James Jarrett at the helm again

This is not the first time that the local businessman, who has lived in the village for 40 years, has been appointed to the role.

He has been a member of Radlett Rotary since 1984, and initially became president 15 years ago.

The 72-year-old said: "I hope I know what the role entails, seeing as I’ve done it before.

"I was inducted on July 1, following a vote from other members. Like most voluntary organisations, competition wasn’t too stiff. "In my position I hope to raise the profile of the club through our various fundraising committees, all of whom are very supportive.

"Rotary has a very important role in today’s society, worldwide we are actively trying to eliminate polio worldwide. We’ve not yet succeeded, but we’re getting closer and closer."

In previous years the club has helped with Rotary’s worldwide Polio Plus Campaign, donating cash to see the disease eliminated in third world countries.

According to Mr Jarrett, money raised by Rotary clubs worldwide is matched by computing tycoon Bill Gates in the fight against the disease. But it is not just charities overseas that have benefitted from the club’s activities.

Mr Jarrett said: "We have a lot of involvement with the local community.

"This ranges from helping to organise the rotary fun run in May, to mock interviews for students from Borehamwood and Radlett preparing for university to awarding picture dictionaries to pupils at Fairfield School in Radlett.

"We will also be holding our free charity concert in Radlett in December and our Royal Marine Band Concert at the Alban Arena in January."

Money from Rotary’s charity events will go to Mr Jarrett’s selected cause - the Children’s Society, a cause particularly close to his heart.

He said: "My late wife Gillian was very interested in the Children’s Society, so I hope to continue the support she gave before she passed away.

"The Children’s Society works very much like Dr Barnados, in their activities caring for children and supporting children’s homes.

"As a grandfather-of-three I know too well how important it is to back this charity. These days children’s charities are not getting the profile they deserve, we still hear and read countless stories of children being maltreated and abused.

"We’re also looking to see if we can help Red House in Radlett improve its facilities, so that it’s bigger and better. It’s not going to be easy, but it’s something we will be looking at."

Anyone interested in joining Radlett Rotary Club or finding out more about the organisation is asked to call Mr Jarrett on 01923 852131.