A ROTARY club announced its new president at its latest club meeting.

Former Harwich and Dovercourt Rotary Club president Andy Fern handed over the chain of office to Chris Bridgewater. 

Mr Bridgewater has placed a particular emphasis on the club’s charity work and increasing membership.

He said: “Our membership dropped quite a lot during lockdown so I’m hoping to recruit some new members.

“We will discuss strategies to attract newer and younger members who can help us with the management side of things.

“In terms of charity work, we’re doing a lot with to help Ukrainian refugees and we are also helping with the Guy Carnival in November to raise funds for charities.”

At the event, Mr Fern was presented with the Paul Harris award, Rotary’s highest award for outstanding service.

Mr Fern has been club president on three occasions, two of which were during the pandemic.

Mr Bridgewater added: “Andy has been a great president, keeping the club running through zoom during lockdown.

“I particularly admire his work for the Mayflower 400 half marathon that was due to take place a few weeks before lockdown, it was postponed until April 2021 and he reorganised it very well.”