ROTARY Clubs in Northwich have welcomed their new presidents.

Outgoing Northwich Vale Royal Rotary Club president Bill Kendrick has officially handed over the reins to incumbent Nigel Barrington-Smith, during the club’s first face-to-face meeting, held outdoors, for nearly 16 months.

Nigel is married to Sue and they have lived on Kingsmead since arriving in Northwich in 1998.

Nigel is a retired financial adviser who enjoys playing golf, watching cricket, which he used to play locally, and his community involvement with Rotary.

Meanwhile, a well-known resident has taken over as Northwich Rotary Club's new president.

Northwich-born Rupert Adams spent his working life in local government as an environmental health officer, becoming the head of environmental health at the former Vale Royal Borough Council and then a senior regulatory services manager at Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Both he, and his wife Val, have a long association with St Luke’s Hospice.

Rupert’s interest in wildlife, especially entomology (the study of insects), and real ale keeps him busy.

He is the county butterfly recorder for Cheshire and the Wirral and secretary of the North Cheshire Branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale).

Since joining Rotary just less than 10 years ago he has become heavily involved with organising community events.

He explains: "As the country emerges from lockdown we are looking forward to working with partner organisations and with the other Rotary clubs that make up ‘Rotary in Northwich’.

"The last 17 months have been really difficult with fundraising hit especially hard but we have managed a few socially distanced events and developed our links within the community.

"As Covid-19 restrictions are lifted we are beginning to re-establish our calendar of events and activities which will include some new offerings.

"We have a warm, supportive and welcoming club and we are always looking for new members who want to enjoy fellowship and give something back to the community in which we are privileged to live."