A NEW president is aiming to steer the Rotary Club of Marlow through 12 months of calm waters - climbing aboard the organisation’s annual boat trip for senior citizens as one of his first duties.

David Duxbury will serve as president from this month through to next July.

He took over the reigns from outgoing president David Southon at a handover ceremony earlier this month.

At the event Mr Duxbury thanked the outgoing Mr Southon for all his leadership and work last year, during which the club’s membership grew and it started two new projects.

Members have been helping children with their reading at the Sandygate Junior School, and have also been providing security marshals for the Joint Churches Crypt Youth Club meetings .

Lance Slater, spokesman for the club, said this week: "He (Mr Duxbury) has confirmed his clear intention to maintain the great friendship and fun enjoyed by members of the Club whilst continuing the whole range of active service that members of the Rotary Club provide to all sections of the local community , and also to those in need in under privileged countries ."

The motto of the worldwide Rotary International movement , the largest service organisation in the worid , is " Service above Self " - one Mr Slater says the 40-plus members of the Rotary Club of Marlow has always been particularly keen to uphold.

Earlier this month the club hosted more than 150 Senior citizens of Marlow on its always popular annual boat trip on the River Thames .

This involved the help of many Club members, supported by the ladies of the Inner Wheel Club of Marlow. Also this year, for the first time, several school children from the Interact Club recently formed at the Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School also lent a hand.

And no sooner was this event completed than the new president was proudly presenting the annual awards to the ‘two best potential citizens’ from Great Marlow School.

Although the Marlow club has expanded its numbers in recent years, Mr Duxbury says he is keen to continue the membership drive and attract more people to join.

For more information about the Rotary Club of Marlow , the Rotary International movement , and Membership please visit the website www.marlow-rotary.org.uk or Telephone 01 628 476610