The handover by outgoing President of The Rotary Club of Brigg, Arthur Borrill, to incoming President for 2008-9, Steve Pearce, had to be delayed this year as the Brigg club also has the honour and privilege of providing the District Governor who is a member and Past President.The Kar Restaurant in Brigg hosted both events and our new District Governor (with the famous name), Mohammad Ali, was duly appointed.Mohammad praised the work done by Brigg within the local community and internationally and pledged to encourage all 49 clubs in his district to set local goals and especially to consider:

·                     Work with Leonard Cheshire International to equip one school in Uganda so that disabled children can study.

·                     Increased involvement with youth activities, Leadership courses, Youth Speaks, Young Chef etc.

·                     Support the work of Rotary Foundation, Rotary’s world wide charity

·                     Continue the international effort to eradicate Polio.

·                     Prepare for and actively take part in the Group Study Exchange with a party from the Philippines in March and April 2009. 

Mohammad joined the Brigg Club on the same day in January 1995 as three others;  Brian Parker, recent recipient of the Joseph Magrath Civic Award, Arthur Borrill, immediate Past President and Steve Pearce, retiring Headteacher from Brigg County Primary and incoming President. 

President Steve Pearce is congratulated by Arthur Borrill on becoming President.Steve said that the list of distinguished Past Presidents is an inspiration to him and if he can follow in their footsteps he will be pleased. He congratulated Immediate Past President Arthur on his very successful year and said that Brigg has a vibrant, active Club which enjoys a well deserved good reputation within District and more importantly is held in high esteem within our community. “I shall, therefore, follow the maxim that ‘if it isn’t broke then don’t fix it.’”What a great start they will both have with 16 couples attending The District Conference in Harrogate. “We’ll make it a Rally to remember!” said Steve.The club will continue its support for local community activities and charities; provide shelter boxes and clean water especially for disasters such as tsunamis, earthquakes, floods and hurricanes. It is a lot of fund raising but well worth the effort.Sue Pearce is also President of Brigg Inner Wheel this year so the close association with Brigg Ladies will continue .Good luck to Sue.  

Brigg Rotarians and their wives were on hand at the Leonard Cheshire Home in Barnetby, now rebranded as Leonard Cheshire Disability,  to provide a special meal followed by entertainment when they made their annual home visit.

Some residents have become old friends over the years and others have only been at the home for a short time or are receiving respite care. However, everyone enjoyed their tea washed down with a glass of wine or juice whilst enjoying superb musical and vocal entertainment provided by Brigg Rotary members.

Resident can be seen enjoying their tea with carers supported by Rotarians and their wives.

Every year Rotarians and their partners provide ‘tea and entertainment’ on one occasion and then when the weather hopefully improves in the summer they organise a day out to a venue chosen by the residents.

Last year the chosen place was Skegness which proved an excellent choice given the weather of 2007 with plenty to see, wheelchair friendly facilities and suitable shelter between the rain showers. The day out in 2008 has yet to be finalised but the seaside is always a firm favourite but there must be many local places to visit should this year not live up to global warming predictions and rain again as it did in 2007.