District Governor - John Kirkland

District Governor 2004 - 2005

You can email John Kirkland by clicking here

John has been a member of the RIBI Rotary Club Golf Championship Committee since Sutton in Ashfield introduced the Competition in 1986. John was Chairman in 1993, becoming Competition Organiser in 1997 until 2002 when he became DG Nominee.

Awarded Paul Harris Fellowship in December 1996.

Joined the District 1220 Team in 1999 as Assistant Governor 1999 - 2002. District Governor Nominee - 2002/03, at which time John  also served as District Centennial Officer - 2002/03.

John’s background and career have centred in Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire being born and raised in the town. Both before and after his period of compulsory National Service he worked in the Textile Industry, spending the last 40 years with Pretty Polly during a time when the firm grew from a small family business to become the largest independent Hosiery Company in the UK with a world-wide reputation for achievements in innovation and technology. Ultimately John became Chief Executive and Chairman of the Sara Lee plc – UK Hosiery Group.

"I feel honoured and privileged to become the District Governor"

The confidence of my Club Colleagues to endorse my nomination with enthusiasm and supportive encouragement is so very reassuring. The involvement, satisfaction and enjoyment generated at Club level gave me the desire to seek a District post when I retired from my “Day Job” and became Assistant Governor – Northern Group in 1999/2000. Initially with no aspirations for further advancement, encouragement, persuasion and family approval have made the tremendous responsibility to serve as your District Governor possible.

One of the most striking experiences I have encountered is the individuality and warmth of each Rotary Club, all with the same “Brief and Rules” all interpreting them the same, but then having an ability to create a uniqueness that only that Club generates.

To extend that atmosphere across the District would be a most rewarding achievement.

Without doubt involvement with an abundance of enthusiasm and encouragement seems to be the secret for success.

As we approach the Centenary of Rotary in 2005 it gives an opportunity to make everyone aware of Rotary's achievements. At Club or as a Group of Clubs, District and International level we can make the public aware of those achievements with organised publicity.

I look forward with pride to be representing Sutton in Ashfield as District Governor Elect and trust that the scheduled Conference at Llandudno proves to be a successful venue and will merit the honour of being the Centenary District Conference.

John’s wife Shirley became a member of Inner Wheel in 1974 being President on two occasions and holding every office in the Club as and when required. They have two married sons and three grandchildren

DG John and Shirley

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