RETIRING president, Geoff Tutt, made fellowship and membership his main objectives for the year. Three new members joined the club and, working with the Inner Wheel Club, the year’s social events included a Thai lunch, a weekend at Gwbert and the 30th twinning visit to la Fleche.

Members raised £3,500 for charitable causes including a donation to the Charles Renton Unit and a day out for youngsters from Westfields to Shortwood Farm. A Shelter Box was sent to victims of the Chinese earthquake disaster and a donation to a school in Brazil. Ralph Whitwell takes over as president for 2008-2009.

Ten members of Leominster Rotary Club made their 17th visit to Wigmore High School to conduct debriefing interviews with pupils on their return from work experience placements.

The 40 pupils from Year 10 spent a week working in a range of occupations including retailing, primary education, nursing and motor mechanics.

Working in teams of two, the Rotarians explored the pupils’ experiences and their views on their placements.

Pupils said they benefitted from the opportunity to talk to an unknown adult and that it was good practise for formal interviews in the future.

While conducting the interviews, they discovered one of the pupils, Simon Davey, was an aspiring stand-up comic. Simon came along and entertained the club very ably with his routine. The Rotarians, who benefitted from the opportunity to keep up to speed with the younger generation, will be back in the autumn to debrief Year 11after their chance to taste the world of work.