Presidential Handover 2023

The President’s Handover this year was a more sombre occasion than normal following the sad death of the outgoing President, Roger Young, just two days before his term of office was due to finish.

Members and guests, including the Assistant District Governor, Graham Forster, gathered at the Highwoods Golf Club in Bexhill and, following a meal the Handover started. Graham Forster opened the proceedings and paid tribute to the great service that Roger gave as a Rotarian, Graham said,” Although it has been a very difficult year with a number of your members suffering ill health, Senlac Rotary has managed to be active and work well in the community. I hope the coming year will be much better for you.”

The Handover was conducted by Rod Farrow, a founder and now honorary member of Senlac Rotary, who has very close ties with Roger and his family. Rod explained that during Roger’s last days he had asked Roger if he would like him to do Handover; Roger was very pleased for Rod to do it. Rod, too, paid tribute to Roger and his work as a Rotarian before presenting incoming President, Andy Cruttenden with the chain of office. Andy accepted the chain and spoke about his plans for the club during the coming year stressing that membership would be an important element and that he hoped the new membership committee would be successful. Despite the club having only a small number of members he was looking forward to a successful year with many activities undertaken.

Finally, Andy handed the President’s Elect chain of office to Marcia Bryant who will succeed as President from July 2024.

The raffle raised £166 which will be passed to our late President’s nominated charity.