New President takes the helm on Thame Rotary’s 50th anniversary

IT’S all change at the top as local retired banker from Wheatley who dedicates his spare time to volunteering and fundraising in the local community takes up the reins as president of Thame Rotary club.

New and past Thame Rotary presidents with charities representatives

Graham Colverson was welcomed as the new president of Rotary Club of Thame & District on Wednesday,June 27, during a Charity Evening presentation at Thame’s Spread Eagle Hotel.

The takeover coincides with a name change as Rotary Club of Thame will from now on be known as Rotary Club of Thame & District in order to reflect the diversity of its members. About 40% of Thame & District Rotary live in villages such as Chalgrove, Chinnor, Long Crendon, Great Milton, Longwick, Towersey and Wheatley.

Rotary spokesperson, Marius Ciortan, said: “Graham is taking over as Club President from John Singer who has inspired the local community and his club members to fundraise just under £12,000 for good causes. John, whose main chosen charity was SeeSaw, said: “I’m delighted that this past year the Club has been able to support a wide range of organisations both locally and internationally.”

The most important fundraising event during John’s year was the Thame Swimathon. A record number of teams from Thame Swimming, Barley Hill School and other local groups took part in the fun event and raised funds for their preferred causes. Jo Sackett, trustee of Barley Hill PTFA, said: “It has been an absolute privilege working with the Rotary Club over the past few months. The children at Barley Hill School love the Swimathon event and we have been lucky enough to enter a number of teams over the past two years and we will certainly be doing it again next year.

“The fact that we get to raise money for so many wonderful charities at the same time as having fun is just amazing!! Thank you so much for all that you do for our community and we very much look forward to joining forces on more ventures over the coming years.”

Graham Colverson has been a Rotarian for almost 15 years and his commitment to the club has earned the respect of fellow members who were only too pleased to vote him in as their new president for the forthcoming year.

Graham said: “This October we celebrate 50 years of Rotary in Thame. Our aim during the next year is to consolidate our many achievements during that time and to prepare the club for our next 50 years.”

Graham will be looking for inspired and enthusiastic men and women to join the Thame and District Rotary club. He would like to hear from anyone interested in joining the club and making a real difference to their community.

To find out more about the Rotary Club of Thame & District or to seek becoming a member, visit www.thame.rotary1090.org or follow on www.facebook.com/thamerotary