THE handover ceremony for the new president of Ely Hereward Rotary Club took place this week, with Christine Gascoigne taking over from the outgoing Gary Gardner.

Christine spent most of her working life in the University of St Andrews, first as keeper of rare books in the university library, then head of special collections and for the last two years, acting librarian.

After retiring, she and her husband moved to Ely, where she enjoys the U3A, singing in Ely Cathedral Octagon Singers, fundraising, and volunteering in the cathedral archive.

The main focus for Christine’s fundraising year will be to try to support some of the small local groups and good causes, many of whom are finding life difficult due to local government funding cuts.

Despite the difficult economic climate, in Gary’s year the club raised more than £6,000 for charities and good causes.

Beneficiaries included The Alzheimer’s Society, ADeC, The Teenage Cancer Trust at Addenbrooke’s, the Ely College Inclusion Group, the town crier competition, the Viva Arts Group, the British Legion, and End Polio Now.

For more information about Ely Hereward Rotary Club please visit www.rotaryclubely-hereward.org or contact Frank Connolly at fac@lineone.net, or on 01366 386973.