Rotary turned around

Saddleworth Rotary Club’s new president Lawrence Perrins, right, with vice president Alan Chorlton

President praised for great year

THE new president of Saddleworth Rotary Club praised his outgoing colleague at the club’s annual changeover dinner.

Lawrence Perrins said Malcolm Hill had made remarkable steps during his term of office and had actually increased the club’s membership.

Mr Hill recruited four new members — when the district target for Rotary was set at one new member per club.

“Malcolm took over as president when we were floundering,” Mr Perrins told more than 40 members and guests at the club’s headquarters at the White Hart, Lydgate.

“He pulled us together and I am delighted to report the club went on to have a great year,” he said.

“In addition to another highly-successful Saddleworth Summer Show, we staged a tapas night and our first-ever Pancake Race which, in turn, looks like becoming a regular event in our Rotary calendar.”

Mr Hill, from Grasscroft, said: “I am particularly pleased the recruitment programme for new members went so well.

Mr Perrins, from Grotton, is head of a successful plumbing and heating business. He is a founder member of Saddleworth Rotary Club and served his first term as club president 35 years ago.

Mr Perrins says his aim this year is to develop and welcome the co-operation and involvement of the community in all aspects of Rotary activities. The club’s new vice president is Alan Chorlton, a chartered town planner, from Dobcross. Lawyer John Ainley has been appointed the club’s second vice president and Barry Lees is secretary. Other officials are: Peter Mallinson, treasurer; Duncan Karran, community services; Mike Hall, international; David Leach, vocational; Frank Settle, IT communications; Ian Scholes, speaker’s secretary.