Paul Harris Fellowships

Borderland Rotarian with prestigious award.

The Mayor, Cllr Jay Moore joined Borderland members and guests at their Christmas Party as they celebrated another successful Rotary year and the fact that one of their own, Jonathan Jones was receiving an extremely prestigious award, made it that bit more special. 

Borderland president, Chris Bryan-Smith said, “Jonathan has been with Borderland since the early 1990s and has arranged just about every major event that the club has ever been involved with. The Borderland Mountain Bike Challenge started in 1994, the Christmas Parade for most of this century and the Oswestry Fireworks, which this year was held at The Venue due to unforeseen circumstances. He not only runs these events but still finds time to arrange the Pantomime at Rhydycroesau (January 2023) as well as being a husband, father and grandfather, working full time and tending to sheep and horses in his ‘spare time’. As Jonathan already received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award way back in 2005, the only thing we can do is award him the very rare, Paul Harris Fellowship Sapphire Award. The first ever to be awarded by Borderland”.

The mayor, when presenting the award said, “You have brightened the lives of so many people in the wider community around Oswestry and I was thrilled to be asked to present this award, it is richly deserved”.

Jonathan replied, “This award is not for me but for everyone at Borderland and in the community that help make these events possible – don’t forget the old saying, there’s no I in team”.

To which the mayor retorted, “I don’t think there’d be much of a team without you, Jonathan!”.

The Paul Harris Fellowship Award is named after the founder of Rotary.  It was awarded for service that is way above and beyond what is normally expected of a Rotarian and to receive it once is very special, but to get it twice is both unusual and quite remarkable – as is the work that Jonathan has done for this community over the years.

A Paul Harris Fellowship is a top Rotary accolade, recognising distinguished service.  Such is the quality of Borderland Rotary that a third of their number are ranked so high.

Most Paul Harris Fellows are humble and modest with it.  None the less, it is worthy of shouting about.  Borderland Rotary had the Town Crier with the presentation of two awards in December 2021.

Paul Harris founded Rotary over a hundred years ago.  Since then it has become the largest organisation of service, with a huge impact worldwide.  Despite the massive international connections, the main benefits everywhere are for local communities.  Most people join with a simple idea, to enjoy doing their little bit when they have the time.  All those "little bits" build up to create achievements, and a reputation to be proud of.

Sherie Soper (left) receives her award from Cathy Osselton, President of Borderland Rotary.

David Kendall (left) receives his award from Chris Bryan-Smith, President Elect of Borderland Rotary

Paul Harris

Paul Harris Fellowships have been awarded to Rtn Brian Bristoll and Judy Bristoll;  Rtn Paul Crosby,  Rtn Brian Gray,  Rtn Eric Evans,  Rtn Roy Kempster,  Rtn Harry Richardson,  Mr George Miah,  Rtn Jonathan Jones,  Rtn John Cranwell,  Rtn Linda Butler,  Rtn Martin Davies,  Rtn Peter Martin,  Rtn Ronan O'Brien,  Rtn Alan Poole, Rtn Paul Evison, Rtn David Kendall and Rtn Sherie Soper.

Awards have also been made to Gwyn and Mary Evans in recognition of their voluntary contributions to medical provision in India and Malawi.

Rtn Paul Crosby and Honorary Rotarian Chris Bushnell were awarded a Sapphire to their Paul Harris Awards in recognition of their contribution to RYLA with Borderland Rotary.

Rtn Jonathan Jones was awarded a Sapphire to his Paul Harris award recognising many years work with Borderland Rotary for the benefit of millions of people around Oswestry.