Handover

MORPETH ROTARY PRESIDENTIAL HANDOVER

At an action packed evening meeting, Julie Mulqueen, Morpeth Rotary President for 2023-24 handed over the chain of office to new president for 2024-25 Gary Witheyman of Newbiggin. 

The Girl Guide District Commissioner was welcomed. She had brought some wonderful new equipment they had bought with money from the recent Rotary charity ball. It will be used for Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions.

A £2000 cheque was presented to Pilot Officer Debbie, Officer Commanding 2522 Squadron Bedlington Air Cadets, raised at Julie's farewell Bash on Armed Forces Day last week. It will gotowards a new minibus.

Rotary's highest honour, a Paul Harris Fellowship, was awarded to Rotary members Alan Barron of Ponteland and Professor Andrew Hamnett of Morpeth for outstanding work in the community.

Julie summarised, sometimes in verse, her very busy, social and successful year. It included a full programme of interesting speakers, many visits and six new members. There was a collection of winter coats for those in need, unused tools sent to Africa, the Christmas Tree of Light raised £6000 for Calmer Therapy, the Foodbank and Barnabas, £3,800 sent to help set up breast cancer scanning services in Pakistan, support for KEVI students attending an international development project, two young people sponsored for leadership training, and work was done on Morpeth Station garden. There were many other activities and achievements.

President Gary presented a ribbon to the new Vice President Claire Brind, spoke of his plans for the year ahead and closed the meeting.