It was a presentation with a difference as the new president of Grays Thurrock Rotary Club, Adrian Alsop was tasked with presenting a Paul Harris Fellowship to Rotarian Alan Peaford.
The naming of a Paul Harris Fellow is a tribute to a person who has demonstrated shared purpose and support for the educational and humanitarian objectives of the Rotary Foundation worldwide. It is named after the founder of Rotary International who started the organisation in Chicago in 1905.
There are now more than 1.2 million members worldwide.
With Covid lockdown and meeting restrictions in place, it was impossible to announce the Fellowship and make the presentation at the club’s usual Orsett Hall meeting place, but Adrian decided to take the certificate on his morning walk around Orsett village and with the use of a long litter-picker was able to pass the award over while remaining socially distanced.
“This is the highest award that can bestowed on a Rotarian and recognises the work Alan has done representing the club internationally but also for masterminding projects like the virtual Christmas concert and of course the real concert when it happens,” Adrian said.
“I was really touched and honoured to receive this recognition with the nomination from the club – and it was great to see the new president in person, albeit for just a few seconds,” Alan said.
