An Unusual Handover

July each year is marked by the annual handover from the outgoing President to the person entering the role. It is usually a time of reflection over the activities of the Club in the past year, and  the plans for the year to come.

This year was a little unusual to say the least as our President Pauline is continuing in the role for a second year. However, tradition has it that we use the event to celebrate the past and look forward to the future.

At a social gathering over dinner at the Magic Mushroom the members were reminded of the achievements of the Club over the past year, including donating just over £21,000 to various charities including the Pakistan earthquake appeal, St Luke’s Hospice, the humanitarian disaster in Turkey and Syria, the Trussell Trust and Salvation Army foodbanks, Macmillan Nurses and the Macular Society and Rotary’s own Foundation, as well as to a number of local charities and initiatives such as New Life Wood and Wickford in Bloom.

President Pauline also acknowledged the commitment and contributions made by two long serving members in Alan Prem and Richard Candler, who have contributed to the Rotary Club for more than 30 years and 25 years respectively.

Pauline was presented with a yearbook to commemorate her year in office in photographs, which drew much admiration.

The transition from President Pauline to President Pauline went very quickly (she didn’t even take off her chain of office!) and received greetings from Wickford Inner Wheel  President Jenny Smith, who wished her well for the forthcoming year.

The evening carried on with the induction of new member Nick Mills into the Club. Nick has been a supporter of the Club for many years and finally took the plunge to make his association with the Club official. Pauline took great delight in inducting Nick, who also happens to be her husband!