A Year of Achievement for Pershore Rotary

Pershore Rotary marked the end of another successful year at its annual changeover meeting on 17 June, when outgoing President Lynne Raymer handed over the Chain of Office to incoming President Mina Crisp. During the evening, Paul Pugh was also recognised as President Elect 2026/27.

Reflecting on her year in office, Lynne described it as a privilege to lead the club through a period of continued recovery, renewal and growth. A significant development was the successful introduction of evening meetings at the Queen Elizabeth Inn, Elmley Castle, alongside informal daytime coffee gatherings in Pershore. These changes have helped make Pershore Rotary more accessible, visible and welcoming to both members and prospective members.

Throughout the year, the club welcomed an impressive range of guest speakers, strengthened its presence within the local community and played an active role in many of Pershore's major events, including the Pershore Carnival, Plum Festival, Riverside Festival and Georgian Christmas Fayre. The club also renewed its involvement with the Pershore Plus Volunteer Centre and continued to build a strong relationship with Pershore Town Hall and Mayor, Councillor Julie Hemming.

The launch of a new club website, together with increased promotion of Rotary activities through Facebook and the local press, has significantly raised the club's profile and helped showcase the wide range of projects undertaken by members.

Supporting local, national and international charities remained at the heart of the club's work. Fundraising initiatives benefitted the Midlands Air Ambulance, Acorns Children's Hospice and St Richard's Hospice through the annual Tree of Remembrance Appeal. The club also funded a quiet room at Wick Care Farm, supported ShelterBox through its 'Tea in a Tent' initiative, continued its long-standing support for KidsOut, and enabled another local student to attend the Rotary Youth World Affairs Seminar in the USA.

Music continued to bring people together while raising valuable funds for charity. Concerts in Pershore Abbey included Gordon's Gig, a celebration of the life of the club's good friend Gordon Hartley-Bennett in aid of Parkinson's UK, Vocal High's popular Candlelight Winter Warmer and a performance by the Fugue & Groove Trio with proceeds supporting a number of the club's charitable causes.

Fellowship remained an important part of club life. Members enjoyed a midweek break to Ely, a Nepalese-inspired fundraising evening supporting the construction of a new hospice in Kathmandu and memorable celebrations to mark Pershore Rotary's 60th Anniversary of its charter at The Vale Golf Club.

Thanking members and her Council for their support throughout the year, Lynne reflected on the importance of the anniversary year..."Celebrating our 60th Anniversary has been an opportunity not only to reflect on our past achievements, but also to embrace change, strengthen what we do and ensure Pershore Rotary continues to thrive for the benefit of our community."

She wished incoming President Mina Crisp every success for the year ahead.

Looking ahead to 2026/27

President Mina begins her year with an exciting programme focused on building on the club's strong foundations while inspiring the next generation.

Alongside continuing to support valued local organisations, such as the Wellbeing Centre, Pershore Plus Volunteer Centre, Wick Care Farm, Pershore Foodbank and the Riverside Centre, Mina will place particular emphasis on engaging young people through education, creativity and enterprise.

Plans for the coming year include a primary schools photography competition, STEM projects and creative workshops led by magician Angus Baskerville - who joined members for the changeover evening - and music therapists. These initiatives aim to encourage confidence, creativity and aspiration among young people while continuing Pershore Rotary's commitment to making a positive difference across the community.

As one Rotary year closes and another begins, Pershore Rotary looks forward to another year of service, fellowship and community involvement.