New President Takes the Helm at Rotary Club of St Neots

The Rotary Club of St Neots has appointed Bruce Elam as its new president, succeeding Angus Hornsby at the club's annual handover evening.

Mr Hornsby reflected on a successful year in office, during which the club donated more than £5,700 to a wide range of local and international causes. Beneficiaries included local schools, the Coffee Pot Club, Hunts Volunteer Centre, St Neots Museum, an environmental project at The Pightle, the global campaign to eradicate polio and the Rotary Foundation.

Taking over the chain of office, Mr Elam said he was honoured to lead the club into the new Rotary year.

He said: "We have a phenomenal team here in St Neots. As we begin this new Rotary year, our focus remains on turning ambitious ideas into meaningful action that benefits our town while reflecting Rotary's guiding principle of 'Service Above Self.'

"Together, we can create a lasting impact for our community."

A long-standing member of the club, Mr Elam has helped organise many of its major fundraising events and community grant programmes. He also announced Martin West as president-elect and outlined plans to strengthen community engagement and expand opportunities for young people, including the return of the Young Musician of the Year competition.

The club has chosen Home-Start and Dementia UK as its charities for the coming year. Home-Start supports families with children under five, while Dementia UK holds personal significance for Mr Elam following the death of his sister from the disease earlier this year.

Fundraising plans include a concert by Upwood Ukulele at St Mary's Church, St Neots, on 31 October, the club's annual Golf Day and a series of community events. The evening concluded with a vote of thanks to local businesses, families and supporters whose continued backing helps the club serve the community.