Lunchtime Meeting - 12.45pm - Handover and Business Meeting

Today's Club Business Meeting was a bit different today with President David handing over to President Mike Griffiths early as he and Linda are departing for a couple of months grandaughter-sitting in the USA.  Planning to return in August, David said that they would need a holiday when they return!

Oswestry Rotary Club has a new President!

On Monday out-going President David Gordon handed over the reins to Mike Griffiths who will serve for the Rotary Year 2015/16.
 
A little about the man who will lead our club on to essential work in the community and fund-raising for charities both local and overseas:

Mike left school at 16 to work on the family farm as his father was ill, but continued to take short courses and learn at every opportunity. His first 17 years in farming was particularly focussed on Dairy Cows and as a Young Farmer he represented England in International Stock-judging. Additionally in 1983 he started an enterprise producing Medicinal Herbs - taking them from seed, to the poly-tunnel, to field, then harvesting, drying and milling them; initially for the home market, but soon exporting to Canada, France and Germany.

Having lived near Shawbury and in Shropshire all his life, in 2007 Mike moved to Oswestry and bought a house with Jean Lawrence, who has taught him that 'people' matter, and he now dearly loves Oswestry.  His eldest son works as a film editor for Disney, living in Guildford and is married with a baby son while younger son is a Project Manager for Taylor Wimpey Construction and lives in Surrey. His daughter lives in Swansea and is a qualified Physiotherapist.

Accepting the Presidential chain of office Mike said “I am greatly honoured to become president of the Rotary Club of Oswestry and invite anyone to look more closely at what we do - I think they might be surprised, and find like I have done, a name that inspires trust”.

The members of Oswestry Rotary Club then thanked out-going President David Gordon for his very successful and enjoyable year in office before welcoming new President Mike, wishing him all the best for his year in office and looking forward to his year which will kick off properly with his In/Out Party on Saturday July 3rd at 7.00pm at the Cricket Club.