Rotary is pleased to welcome Peter King as President of Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland (RIBI) for the year 2014/15. The new national president will receive the chains of office from outgoing RIBI president Nan McCreadie at an elegant ceremony aboard paddle steamer, The Elizabethan, during cruise on the Thames.
Peter is keen for Rotarians to light up the lives of young people in these islands this Rotary year: “The London 2012 Olympic Games demonstrated the value and importance of volunteering but little has been done subsequently to encourage it. Step Up To Serve is one such networking initiative but I would invite Rotarians to be at the forefront in encouraging young people to help local charities and organisations, so as to grow the sense of service. Such will restore, for some, dignity and a sense of worth and provide valuable life skills.
“There are many ways in which local Rotarians can develop contacts with schools and local youth groups to help nurture in others our vision of peace, truth and mutual respect. We as an organisation have pledged to grow and develop more Rotakids and Interact clubs. The volunteer of the present may become the Rotaractor and Rotarian of the future.
“I have a great team of district governors. I hope that they and I can represent the interests of every Rotarian and club to promote service, co-operation and friendship throughout Great Britain & Ireland. Vision, trust and effective communication will, I believe, grow and develop Rotary ideals in this green and pleasant land.”
A member of the Rotary Club of Kew Gardens since 1984, Peter has been club president twice. He has also held roles as international chairman, community and vocational chairman and extension officer.
As well as being an ambassador for youth opportunities, Peter also brings his passion for Rotary’s place in peacebuilding and conflict resolution to the role of RIBI President.
