Newport Pagnell Rotary Club New Rotary Club President - It was all change at the Rotary Club of Newport Pagnell when new Rotarian Roger Simmons was inducted as the new president for the next twelve months. Outgoing president Nigel Benson handed over the chain of office to Roger and wished him an enjoyable and successful year (pictured below). Roger, who lives locally, combines his Rotary career with a busy working life as the centre manager at an Aylesbury retail complex. He is married with children to Iona. Other officers who take over Rotary Club roles for the next year are Wendy Egan (president-elect), Nigel Benson (treasurer) and David Aked-Waker, who continues as club secretary. Day out at Whipsnade The weather stayed fine for a group of children and staff from Slated Row School as they enjoyed a fantastic day out at Whipsnade Zoo in June. They joined in the fun of the annual Rotary Kids Out Day that clubs all over the country take part in. Members of Newport Pagnell Rotary Club, who organised the trip, were impressed by the boundless reserves of enthusiasm by the children. But the energy levels ofthe Rotary volunteers were unable to match those of their younger charges (pictured above right). The children really enjoyed looking at the animals, especially watching the lions, tigers and cheetahs. The monkeys and meerkats also provided great entertainment for them. After a picnic lunch, they visited the play area and went for a ride on the park train. Many of the children showed their appreciation by sending thank you cards to the Rotary Club after their fabulous day out. 42 Phonebox Magazine New president Cedars School garden celebration Staff, pupils and parents enjoyed the sunshine when Cedars School celebrated the official opening of phase one of their Sensory Garden renovation with a garden party. Refreshments were provided, and there was live music and song from the childrens' choir and guest entertainers. Much of the finance for the renovation was provided by the Rotary Club of Newport Pagnell, and further money has been made available during the coming months. Several members of the club attended the garden party, and past president Richard Coleman (the Sensory Garden project was initiated in his year) cut the ribbon to officially open the garden and unveiled a plaque acknowledging the help and support of the Rotary Club. Would you like to come and meet us and make a di erence? The Rotary Club of Newport Pagnell has been around since 1963 and has been providing help to communities locally, nationally and internationally. An active group of twenty-five like minded men and women, they meet every Wednesday at the Swan Revived Hotel, Newport Pagnell. A dual gender dining club, having a meal is optional. If a meal is required then this takes place in the restaurant from 6.45pm onwards. Non-diners can arrive in time for the start of the meeting at 8pm. For more i nformation, have a look at the website newportpagnell.rotaryweb.org or contact the following: Roger Simmons (president) (01 908) 374833 roger_simmons@btconnect.com John Belcher (01 908) 2 1 0028 jh.belcher@btinternet.com Neil Seeton (PR and communications) (01908) 617735 neilbeeton@sky.com