President Elect John Minhinick

John retired in 2003 after 43 years working for the Meteorological Office, in a number of locations, including a short period in Cyprus. During that time he held a variety of posts including weather forecasting, computer programming, research and personnel management.

From 1990 John was the Regional Manager for Scotland and Northern Ireland with responsibilities ranging from small island offices to major weather centres and three major military bases.

John joined the Rotary Club of Burntisland and Kinghorn in 1991 becoming the President in 1997. Soon after he joined the District team as International Chairman, later becoming District Governor in the 2004-05; the Centenary/Tartan Army team. Two years on the Executive Committee followed by three years as the Chairman of the RIBI Communications Committee filled the next five years. John was also the member of the Marketing Committees first led by PP Norman Proctor and then PP Mike Webb. In 2010 John was honoured to represent President John Kenny at the District 1190 Conference.

As part of recent RIBI Conferences, John has organised and presented the “Ordinary Rotarians Doing Extraordinary Things” awards that recently became the “Magic of Rotary” awards. He also introduced the “Eye on the Wheel” newsletter that continues as the regular information message from the RIBI PR, Marketing and Communications Committee.

He has been married to Sheila for 45 years. They first met at the South Harrow Jazz Club when Kenny Ball was playing. For a number of years, Sheila has done voluntary work for the Fife Society for the Blind. John and Sheila have two sons who were both born in Cyprus. Brian is a Civil Engineer living in Australia with his wife Helen and their son Alistair. Nigel a Train Crew Manager lives in Shrewsbury.

In the past he “ran” the London Marathon three times. For hobbies, in addition to Rotary, John occasionally tries to play golf, enjoys walking and keeping a large garden under control; the latter is probably more a duty. He also enjoys travel and playing with computers.