A member of Crickhowell Rotary Club has received the highest global award for a rotarian.

In a ceremony held just before Christmas, Mr Wally Elliot, was awarded the Paul Harris Award for long exceptional committed service.

It is the highest award in Rotary globally and is given to a Rotarian who has made an outstanding contribution to the club and community.

Typically the award is bestowed to members who have gone above and beyond what would normally be expected. 

Mr Elliot exemplifies all that is best in Rotary. For more than 40 years he has supported the positive development of the Club and its impact in the community, both at home and abroad.

Never afraid to speak his mind, he has guided generations of Rotarians in their own commitment to ‘Service Before Self’ and tackled new challenges without reservation.

Past president Dave Thomas paid tribute to his Mr Elliot’s willingness to do whatever was within his capacity to assist at all times and all weathers.

“As newer members came along he was always quick to encourage them by grasping the potential of their good ideas,” said Mr Thomas.

“After 40 years, Wally remains an inspiration to us all!”

His fellow Rotarians had no hesitation in recommending Mr Elliot for this award, which is celebrated with a very special lapel pin and certificate. These items were presented to him by the current president Mr Kevin Phillips at a celebration at the end of last year.

Commenting on the award, Mr Phillips said: “We should all be encouraged by Wally’s positive support of the progressive development of our club and its effort to prepare for the years ahead.

“It is significant that the club welcomes its first two female members during this - its 40th year”.

The Paul Harris Fellow Award was created in memory of Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary. He founded the club that became the humanitarian organisation Rotary International in 1905.

Rotary is now an international organisation of business and professional leaders united worldwide, who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.

Crickhowell Rotary Club President Kevin Phillips would love to hear from people who interested in furthering the Club’s work and the example set by Mr Elliot, by contacting him directly on: 01873 812895 or by email: [email protected]