‘A SUPERB club president, she’s going to be a really hard act to follow’ — that was how Graham Parker, the 71st president in the history of Tavistock Rotary Club, described his predecessor Catherine Bailey.

Catherine handed over to Graham, a retired planning consultant and the current West Devon Borough Councillor for Tavistock South West, at the end of one of the most successful years in the club’s history.

At a garden party, hosted by Rotarian David Tout and his wife Christine, 50 guests heard of the club’s brilliant achievements in the past 12 months. Under Catherine’s guidance, the club has finalised the supply of fresh water from 16 wells in Uganda, raised money to supply three chemotherapy pumps for Derriford Hospital, funded the training of dozens of young South Africans and helped Santa Claus to visit thousands of people in Tavistock over Christmas.

Graham said: ‘Catherine brings people together. Under her guidance, we are working closely with Tavistock Lions, the town council, and Local Matters on the creation of the Community Sensory Garden.

‘We’ve taken responsibility for the Christmas Day lunch at the URC, helped out with CHICKS’ Santa Run, helped organise the parking at Widecombe Fair, organised Youth Speaks, Young Photographer — the list is far too long. I hope that I can live up to the standards that she has set.’

Setting out his priorities, Graham explained: ‘As usual we’ll be out and about everywhere at Christmas, at Dickensian Evening and Goose Fair. Youth Speaks and Young Photographer will be at the heart of our work with young people and we’re going to raise enough money for a further two chemotherapy pumps at Derriford Hospital. But we’ve also got lots of ideas for new competitions, concerts and social events, so watch this space.’

Graham welcomed vice presidents Norrie Philip and John Hanson to the club’s top team.