Abergavenny Rotary club has helped lift the gloom of lockdown by donating £16,000 to good causes.

Despite having to cancel last year and this year’s annual steam rally in Bailey Park, Abergavenny Rotary raised the cash through doing sponsored walks last year and from its previous rallies.

A group spokesperson said: “The Community and Vocational Committee decides the lion’s share of the donations and have granted over £16,000 to good causes so far.

“Over £1,400 has gone to the community centre in Park Street to fund an outdoor marquee and new flooring, while £600 went to both the children’s centre at Nevill Hall Hospital and the children’s ward Christmas party at the Grange Hospital.

“Another £2,000 was given to St David’s Hospice and £1,000 to Blood Bikes Wales, plus more than £2,600 went to support Nevill Hall staff and Covid patients during the pandemic

“Women’s Aid has seen an increase in demand with domestic violence and we are delighted to support their amazing work with £500.

“We’ve also committed over £1,800 to the youth centre for outdoor facilities and keep fit classes for the youth of our town (as soon as it’s safe to do so).

“And some £4,000 went to the food bank in Abergavenny, while Rotary also supported Gateway Church, Abergavenny Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society and Abergavenny Writing Festival.

“As well as this, the club continues with its ‘Wellbeing’ initiative which has, over the last six years, donated and installed 12 lifesaving defibrillators in the town - the newest of which was commissioned two weeks ago at Shackleton’s chemist on the Brecon Road.

“In addition to these donations, the club’s International Committee has donated £500 to Water Aid and £500 to Send a Cow.”

The town’s Rotary has also committed to sponsoring two children from the Rukungiri Orphan Partnership in Southern Uganda, at an annual cost of £480 over seven years, making a total donation of £3,360 over that period.

Rotary Club President Dean Christy said: “I am delighted that the Club has been able to donate these sums of money to so many worthy causes in the town as well as making a commitment to orphaned children in the third world reflecting Rotary’s International interests.

“This has certainly been a challenging year for everyone, and I am grateful to my fellow Rotarians who have risen to the challenge and worked hard to raise much needed funds for such worthy causes.”

Meanwhile, moves are under way to set up a Rotaract club in the town for younger people aged 18 to 30.

Meg Trinder said: “We are in the process of forming a Rotaract Club, with the support of Abergavenny Rotary Club.

“This club will provide the opportunity for a group of likeminded people to use their skills to create projects and events that will make a difference in a local and global communities.

“We hope that this will not only provide a platform for fantastic charity and community work, but also be a fun and fulfilling thing to be involved with.

“It’s also a fantastic experience to be able to put on a CV, showcase to potential employers, and a great way to support the development of young professionals.

“We are looking for people to express interest in becoming founding members to get Abergavenny Rotaract Club off the ground.”

Anyone who is interested can contact Meg at www.facebook.com/meg.trinder