THE Rotary Club of Rhyl celebrated its 94th anniversary of receiving its charter in a hitherto unique way.

Unable to hold their traditional charter anniversary dinner due to the current lockdown due to Covid-19, the club turned to modern technology and held a virtual celebration using Zoom.

Organized by club secretary, Gordon Marshall, the club hosted 43 Rotarians from Wales, England and the USA.

Rhyl’s youngest ever president, 31-year-old Gareth Davies, started the proceedings by giving a resume of the social, vocational and community service activities of the club during the past year.

Mr Davies, who is a town councillor in Prestatyn, said the club made history and was the first in the district to host a charter night via Zoom.

He added: "Despite being in uncharted and difficult times, I am humbled to see the versatility of the rotary in adopting a 'can do' attitude in order to maintain their goal of raising money for the area, establishing links with rotary friends across the UK and the world. Rhyl have been pioneers in doing this.

"I have truly enjoyed my year as president of the club and I am proud of the achievements we've made during my tenure."

Online participants included the National President of Rotary in Britain and Ireland, Donna Wallbank from Brynmawr; District Governor, Bob Maskall from Bangor; Rotarians from clubs including Ruthin, Prestatyn, Llandudno, St Asaph, Denbigh, Rhos on Sea and Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr.

Representatives of clubs further afield included Southport and Dolgellau, and emphasising the international nature of rotary, the president and three other members of the Rotary Club of Alamo, California, shared in the celebration.

The night went without technical hitches, despite having more than 30 guests at one point.