Swimmers went to great lengths once again to raise £9,600 for local causes in the annual Swimathon.
Back in October, more than 140 swimmers of all ages took to the water, in aid of the Friends of Sidholme Music Room, the Admiral Nurse campaign and Sidmouth Hospiscare.
The Rotary Club of Sidmouth has now presented two cheques of £3,200 to Sidmouth Hospiscare and the Friends of Sidholme Music Room.
Gill Ryall, CEO of Sidmouth Hospiscare, said: “We appreciate the ongoing support from Rotary and the amazing amount they have raised from the Swimathon.
“This type of link helps to raise awareness of the services we offer and will help us to meet the increasing demand for our services.”
The Friends of Sidholme Music Room will use the money to continue its free music workshops for youngsters in piano and guitar.
The group is looking to restart the sessions but need to recruit a new piano and guitar tutor to lead the weekly sessions in the music room.
John McGregor, from the group, said: “We are just delighted that the Rotary Club of Sidmouth thought of us, it was quite unexpected.
“Some people struggle to meet ends meet so the idea was to subsidies tutoring. It has been going really well and we have a waiting list.”
He added anyone interested in tutoring could find out more by visiting the friends’ website.
The friends’ other fundraising project is to restore the Music Room’s seven chandeliers.
On Monday and Tuesday, residents are invited to see the completion of the first phase of the project as the largest of the collection is returned to pride of place after seven months away.
Members of the public will be able to look round as the chandelier is put back together from 10am to 5pm on Monday and 10am to noon on Tuesday.
A concert will be held at 8pm on Tuesday to see the chandelier and featuring the Sidmouth Ukele strummers.
Organiser Nigel Sharp thanked the swimmers and the public for their hard work and donations.
He said: “There are exciting plans for 2018.”
The beneficiaries of the 2018 event will be announced in due course. This year’s Swimathon will take place on October 6.
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