Rotarians raise record sum around Sidmouth's Tree of Goodwill

DESPITE the current economic crisis, Sidmouth residents gave a record amount to Rotarians from the Sidmouth and Sid Valley clubs this Christmas.

DESPITE the current economic crisis, Sidmouth residents gave a record amount to Rotarians from the Sidmouth and Sid Valley clubs this Christmas.

In four days some 50 members of the two Rotary clubs collected £1,690 around the Tree of Goodwill in Market Place for children's charities that help local children.

"This is £153 more than last year, which in the present credit crunch is really good," said Rotary Club of Sidmouth president David Cooper.

Collections took place on December 18, 19, 22 and 23 and, said Mr Cooper, it gave Rotarians a chance of interacting with local residents, who were a valuable part of the event.

He and Peter Brooks, president of the Rotary Club of Sid Valley, thanked Sidmouth Garden Centre for donating the Christmas tree, Sidmouth Town Band and those who helped behind the scenes including Bill Lankester, Dennis Oram of ATS, Barry and Marie Martin of Cards for All Seasons and Laura and Hazel Bennett of Taste of Sidmouth for helping with storage.