Installation of President Keith (DK) Roberts

Two prominent past presidents of the 91 years old Rhyl club found themselves the unexpected recipients of Paul Harris Fellowships – the highest award Rotary can bestow – at a moving ceremony at Faenol Fawr. Expecting to be simply interested observers at the installation of incoming President Keith Roberts, both Mike Howarth and Hari Hughes were instead individually honoured for their outstanding service to the Rotary movement. The uniquely coveted badge and ribboned medal bearing the inscribed head of Paul Harris, founder of Rotary, along with a commemorative framed certificate, were presented in turn to the surprised pair by outgoing president Rod Brocklehurst to the standing acclaim of the capacity audience. Praising their considerable contribution and loyal service to the club, the President said both were eminently worthy of this highest recognition and his warm tribute was echoed in like terms by another past president Ken Hayton. Both recipients suitably responded to their surprise honour. Earlier President Rod had warmly thanked all officers and members, particularly secretary Gordon Marshall, for their loyal support during his second term in office and although the club had enjoyed a varied and active year, raising thousands of pounds for a number of charities and good causes, they now needed to look forward to the opportunities presented by a new beginning. After being installed to the presidential chair he previously occupied in 2009, Keith Roberts invested the new Senior vice-president John Hickerton and Junior vice-president Gareth Davies with their badges of office and impressed on all members to look to thoroughly enjoy their involvement with Rotary. Giving notice that the important challenge of recruiting new members would remain a high priority, he stressed the enormous value of accelerating the process of attracting women members into Rotary, as was happening at many clubs throughout the district and beyond. The new team of committee chairmen and officers, additionally comprising Gordon Marshall, John Williams, Mike Howarth, Hari Hughes and Michael McEvoy was confirmed with thanks.