Formby Rotary honours founder member

The Rotary Club of Formby held a presentation evening to honour one of its founder members, Jim Charnock.

Jim has been a Club member since the club began, 50 years ago. To mark this special achievement, Jim was presented with a certificate signed by the President of Rotary International recognising Jim's long service. He was also presented with a Paul Harris Fellowship Award. This award is the highest award Rotary can give and is given for service above and beyond what is normally expected of a Rotarian.

His work within the Club has been a wonderful example for members who have joined over the Club's 50 year history! Congratulations Jim, both awards are well deserved. Jim is pictured with his family who joined him on his special evening. Also pictured are Brendan Ginty and his wife Carole. Brendan was also awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship for his dedication to the club and its activities over the 20 years he has been a member. Brendan has been a wonderful support to the Conquest Art Club in Formby. This club encourages disabled people to develop their artistic skills. He has served the Conquest Club as treasurer and fundraiser for many years. Congratulations Brendan! The evening concluded with a presentation from Scout Leader Jessica Makin and Explorer Scout Jack Carr. They were part of a Merseyside Scout County trek to Nepal to help refurbish a school and houses damaged in the earthquake. A stone seating area was also built in the village where people could meet and sit and have a chat. The speakers gave a very interesting talk and showed their audience many momentos of their trip. The last photos show Club members enjoying a weekend break in Sweden visiting the Club's sister club in Kristinehamn. Formby Rotary Club has had very close ties with their Swedish Club for many years. The Swedish Club attended our 50th Anniversary Charter Night last September. The Formby Rotarians attended Kristinehamn's charter night on this visit. The Clubs visit every 2 years taking it in turn to play host. The Swedish Club always plan an excellent itinerary for these visits and this time was no exception.

After the Charter night the Formby Guests were taken to the holiday cottages that many Swedes use during the summer months for relaxation. This contact with the Swedish Club has resulted in strong friendships developing over the years and the visits are always looked forward to. Kristinehamn have agreed to help the Formby club with some international fundraising.