It’s all change at Dukinfield and Stalybridge Rotary Club as new President Ian Cochrane takes up the reins for the forthcoming Rotary year.

New vice chair is Graham Fitton. They make a formidable team as they’ve volunteered together for many years with both  taking key roles on the Stalybridge Festival Committee.

Married to Anne and with a son Robert, Ian was formerly Integrated Neighbourhood Services Manager at Tameside Council before his retirement in 2015.

Since then, he has devoted his time to volunteering as Chair of Stalyhill Junior School, a Co-opted Governor at Wildbank Primary School, Organising Secretary of Stalybridge Festival Committee and Event Manager for the Whit Friday Brass Band Contest at the New Stalybridge Labour Club.

In addition, Ian volunteers for Barty’s Food Bank, works closely with Tameside Women’s Centre and acts as a volunteer to support Tameside Action Together’s Annual Christmas Toy Appeal.

Ian joined Rotary in 2019 and has served as Community Chair and Vice President in the 2020/2021 Rotary year, pro-actively leading several community initiatives for the club.

Upon becoming President Ian said: “Many people think that Rotary are ‘those guys who come round with the Christmas float each year’ when in fact half of our club members are women and we are actively involved with supporting many good causes in our communities throughout the year.

“Despite the restrictions imposed by the Covid pandemic in the last year Dukinfield and Stalybridge Rotary Club has adapted to enable its members to support and make a difference in our local communities whilst also helping to raise the club’s profile.

“This has led to a substantial increase in club membership, including the attraction of younger members.”

Ian added: “We have an ambitious but achievable action plan for my year as President which builds on the great work the club already delivers but also introduces a few new projects.

"This includes collaborations to support victims of domestic violence and an Ageing Places ‘Getting Together Project’ funded by the National Lottery between the Rotary Club, Stalybridge Women’s Institute, Stalybridge Time of Your Life and Stalybridge North councillors (encouraging people over 50 to remain or become active).

“I believe that as individuals we can make a difference but collectively when we draw on the vast range of skills, knowledge and contacts we have in the club we can do so much more, and when we link in with others in our communities the sky is the limit!”

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