Middleton Rotary celebrate anniversary

John Brooker (left) receives the prestigious Paul Harris award from Middleton Rotary President Peter Hayward.

The Middleton Rotary Club celebrated its 76th anniversary at the Norton Grange Hotel on Friday (30 October).

More than sixty Rotarians and guests gathered for the celebration and President Peter Hayward spoke of how proud he was to be leading the club's 76th year in Rotary.

He said: “Over the 76 years Middleton Rotary Club has certainly stamped its mark throughout the world and more importantly in the local community.

"The club has contributed towards Rotary’s aim of eradicating polio worldwide and is involved in water projects in Kenya. Locally the club has helped so many charities and people over the years, mainly funded by efforts with our Christmas float around the streets of Middleton in December – an event that is always eagerly awaited by the Middleton folk."

On the evening, Rotarian John Brooker was presented with the prestigious Paul Harris award. Paul Harris was the founder of the Rotary movement in 1905 and the award is given to Rotarians in recognition of their outstanding contribution to others.

Peter Hayward said: "John has been responsible for continuing work in Kenya including the formation and running of a school in the village of Mikoroshoni. Through his vision the club have helped towards funding and building a bridge over the river Nithi that has helped save lives that would otherwise have been lost in attempting the very dangerous crossing. John is leading a project for the creation of water catchment storage tanks for the village of Tharaka. This was a very well deserved award for John."

Mr Brooker said: “I'm extremely proud to accept it, but even more proud to have achieved what has been done in Kenya."

The event ended with a half hour session of music performed by ‘Hindle Wakes’, who entertained all guests with their humorous set of songs.