Presidential Handover

Following a service of dedication at St Donat’s Church Dr David Rogers became the new president of the Rotary Club of Llantwit Major.  He succeeds as President Mrs Mary Noyes a former primary school head.  The service was conducted as usual by Rotarian The Rev. Vivian Ginn and was attended by Rotary members, partners and guests.  Afterwards the change-over ceremony was held following dinner at the West House Hotel, Llantwit Major.

David Rogers has lived in Llantwit Major for twenty-three years with his wife, Michelle and two daughters.  He was born in Pontllanfraith into a mining family and was educated in the local grammar school.  Later he graduated in pharmacy at Cardiff University;  this was followed by a doctorate in bacteriology at the University of Wales, Cardiff. Later he also obtained a Bachelor of Science degree with the Open University and followed that with a seven year period as an Associate Lecturer with that organisation.  He is a company director and has been a member of the Rotary Club of Llantwit Major since 2007.

The new President is well known in the town for his many interests and hobbies on which he frequently speaks to local societies.  These include amateur astronomy, family history research, paintings in oils and acrylics and water colours, building model railways, walking, gardening, local history and history of science. 

Dr Rogers guests were Assistant District Governor Mrs Liz Davies and her partner Eric Blackwell and Mr Colin Jenkins President of Llantwit Major Probus Club and his wife, Isobel. After taking office David Rogers presented the outgoing President, Mrs Noyes, with a Past President insignia.  He thanked her for her very successful year in office in which the club has supported many local charities and also contributed to the relief of a number of international emergencies. His own favoured charity for the year would be the ShelterBox initiative in which emergency kits are prepared and then sent world-wide to help alleviate the effects of disasters often caused by earthquakes and climate change.  The club would also continue to support local charities and good causes as it has done for over thirty years.  Earlier, on behalf of the Club Mary Noyes presented  Rotarian Gareth Rees with a Paul Harris Fellowship - the highest award available in the Rotary organisation -in recognition of his tireless work in Rotary District 1150 and Llantwit Major Rotary.