The handover by the outgoing president Arthur Borrill to Mr Pearce took place at the Kar Restaurant.

Mr Pearce said that the list of distinguished past presidents was an inspiration to him and if he could follow in their footsteps he would be pleased.

He congratulated Mr Borrill on his very successful year and said that Brigg was a vibrant, active club which enjoys a well deserved reputation within district and more importantly is held in high esteem within the community.
"I shall, therefore, follow the maxim that 'if it isn't broke then don't fix it,'"he said.

He said that the club would continue its support for local community activities and charities, provide shelter boxes and clean water especially in disaster areas.
"It is a lot of fund raising but well worth the effort," he said.
Mr Pearce's wife Sue is President of Brigg Inner Wheel this year so the close association with Brigg Ladies will continue
Brigg member Mohammad Ali has also been appointed as District Governor.

In his acceptance speech he praised the work done by Brigg within the local community and also internationally, pledging to encourage all 49 clubs in his district to set local goals and especially to consider their charity work.

He asked for support for Leonard Cheshire International to equip one school in Uganda so that disabled children can study. He backed increased involvement with youth activities and the continuing of the international effort to eradicate polio.

A highlight of the next 12 months will be an exchange with a party from the Philippines in March and April 2009.
Mr Ali joined the Brigg Club on the same day in January 1995 as three other leading members, Brian Parker, recent recipient of the Joseph Magrath Civic Award, Mr Borrill, and Mr Pearce.