New president aims to continue on the 'inspirational' path

COWDENBEATH Rotary Club's incoming president for 2026-27 has pledged to maintain the 'inspirational leadership' of the past 12 months given by his predecessor.

John Gilfillan will take over the reigns on June 25 and told Thursday's meeting of the club, in his change-over address, that Craig Bennet had led from the front over the last 12 months spearheading many outstanding projects which have helped the local community.

Some members were surprised that John had volunteered to have another term at the top job having been president in the club's centenary year a couple of years back, and he explained: “When I reflected on that spell I realised what a tremendous club we have, achieving a lot of good things for people in our local community and also for communities abroad.

“In this past year Craig's determination and enthusiasm has seen three communities in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area get 24 hour defibrillator cover, plus schoolchildren throughout the area learn about the effect the Second World War had on local towns and villages, such as the effect the 1942 plane crash in Stenhouse Street had on local families.

“There have been many other important things he has inspired and when I stood back and reflected, I felt there was more I wanted to do to help this club continue this momentum.”

He added: “When Paul Harris set up the Rotary movement more than a century ago his maxim was about helping people needing assistance, and I want to see us continue on the path we have been making great strides on.

“In the coming 12 months I would like to continue to see us increase our membership, which has been gradually developing, and try to ensure we ensure we have a programme which can be achieved without us having to over commit resources.

“Continue to build good public relations in our communities, including using the on-line method of contact; and encourage our members to take ownership of upcoming projects with full collaboration.

“And above all else ensure that everyone enjoys themselves being a rotarian and making a real difference in our local communities.”

In closing his address John said that he also wanted to see the club continue to develop its relationship with the community of Mombasa, where a couple of years back the club managed to accrue hundreds of football strips from local clubs, which were welcomed by street teams in the Kenyan city.