Alan receives Rotary's Most Prestigious Award

There was a standing ovation for Banbury Rotarian Alan Wolstencroft as he was presented with the movement's highest award by Rotary International Director Allan Jagger at District Conference in Bournemouth on 3 March. The award is in recognition of his charitable work in Sierra Leone and South Africa. 

Alan first visited Sierra Leone in 2005 as a member of Mercy Ships' Rotary Mission Challenge and has returned to the country no less than seven times supporting the local community and coordinating funding for the development of two schools.  He has given 221 talks to various groups about his work, and has raised a total of £105,787 and untold amounts of gifts in kind through networking with schools and business contacts, for his causes. In addition to this he has become a trustee of Goodwill and Growth for Africa, visiting Kwa Zulu Natal three times, working on Rotary projects there.

The Service Above Self Award Alan has been given by Rotary International is the most prestigious award that can be given to a Rotarian. A maximum of 150 such awards are given worldwide each year.

President of the Banbury Club Ian Rodrick commented:-  'Rotary is about making a difference, and this is exactly what Alan has done.  We are delighted about his award and very proud of him.'

Alan is also a very active member of the District International committee. To see some of Alan's work in Africa, read his News Reports here.