July, and all change at the Rotary Club of Retford. The Rotary year begins in July, and outgoing President Geraldine handed over the chain of office to Eddie McGarvey. President Eddie’s second in command is President Elect Judith Longden. The third member of the team is Junior Vice President Adrian Sumner.
Eddie wasted no time in supporting club activities with a visit to St Gile’s School on Monday 2nd to present the Christine Hilton Award to pupil Emily Lydon. The award is dedicated to the late Christine who was the Rotary Club’s first lady member. Emily showed outstanding courage in the face of all her disabilities.
The following Monday marked the 50th anniversary of Jeff Rickells joining the club; 50 years of ‘service above self’. What an achievement! On Wednesday 11th Eddie visited Daneshill Sailing Club, to witness the sailing experience by Year Five pupils from St Joseph’s Primary School and two days later was in Tuxford to preside over the commissioning of Tuxford Primary Academy’s EcoGreenhouse; a project funded and supported by the club.
Sunday 15th and divided loyalties; President Eddie spent a brief time at the charity brunch at the home of Rotarian Sally Ogle and husband John before dashing off to represent the club at the Charter Celebrations of daughter club, the Rotary Club of Gainsborough.
In brief: Gareth Day, Allan Meacher and Emma Thompson were inducted into the club, the lady members took part in the Race for Life in Clumber Park and a new running track was opened at Hallcroft Primary School (a joint venture With The lions and several District Councillors).