Dawn of a new era for Rotary

Saddleworth Rotary President John Ainley with newly-inducted Gail Hunter.

MEMBERS of Saddleworth Rotary Club have shared a proud double celebration — including the induction of its first female Rotarian.

The club also welcomed Rotary’s national president, John Minhinick, who witnessed the historic event as Gail Hunter (41) became the club’s first female Rotarian .

The first woman in the club’s 40-year history is a farmer’s daughter from Denshaw with four sons and a daughter. She is a strategy and marketing director for an international fire-protection company, travels widely in the UK and has a worked at a senior level in carpet manufacture, softwear and engineering.

Her husband Antony will join his wife when he is inducted into Saddleworth Rotary club later this month.

Mrs Hunter said: “I have grown up in a man’s world in my career. But I have been made extremely welcome by the Rotarians and their partners. They have made me very proud to join them as Saddleworth Rotary’s first lady member.”

Mr Ainley said: “Gail will be a real asset to the club. She is highly motivated and particularly keen to promote the charitable objects of Rotary.”