Rotary volunteers lent their support to Hemel residents during wartime and after the Buncefield depot explosion.

They have helped meet the needs of young people and reached out to victims of disaster across the world.

On November 10, the mayor of Dacorum councillor Carol Green unveiled a commemorative plaque outside The Volunteer Centre, based at The Roundhouse on Marlowes, in honour of their work.

The Rotary Club's Vijay Patel explained: "The plaque is to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Rotary movement throughout the world and also Hemel Hempstead Rotary Club's involvement with the community for 75 years."

Formed in 1934 under the St Albans Rotary Club, Hemel's Rotarians have a long history of varied service to the community.

Very early initiatives in the 1930s included booking out the Luxor
cinema for the town's youngsters.

During the war years, Rotarians visited wounded troops, sailors and airmen, arranged outings to Whipsnade Zoo and entertained men who were unable to go home for Christmas in their own houses.

It launched a Boys Club for teens in 1944 and formed the Social Services Council in 1945. The latter later became the Dacorum Council for Voluntary Service (DCVS), still operating today under the name Community Action Dacorum.

During the 1950s and 1960s, Rotarians gave sacks of toys to the local hospital and raised £5,000 to establish a Centre for the Blind in Hemel Hempstead, that continues to operate from a location in Boxmoor.

In recent years the club's dedication to the community has not weakened.

When the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami struck along the coast of the Indian Ocean, Rotarians collected nearly £20,000 to support victims within three days.

They sprang into action again in 2005 after the Buncefield depot explosion, collecting £10,000 for the Dacorum Community Trust's Mayors' Recovery Fund.

Their plans for Christmas and the new year include carol services for the elderly plus a range of activities and challenges for the town's young people.

They will also continue their work fundraising for disadvantaged communities abroad.

More information at www.rotary.org