Three Times Lucky

Paul Harris was the founder of Rotary and the Paul Harris Fellowship (PHF) is given to Rotary members and particular members of the public, to recognise meritorious service to our community.  In certain circumstances a PHF Sapphire (PHFS) is awarded to members who already have a PHF to recognize contributions above and beyond expectations.

Good things happen in threes, and President Roger took the opportunity of the Club’s Charter lunch to announce the award of a PHF to Bob Godfrey, and a PHF Sapphire to President-Elect Patrick Rothon, and Youth and IT Officer Peter Greene.

Robert (Bob) Godfrey

Bob was a founder member of Basildon Round Table, and became Chairman in 1973/4.  He was also a long serving member of Basildon Rotary Club, joining in 1970 and holding many offices including being its youngest ever president.  He organised many big events, even a full District conference before moving to Spain in 2000 where he was a founder member of the Rotary Club of Costa del Sol, and subsequently after the local DG would not charter the club, he started a PROBUS club there which is still in operation.  Bob returned in 2018 where he rejoined Basildon Rotary Club and Probus, but he found the evening meetings difficult and left, eventually rejoined Rotary in the Billericay club where he is an active and popular member.

Patrick Rothon

Patrick joined the Rotary Club of Billericay over 50 years ago following in the footsteps of his father Felix Rothon, founder President of the Club.  Patrick has been president twice before – in 1986/7 and 2004/5, and as President-Elect will be President again in 2024/5 the 65^th. year of the club’s charter.

Patrick has held all the major Offices of the club and is currently Speaker Finder, where he bring us interesting speakers at every one of our meetings.

He provides invaluable service in so many ways, storing the club’s assets at his factory and now at his home in Brook Lodge.  He leverages his business knowledge, and networks to get things done.

With the active support and participation of his wife Carol, he has hosted fund raising events such as concerts, socials, parties in the lovely grounds of Brooke Lodge, raising thousands of pounds for charity and the club.

Peter Greene

Peter joined the Rotary Club of Billericay in only 2011, and immediately assumed club responsibilities initially for Community Service and subsequently for our club website.  He has already been President twice, in 2017/18 and subsequently in 2021/22.

He is responsible for the Club’s IT presence on websites and social media used to communicate within Rotary and with the public, and he is an active member of the District Foundation committee.

Working with Trevor Bond as editor they produced our monthly club newsletter winning the National Award twice in a row and the District Award four times in a row, and now continues to produce it after Trevor retired from his position.

This year, after Mike Sinclair had to drop his role, he is working with Stephen King to perform Youth Services for the club.

He is our Official Photographer, but more importantly, is always available to provide advice, help and support new initiatives.