Sunderland Echo

President hands over – with some photo trickery

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An organisati­on supporting community groups has appointed a new leader for the next 12 months.

Members of Houghtonle-Spring Rotary have welcomed their newest President – in unique circumstan­ces.

A special meeting was held on July 1 to mark the President’s handover night, but due to the coronaviru­s pandemic and lockdown regulatons, it took place as a Zoom conference call instead of the normal meeting at the Chilton Moor Hotel.

Outgoing President Michael Gough took a photo of himself at home, a picture of incoming President Cliff Gaines at his home and an interior shot of Chilton

Moor.

He then used the magic of Photoshop to create a photo of the virtual handover – all with social distancing rules obeyed!

Cliff, a local pharmacist, has been a Rotarian for 25 years, and has been Club President twice before, in 2000-1 and 2011-12, so he already knows what he has let himself in for.

Cliff said: "I'm proud to be a member of this fine organisati­on.

“It does so much good serving the local community, and Internatio­nally too.

“We may be needed more than ever in the coming few months.”

A Rotary spokespers­on added: “We wish Cliff our best wishes for a successful year, despite the current conditions, and hope he has lots of fun performing his duties and supporting local good causes.”

Anyone who wants more informatio­n about Club activities, or would like to join, should contact secretary Ashley Burland on 07505 259191.

 ??  ?? The virtual handover with Michael Gough and Cliff Gaines.
The virtual handover with Michael Gough and Cliff Gaines.

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