Presidential Handover 2026
The Rotary Club of the Studios & Elstree and Borehamwood has officially kicked off a new Rotary year, when on Tuesday 14th July, the club held their handover event where members thanked outgoing President George Carr for a fantastic year of service before welcoming Sandra Parnell as our new Club President.
George reflected on a successful year in which the club helped raise just under £3,000 for his chosen charities, The Stroke Association and Prostate Cancer UK.
Special Awards & Recognition
In his final official duty as President, George, together with Past District Governor Adrian Faiers, presented Special Recognition Awards to Nick Male, Sasha Capocci, Pat Strack, Andrew Grady, and Sam Covill, with special awards also presented to Kerry Carr and Ann Shuker for their outstanding support.
Past District Governor Adrian Faiers also presented some special District awards to our Foundation Chair Sam Sammy C Covill, for the clubs continued support for the Rotary Foundation charity and for hosting a sponsored student over several years.
Additionally he presented a long service award for 25 years Rotary service to Peter Wong Morrow.
In her first address as President, Sandra asked members to support her chosen charity, The Tuesday Elstree and Borehamwood Dementia Club, founded by Rotarians around 14 years ago.
Together, we look forward to another year of making a difference in our community.
The evening also saw Pat Strack enrolled as President Elect.
Congratulations to everyone, and here's to another successful Rotary year.
Photo Credit: Cllr Tushor Kumar, Shrley Faiers & Andrew Grady
Presidential Handover 2025
The Rotary Club of the Studios, Elstree & Borehamwood marked a joyful and heartfelt occasion with its 2025 Presidential Handover.
Outgoing President Sam Covill officially passed the chain of office to Incoming President George Carr, ushering in a new chapter of service and leadership. Honouring Community Champions The evening was graced by special guests of honour,
The Mayor of Hertsmere and The Mayor of Elstree & Borehamwood, who presented awards recognising exceptional contributions to the club's work.
Special Recognition Awards:
Peter Mason, husband of Rotarian Irmine Mason, was honoured for his dedicated support in key community initiatives including the Litter Picking Day, Book Swap Scheme, and the recent Bipolar UK Fundraiser.
Erika Grady, wife of Immediate Past President Andrew Grady, was recognised for her behind-the-scenes support in organising musical and social events, such as the Annual Quiz Night and Burns Night 2025. Cllr Sandra Parnell accepted Erika's award on her behalf.
Service Above Self Certificates:
Pat Strack, Club Secretary, received recognition for her tireless efforts, extensive experience, and unwavering commitment to keeping the club running smoothly. Pt was away at a family function in the westy country, so her award was collected by her brother in law, Malcolm Strack, who recently joined the club.
Sasha Capocci was celebrated for her outstanding event organisation skills, playing a vital role in the success of numerous club events.
A Look Back on a Magical Year Reflecting on his year under the theme "Spreading the Magic of Rotary", Sam Covill shared highlights of the club's achievements, culminating in a joyful video montage—produced by Rotarian Andrew Grady, see below.
Sam was proud to announce that over £2,000 had been raised during the year to support his chosen charity, SMA UK.
A Surprise Honour In a heart-warming finale, Past District Governor David Palmer took the stage to present Andrew Grady with a prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship Award, recognising his outstanding service to Rotary and commitment in promoting global understanding and friendship.
The nomination was made by Sam Covill and approved by District Governor Himanshu Jain and RI President Stephanie Urchick.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sam for a memorable year of service and warmly welcome President George Carr as he leads us into 2025–26. Here's to another impactful year of Rotary.
Presidential Handover 2024
New President Sam Covill took over the helm as President of The Rotary Club of the Studios of Elstree and Borehamwood at its Handover Dinner on Tuesday 9th July 2024.
District Governor Suraiya Kassamally presented awards to Victor Eni and George Carr for their community service.
District Governor Elect, Adrian Faiers honoured founding President Cllr Sandra Parnell with a Paul Harris Fellowship for her long-standing community work.
Outgoing President Andrew Grady was praised for his exemplary leadership. He showcased a video of the year's achievements and presented a cheque for over £3,000 to The Alzheimer's Society.
Andrew thanked everyone who supported the events organised, especially Andrew Penny MBE, Borehamwood Brass, Derek Holland, Elstree Mozart Players and Janice Watson.
New President welcomed President Elect George Carr and thanking everyone for their support.
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Presidential Handover 2023
Andrew Grady took the reins from Sasha Capocci this July to mark the new Rotary year. A wonderful 'Handover Dinner' with celebrations, presentations, and recognition for relentless devotion… The handover as President from Sasha Capocci's amazing and fulfilling year to Andrew Grady, looking forward with his vision for the club's missions and strategies, and with Sam Covill stepping up to the role of President Elect.
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Presidential Handover 2022
On Tuesday 28th June 2022 we held our Handover Dinner occasion at the beautiful Manor Hotel, Elstree, honouring the outgoing President Victor Eni who held the position for two years due to the interruptions of the Covid-19 lockdown on Victor and the clubs work.
The incoming president Sasha Capocci spoke about her enthusiastic vision for 2022 -23.
Also present was our outgoing Assistant District Governor Adrian Faires gave a heartfelt speech hailing accomplishments, achievements and hard work of all our members.
Adrian presented the accolade of 'Paul Harris Fellowship' (the young Chicago lawyer who founded Rotary in 1905) for his outstanding work within Rotary to Nick Male an honour also presented to his esteemed late father George Male in 1987
Presidential Handover 2020
On Tuesday 14th June a handover ceremony was held for the chain of office of the club to be passed over from
Nick Male to Victor Eni.
The ceremony was witnessed by Victor's family who were present at the social distanced function held in line
with government advice.
Presidential Handover 2019
On Friday 19th July the Presidential 'Chain of Office' was handed over to Nick Male from Sandra Parnell.
Sandra our inaugural president, pioneered the clubs development through its first year. In the hand-over event held at The Catholic Parish Centre, in Shenley Road, Borehamwood, she thanked all the club members for their support during her year in office, and the first year of the club.
Nick Male, the incoming President vowed to continue the work Sandra has done, especially on an International Club link with Hafa, which Sandra has done so much research.
