Robert is Rotary Club's new high flier

Reporter: Ken Bennett
Date published: 26 June 2020


A former RAF squadron leader has become the new high-flying President of Saddleworth Rotary Club.

Robert Knotts from Austerlands, an ex-chair of Saddleworth parish council, said COVID-19 presented new challenges to the club’s demographic make-up, as most members are at risk as susceptible to the virus.

Sadly, the club has lost one member to the virus.

Mr Knotts said: “Consequently, the current lockdown has cancelled all face to face meetings during these unusual times.

"Instead we have held Zoom meetings to use the time to look to the future and explore the club’s needs and aspirations.

“Members are acutely aware of the financial impact of lockdown on the club with the cancellation of the Saddleworth Summer show and Wellifest, normally a major source of income used to support charitable causes. 

“However, we are looking to ways of developing new partnerships and holding different fund-raising events.

“We accept social media offers of important and effective ways of communication and promotion in and around Saddleworth and Rotary communities, itself a challenge to some members less adept with the new technology. 

“One idea is to arrange some hands-on training sessions to enable members to understand the technology and its impact on letting people know where and what Saddleworth Rotary Club is doing.”

Mr Knotts added: “One important focus is on developing the abilities of young people. 

“We plan to do this with projects that accommodate youth involvement and local secondary schools, including those with disabilities and disadvantages.

“One major challenge is to recruit new members to reflect the demographics and gender balance of the Saddleworth community.  

“A membership drive strategy is being developed and we plan to implement in October / November, subject to post COVID-19 activities returning to normal.

“Considering the disruption caused by the pandemic in this current Rotary year Ian Brett, having stood down as President, kindly volunteered to take the role of Vice President."


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