ROTARY Club members from across North Ayrshire have welcomed the movement's new district chief to a joint meeting in the area.

Narek Bido, governor of Rotary's new District 1320, which covers the south of Scotland, spoke to members of the Hunterston and Irvine Seagate clubs on Monday.

Mr Bido spoke about the importance of boosting Rotary membership and developing the organisation's work on the international stage, and said  it was important that regional clubs targeted a wider range of possible membership opportunities including attracting younger people.

He said: “The youth of today are the Rotarians of tomorrow, and therefore it is important that we engage with them through schools, youth clubs and organisations such as the Scouts and the Boys' Brigade by promoting the bigger picture of what we do not just in our communities, but across the world.

“We have an amazing story to tell and one which will encourage membership of Rotary. Once it is simply explained more young people will see the benefits of membership.

“I know that both Hunterston and Irvine Seagate Rotarians already have active programmes supporting young people but it is important that we expand the awareness of Rotary’s range of diverse activities around the globe."

Mr Bido also encouraged members to promote a corporate membership of Rotary whereby business entrepreneurs can be encouraged to join.

He continued: “In these uncertain times it is essential we create hope for the future in our country and worldwide and Rotary is certainly one organisation that is well able to do so.

"When we have one in three people in this country suffering from mental health problems, we must continue to promote a carrying attitude towards each other.

“Today, many in our community feel agitated, stigmatised and have a failing sense of well being and community spirit. There is much Rotary can do to help by planting the seeds for the future.”

A Rotarian for more than 12 years, Mr Bido shared examples of how members have to think “out the box”, and that with a combined 117 years of expertise and commitment in Rotary, the  Hunterston and Irvine Seagate members have much to offer.

He added: “Working in active partnership we can design and deliver new opportunities to grow our membership though learning and engagement between Rotary clubs.

“Inter-club pairing and cooperation, to nurture fellowship, improve close working relationship, foster learning from each other as well as building working partnership with other non-Rotary organisations to increase our productivity and impact in areas of health, well-being, environment, community development and education.”

Mr Bido, who also encouraged clubs to develop and include “associate membership programmes” and introduce a “try before you buy” approach to encourage more people into Rotary, praised the work already undertaken by both Hunterston and Irvine Seagate in supporting their local communities and therefore the impact of Rotary internationally.