THE new President of the Rotary Club of Enniskillen says she is "honoured and humbled" to take on the role for the Rotary year of 2021-2022.

Catherine Robinson, from Enniskillen, took up office last week following the handover of the presidency from 2020-2021 President Heather Ellis on Monday, July 5.

Speaking to her fellow Rotarians at the handover meeting, Catherine said: "I am proud to be a Rotarian, and now, club President. I am honoured and humbled to be trusted by you all to take on this role for the Rotary year 2021-2022."

Catherine first joined the Rotary Club of Enniskillen in 2013.

"It only seems like yesterday that I walked into the Devenish Room in the Killyhevlin and Ivan Kee said to me, 'In six or seven years's time you'll be President of this club' and I laughed out loud," said Catherine, adding with a laugh: "Young Robinson has made it!"

Noting her admiration of the work of former Enniskillen Rotary Club Presidents, Catherine said they "have done so excruciatingly well, and especially Heather has done so well in the fact that we were locked down due to Covid".

She went on to thank former President Heather on her "wonderful" work over the last year, commenting on how it has been "amazing" how she has guided the club through "a year of constant challenges and changes".

"Yet here we are, still going forward as an active and hardworking club," said Catherine.

As the new President, Catherine is looking forward to a year of "coming out of Covid". She said: "I will endeavour to keep this a year of fun and fellowship in our meetings, club projects and events, continuing to do good in our community and beyond."

Outlining her plans for the incoming year, Catherine says she plans to "build on the work of past Presidents", focusing on membership; public image; projects and fundraisers; foundation – End Polio Now; youth programmes; environmental issues; the Rotary family; health and education and club service and administration.

She also noted how she hopes to continually highlight the Rotary 'Four-Way Test', where Rotarians, regarding what they think, say or do, are encouraged to always ask themselves: "Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?"

Catherine continued: "I believe our team is ready to meet the challenges ahead of us; basically to emerge from this pandemic safely in order to apply our service to the needs of our community.

"We must continue to be humanitarians and show compassion and openness to those in need."