Normally, the Bridport Rotary president’s handover is a formal event, but due to coronavirus, members had to take a different approach.

The unusual handover took place at Bridport Golf Club on the course with all the ‘president’s men’. Past president, David Weston, handing over to president Roger Pollock, who then inaugurated president elect Bernard Paull and president nominee Colin Bowditch.

Roger thanked David for what he had achieved in a difficult year dealing with the virus restrictions.

In 2019/20, Bridport Rotary Club supported SOS Africa funding totally £900, two Colfox students Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, Youth Speaks competition, Colfox STEAM team, the Bridport Bandits, 1st Bridport Scouts and BYPAT’s Branden’s Trail amounting to £1,920, as well as Cupboard Love food bank with £500, West Dorset Scrubbers with £900, Bridport Town Council coronavirus action plan with £2,000 and Beaminster Town Council coronavirus action plan with £250.

Fundraising events such as the hyacinth bulb selling and the Melplash Show were are success until the pandemic struck and ended further events and meetings.

David Weston’s nominated charity for his year was the Dorset branch of Mosaic, a charity offering support to bereaved children, young people and their families. A donation on £700 will be made soon.

President Roger Pollock’s nominated charity will be the Dorset Blind Association.