WOMEN have been welcomed to a club for the first time in its near 70-year history.

Business owners Chris Whittam and Jenny Mealing were officially inducted as the first female members of the Harwich and Dovercourt Rotary Club at a meeting at the Cliff Hotel last week.

The ladies had both attended several meetings before having their memberships rubber stamped, as is protocol with all new Rotarians.

President John Wade said he was delighted to accept the ladies into the group, which has been running since 1946.

“It is good news and I am sure they will bring a wealth of new interest and knowledge to our meetings,” he said.

“It won’t change anything at all apart from instead of saying gentleman will you stand we will now have to say Rotarians will you stand to incorporate everyone.”