Middleton Rotary welcomes new president

Outgoing president Janice Powell handing over the Rotary chain to John Brooker

The new President of the Rotary Club of Middleton has been sworn in.

John Brooker will take the reins for the next 12 months and is looking forward to the role.

Mr Brooker said: “Becoming President carries with it a great responsibility to lead the Club forward and especially in times of great change within Rotary International.

“I feel confident that collectively Middleton Rotary Club is going to enjoy another successful year.

“I have a very enthusiastic and capable team of Club officers to support me and very dedicated and supportive members throughout the Club.”

Mr Brooker promised a “full and varied” programme for the coming year. His nominated charity for the year is the RNLI.

He added: “As the newly appointed President it was my pleasure to install Jeff Lawton as Vice President for the coming year.

“For me this had a special meaning because 8 years ago, almost to the day, Jeff as President at that time, welcomed me into the Rotary Club of Middleton as a new member.”

Mr Lawton said: “My role over the next 12 months is to support John Brooker in anyway I can and try and help in any way he feels and the clubs I can.”

Outgoing President, Janice Powell, said: “I have had a fantastic year as President and have truly enjoyed it.

“We have had some really good events both in terms of fundraising and Fellowship and I would like to thank everyone for their support in making this possible.

“Key events which will stick in my mind are my Charter Night, The Christmas address, The Dragon’s Den Presentation Night and the Race Night.”

Mrs Powell added: “I hope that John enjoys his year as much as I have and I wish him all the best for the coming year.

“My advice is to relax, enjoy, not get too stressed by anything and let his team do the work.”