Peter Sale takes the helm: a Rotarian year of community engagement ahead

On Monday, 10th July, at a bustling meeting of the Shaftesbury Rotary Club, Peter Sale was installed as President for the year 2023/2024. David Britton, the outgoing President, handed over the chains of office before President Peter installed Paul Slimm as his President Elect for the coming year.

Following this, David Britton was honoured with a Paul Harris Fellow award, a prestigious recognition named after Rotary’s founder, Paul Harris. This tribute acknowledges a shared purpose with the humanitarian objectives of The Rotary Foundation. Britton joins a line of club members who have received this esteemed award.

Peter Sale brings a personal vision of working with volunteers to support local and international initiatives. ‘For me, Rotary is all about raising money for local charities and supporting initiatives in the local community,’ he says.

Key events under Sale’s leadership include the Gold Hill Festival – plans are already afoot for a revised and improved event next year.

The North Dorset Cycle Ride continues as another crucial event for the Ahaftesbury Rotarians, having raised thousands for Prostate Cancer over the years. Education and youth engagement are central to Peter’s plans. The RotaKids initiative, having started a club at Abbey School, will be expanding to Shaftesbury CE Primary School. The Youth Speaks debating competition, entering its third year, will be looking to expand further, and the Young Chef competition, successfully launched this year at Shaftesbury School, showcases culinary talents like Charlie JohnSmith, who triumphed at the Area Final Senior Competition. Social connection is vital to the club’s vision, as well. Being twinned with a Rotary Club in Heerlen, Netherlands, has brought international camaraderie, with a reciprocal visit scheduled from 6th-8th October. ‘Joining Rotary is a way of developing fellowship with like-minded people. We meet at social events and work on community projects,’ says Peter. With a blend of community support, charity, educational initiatives, and social activities, Peter Sale’s leadership promises an energetic and compassionate direction for the Shaftesbury Rotary Club in the coming year. Those interested in knowing more or getting involved with Rotary can reach out at hello@ shaftesburyrotaryclub.org. The club’s continued success is testament to its commitment to enriching the local community and beyond.