Margaret Whitehead receives prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship award from Rotary
Posted by Harry Bracegirdle
Former Club President, Margaret Whitehead, received a special recognition award - a Paul Harris Fellowship - from Rotary International at the Rotary Club of Port Fairy's Dinner meeting held 10th November 2014.
The award specifically acknowledges the work Margaret has done over 46 years of community service and not just her recent contribution to Rotary since joining the club in 2009.
The Club decided to nominate Margaret for a Paul Harris Fellowship - an award named after the founder and original President of Rotary in 1905, Paul Harris - because of her long standing commitment to numerous community organisations including Pallister's Reserve, the Port Fairy Hospital auxiliary, the Port Fairy Folk Festival Committee and many more. She even did a stint as a local councillor and two years as Mayor in the Belfast Shire.
The award was made by current President, John Clue, who gave a brief outline of Margaret's many achievements. Being a naturally shy and unassuming personality, Margaret indicated in her response that she was humbled to receive such an award but also indicated that she doesn't do what she does to collect awards or recognition.
The Dinner meeting was attended by Rotarians and guests, including Margaret's husband, Robert, her sisters (Robyn Bartlett and Lyn Brown) and friends (Marie Conlan and Kaye Fox) - the sisters and friends are affectionately called "Margaret's Mafia". Also in attendance was former, fellow councillor, David McLean, honorary Rotarian and Paul Harris recipient, Alan Rasmussen, partners of current Rotarians and regular visitors, Don & Lorraine Freckleton for the RC of Horsham.
It was pleasing, in a club that has only awarded a handful of Paul Harris Fellowships since its start-up in 1961, that there was three PHF recipients present to honour Margeret - these being Alan Rasmussen, Bernie Waixel and Colwyn Martin.
A collection of photos from the evening can be found in the photo gallery at http://portal.clubrunner.ca/1960/PhotoAlbums/paul-harris-fellowship-award-to-margaret-whitehead-nov-2014
