Presidents Handover

Monday 1st July saw the installation of John Clarke as the new President of the Llantwit Major Rotary Club.  The event began in the usual way with a service of dedication held at St Donats Church conducted by Rotarian The Rev. Vivian Ginn.  The choir was Cantorion Illtud conducted by Keith Young and accompanied by Mrs Lynn Brown making what is thought to have been their thirtieth appearance at this annual event.  Their presence this year was particularly poignant as it is likely to mark their final year as a choir.  The outgoing president, Neville Farthing, read the lesson and the choir performed two beautiful anthems.

After the service the party went to the West House Hotel for dinner followed by the official hand-over ceremony.  Guests at the well-attended event included Mr & Mrs David Lane, Chairman and his wife, of Llantwit Major Probus Club.  Neville Farthing thanked club members for their support during the year which had concentrated on fundraising events for numerous local charities and also for the continuing efforts of Rotary International and the United Nations to rid the world of polio.  He was also pleased that the club, now in its thirty-first year, had increased its membership during the year and was as strong as ever.  He particularly thanked his wife, Janet, for her help and cheerful support throughout his year of office.

The new President, John Clarke, takes on the role for the second time having been President in 2002.  John, who was born in the Lake District  lives with his wife, Lynda, in St Donats had worked in banking for many years.  He said that the club would continue to support a wide range of charities but he singled out as a special one the Shelter Box initiative.  This Rotary charity prepares boxes containing emergency supplies which can be sent anywhere in the world where disaster strikes.  He thanked past President Neville for a wonderful year and for his introduction of a monthly news letter to members which he personally distributed.  The new President-Elect is Mrs Christine James of W. James & Sons, Fonmon;  the President Nominee is Mrs Mary Noyes, Headteacher of Llangan Primary School.