Paul Harris Fellowship Awards

On Wednesday 1st July, The Binks at Queensferry foreshore was the chosen location for the presentation of four Paul Harris Fellowships. In one of his last duties before the end of his year as president, Jim McCulloch said he was delighted to present one of the highest awards in Rotary to four worthy members who has each served the club and the local community in different ways. Suitably spaced out, Drew Graham, Sandy Mackenzie, Graham Clarkson and Richard Brown received medals and certificates.

Drew Graham, at 88 the senior member of the club, was nominated by Allan Smith. Drew spent many years farming in Canada. He has performed many services for the club over the last eleven years, such as towing Santa's Sleigh. His grandfather founded the Dr Graham Homes for deprived children in India. These survive to this day and Drew and his wife Christine regularly hold events at Hillend Farm in aid of the charity.

Sandy Mackenzie, nominated by Craig MacKenzie, joined Rotary in 2004 and from the outset was enthusiastically involved in running and promoting the club. He served as president in 2018-19, not missing a single meeting, and is well-known and respected in District 1020 as a fine Rotarian. Originally from the south side of Glasgow, Sandy was very active in the Boys Brigade, becoming captain of the 31st Queensferry Boys Brigade.

Graham Clarkson, nominated by Adam Dzierzek, has put an immense amount of time and effort into organising the Rotary Forth Bridge Abseil over the last ten years. Graham used his technical expertise to  devise the online registration system and was largely responsible for recruiting and liaising with the many charities which benefited from the event. Last year the Abseil topped £1 million raised for charity during its ten years' existence. Outwith Rotary, Graham runs community projects at Craigie's Environmental and Education Project.

Richard Brown was nominated by Assistant District Governor Graham Leith. In his citation ADG Graham said that although already a Paul Harris Fellow, Richard deserved a second one because of the work he does for the club and community. For the past 30 years Richard has ensured that the club has a functioning Santa's Sleigh ready for every Christmas. His technical skills keep the sound and vision going at the club's weekly meetings and his innovations like the on-screen weekly diary have been most useful. Beyond the club, Richard provides the equipment for regular film nights at the Shore Road home for senior citizens. Club sports officer for many years, Richard was particularly involved in golf and curling. He still takes responsibility for the annual Young Golfer Competition.