A CLUB has had an “amazingly successful” year despite the challenges of the pandemic.

That was the message from Haworth & Worth Valley Rotary Club’s outgoing president Ian Park as his term in office came to an end.

“Even though we’re only a small club – with just 13 members – we’ve had an amazingly successful year,” he said.

“Our weekly meetings have continued as Zoom events online and I’m extraordinarily proud of every member.

“We’ve succeeded in giving away £7,000 to many different causes, supported Manorlands hospice and food banks in both the Worth Valley and Keighley and launched our new community grant scheme – when we distributed £2,000 to ten small but valued organisations in the Worth Valley.

“On top of that we led the Rotary clubs in Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire in helping find £10,000 to rebuild a paediatric operating theatre in a Beirut hospital following a catastrophic explosion.

“So while the club may be short of members, we’ve had an amazing 2020-2021.”

In a videoed ceremony held outside Haworth’s Bronte Parsonage Museum, Mr Park handed over the chain of office to his successor, retired businessman Gary Gardner.

And Mr Gardner’s first act in his new role was to pay tribute to his immediate predecessor.

“Ian’s leadership through what has been a tough year for our club has been inspirational,” he said.

“To have achieved all that he has through just online meetings has been amazing.

“Ian has been successful at steering the club through this difficult time and we owe him a debt of gratitude.”

Mr Gardner said plans for the year ahead included more social gatherings, once Covid measures allowed, plus increasing membership.

He added: “We’ve also drawn-up some exciting plans to form a new common interest group in the valley aimed at supporting Manorlands hospice while I’m also aiming to raise funds for Martin House Children’s Hospice.

“The club will face many challenges as the Covid regulations are relaxed.

“But I feel sure that the changes we’re planning will enable us to spread our wings and continue supporting our community.”

More about the club can be found on Facebook.