary Club with Exeter Chief's coach Rob Baxter, who was guest speaker at the gala dinner at Sandy Park. Credit: Nick Smith - Credit: Archant

Paul Dowen, who helped to organise the event, said: “Rob Baxter was his usual open and honest self. He spoke with authority and passion and shared his long- and short-term coaching strategies. His talk included previously unseen footage of the players in action leading up to their promotion to the Premiership.

“The Rotary Club of Sid Valley and the charities thank all who have supported a very successful evening.”