British Empire Medal - Award

Presentation of award to Kevin Walsh

Kevin Walsh being presented with the Award by Alex Scott, Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria

British Empire Medal (BEM) Award

Past District Governor (2013/14) Kevin Walsh has been presented with the British Empire Medal for his voluntary work supporting communities in Carlisle and Cumbria

The award was presented by Alexandra Scott, the Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria at a ceremony at Muncaster Castle in January 2026.

Kevin has worked alongside several organisations in the area ranging from Age UK (North Cumbria), where he is championing Age Friendly Partnerships; Ramblers Wellbeing Walks, where he is a walk leader in Carlisle; The Alzheimer’s Society as a Dementia Friend Ambassador and former Chair of Carlisle Dementia Action Alliance.

Following his involvement on the county resilience group in the aftermath of Storm Desmond Kevin found himself involved in the work of the Cumbria Community Foundation. Now as Vice Chair of the board and Chair of its main grants committee he says that “I can safely say it’s the best “job” I’ve ever done”.

Having championed the installation of Public Access Defibrillators across Cumbria & Lancashire as part of a Rotary Foundation Global Grant in 2014/17, Kevin also organised Community Health Fairs, Health events in local auction marts and supported the development of Stroke Awareness in Copeland.

About the award Kevin says that “As a Rotarian I have always tried to follow our motto of “Service above Self” and whether as a direct result of being in Rotary or, more often than not, as a volunteer in our community I have done what I can to share my skills and knowledge to benefit others. I was honoured to have been nominated by my peers from several organisations for the award and share it with all those that I have worked with over the years.”

As a direct member Kevin is a member of the Cumbria & Lancashire Hub and is presently the District Learning & Development Facilitator. He is also a member of the RGB&I Learning & Development Team.

back to page above this...

What is Rotary?

back A brief overview

'What We Do' Main Pages:

Business / Community Membership

Cockermouth Rotary Club invites local businesses / community groups to join our club with our new Business / Community Membership to help build skills, make new friendships, get involved in local and international projects and most importantly have fun.

‘Safe Futures: Supporting Women and Girls in West Cumbria’ Every woman and girl deserves to live free from fear, violence and abuse. The funds will aid help for those at risk.

Picture of the finished Harris Park gates....also a picture of the gates sandblasted back to bare metal before painting.

President Andy Carter and fellow club members in 2024 completed repainting of the ornate gateway into the town's Harris Park.

Rotary plant and care for this area in our town to offer a warm welcome to all who come here.

Some of the Calendar design and creation team.

It's back! The Club has once again produced the glossy calendar with fresh pictures of our gem Georgian town for each month of the year.

Our annual Golf Tournament at Cockermouth Golf Club

Raised Herb/Vegetable beds ready for cutting.

We have planted various Herb Beds around the town.

A great competition and some worthy winners

Our annual inter-school football competition...Sun 18 May 2025, 1:00pm - 3:30pm at TarnClose

Tools for Self-Reliance Partnership

Working together to bring help

The Rotary Host of Daffodils ...plans being made for 2025

2022 the Rotary Host of Daffodils

Charitable Trust Grant Application Form

We normally meet on the first Monday of the month to consider any grant applications. Please ensure you read page 3 to check if you may be eligible for a grant.

Showground in part of the successful Rotary Touch a Truck family shows...

Our family gala show returns in 2026 . Find out more at Touch a Truck Show

The competitors in the 2017 Rotary Young Musicians contest...Pic Trevor Earthy

High standard of entries this year for the Young Musician contest...Pic Trevor Earthy

To help boost the Georgian town of Cockermouth the Rotary Club has once again produced a glossy calendar for the town for 2022

Back row:- Larry Branyan, District Governor; Joe Fagan, President Elect; Alan Tyson, Cockermouth Mayor. Front row:- Brian Mitchelhill, President; Paul Hancock, Cheshire Chief Fire Officer; Philip Straughton, President Nominee

Over 100 attendees helped the Club celebrate its 78th Charter in 2017

President Andy meets Holly the bear's new owners.

Holly the bear helped raise around £200 for the Henderson Suite at West Cumberland Hospital.

Chef of the Year winner Matthew Morris and Club President

Tasty meals created by pupils of Cockermouth School for this year's Rotary Young Chef contest.

Crocus planting around Cockermouth to mark Rotary work in helping eradicate polio across the world.

Cockermouth Rotary Club fielded a team for the 2017 Dragon Boat Race on Derwentwater, Keswick. And they plan to race again in 2018..

Application Form for Funding

We consider applications from individuals or groups, particularly in the Cockermouth area, subject to certain criteria. Contact our Secretary:-secretary@cockermouth.rotary1190.org for an application form to complete and return by email.

President Brian Mitchelhill&Rotarian Bob Harwood at the presentation of the ruckdacks to Nick Landells from the Cumbria Alliance.

Presentation of Rucksacks to the Cumbria Alliance who organise D of E expeditions.

Pauline and Douggie Hardie and Club President Brian Mitchelhill. Picture by Trevor Earthy

The work of Cumbrian charity Dewode in Uganda was featured at an April 2018 meeting.

Thanks to organising by Alastair Sharp and the team a DEWODE charity film night was held on the 8th June 2018

Outgoing President Jimmy Wood gets a rousing vote of Thanks as he hands over to the Club's new President Andy Carter.

President Joe Fagan and some of the senior citizens enjoying the annual Christmas event.

In 2019 again some 70 enjoyed a very successful Senior Citizens Party with Rotarians providing a Christmas feast for many who might otherwise have missed out on festive fare.

Some of the children who enjoyed Kids Out 2014

The 2014 Kids Out saw 31 children from our area enjoy a day out...

Teams taking part in the busy 2014 Primary School Technology Tournament

The Club organised highly successful Young Technology Tournaments this year 2014.

Left to right: President Nominee Dave Siddall, Chairman of James Walkers Mr Peter Needham, President Joe Fagan, District 1190 Govenor Mary Bradley, the Mayor of Cockermouth David Malloy and President Elect Phillip Straughton. (Picture :Trevor Earthy)

President Joe Fagan welcomed 86 guests to a successful Charter Celebration in 2018

President Phillip and Rotarian Val among those helping ensure Taste was a big success..

Over 25,000 enjoy Taste Cumbria weekends and Club members were out in force in 2019 selling the Rotary calendar for cockermouth and helping with the park and ride service