THE ROTARY Club of Ellesmere has had a busy time since the successful regatta on The Mere on July 1.

On Wednesday, July 4 outgoing president Ian Williams hosted a barbecue at The Boat House to mark the handover to new president Ian Wooley.

Members were entertained during the evening by some beautiful singing from Ellesmere College student Seren Devismes, who won her way through to the national final of this year’s RIBI Young Musicians’ Competition.

Another highlight of the evening was the award of a Paul Harris Fellowship to long-serving member Fred Williams, who has completed two terms as president himself, in addition to his contribution to the community over many years through the Rotary Club.

In the past Fred was also a stalwart of the cadet movement, as an officer who commanded cadet units with distinction during his long service.

In early August, president Ian had the pleasure of inducting two new members into the club; former mayor of Ellesmere Ian Ward, and businessman, Richard Smith – welcome additions considering the number of events in the Ellesmere calendar at this time of year.

The first of these, the Ellesmere Festival on August 11 and 12, saw the club’s teddy tombola on its penultimate outing. It has performed sterling work raising funds for local causes for the last six years and went into deserved retirement after the Ellesmere Carnival, held on the Saturday of August Bank Holiday weekend. This same occasion saw the launch of the club’s used book stall.

This originated from a generous donation of over 700 books by local resident Margaret Williams, which she hoped would help boost the Club’s charity funds this year and in the future.

The stall proved a great success and further donations of books by more residents have raised the stock to over 1,000. Currently, the club is happy to accept more book donations.

Sunday, August 26 saw many Rotarians marshalling for the Ellesmere 10k run, and they were on duty again for the Ellesmere Triathlon on Sunday September 16.

Meanwhile, recent social events have included a Treasure Hunt and there is an upcoming bowls evening.

For more about the Rotary Club of Ellesmere contact the club secretary on 01691 777178 or visit www.ellesmererotary.org.uk