Donald Wood - Richard Nixon

In fact, we enjoyed an abbreviated biography of this former president of the United States.  Donald presented an unusual view of Nixon's political life, in particular praising his ability in foreign affairs - opening up China and Russia and ending his country's involvement in the Vietnam war among other achievements.  Donald maintains that had the Watergate affair happened in today's environment it would not have been so controversial - an interesting view!

Before the meeting got underway we had the pleasure of awarding a Paul Harris Fellowship to a non-Rotarian.  In recognition of his dedication to the work of the Durham Community Association, we were pleased to make the award to David Lindley.  David was first appointed to the Association in 1967 as a part-time warden and then, in 1968, as a full-time leader, a position he held until 2002 when he officially retired.  However, David carried on as an unpaid volunteer leader and honorary Secretary of the Association and is still active in these posts today.

The Association is based in Shakespeare Hall in North Road, Durham and Frank Davison, a member of the board of the Shakespeare Trust and of the Rotary Club, said that "With his dedication to his volunteer work David has been a major factor and driving force behind the continued success of the Association."

Paul Harris founded Rotary International in Chicago in 1905 and the Fellowships are awarded in his memory in recognition of outstanding service to the Rotary movement or to the local, national or international communities.  The Fellowship was awarded to David in recognition of his dedication to the Rotary objective of the promotion of life-long learning.

President Martin with David Lindley and his wife - and Frank Davison who "sponsored" the award to David.