Ribble Valley Mayor joins Rotarians to help with coronavirus vaccine drive

Despite the cold and wintry weather, she donned her high-visibility jacket and joined Ribblesdale and Clitheroe Rotarians who have volunteered to manage car park traffic, guide patients on site, ensure social ­distancing and help people who need additional support outside the GP surgeries in Clitheroe.

She first encountered the club pre-pandemic at an enjoyable social event in her official capacity and decided to join and help the community. Since lockdown, Coun. Brunskill has been aware of the club’s support given to various community causes. These include The Clitheroe Salvation Army and Ribble Valley Foodbank, HARV (Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Domestic Abuse), Nightsafe, which supports homeless 16-18-year-olds, Derian House children’s hospice, Royal British Legion and Life Education.

A spokesman for Ribblesdale Rotary said: "Just before Christmas, Stella wanted to be involved with Ribblesdale’s Santa’s Sleigh and so she spent time as one of Santa’s elves collecting even more for local charities as well as bringing fun and normality to local people during what’s been a very abnormal year!

"Last week she helped volunteer Rotarians and friends guide patients outside Clitheroe Health Centre, who had come to receive their vacccines. Ribblesdale President , Simon O’Rourke, gave Stella her Rotary pin and new members pack outside the health centre."

If anyone is interested in trying a Ribblesdale Rotary zoom meeting to find out a little more about the local organisation, they are asked to e-mail Rotarian Richard Dugdale on [email protected].

A spokesman added: "No, you don't have to be a male, no, you don't have to old and no, you don't have to be a bank manager to join the club!"