Rotary Club of Bishops Stortford

The Rotary Club of Bishop’s Stortford honours a well-known local charity worker.

At an evening meeting on Monday 30th April at Bishop’s Stortford Golf Club, the president of the Rotary Club of Bishop’s Stortford, Peter Amos, presented one of the town’s best known charity workers, Joan Abbott, with a Paul Harris Fellowship Award.

In his address, President Peter, mentioned that the founder of Rotary, in 1905, was Paul Harris and it is in his name that Paul Harris Fellowships are awarded to people for their humanitarian contributions which help to improve the lives of others in communities both at home and abroad. A Paul Harris Fellowship is awarded on most occasions to a Rotarian who has given exceptional service.  Occasionally however, it is awarded to someone in the community who has given long, dedicated and outstanding service, with charitable work, fundraising and commitment to projects beyond the call of duty. On this occasion the Club wished to acknowledge the outstanding service of someone in the community, namely Joan Abbott.

Joan, well known in Bishop’s Stortford, has been dedicated to community and charity work, way, way beyond the average citizen.  She is perhaps best known for her work with and support of the town’s branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL). Some of her contributions include being a former Standard Bearer for the RBL, for many years the organiser of the local Poppy Appeal as well as the organiser of many events in aid of our soldiers.  Recently she has given particular support to the plight of the Ghurkhas. If that is not enough, every year Joan personally organises and sends some 1300 parcels and letters to our soldiers overseas, She is a great supporter of Help 4 Heroes – personally setting up a stall and selling items in Jackson square, to raise funds.

Away from the RBL, Joan has been a long time volunteer and supporter of Isabel Hospice, including working in the local charity shop and making regular visits to cancer patients as well as supporting other organisations like the scouts and the canoe club.

In 2010 Joan was awarded the title of “Volunteer of The Year”, by The Herts and Essex Observer, in their Community Awards.

JOAN ABBOTT, 90 in a week’s time, is truly a remarkable person who thoroughly deserves the honour of being a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow.