‘A DIFFICULT act to follow’ was how Norrie Philip, the 72nd president in the history of Tavistock Rotary, described his predecessor Graham Parker as he received the presidency from him at the end of one of the most successful years in the club’s history.

At a garden party hosted by Rotarian David Tout and his wife Christine, more than 70 guests heard of the club’s brilliant achievements in the past 12 months. Under Graham’s guidance, Tavistock Rotary has completed its chemotherapy challenge, raising £10,000 to supply five chemotherapy pumps for Derriford Hospital.

The club has also worked with hundreds of local young people in the Young Photographer and Youth Speaks competitions and has made a huge impact in Tavistock with its Young Tavistock Art Exhibition, which drew hundreds of people to Butchers’ Hall in June. At Christmas, Rotary helped Santa to visit thousands of people in Tavistock, marshalled the CHICKS Santa Sprint and once more hosted the hugely successful Christmas Day lunch at the United Reformed Church.

Handing over the chain of office, Graham gave special thanks to Norrie for the support he had given him in his recent illness, saying: ‘Norrie is a very special man and a dear friend. I can do no more than wish him as happy and as successful a year as the club has had in the past 12 months.’

In accepting, Norrie thanked Graham and set out his priorities.

He said: ‘As usual, we’ll be out and about everywhere at Christmas, at Dickensian Evening and Goose Fair. Youth Speaks and Young Photographer and Young Tavistock Art will be at the heart of our work with young people. We’re also planning a couple of brand new events, so watch this space.’

Norrie announced that his charity of the year will be Tavistock Triangle Centre, to whom he has already been able to make a donation of £1,000.

Norrie also welcomed vice presidents John Hanson and David Tout to the club’s top team.

• Outgoing president Graham Parker is pictured with new president Norrie Philip.