THE ROTARY Club of Droitwich Spa has celebrated the 76th year of its charter.
Mayor, Coun Bob Brookes and his wife Veronica were special guests of the president Helen Karakashian, along with representatives from six other Rotary Clubs, the Droitwich Lions and the chairman and representatives of the Probus Club.
The Probus Club was sponsored by Droitwich Rotary in 1980 and its meetings are also held in Rotary House.
Entertainment was provided by close-up magician Neal Weigel and Rotarian Edgar Harwood was toastmaster.
Treasurer Laurie Evans wrote humorous words relevant to Rotary members and an ad-hoc choir was put together to join in with the chorus of ‘Glory, Glory Hallelujah’.
The highlight of the celebrations was Jim Gillespie getting the most prestigious Rotary honour – the Paul Harris Fellowship.
He was visiting family in Dubai with his wife Lynda so the group Skyped him to tell him of his award and Jim’s grandsons handed him the Paul Harris medal.
The award is given to Rotarians who have given outstanding service to their club and community. District Governor John Crawford said it was the first time he had ever given an award in this way.
President elect John Bodger was awarded a PHF Sapphire for his outstanding contribution to the club, particularly for all his hard work in relation to Rotary House which is a real asset to the community.
The table decorations were raffled and together with donations £600 was raised for stem cell research into Myelin repair which is hoped will help people with MS and Dementia.
