Doctor calls for Rye Lions

Malcolm, who has a distibguished career in scientific research, was previously First Vice-President and moved to Northiam seven years ago from Surrey.

However, he has links with Northiam as his parents-in-law lived in the village in the 1960s and his sister-in-law lives in Mill Corner.

Malcolm took his doctorate in biochemistry at Imperial College, London. Following this he carried out research in Canada and the USA. Upon returning to the UK, he lectured in genetics and microbiology at the Royal Holloway College, London.

Before taking over the Lions Presidency, Malcolm also was responsible for the Lions Message in a Bottle scheme and for organising fund-raising at their Christmas collections.

Malcolm continues a line of Northiam presidents and is the third in a row to come from the village.

Retiring President, Terry Cobby, thanked the Lions, partners and Friends for all their support and help over the last year when a record £14,000 had been donated to charity.

In accepting the chain of office, Malcolm said that he hoped to maintain the standard set by past presidents and was delighted that there were several potential members at the moment. Other appointments for the coming year were Sue Clay, as First Vice-President, Bob Harvey as Secretary and Reg Emson as Treasurer.

The Lions are gearing up for their biggest fund-raising event of the year the Annual Rye Raft Race and Fete which this year takes place on Sunday August 5, with the fete opening at noon and the race starting at 2pm, with rafts assembling from 12.30pm. New Rye Lions President, Malcolm McDonough, accepting the Chains of Office from retiring President, Terry Cobby.