A FORMER president of the Halstead Rotary has been named the club's new District Governor for the whole of Essex.

Keith Brownlie, 67, of Church Street in Great Maplestead was handed the reigns to the role of District Governor for Rotary across Essex and East Herts on Wednesday.

It marks the first time a Halstead past presidents of Rotary has held the post.

Keith will oversee 60 clubs across the district and more than 1,400 Rotarians.

Due to Covid-19, the clubs have been unable to meet face-to-face since March and have instead been conducting their work virtually.

Before taking up the role, Keith held his first District Assembly online and was joined by the international Presidents, Holger Knaacht from Germany where they are also in lockdown.

Keith said:"I am both honoured and excited to begin my Rotary Year as District Governor.

"I am also delighted to be the first member of Halstead Rotary Club to be appointed to the role.

"Rotary's theme this year is “Rotary Opens Opportunities “ this is very much about making Rotary a truly Sustainable Organisation going forward.

"I have 60 Rotary Clubs and 1400 Rotarians across Essex and East Herts, all are unique.

"I have targeted my District with creating 8 new Clubs. Most of my Clubs are using Zoom and social media to meet up.

Serving for just a year, Keith is keen to spread Holger's message of getting youth involved in the Rotary.

He is also targeting the creation of eight new clubs across Essex and East Herts in the year ahead.

He believes the image of Rotary needs to change. There is a place for the Traditional Club meeting with speakers and a meal.

Keith however also wants to engage with a new generation of Young Dynamic Rotarians who want to do good in the Community.

He added: "We must ensure we maintain our existing Traditional Clubs, but must also encourage a younger more diverse ,dynamic membership.

"We must explore new club models and make Membership of Rotary both Memorable and Exciting.

"Rotary can begin at school with Rotakids and move through an interact Club to a Roteract Club and onto full Club Membership.

"Most young people want to make a difference in their local community. Rotary offers them a chance to get involved as families, to get involved as an example in Environmental projects.

"Cleaning up rivers, gathering up plastic and planting trees are just some of the things we are doing.

"During Covid-19, Rotarians have been operating food banks, manufacturing PPE and delivering food and medicine to vulnerable people.

"If you want to Volunteer please call or email me."

For more information, contact Keith at davidkbrownlie@gmail.com.