THE Rotary Club of Barry has announced its new president for the forthcoming year.

Outgoing president Peter Battle handed over the chain of office to Robin Pitcher, the new president for 2014/15, at its formal Handover dinner meeting at the Manor House Hotel, in Sully, on July 3.

Mr Pitcher is a fellow of the Institute of Chemical Engineers and was site manager of Dow Corning, from 1991 to 1995.

Robin has lived in the Vale since 1968.

He is also chairman of Penarth & District Ramblers, a volunteer with the National Trust as well as being a keen walker and skier.

He has been a Rotarian since 1993 and was previously Club President in 2005/06.

He has a Paul Harris Fellowship Award for his outstanding contribution to the work of the Rotary movement, whose motto is Service above Self.

His experience will ensure that during the coming year the club will continue to successfully raise funds in order to support those less fortunate in the local community through youth and senior projects while also continuing to support Rotary’s Worldwide Eradication of Polio Project supported by Bill Gates.

Members will also have the opportunity to enjoy the fellowship that Rotary offers through a wide range of social events during the year.

President Robin thanked everyone for attending the event and said he was looking forward to being President for the second time before going on to outline some of the Club’s events in the year ahead as well as encouraging new people to join Rotary.

The Club will continue to make much needed monthly donations to the Vale Foodbank; in August they will have a stall at the Vale Show in Fonmon and plans are already in hand for the Annual Fireworks Fiesta at Barry Island on November 5.

Also taking up their new chains of office were Paul Halstead, president elect for 2015/16, and David Ball, president nominee for 2016/17.

Phil Hunt was reappointed as club secretary and Quentin Lewis was elected to succeed Peter Chaffey as club treasurer.

The Rotary Club of Barry meets weekly in the Mount Sorrel Hotel on Thursdays at 6pm for 6.30pm.

For details, call former president, Peter Battle on 01446 710204 or visit www.ribi.org