Rotary Club 79th Anniversary

Janice Sawle, President of The Rotary Club of Middleton Jeff Lawton, Lee Wolf, Janice Powell

The Rotary Club of Middleton celebrated their 79th Anniversary on Friday night (22 February).

It was a very busy evening, with guests from many local Rotary clubs, Paul Harris Awards awarded and a new member inducted.

The speaker was Geoff Mackey, giving a lively visual presentation.

Lee Wolf was inducted as a member of Rotary during the Dinner. Lee said: “I decided to find out more about Rotary last October / November.

“I am the treasurer of the Friends of the Edgar Wood Centre and members of that committee put forward an application for a grant to the Rotary Club of Middleton, this sparked my interest in Rotary. I did a little research online and was amazed at the good work the organisation is responsible for, locally, nationally and internationally. I was especially impressed by their work to eradicate polio globally.

“I contacted the Middleton club and I attended their weekly dinners each Monday, getting to know the Middleton club members. I also volunteered for the Father Christmas float and spent a couple of cold, cold nights on the streets of Middleton collecting the money that is distributed to local good causes.

“I hope that my membership will be of value to the club and the community and that my organisational and I.T. skills can be used to benefit all.”

Janice Sawle and Janice Powell, members of The Rotary Club of Middleton were both presented with a Paul Harris Awards, one of the highest awards in Rotary.

Janice Sawle has been a Rotarian since 1998 she says: “I joined for a couple of reasons, I wanted to give something back to the world and Rochdale in particular, I also wanted something to do that would give me a social life.

“I was really surprised on Friday I did not expect the award. I feel very honoured that the club wanted to do this; I know that they are not given lightly.”

On receiving the Award Janice Powell said: “I was totally shocked and dumb-founded to receive the award and had no idea it had been arranged. It was a total surprise. I am truly honoured to be given it but do not view what I have done for Rotary as anything other than what was expected of my various roles.” 

President of The Rotary Club of Middleton, Jeff Lawton said: “I thought the evening was first class, one of the best, food, friendship and a superb speaker finished the evening off on a high note.

“I gave two Paul Harris Awards to two of the most hard working people in the club. They have made a significant impact since joining by their attention to detail and professionalism in all they do.

Also to have five new members joining in my presidential year shows what a strong, vibrant club we have become, and we are always looking for more.”