THE Rotary Club of Narberth and Whitland is celebrating half-a-century of fellowship and fundraising.

The club recently got together with friends from its twinning club France to mark its 50th birthday at its headquarters at the Plas Hyfryd Hotel, Narberth, where three members - Robbie and Liz Burns and John Hughes - were honoured with Rotary’s highest service award, the Paul Harries Fellowship.

The club held its inaugural luncheon on January 19, 1966 at the Queens Hall, when the late John Lee Davies was appointed as founder president to lead the club through its interim days.

The club has fulfilled the organisation’s aim of Service above Self on local, national and international levels.

In and around the communities of Narberth and Whitland, members have delivered meals on wheel,s assisted with transport of disabled sports participants and encouraged young talent in local schools.

Fundraising - particularly recent concerts with Welsh pop stars and the annual Welsh Dragon Boat Championship - has enabled worthwhile causes to improve the lives of those less fortunate bothy at home and aboard.

The club has also worked to provide aid to those affected by natural disasters and support the End Polio Now campaign.

The club now has over 30 male and female members, ranging in age from 24 to 94.

The admission of women as members proved to be a controversial topic within the club - as well as changing from lunchtime to evening meetings.

Said the club’s Mary Adams: “Both decisions were taken despite resistance from a minority, some of whom resigned their membership as a result.

“Several years on from both decisions, theree can be little doubt that they have resulted in a sustained improvement in recruitment and retention of new members, many of whom have transferred in from other clubs across the UK.”