Presentation Evening - George Hotel

The latest meeting of Penrith Rotary Club at The George Hotel was attended by a large gathering of current and past Rotarians, members of the Inner Wheel and friends and family of Rotary members. What had been advertised as a ‘Special’ Meeting lived up to all expectations with several surprises and awards. The meeting was opened by President Elect Ann Stuart who introduced Rotarian Alex Buchan. Alex told the assembled Rotarians about the work that Rotarian David Harle had put into both Penrith Rotary Club and also the Masons over the last 12 years. He was duly awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship (PHF) medal which recognises work done in the community by a Rotarian. Following this Rotarian Jack Wilson paid tribute to Jacqui Taylor who was also made a PHF for her work during her time as a Rotarian. Her work at 4Eden was highlighted as was her work in helping and supporting the Rotary Club send a local person on a Calvert Trust activity week each year. The work of John Shorter was also recognised. He has worked tirelessly to bring the club into the 21st Century, especially in the use of technology and IT and the increased role of media in promoting Rotary events and meetings. He has done this on top of organising the annual Swimathon and the 10k Trail run. His work will be sadly missed by the club and it is interesting that the work currently being done by one member of the club is being taken over by four! For all his work he was awarded a Sapphire pin to add to the PHF he already holds. Following the meal Pat Russell, wife of former Rotarian Ray Russell and a key  member of the Inner Wheel spoke about her work as a First Responder in Sleagill. She even managed to persuade members of the club to try their hand at CPR!. Following her talk the meeting was joined by members of the Inner Wheel and Pat’s family.  Pat’s work in the Inner Wheel at Local, Regional and National Level was explained by Heather Clark. Special mention was made of her work in donating meals and catering classes at her Lake District School of Food and Wine as auction prizes for the Rotarian’s annual Burn’s night which have raised several thousand pounds over the last few years. She does this in recognition of the work the Rotary Club had done to support her during her husband’s illness. Heather’s speech was followed by the extremely unusual award of a PHF to a person who is not actually a member of the Rotary Club. Pat was also presented with a bouquet of flowers from members of the Inner Wheel. The final award of the evening was presented to Rotarian Alex Buchan. He has worked tirelessly organising several events at the club over the last 20 years. These have included The Burn’s night supper, the annual golf day, Young Chef and Technology competitions. He has also organised concerts featuring the RAF band in St Andrew’s Church, not to mention the making and running of the ‘Wheel of Fortune’ at various local events. He was rewarded with the presentation of a Sapphire pin to add to the PHF he has held for several years. The tireless support of his wife, Diane was also recognised with a bouquet of flowers in recognition that behind every man there is successful woman!
The meeting closed at 9.30 with the Rotary toast of ‘Rotary, Fellowship and Peace the World over.’