The first female President of Ross Rotary Club, Jackie Crane, was invested on Monday, June 28th.

Jackie grew up in Tibberton, leaving school at 16 she joined Barclays Bank in Newent and 32 years later is the manager in Ross. Jackie has a partner, Andy, and a 16 year old daughter who attends John Kyrle High School.

Jackie puts to rest the idea that Rotary is for old men who like to meet for lunch once a week and do nothing exciting. She will be President of a club, with five other lady members, which achieves a great deal for the good of the local community as well as further afield. Jackie joined Rotary four years ago because the members were very friendly and the meetings were varied.

Jackie intends her year to be light hearted and fun whilst also living up to the aim of Rotary which is to put service above self. To this end a programme of interesting speakers has been arranged covering such things as why run marathons at 69 and how to take good photographs. Members will be hearing from one of the winning British swimmers at the Paralympics and a number of visits to places of interest will be arranged. One of her fundraising projects will be a fashion show with a difference.

Jackie's other aim this year is to see membership increase and would like to hear from anyone who thinks Rotary might be of interest to them and is looking for a way to help make Ross a better place to live and work. The Club is also starting to celebrate its 60th year, it is the third oldest club in Herefordshire so this is bound to be an historical year for Ross.