For the first time in more than half a century a club in Helston has elected a woman as president.

Helston Rotary Club, which was formed 63 years ago in 1957, now has three female members and this year, for the very first time, one of them has taken over as president.

Amanda Boxer, who is also the mace bearer for Helston Town Council, joined the club in July 2017.

The Rotary year runs from July 1 and such an occasion would normally see club members go out for a special dinner to perform the handover of office and the president’s ceremonial chain.

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However, several of the club have been in self-isolation during the coronavirus - including outgoing president Brian Curtis, who has been in total isolation whilst undergoing chemotherapy.

A compromise was found when, following the latest easing of the rules and regulations, it was decided to undertake a ceremony of a different kind.

Michael Jay gave the club the use of Lismore Garden, where social distancing could be carried out.

A cream tea was provided for refreshment and instead of a bunch of flowers for Brian's partner Anne, a box of goodies was given to their beloved dog Bigsby.

Falmouth Packet:

Bigsby the dog gets some treats

Brian and new president Amanda decided to risk a handshake, with both carrying out careful hand cleansing afterwards and thankfully neither have come to harm since the event two weeks ago, the club said.

Amanda has chosen The Friends of Helston Community Hospital as the charity the club will be supporting over the course of year in office.

A former pupil of St Michael’s School, Helston Grammar School and then Helston School, she moved away to train to be a teacher at St Mary’s C of E Higher Education College in Cheltenham and went on to teach history and PE at comprehensive schools in Worksop and Ashburton.

Falmouth Packet:

Amanda Boxer is the club's first ever female president

In 1983 she was appointed to teach sports science at The South Cheshire College in Crewe and also undertook various additional qualifications including a Graduate Diploma in Counselling.

Whilst in Cheshire, Amanda was a volunteer counsellor at North Staffordshire MIND for ten years.

Amanda finished her working life as a senior lecturer in Counselling, Sports Coaching and Management, Heritage Tourism Management and Public Services in April, 2013.