Tore is a Telecommunications Engineer from Norway, who's lived in the area for 30 years, having arrived to study at Newcastle University in 1984. After successfully qualifying in Microelectronics, he discovered that the North East of England was home, and so like his Norwegian Viking ancestors, decided to stay !

Tore is married with three children and a pet Golden Retriever called Max. He now spends his working day running his electronics company in Stanley, ( TSEC Limited ), and supporting Rotary with its good causes, gaining the reputation amongst his fellow Rotarians as the best collection ‘tin rattler’ in the club. Amongst other interest Tore has he has a passion for American cars and is known amongst car enthusiasts at vintage car shows where he is a regular exhibitor.

Tore’s Rotary theme for the year is - ‘Openness’, saying at his president’s installation ;

‘... as I take over the Presidency, it is my belief that a club should operate with a significant level of openness, not only between different clubs, but also towards the general public, to give them broader knowledge of what Rotary is about and what we do in, and for the local community. ... It is important for us to continue the drive to come up with new initiatives to raise funds for our charitable work and most importantly, to continue to raise funds and help good causes in our region’ ...

Reflecting on this theme, President Tore, was delighted to announce that the recent response from the club and the public in Whitley Bay Town Centre, had started his year, by raising and donating £ 500 towards the local Macmillan Cancer Research. Tore added that he hoped the rest of the year, and our collections would be as successful, and in particular he was now looking forward to the St Nicholas Fair, the Firework display on The Links and meeting ‘Santa’ in the Park View shopping later in the year.

Picture shows ( Left to Right ) ; President Tore Skjaerstad receiving the Rotary chain of office from Immediate Past President David Wilkinson.