Selwyn Hodge named 96th president of Rochdale Rotary

Selwyn Hodge and Merrilyn Chadwick

Selwyn Hodge has been named the president of Rochdale Rotary Club for 2022/23, succeeding Merrilyn Chadwick.

Selwyn became the 96th president of the humanitarian service organisation in a handover ceremony at the Masonic Hall, Richard Street, on 7 July.

Past President Merrilyn congratulated Selwyn after handing on the badge of office, saying: “I thank all fellow Rotarians for making this Covid-affected last 12 months so enjoyable despite the lockdowns.

“I’m so pleased we provided good support to my nominated charities including the Rochdale Moorland Children's Home, Medic Malawi, Jolly Josh and the Ukraine appeal.”

President Selwyn said: “My main aims will be to expand our membership and help make a positive impact on the lives of people in Rochdale and the wider community.

“I will be focusing on improving the mental health and education of our young people, and to do this will work closely with charities and other organisations.”

Selwyn was born in South Wales and is now retired to Littleborough. His professional life was in education at the classroom and research level. He worked for Ofsted and then came to Rochdale as Science advisor and Deputy Director of Education.

Rotary chooses a new president each year, and the term of office starts in July, ending in June.

Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland is a membership and humanitarian service organisation. Through membership of their local Rotary club, members use their time and talents to make a difference in their own communities and around the world.

There are over 1,750 clubs in Great Britain and Ireland with 48,000 members.