Rotary Club of Ascot

PRESS RELEASE – 30^th June 2006

Communications & Press officer Ian Valentine ian@cival.info

Public Relations Beverley Williams 01344 874300

Handover Dinner at Dorney Reach

Dorney Reach rowing centre was the scene for the Annual Dinner and handover meeting for the Rotary Club of Ascot. The Rotary International “year” runs from July through to the following June, so this is the time that the new officers of the club take office, and the new committees come into existence, to guide the club through the next 12 months.

Rotarians and guests enjoy pre-dinner drinks on the terrace at Dorney Reach

Over 80 Rotarians and guests attended this black-tie event, which began with drinks on the terrace overlooking the 2.2km lake which will be used for the 2012 Olympic rowing competitions. This was followed by a very good meal, after which the formal handover of the presidency took place, with outgoing President Alan Penny handing over the chain of office to Geoff Donovan. First though, President Alan reflected on the achievements of the Rotary Club of Ascot during the past 12 months.

Alan Penny (left), outgoing President of the Rotary Club of Ascot welcomes his successor, Geoff Donovan.

In the year the club has participated in the raising of over £20,000 for local charities, through its Charity Golf day, Ascot Fireworks (in conjunction with Ascot Round Table) the Christmas collection and carols, Sunninghill Wheelbarrow race and the Royal Ascot car park at Budgens. Membership has grown by 7, to a total of 35, and the club has developed a tremendous spirit of fellowship and friendship through a well-balanced mix of social and fund-raising activities. The club is well set to move on to even greater achievements in the coming year. More information can be found on the club website – www.rotaryascot.org