Milne relishing president’s role

Milne holds the position until next July and is anticipating an exciting year working with the community, at home and abroad.

Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland (RIBI) is an organisation of more than 55,000 men and women who, as members of over 1,850 Rotary clubs, volunteer their time, talents, professional skills and energy to improving the lives of people within their local communities and in those around the world.

The Coleraine club has been working in the area for three quarters of a century, since July 21, 1939. Since that time members have given up many hours of personal time and raised thousands of pounds for charity, both local and international.

Having received his chain of office, Milne said: “It is an honour to be elected President of this fine club and I look forward to working with all the members as we find ways to serve the community, in Coleraine and across the world.

“I would like to congratulate past President Michael Magee for his unstinting efforts throughout the past year. He has set high standards and I will be working hard to keep them going.

“Indeed all the members have given freely of their time and expertise throughout the year and I look forward to their support again this year.

“In Coleraine we like to focus on the local area, helping where we can through fund raising and by giving actual practical assistance where we can. We work with the council and with charitable and other worthy causes in the area, trying to bring something positive to the community.

“We are always keen to consider projects and I would encourage people out there to bring their ideas to the Rotary Club and we will try our best to assist.”

Across the world Rotary has a theme for all its activities this year, “Peace through service”.

Milne said: “Rotary has an international aspect and many projects, such as the fight against Polio, have been very successful. Polio is being beaten and only a few areas of the world are still afflicted by it, to a considerable degree because of Rotary International support.

“Locally the club is helping the Rotary International Peace Programme through the efforts of one of our members, Gavin Bate. Gavin reached the summit of Mount Everest last year and unfurled a Rotary flag there.

“Now, for a donation of £10, that flag could be yours, with all the proceeds are being shared between Gavin’s charity Moving Mountains and Rotary Peace Initiatives.

“This totally unique flag is being offered as the prize, along with an amazing guided trek to Everest base camp, when you enter the draw. It is an amazing prize and you can find out more, donate and enter at www.rotary.rogavi.com , or visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/#!/RotaryEverestChallenge or the club website www.colerainerotary.org”

The Rotary Club of Coleraine meets every Tuesday at The Lodge Hotel. If you are interested in finding out more about Rotary or think you might like to join in the club, please visit the website www.colerainerotary.org for contact details of members.

Just get in touch and you will receive a warm welcome.