Changing of the guard at Rotary
New president installed at Rutherglen club
The first-ever female president of Rutherglen Rotary Club spoke of her pride after recently handing over the chain to her replacement.
Pat Paul gave a speech to fellow Rotary members at the club’s annual presidential dinner in The King’s Park Hotel.
Scottish actress Blythe Duff, best- known for her role as Detective Inspector Jackie Reid in Taggart, also attended as principal guest speaker on the night.
Mrs Paul handed over to new president Barry Toshner, who then installed David Paul as club vice president.
Pat said: “I have enjoyed my year in office enormously. It has passed very quickly with the many interesting places I’ve been and the interesting people I have met on the journey.
“The first Rotakids Club in our area was started for boys and girls in primary six and seven at Burgh Primary School, with another one in the pipeline, which is very exciting.
“Representing the club, I attended a reception and dinner at Kinfauns Castle in Perth, celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Freedom from Fistula Charity, which was founded by Ann Gloag and supported by many rotary clubs.”
She added: “During my term arrangements have been made to hold an antiques valuation day with Anita Manning and her colleagues at Great Western Auctions. This is planned for November 9 this year.
“During my year the club raised money for many local charities, having fun along the way, by holding events such as our very successful plant fayre and quiz night.
“I would like to thank Rotary members for all their support and wish Barry Toshner every success in his year as president.”
Past president Phil Spence addressed the gathering, praised Pat for a successful year, thanked her for recruiting three new members, and welcomed Barry to his second stint as president.