A TRIBUTE to a quarter of a century of dedicated work by Rotarians in Dorchester is taking root in the town.

Mayor of Dorchester Peter Mann joined president of Rotary Club of Dorchester Casterbridge John Adams and Rotary District Governor Judy Barnard-Jones to mark 25 years of the formation of the club with the planting of 25 silver birch trees at Kings Road playing fields.

The club has been a strong force in the town since 1989 with the work shown in various ways, including the daffodils that greet motorists entering Dorchester and the carol float that delights children in the run-up to Christmas.

Cllr Mann was keen to praise the contribution of the club over the last 25 years and wished them well for the next quarter of a century.

He told the Rotarians: “After 25 years of committed and distinguished service, I speak for all the residents when I say thank you for all the many and varied things you have done for us.

“Your club does much to make us all part of one world in times when it can seem a very divided one.

“That you can work so hard, be so effective and still have the fun you clearly do is a credit to each one of you.”

Club president Mr Adams said: “Since our formation 25 years ago we have enjoyed the privilege of serving the people of the town.

“Since our small beginnings when we were formed by the Dorchester Rotary Club, we have reached the point where there is now yet another Rotary Club formed in the town at Poundbury. No longer are we the new kids on the block.”

Over the years the club has always put a great emphasis on working with and for young people in the local community.

Rotarian Tim Stiles said: “Whether it’s taking part in mock interviews with the youngsters at Westfield School and Kingston Maurward, arranging competitions for the talented young musicians, young writers or public speakers here in our town or helping out with simple tasks at the Fordington Youth Club, Rotary are privileged to be a trusted organisation in Dorchester – here’s to the next 25 years as well.”