National Award for Penrith Rotarian

Rotary Champions of Change : On the 25 June 2014 Jeffrey Fawcett of the Rotary Club of Penrith was one of a small number of Rotarians to receive a new award recognising the impact they have made in their local or an international community. The Award was introduced by Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland.

Jeff received the Champions of Change Award from, Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg at a ceremony in Whitehall. 

Kevin Walsh, District Governor for Rotary in Cumbria & Lancashire said "Jeff was nominated for this award because of his determination to refurbish the Coronation Gardens in Penrith, a task which he realised in July 2013 after several years working with Eden District Council, The Heritage Lottery Fund and the local community." "His efforts are a wonderful example of the Rotary motto 'Service Above Self' and show what can be done when we work with our local communities."

Jeff says "I am delighted to be nominated as a Rotary Champion of Change and would like to acknowledge the support given to me by my colleagues in the Rotary club of Penrith, the specialty advisers and especially all the children and community groups who contributed to the successful garden design. The Coronation Garden is now a valuable asset to the town and this makes the effort involved so worthwhile"

Presenting the first ever Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland (Rotary GB&I) Champions of Change Awards, Mr Clegg spoke of the extraordinary things which the award winners had done.  He was impressed by the variety of achievements of the 12 awardees.  It was an honour to meet and be able to congratulate them, he said.  They have all given so much time, so selflessly, and with so much passion to help others and make our society stronger and fairer.  From Sidcup to Sumatra, Crewkerne to Kenya, they are helping people deal with some of the biggest challenges possible. And, every step of the way, they are inspiring others to get involved and help out.