Rotary's 111th Birthday

Rotary International celebrated its 111^th birthday on 23 February and Gala Rotary  marked the occasion by making awards to two people who have each made an enormous contribution to the local community.

Judith Cleghorn was recently appointed Chair of Galashiels Community Council but has served the community for many years as Chair of Langlee Residents’ Association and the Focus Community Centre as well as many other commitments.

John Gray is a weel kent figure around the town and ‘Champion’ of Galashiels. He has had a life long association with Gala Rugby Club and is a Past President of the Braw Lads Gathering who also is involved with many other groups around the town as well as being a Rotarian.

Both Judith and John were awarded Paul Harris Fellowships.

Paul Harris was the founder of Rotary. His initial goal was to create a club of professional and business men for friendship and fellowship. Early on, he realised that Rotary needed a greater purpose. While he served as President of the Chicago Rotary Club in 1907, the club initiated its first public service project, the construction of public toilets in Chicago. This step transformed Rotary into the world's first Service Club.

Rotary International created the Paul Harris Fellowship award in memory of Paul Harris. It has been a practice of many clubs to award Paul Harris Fellowships in appreciation of service to the club or the local, national or international community. It is a prestigious award that is not bestowed lightly but can also be awarded to local people who, while not being members of Rotary, have made an outstanding contribution to their community.