Macclesfield Rotary Club have selected a new president, in one of their first in-person meetings of the year.

The organisation of Macclesfield professionals helping to bring goodwill and peace to the area, have had an action-packed year of helping good causes.

Despite lots of Macclesfield Rotary events being postponed due to pandemic restrictions, the Club managed to thrive and survive.

This included Macclesfield Rotarians being regular volunteers at COVID-19 vaccination clinics, and donating thousands of toys for young children.

The Macc group, which welcomes both professional men and women, had Bob Bracegirdle replace former president Chris Watson.

There was a new setting for the President handover this year, in the garden of the Harrington Arms in Gawsworth.

Outgoing President Chris Watson said, "It's been an unusual year for Rotary this year, but one in which I'd like to think we rose to the challenges. When I look back we've certainly achieved a lot despite the circumstance.

"Over a 1,000 presents were distributed to children in the local area through the "Toy from a Child to a Child programme.

"This included the launch an offshoot of this saw children's books distributed in Primary Schools in the area.

"A Macclesfield Dragons' Den held virtually this year saw the club giving funds to support five local charities.

"These were Macclesfield Parish Church Scout and Guide group, the Rossendale Trust, Macclesfield Male Voice Choir, Disability Information Bureau and East Cheshire Hospice.

"We've also managed to run heats for the Young Photographer and the Intermediate and Senior Youth Speaks Competitions.

"The club has also continued to support the wider international community. We work with Inner Wheel and other local charities and schools to fill Shoeboxes to go to children in eastern Europe.

"We also work with our partner clubs in Europe to fund projects, most recently in Kenya and India, and we support other charities such as Lend with Care, Mary's Wheels and Disaster Aid. Last but not least we support Rotary Foundation and all their amazing projects such as Polio Plus."

Incoming President Bob Bracegirdle is a Macclesfield boy who in recent years moved back to the area.

He has a wealth of experience in Rotary having been President at previous at another Rotary club outsite of Macc.

As an Assistant District Governor and he has an eclectic array of interests inside and outside Rotary including railways, trams and buses, both real and model, classic cars, singing and playing music.

Bob is an officer in two Fellowships of Rotary International.

"I believe that Rotary is about fun, friendship and offering support for the local and international community," Bob said.

"I know my project leaders have set ambitious programmes for the year, but I'm just as keen to get us all back together and meeting socially."

If you'd like to join the Club, you can contact them here.

They are part of Rotary International, who were founded in Chicago in 1905.

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