MEMBERS of The Rotary Club of Basingstoke Deane have delivered a £52,000 boost and provided other vital support to local good causes over the last year.

More than 20 charities and community projects have benefitted from cash support from the Basingstoke Deane Rotarians – and when match-funding is taken into account, the total sum of support will be around £75,000.

At the annual Charities Night, Basingstoke Deane president Paul Temple presented the club’s final donations for 2015-16 to representatives of Ark Cancer Centre Charity, The Pink Place, Pelican Cancer Foundation, the Mayor’s Charity Appeal, and Basingstoke Samaritans.

While delivering financial support to good causes is a key aim of the Rotarians, Paul said it is also important, satisfying, and enjoyable for club members to provide manpower support for charitable organisations and worthy projects.

Paul, who is handing over the chain of office to Alan Gibson this month, said: “I am delighted that the Basingstoke Deane Rotarians have been able to help and support so many good causes and local projects during my 12 months as club president.

“I am also pleased that representatives from many of the wide range of organisations that we have been involved with over the last year were able to attend the Charities Night. This event really showcased how the club has been able to make a difference in the local community and wider world.

“I am grateful to my fellow Rotarians for their wonderful support during my time as president, and it was heartening to hear so many representatives of charities and other organisations describe how our members have made such a positive impact.”

The Charities Night heard how the Rotarians have raised money through various events, including the popular annual Rotary International Boxing Night and an annual concert at The Anvil which stars The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines.

Basingstoke Deane treasurer Jim Lawson paid tribute to the many companies that have sponsored and supported the club’s events.

Jim said: “Without the help and support of these companies, the Rotary club would not be able to put on these events or raise the funds that enable us to provide financial support to so many local good causes.”

Councillor Anne Court, who was Basingstoke and Deane mayor for 2015-16, current Basingstoke and Deane mayor, Councillor Jane Frankum, and

Councillor Keith Chapman, who is chairman of Hampshire County Council, were among the specially invited guests at the Charities Night which took place at Test Valley Golf Club, near Overton, where the Rotarians meet every Tuesday evening.