A POPULAR Club in Cirencester, that works hard to improve the lives of women and children locally and internationally has got a new president.

Shirley Alexander, known to many in Cirencester as a former town and district councillor, current chair of Cirencester Community Development Trust, and town mayor from 2001-2003, and 2007-2009, accepted the chain of office of the President of Cirencester Soroptimist Club from outgoing president Judith Wood at a meeting at the Royal Agricultural University on April 4.

This is the third time that Shirley has been president of this club, which meets twice monthly on Wednesday evenings.

One of Judith's last roles as president was to present a cheque to Sandra Duke of the Corinium Guitar Ensemble. Support for this exciting and successful group of young musicians has been the focus of Judith's year as president.

Setting out what her focus will be in the coming year, Shirley said: "I am delighted to be President of Soroptimist International of Cirencester & District for the third time. My theme for the year, chosen from our Programme Action areas of work is 'Environmental Sustainability'.

"The impact of our lifestyles on the planet is a major concern for us all. Our carbon footprint, the use and disposal of plastics, issues related to the food we eat, food waste and water usage are issues we should look at in the coming year, with the view to educating, empowering and enabling ourselves, so we can make a difference, to women and girls but also to everyone."

Visit sigbi.org/cirencester for more information about the Soroptimists.