Extraordinary Contributions

Paul Harris was the founder of Rotary, and Paul Harris Fellowships (PHF) are given to people to recognise meritorious service to the community.  In certain circumstances, a Paul Harris Fellowship Sapphire (PHFS) is awarded to some of those already honoured with a PHF to recognise contributions above and beyond expectations.  Good things happen in threes and President Patrick took the opportunity of the Club’s Charter Lunch to recognise members who have given outstanding service to our Community, to Rotary, and to our club.

Sapphire PHFs

The first recipient has raised consistent funds for our benevolent charity over many years, he has been President twice, and he is always on hand to promote and support our events.  It was with great pleasure that President Patrick called forward Immediate Past President Roger Kettle to present him with a Sapphire to his existing Paul Harris Fellowship on behalf of the Club. – Roger Thanked the President for this honour.

The second recipient went to a member who has been president twice, and has organised countless fund-raising events, both home and abroad over the years.  He is a very dedicated Rotarian and has produced most, if not all, our clubs printing requirements over the years at his own personal expense.  Patrick then called forward our Foundation and International Chairman, Malcolm Acors, to be recognised for his outstanding contributions over many years.  It was a great pleasure to present Malcolm with a triple Sapphire Paul Harris Fellowship.  For once Malcolm said he was lost for words!!  (That’s got to be a first!)

Last but not least, Patrick said “I have no hesitation in awarding a Sapphire Paul Harris Fellowship to our Secretary Brian, who joined us from Basildon Concorde Rotary club not so long ago, a past President of that club and now a dedicated Secretary of our club, who keeps us all in order, is always on hand for the administration of our club and always gives full support to all officers of the club.  Brian, we all appreciate your dedication to this role.”

Rtn. Peter Greene was away and missed the Charter Celebration, but was also awarded a triple Sapphire Paul Harris Fellowshipfor his outstanding contributions, which was presented at the December Christmas Lunch.

Outstanding Lifetime of Service

Finally, Patrick said “I have a very special award for Ben Clarke, a member who has probably the highest attendance record in the club.  He has been President three times, is in his mid nineties, and has chaired every office in our club over his 65 years of membership.  Maybe not the last of the Mohicans, but certainly, our last Founder Member.”

“Not only is Ben a great Rotarian, but he is also a gentleman who I am proud to call my friend.  Ben, please come up and receive this award in recognition of your service to Rotary.”

The Trophy was a glass faceted Diamond Peak Award showing the Rotary Wheel and The Rotary Club of Billericay, and inscribed with the notation

“In recognition of Service to the Club, Presented to Founder Member Rotarian Ben Clarke, With Grateful Thanks for 65 years”

Such an accolade to Ben, so pleased to have received it from his friend Patrick, in front of the whole club, and especially in front of his family who were fortuitously also present, making it so special.