For issue 1st July 2003 REF:03-64

NEW PRESIDENT OF ROTARY HIGHLIGHTS NEWOPPORTUNITIES FOR HUMANITARIAN SERVICE AT HOME AND ABROAD

- PlymouthEducation Adviser elected President of Rotary International in Great Britainand Ireland

The new President of Rotary International in GreatBritain and Ireland is Brian Stoyel from Plymouth. On July 1^sthe became the leader of some 59,000Rotarians who belong to 1,835 clubs in Great Britain and Ireland. Brianspriorities for the next twelve months are the childrens hospices movement at home, and two overseas projects in Tanzania and Uganda. In 2003/2004 Rotaryclubs will be asked to focus on thesethree new areas of support: Association of Childrens Hospices; RotariansEliminating Malaria in Tanzania andRotaract Overseas Projects, in Tanzania to construct a community centre,and in Uganda to build a School Clinic.

Rotary International in GreatBritain and Ireland announced today that it will be working in partnership withthe Association of Childrens Hospices to offer Rotary support to thechildrens hospice movement throughout these islands. The Association willbenefit from Rotarians providing hands on help to all 43 of their membershospices organisations as well as fund raising initiatives throughoutthe next year. These include organising Butterfly Tea Parties in ChildrensHospice Week in September and a national song writing competition.

Rotarians Eliminating Malariain Tanzania is the second project chosen for support and the aim in the nexttwelve months is to raise funds toprovide chemically impregnated nets, insecticides and medicines as well asmachines to check for anaemia. Funding willbe provided also for education and awareness through the training oflocal workers who will go into the villages to educate the local people in theway of symptoms, treatments and prevention. The programme is based on gettingthe local people to take responsibility for the project and then supplying thetechnical expertise and equipmentrequired.

The Rotaract Overseas Projectsin Tanzania and Uganda are three week projects to build a community centre inMaji Ya Chai, Tanzania in August 2003 anda School Clinic in Njeru, Uganda in August 2004. Brian, who has goodRotary contacts in these countries will lead a team of 14 Rotaractors who will work with localcraftsmen, labourers and cooks. Rotaract is part of the Rotary family with members from the age of 18-30.

Speaking about his appointment,Brian said: At atime when religious, ethnic and political conflicts occur frequently around theworld, Rotarys work is even more significant. Rotarys spirit of communityvolunteerism encourages harmony and rightful understanding among peoples withwidely differing backgrounds. It is no surprise that Rotarians from all overthe world overcome political, religious and ethnic differences everyday topursue a common goal of humanitarianism. I feel privileged to have beeninvolved in Rotary for more than 20 years and have enjoyed the close friendshipof fellow Rotarians as well as the genuine satisfaction of seeing Rotary helpso many worthy causes.

These projects will be supported by fund raisingthrough a raffle of a Vauxhall Signum car which has been generously sponsoredby Vauxhall UK. In addition Vauxhall are providing a specially liveried OmegaElite estate car for use by Brian during his Presidential year.

Photograph of Brian Stoyel is available on request.

Contact: Judith Diment Telephone 01628 672965 or 07860 162313 judithdiment@aol.com

www.rotary-ribi.org

Notes to Editors:

1. Rotary International, a non-profit organization, has 1.2 million membersin some 31,000 Rotary clubs in 166 countries. The main objective of theorganization is service in the community and throughout the world. Asvolunteers, members of Rotary implement projects that meet community needs,build goodwill and peace and encourage high ethical standards in all vocations.A Rotary Club is open to men and women who are business, professional orcommunity leaders who want to use their experience for the benefit of others.In Great Britain and Ireland there are 59,000members in 1835 clubs.

2. For general information onRotary in your area, contact the local Rotary Club President, details fromRobin Freeman, Secretary Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland:01789 765411, www.rotary-ribi.org