A NEW Rotary Club in Northwich will become one of the first to be chartered online as Britain continues to adapt to the pandemic.

Weaver Valley Rotary Club was formed by a handful of residents last November, and the group now has 21 members.

It is the third Rotary Club in town, following the Northwich and Vale Royal branches, but president David Buxton insists the aim is to work with those groups rather than compete against them.

"We probably have a slightly younger demographic than the other groups as our average age is 50," he said.

"But our aim is to work alongside the other two clubs rather than to think of each one as separate clubs – it is more about Rotary in Northwich combining to give something to the town."

Weaver Valley will be officially recognised as a club by Rotary Great Britain and Ireland at 7pm on Friday, July 17.

It wants to keep growing so that it can support charities and good causes in and around Northwich.

David, who works for Buxton Accounting in Rudheath, said: "During the pandemic, we’re all having to find a new way of carrying on with our social lives

"Being chartered digitally is how we’ve managed to establish a community resource that will help local residents and the wider community during the current pandemic and beyond."

Weaver Valley Rotary Club already has a number of community initiatives in place.

The group has been working to help tackle isolation, support people who are homeless and living in temporary accommodation, and provide donations to foodbanks throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

David says the group has a 'modern, progressive approach' – and it has enjoyed virtual social gatherings too.

He added: "It’s been a lifeline during lockdown to continue with our weekly Zoom meetings, a Friday night virtual pub quiz and other social events.

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"We’re a really approachable group of people with a common goal of supporting our local community and welcome any other local people to come and join our weekly quiz or get involved with our community projects.

"Rotary is also about making lifelong friends and fellowship, both of which are vital as we live through this unprecedented pandemic."

For more information about Weaver Valley Rotary Club, email weavervalleyrotary@gmail.com or find the group on Facebook.