Yate Rotary club have had their first social distanced presidency ceremony.

With the Rotary year ending on June 30, a new president took over the annual responsibility from the outgoing President. The ceremony would usually involved a party however this year the ceremony was cut short.

This year, with the threat of Covid-19 still present, and to adhere to social distancing guidleines the handover was effected safely with the use of litter-pickers, to avoid any close contact.

The outgoing President Darren Williamson, handed the chain of office to the incoming President, Richard Gilpin and wished him well for the coming year.

Richard Gilpin thanked Darren for his hard work during the preceding year and handed him a Past President’s medal.

A video of this short ceremony and accompanying speeches was shown at the following virtual Yate Rotary Club meeting on June, 18, along with a total send-up of the Past President’s character and interests – prepared as a 10-minute video by all the members.

Darren Wiliamson is Scout Leader of the 1st Yate Explorers.

Richard Gilpin said:

"We have not been able to hold our annual fund-raising Beer and Music Festival this year, and we have certainly missed the usual Handover Party, but we look forward to celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the South Cotswold Beer and Music Festival in July 2021."