A NEW president has taken over the chains at Winchester Rotary Club. 

Paul Russell took over the role from Les Haswell at the start of the Rotary year on July 1.

During Les’ year, more £20,000 was raised for Winchester Hospice, which was his chosen charity.

Paul, a recently retired chartered surveyor with Carter Jonas, begins his second term as club president. 

Les and Paul Les Haswell (left) passes the chain of office to Paul Russell (Image: Gill Russell)

Paul has lived in Olivers Battery with his wife Gill for many years and is active in the Winchester community.

He said: “Winchester Rotary is an active club of about 45 members, being a mixture of men and women. 

"We support many charities in the area as well as having a full range of social events for our members.  In addition to our general ongoing charity support, we have adopted Street Reach Winchester as the club charity for this year – and we are always looking for new members.”

For further information about Winchester Rotary, go to winchester-rotary.org