TAMESIDE Rotary’s new president, who has been recognised in the past by the Prime Minister no less, says he’s honoured to take over the ‘chains of office’.
Manhar Taylor received a Points of Light Award from 10 Downing Street in 2022, after devoting over 40 years of his life to charitable initiatives.
He was recently installed to lead the Rotarians for 2024/25, succeeding Steve Knowles in the role.
In his acceptance speech, Manhar explained what makes being part of Tameside Rotary so worthwhile.
“I volunteer to help people and particularly those in need,” he said. “Tameside Rotary is a busy active club. Every month we are always doing something to raise money for local causes.
“It’s very enjoyable and there’s a fun social side to it as well. We’re always looking for new ideas and people to work alongside us for their community.”
Over 100 people attended a celebratory evening at the Shree Bharatiya Indian Community Centre in Ashton-under-Lyne to formally mark Manhar’s acceptance as president.
Steve Knowles gave an overview of the fundraising events Tameside Rotary organised in 2023/24 and handed out thank you gifts to Rotarians who had taken the lead in projects throughout the year.
Steve also received a photo album of his year as president and a Paul Harris Foundation Award. Paul founded the club that eventually became the humanitarian organisation of Rotary in the early 1900s.
Rotarian Mike Glover, who was Tameside’s Civic Mayor in 2021/22, was presented with a special certificate to recognise his 30 years of Rotary service.
Manhar’s first task as president was to participate in a Q&A session, led by Rotarian and former president Andy Williams.
A retired nurse from Ashton-under-Lyne, Manhar recently completed a 440km cycling fundraiser retracing Mahatma Gandhi’s famous ‘Salt March’ to raise money for Go Dharmic.
In 2020, he spearheaded an initiative, driven initially by the pandemic, through his local Hindu temple to deliver over 10,000 meals to older, vulnerable or isolated people.
Not one to rest on his laurels and being a keen walker and runner, later this year Manhar is heading to Everest Base Camp in an effort to raise more funds for charity.