The Rotary Club of Silves held its annual Handover Dinner at the Holiday Inn Algarve in Armação de Pêra on June 16.
An audience of more than 100 attended, including British Consul to the Algarve Clive Jewell and Rogério Pinto, Vice President of Silves Câmara.
Portuguese Rotary Clubs were well represented, with members from Portimão, Praia da Rocha, Loulé and the two international clubs, Almancil and Estoi Palace.
During the evening, a cheque was presented to Luís de Deus, director of the Dr António da Costa Contreiras School Group, to assist the Armação de Pêra EB2/3 school in the furnishing and equipment of a room for their special needs children.
The retiring RC Silves President, Maria-José Santos, was thanked by the new President Isabel Flores for her hard work over the past year.
Maria-José was then presented with a bouquet by Sheena Rawcliffe, managing director of The Resident Group, the Incoming President for 2012.
 New RC Silves President Isabel Flores presented President for Estoi International Rotary Club, Kent Ringborn, with an RC Silves flag. |
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After the event, a board member commented that this was probably a Rotary record that Silves Rotary Club was to have three “such talented, professional and dedicated Lady Presidents in succession”.
During her Presidential address, Isabel Flores said she was delighted to welcome a record 16 new club members of many nationalities, including American, Canadian, Dutch, English, French, Irish and Portuguese.
A spokesman for the club said: “This is a wonderful challenge and opportunity for all members to work together, as true Rotarians, in these difficult economic times, and to continue to raise money for those less fortunate.”
The meeting was followed by a buffet dinner and entertainment provided by saxophonist Martin Teutscher.
