Mr W Pearce to be President

‘There is no link which can bind citizens more closely and solidly than friendship between individual citizens’ remarked the President of Bideford Rotary Club, Mr E H Gaud, at Thursday’s annual meeting.
Outstanding community work had included the organising of a public appeal which produced over £5,000 for the Merchant Navy Comforts Service; providing cigarettes and comforts for the minesweeper ‘Brecon Castle’ adopted by the Club; and an essential part played by members on the executive of ‘Wings for Victory’ Week. Steady work had been done in vocational service and in the international field friends from Biddeford, Maine, USA, and elsewhere had been entertained or contacted. Active membership remained at 37. They deplored the passing of their senior Past President, Mr Frederick Lee.
The treasurer, Mr C J Martin, reported a credit balance on the year’s working of £16.
Mr W Pearce was elected president, in succession to Mr Gaud, and will take office in July. Mr E H Hopcraft was elected .. vice-president. Mr W T Braddick, for many years secretary of the club, was re-elected with warm thanks for past services, and Mr E H Gaud was elected honorary treasurer. Members of the Club Council were elected as follows: Messrs R Boyle, F H Sanguine, W H Arlett, L R Haydon, M F Lee and J Heywood.
The Gazette article is dated 30 May 1944