The Rotary Club of Thorpe Bay held its Handover Evening for 2006 at the Atheneum in Rochford.

Loretta Andrews made her farewell speech as the outgoing President of the club whilst President Elect Rosemary Sudlow and local MP James Dudderidge looked on.

The Handover Ceremony with Loretta handing over her chain of office and the incoming President's badge to Rosemary.

Rosemary presented her vision and programme for her year, 2006-2007.

Main charity events will include:

• The Foulness Bike Ride, cancelled this year due to operational committments at QinetiQ but reinstated to run once more in 2007, to the delight of the many who look forward to this fine event.

• The Charity Golf Day, to be held at Thorpe Hall Golf Club on the 2^nd May 2007.

And of course there will be several other events such as Stroke Awareness Day and charity walks, throughout 2006-7 and a good many social events too!

Loretta may no longer be President but as Immediate Past President and our Programmes Officer for 2007 she will still have plenty to do.

Husband Vic who has been wonderfully supportive in Loretta's year will no doubt welcome the release of pressure being no longer the President's Partner.

Back to the fun of being just a member's spouse.

Loretta received the thanks of the club for her excellent year and a gift to commemorate the time in office.

Sandra Allen, outgowing District Governor for District 1240 was awarded the Thorpe Bay Rotarian of the Year Prize and it was presented by Loretta.

We all hope that all the following recipients are as deserving as Sandra!

And finally, Pam Watson-Jones introduced the club's newest member, Mike Edmonds the well known actor to be inducted into the club.

The formal part of the evening was concluded by Arthur Millman, Sergeant at Arms for 2006-7 who was as witty as ever.