South Wairarapa Rotary

At every Rotary South Wairarapa Martinborough Fair, Martinborough Lions distribute the trestle tables for the stall holders. Then when the Fair closes collect, stack, band and return them to the storage facility. Over many years a strong working relationship has developed to where in late March or early April each year we join together for a joint dinner and social occasion. This year’s event was held at Peppers in Martinborough with about 100 members from Rotary and Lions attending.
Rotary District Governor, Graeme Blick addressed the meeting on the history of Rotary and how Rotary was founded in Chicago by Paul Harris. There were six or seven founder members and they met weekly at each other’s houses on rotation – hence the name Rotary. To honour Rotary’s founders the Paul Harris Foundation was created.

Today Paul Harris awards are presented to Rotarians or community persons that have made a difference over the years to their community. Graeme asked Rotary South Wairarapa President Beth Taylor to announce the recipient of Rotary Paul Harris community award. The award was presented to David Kershaw of Martinborough; to a tumultuous applause. Beth relayed off a very long list of David’s community work which include being a Lions member for 20 years, Justice of the Peace, Business Association, Relay for Life, organising Blood Donor facilities to name but a few.

In reply, David confessed that he and his wife returned from Perth a few hours earlier and nearly did not make the evening due to flight disruptions. He said that he and his wife had received community support over many years and he felt it was his duty to return some of that support to the community and to help the community grow. David thanked the community and Rotary for the award to a standing ovation.
. Congratulations to David Kershaw and thank you from the community for all your work over the years.