Who are you? Frank Connolly, a founder member and this year’s President of the Ely Hereward Rotary Club – Ely’s evening Rotary Club

Who are you?

Frank Connolly, a founder member and this year’s President of the Ely Hereward Rotary Club – Ely’s evening Rotary Club

What do you do?

I’m retired, so life tends to revolve round our children, grandchildren, and helping our Rotary Club and other organisations fundraise for charities and good causes.

Why would people know you?

You may have seen me helping at Aquafest, on the Father Christmas street collections, or just rattling a bucket in the city. I was in the news trade all of my working life, both for WH Smith and Archant (The Ely Standard), so most local newsagents will know me.

On a scale of 1-10 (10 highest) what do you rate your sense of humour?

Eight.

Tell us a joke.

I used to be indecisive, but now I’m not so sure…

Give us at least five pet hates.

Cruelty, intolerance, vandalism, graffiti, litter, bad manners, impatient drivers – and don’t get me started about people who spend all their time looking at their mobile phones (is that enough?)

Is it time for Britain to abolish the Royal Family?

I suspect the time for a review will come after the Queen dies and we see what Charles makes of the job.

Brexit – in or out?

In - I was born in 1946 so I just missed the last European war, and I would hate my grandchildren to see another one.

What is your favourite thing about East Cambridgeshire?

The city of Ely, its history, the river, and the open spaces.

Which TV programme has you reaching for the off button?

Any reality show.

Favourite sports team (any sport)?

Currently, because they’re local, Norwich City FC - but being a County Durham lad, I always look out for Sunderland too.

Place you would never want to return to and why?

Can’t think of anywhere I dislike that much.

Which three people would you like to have dinner with?

Dolly Parton, Leonard Cohen, Winston Churchill

Who would you cross the road to avoid?

Most politicians…

Who was your childhood hero and why?

At school I always admired Sir Robert Peel, an idealistic reformer at a time when it wasn’t the done thing for politicians.

Your claim to fame.

If only…

Biggest regret in life or biggest achievement?

When you get to my age regrets tend to be about people you wish you’d spent more time with. My biggest achievement – helping bring up three wonderful, well balanced daughters.

What character would dress as for a fancy dress party?

A dashing (if stocky) Second World War RAF pilot.