AT the end of a ‘brilliant’ year the president of Tavistock Rotary Club, Tony Parker, has handed over the presidency to lawyer Catherine Bailey.

South African-born Catherine came from Cape Town to Plymouth, her father’s home town, in 2001. Starting as a legal secretary in 2002, she qualified as a lawyer studying by distance learning and through talent and hard work, she recently received the news that she had been appointed a partner in the practice in which she works.

Catherine comes from a Rotary family, her dad having been in the Rotary since the early 80s and her mum in the Inner Wheel.

She said: ‘Both my parents were extremely active in their respective clubs and there were always events going on, helping and serving in the local communities. I was in Interact at senior school and I have always been passionate about being able to help people wherever I can. When more time became available in my studies, I sought out Rotary and found a perfect match in the Tavistock club.’

Catherine has been active in many of Tavistock club’s activities, including Tavistock Dementia Action Alliance, charity golf days, Christmas collections, ShelterBox and Goose Fair.

On taking her role as president, Catherine thanked Tony Parker for his brilliant work during the previous year and welcomed Graham Parker and Norrie Philip as her vice presidents.

As she received the presidency, she said: ‘I am really looking forward to an exciting year ahead. Rotary is a lot of fun and I look forward to leading the club through another great year and serving the community locally, nationally and internationally.’

Mayor of Tavistock Cllr Mandy Ewings welcomed Catherine saying: ‘Congratulations on your handover dinner Catherine. Tony has been a truly outstanding president and a hard act to follow. However, you are an incredible lady who has already achieved many things. So, lead on Catherine, with Graham Parker and Norrie Philip by your side.’