SKIPTON Craven Rotary has welcomed its new president, Peter Ripley, who takes the helm from outgoing leader John Exley.

Mr Ripley was delighted to accept the position of president from Mr Exley at a handover at their meeting place of Skipton Golf Club.

Mr Ripley said: “I am honoured to be taking over the leadership of this highly successful club, one of the best in Yorkshire.”

Born in Odsal, Bradford, during the worst winter on record in 1947, Mr Ripley was educated at Grange School.

He went on to study applied biology at Bradford University and completed a highly successful career in the water industry both abroad and locally. He started his own Bradford-based company in 1986 and was a director of five companies.

He moved from Haworth to Skipton 26 years ago. He was widowed in 2001 and later married his then Spanish teacher, Elizabeth.

After retiring six years ago he soon joined Rotary, enjoying the fellowship and making new friends. He also enjoys participating in one of the two club weekly walking groups which undertakes long adventurous walks mostly in the Dales.

He gets totally involved in the major charity raising exercises which are Santa Fun Run and the Santa Sleigh Rides.

Besides enjoying family life, golfing, hiking, and travelling he is also keen on gardening, reading and ornithology.

He has always taken an active part in a variety of affairs including being

chairman of Bingley Swimming Club, captain and president of Branshaw Golf Club, and chairman of an environmental parliamentary lobby group where he met many Government Ministers.

Mr Ripley said he was delighted to accept the honour and would follow previous Presidents by upholding the aims of Rotary.