Thatcham Rotary Club held its Handover Dinner in Newbury last Wednesday (June 26).
About 50 Rotarians and their partners sat through a three-course meal at The Chequers Hotel before appointing a new president for the coming year.
Outgoing president Maurice Franks handed the presidency to Audrey Kelly, who thanked Mr Franks for all he had achieved and admitted he would be a hard act to follow.
Thatcham councillor Mike Cole was made president elect.
Mr Franks thanked all Rotarians who had contributed to making his year a success.
Under his watch, the club had raised approximately £15,000, of which £13,000 was donated to local charitable causes.
Mr Franks also singled out Ray Stowell for a Paul Harris Fellowship Award – the highest honour within Rotary – who has acted as the club’s compliance officer and photographer for many years.
The club also celebrated its ‘Anywhere, Anytime’ initiative, where Rotarians meet at different venues to boost their profile within the community.
The scheme included visits to Renegade Brewery, Douai Abbey, Downe House school and Newbury College, where lunch was prepared and served by students training for careers in the hospitality sector.
The evening ended with a toast to ‘Rotary and Peace the World Over’.
