Rotarians rally to spruce up historic plaque in Clitheroe

Armed with brooms and shovels, the volunteers spruced up the metal plaque mounted on a stone pillar and the area around it.

Ribblesdale Rotarian and Clitheroe resident, Sue Hind, said: "Our Rotary Club takes its name from the beautiful River Ribble that meanders through our picturesque Valley, meaning we welcome members from all corners of the Ribble Valley: Mellor to Gisburn; Slaidburn to Sabden.

"As we know from its source in Ribblehead, the Ribble eventually discharges into the Irish Sea. To begin with it flows almost due south between Ingleborough (723m) and Pen-y-Ghent (693m) and then through open country, a long gorge, a wide valley that was devoted to pastural farming, until it is joined by two main tributaries: the Hodder from the north and the Calder.

"To commemorate the centenary of the Rotary movement, which began on February 23rd, 1905, Ribblesdale Club commissioned a metal plaque mounted on a stone pillar depicting the Ribble from its source to the sea. This was placed in a prominent and popular position near the river bank at Edisford picnic site and has been enjoyed by visitors and residents alike over the past years. However, like all things, the Rotary centenary plaque and its environs became in need of a tidy-up/makeover. It took Ribblesdale Rotarians a few hours to achieve this, but they were happy doing what they do best, serving the community.

"We hope people enjoy our plaque for many years to come."