THE chains of office have been handed over at Aireborough Rotary Club as they begin a new year.

Outgoing president Geoff Bartrum handed the chains of office over to incoming president Janet Appleton, with Alicia Ridout taking on the role of president elect at a recent meeting.

A spokesperson for Aireborough Rotary said: "Highlights for the year chosen by Geoff included Charter Night with dancing to a live band, making Sally Mohan and John Kitching Paul Harris Fellows, the sixth successful beer festival and the honour of representing Aireborough Rotary at two Remembrance Day events.

"These were laying a wreath at Rawdon Cenotaph and introducing the annual brass band concert at Yeadon Town Hall on the same day. This was particularly memorable for him as his father came through World War II as a bomber pilot "His charity for the year had been the Mara Safe House in Tanzania protecting young girls whilst providing food, shelter, education and family reconciliation.

"Incoming president Janet pledged to continue and build on the excellent work being undertaken both within our community and internationally. She also recognised that membership recruitment remained a crucial issue with new opportunities now being made available to Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland. This was a challenge that had to be grasped.

"Her charities for the year included Millie Wright’s Children’s Charity on Ward L50 in Leeds, making life easier for families of children with rare and life threatening non malignant conditions. She also wished to carry on the Club’s support for the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease now the first turf had been cut."