Challenging times for new Thame Rotary President

HOWARD Webb, a former Chartered Civil Engineer with Thames Water, was welcomed as the new president of the Rotary Club of Thame & District at a virtual club meeting, on June 24.

Howard has taken over from Peter Allen who served as President during the 2010-2020 Rotary year. Peter said: “Despite being in lockdown for the last three months, the Club has had a very successful and enjoyable year.  We increased our membership through the recruitment of younger members into our new Phoenix Club, we supported local organisations with their work in the community and we helped to organise the Christmas tea party for senior citizens in Thame.”

Peter added: “Our main fundraising event – the Thame Swimathon – raised the record amount of £8,000 for local charities. The Club was pleased to award Marius Ciortan with a Sapphire Paul Harris Award in recognition of his work for the Club over many years in organising the Swimathon.”

Howard Webb, the new Club President, moved to Thame in 2014, and joined Thame and District Rotary Club the year after. He enjoys singing with the Oxford Welsh Male Voice Choir and playing golf.

Howard said: “I hope to guide the Rotary Club through this difficult year with an active social life, an increasing membership, and by continuing to develop practical and financial support for local charities.

“I would offer a warm welcome to anyone looking to join a friendly, outgoing club which is part of a worldwide organisation, offering unlimited opportunities to make a difference.”

The club meetings will continue online via Zoom for the foreseeable future. Guest speaker talks will also take place online. Members of the public who wish to attend speaker meetings will be able to request access to these events.

To find out more about the Rotary Club of Thame & District or Phoenix Community Club or to join, please visit www.thame.rotary1090.org or www.facebook.com/thamerotary or www.facebook.com/phoenixcommunityclubthame