STAFFORD ROTARY CLUB
Rotary Club welcomes new female president
Pictured with new Rotary
President Helen on the left is second Vice president Mike Winkle and on the right First vice President Peter Jones .
The second female in 90 years became the President of Stafford Rotary Club recently . Go get ‘ em granny Helen Perren told Stone and Eccleshall Life on being elected : “ I am truly honoured and proud to have been elected by this great club , especially in what is a special year , as we celebrate our 90th birthday .”
Helen and husband Stuart , originally from Suffolk , became Staffordshire people after moving to Eccleshall in 1984 , and until her early retirement from the post of Head of Communications , Helen spent 25 years in management within the NHS which included the opening of Cannock Hospital .
Following her election Helen added : “ Being involved in Rotary is very special . Helping to make a difference to people in need in the community is so rewarding , while enjoying good friendship and teamwork .
“ Currently , with the other two local Rotary Clubs , we are organising a Family Fun Day in Stafford Market Place which will take place on Saturday 24th August . We look forward to seeing lots of families there .”
Saying how she likes to ‘ keep busy ’ and that ‘ if you work hard you have a right to play harder ’ is almost an understatement for Helen who as well as obtaining a Certificate and Diploma in Management Studies at Cauldon College , in Stoke , and later a Masters of Business Administration at Staffordshire University , is especially keen on motor sports and horse riding .
In fact Helen is so keen on motor sport she is actually the current national Ladies Autotest Champion , a competition which involves a combination of memory and driving skills . Organised by the British Trials and Rally Drivers Association Helen has held this national title no less than 14 times and with husband Stuart , she runs a BMW Mini and a 1969 Lotus Elan called ‘ Sybil ’.
Along with her love of four wheels is her love of four legs of the equestrian kind , Helen explained : “ I rediscovered my love of horse riding in 2005 on holiday in USA and since then , Stuart and I enjoy an annual western riding holiday , along with a weekly ride on Cannock Chase .”
In conclusion Helen added : “ I am also extremely proud of my lovely family , including my two daughters Katherine and Elizabeth , and love being Nana to my three grandsons Freddie aged two , and Rory and Archie who are both under six months who I ’ m lucky enough to have the time to help care for .” Helen will be President until June next year .
44 August / September 2013