Rotary's highest award goes to John Kay

John Kay receives the Paul Harris Fellowship award from President Joan Banks

After many years supporting local charities and Rochdale Rotary Club, Rotarian John Kay, a director of Rochdale Online, was recently presented with a Paul Harris Fellowship.

This award, named after the founder of Rotary, is given to Rotarians who have given outstanding service to their community and followed the Rotary motto of 'Service above Self'

John Kay was very pleased to receive the award from the President, Joan Banks, at a surprise ceremony at the Club recently.

John has been a Rotarian for 25 years and was club President in 2009.

His outstanding achievements include helping the club develop closer links with the community by promotional and internet information and produced an up-to-date website.

A Rotary spokesman said: "John is a friendly and approachable chap with a sharp legal mind and boundless energy helping the Club complete numerous new projects.

"He is a very inspirational speaker and an excellent Master of Ceremonies.

"His most recent achievement has been the setting up of a 'Friends of Rotary' group who help the club do even more charitable events.

"John has always been ready to roll up his sleeves particularly supporting local charities such as Rochdale Connections Trust." 

After his initial surprise at receiving the award John gave a broad smile and said: “I'm so pleased the Rochdale Rotary Club feels my contribution merits such an award. It is a spur to me to help the club achieve even greater things in the future”.

The Rotary Club of Rochdale was formed in 1926. They are a group of friends, business and professional people who enjoy fellowship and volunteer their time and talents to serve their community at home and overseas.