THE Rotary Club of Cirencester celebrated its 90th anniversary with a Charter Night Dinner at the Stratton House Hotel in Cirencester, Peter Armitage writes.

The inaugural Charter Night Dinner had been held at the Kings Head Hotel in the Market Place on March 19 1929.

The first President was Scotford Harmer, who was editor of the Wilts and Glos Standard. Not surprisingly there was extensive coverage of that Charter Night in the local paper.

The event at the Stratton House Hotel, on March 20, was attended by 84 members and guests including District 1100 District Governor Joan Goldsmith who proposed the toast to the Club.

Current President of the Club Jim Beaman responded. Senior Vice President Susan Bishop proposed the toast to the guests and President of the Inner Wheel Club of Cirencester, Judy Lloyd, responded.

The after dinner speaker was Linda Warren who spoke about the history of pantomime.

She regaled the members and guests with many stories recalling that many pantomimes used to have upwards of 100 performers in each show.

President Jim Beaman said: “This was a splendid celebration for the Club and I am proud and privileged to have been President during this special Anniversary Year.”

The raffle during the evening raised a significant sum for the Anthony Nolan Trust for Bone Marrow Transplants.

Details of causes supported by Cirencester Rotary Club and forthcoming events can be found at cirencester-rotary.org.uk