Priory Rotary Celebrates 50 Years of Service with Anniversary Dinner

The Rotary Club of King’s Lynn Priory celebrated its 50thAnniversary with a black tie dinner at the Town Hall on Wednesday, attended by over 100 members, partners and guests. Special guests included the Mayor of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, Lesley Bambridge, Garth Arnold, Rotary Great Britain and Ireland Chair of Board and Ian Elliott, District Rotary Governor 1080. Also present were the current Presidents of King’s Lynn, Trinity King’s Lynn and Hunstanton Rotary Clubs, plus 19 Past Presidents and 3 Past Presidents’ wives of Priory. We welcomed Dr John Burgess who was the only Founder member of Priory in 1973, and Don Linford, the oldest Past President serving in 1986/7. Musical entertainment was provided by Rowena Senido who sang a medley of popular songs from each of the 5 decades since Priory was awarded its charter on 21st March 1973.

President of Priory, Jonathan Holmes, gave a brief history of the club since its inception. The club has been involved in many projects and activities over the last 50 years supporting many individuals, groups and charities locally, nationally and internationally. The Rotary motto ‘Service before Self’ has guided our work as we try to support those less fortunate, disadvantaged in our communities. Over the last 50 years we believe we have raised at least £750,000 from our charitable activities, with some estimates indicating that this could be nearer £1 million. Priory is a progressive, forward thinking and modern Rotary Club with an active Satellite Club, and we seek to encourage many more members to join us on our journey helping and serving others.