Paul Harris Fellow - Helen Fowler

Crossford resident Dr. Helen Fowler has been awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship in recognition of her outstanding service to Rotary and dedication to community work spanning more than two decades.

Named after Rotary's founder, the Paul Harris Fellowship Award is one of the organisation’s highest honours, recognising exceptional service to both Rotary and the wider community.

Helen’s journey with Rotary began in 2001 when she became the first female member of Fraserburgh Rotary Club while working as a General Practitioner in the town. "I was a GP in Fraserburgh and I was asked to join Rotary back in 2001," she recalls. Her impact was immediate, and within just five years, she was elected president of the club - a testament to her leadership and commitment.

During her time in Fraserburgh, Helen immersed herself in the club's activities, serving on numerous committees and organising various fundraisers, including a memorable charity run. Her active involvement continued for over a decade before retirement brought a change of scenery.

Following her move to the Kingdom of Fife, Helen sought out a new Rotary home and found it with West Fife Rotary Club. She has thrown herself wholeheartedly into the club's work, particularly its ongoing relationship with the Salvation Army. She regularly organises club trips to the theatre and is always ready to lend a hand at galas and social events. "I haven't done any big projects, but I help when I can," she says modestly.

Born and raised on a farm between New Pitsligo and Strichen in Aberdeenshire, where her father was a pig farmer, Helen studied medicine at Aberdeen University. After marrying a fellow doctor, the couple spent four and a half years in Benbecula before settling in Fraserburgh, where she established her medical career.

Her commitment to public service extended beyond medicine and Rotary. Helen served as an Aberdeenshire councillor for seven to eight years, initially elected as an independent before becoming Deputy Provost when the independents formed a coalition with the Liberal Democrats. "The best bit was representing Aberdeenshire. I was very proud to do that," she reflects.

Music has also played a significant role in her life. For ten years, she provided pastoral care for the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, travelling extensively across Europe to Berlin, Amsterdam, and Poland. A memorable highlight came in 2012 when the orchestra played with violinist Nicola Benedetti and the BBC Symphony Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall during the Proms.

Now settled in Crossford in a three-generation household with two of her grandsons, Helen continues to pursue new interests alongside her Rotary work. Since moving to Fife, she has learned to play the ukulele and resumed piano lessons, achieving grade four - a considerable advancement from her childhood grade one.

An avid traveller, Helen spent 26 weeks of the year exploring the globe before the pandemic and is gradually rebuilding that schedule. She has four grandchildren, including two in Canada and two living with her in Crossford.

From the 'Broch to Crossford, Dr. Helen Fowler's Paul Harris Fellowship recognises a life dedicated to service, community, and making a difference wherever she goes.