Richmond Rotary Club has welcomed Ian Hepworth as its new president during the club’s annual handover ceremony, while also launching a campaign to recruit new members.
The ceremony took place at the club’s charter dinner at The King’s Head Hotel in Richmond, where outgoing president John Morton presented Mr Hepworth with the chain of office in front of fellow Rotarians and invited guests.
The chain of office bears the names of the club’s past presidents dating back to its foundation in 1955. The evening concluded with a performance by the Richmond School and Sixth Form College Jazz Band.
Mr Hepworth, who has completed several London Marathons in aid of Rotary charities, is the first of four presidents due to serve Richmond Rotary Club over the coming year.
Reflecting on his year in office, Mr Morton highlighted the club’s fundraising and community activities.
He said: “It has been a great pleasure being president of Richmond Rotary Club.
“Amongst many things during the year we have held our Best Kept Village contest, an Art Exhibition and Christmas raffle.
“In addition, we have raised money through street collections for various emergencies and in total we have donated over £17,000 to a variety of charities.
“I welcome our new presidents and wish them a happy and successful year.”
Taking over the role, Mr Hepworth said he wanted to build on the club’s work in the community while attracting new members.
He said: “I am delighted to be taking over as president of Richmond Rotary Club.
“Rotary clubs like Richmond do an amazing job for their local communities as well as giving members a great deal of fun and friendship. I plan to organise our activities in a way that encourages new people to join us.”
He acknowledged that, like many Rotary clubs, Richmond has seen membership decline in recent years and said the club was keen to attract people with fresh ideas.
As part of the recruitment campaign, Richmond Rotary Club is holding two informal drop-in sessions at Richmond Station on Thursday, July 9, and Wednesday, July 15, from 6.15pm to 7.45pm, where prospective members can find out more about the organisation and its activities.
Comments are closed.
Many thanks!
Mac Bryant