Terry Atkinson

Terry has been an active and committed Rotarian at Northampton Becket for nearly three decades, receiving a huge amount from the fellowship, camaraderie and opportunity to help his local community. Over the years, he has initiated a number of Rotary projects, including building the club’s original Santa’s sleigh, establishing the combined Northampton clubs Dragon Boat Race and organising an annual fun-filled derby day.

Raised in South Yorkshire, Terry developed an early passion for hands-on work outside the classroom. He left school at 15 to undertake an apprenticeship in trowel trades, specialising in bricklaying and stonemasonry. Showing natural talent, he passed with distinction and represented Doncaster College at the Olympia in London. In 1972, Terry married his childhood sweetheart, Diane, moving into a cottage he personally renovated during his apprenticeship.

Keen to start his own business, Terry relocated to Northamptonshire in 1977. He established his business, which grew into a thriving local business employing up to 40 people. Committed to passing on the opportunities he received, Terry always had apprentices on his team.

In 2011, Terry visited several Northampton Becket Rotary projects in Malawi hosted by the Rotary Club of Lilongwe. The life-changing experience transformed his perspective on international projects. He fell in love with Chitipi School and since has helped to raise over £100,000 for Chipiti School. Terry led a team of fellow Rotarians who went out to Malawi to play a hands-on role in the projects they were funding and he physically helped expand Chitipi School from 3 to 13 classrooms, alongside vocational spaces, a community room and composting toilet facilities - an initiative that expanded to more than 20 schools across the Lilongwe District.

Beyond his support of Malawi, Terry is often found with BBQ tongs in hand at Rotary events. He is a volunteer driver for Young Carers and enjoys  travelling.

As Terry approaches his 30th anniversary as a Rotarian, he continues to embody the spirit of “Service above Self” committed to strengthening his local community, supporting international development and inspiring others through his example of practical heart felt service.