Andrea breaks Rotary tradition

Andrea Adams, Skipton Town Council clerk, has been elected as the first woman member of the Rotary Club of Skipton.

She has begun the task of bringing the club into the 21st century by showing just how much women do offer the business world.

The Rotary Club voted in November to change its rules and embrace women into its society. It has joined the elite 15 per cent of clubs in Britain and Ireland that have altered their status to invite women.

Originally from South Yorkshire, Andrea trained as a teacher in art and design and religious education, and then studied for a law degree specialising in commercial and charity law.

She has taught in all sectors of education from primary to higher education, finishing her teaching career at Leicester's De-Montfort University.

Prior to becoming Skipton's town clerk, she held a similar position in Southam in Warwickshire.

She is no stranger to the rigors of Rotary membership as she proved when she was invited to be a Rotarian in Southam. Subsequently she was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship (the highest Rotary award) for fostering international relations.

Andrea worked for Christian Aid and has served as moderator of the Council for World Mission (an international partnership of churches) and has assisted churches and aid projects in places like South America, South Africa, India and Bangladesh.

Of her invitation to join the Skipton club, she said: "Breaking with tradition is never easy, but the Skipton club has, in taking the vote to accept women members, clearly recognised, and demonstrated that the business environment has changed with many women taking leading roles."

President Adrian Newman said he was delighted to welcome Andrea into the club. He thought this move was an indication of the club's willingness to adapt to the 21st century, and recognise that in business men and women were equals.