“It just seems like yesterday” was the comment made by Alex Richards, one of the founding members of Pembrey and Burry Port Rotary as they celebrated 50 years of service to local, national and international communities.
Following a recital by a very talented local singer Violet Davies the milestone event was celebrated at the Ashburnham Hotel at a gala dinner attended by over 60 people. The Guest of Honour and speaker was Huw Edwards BBC who also brought his mother.
Huw spoke candidly about his long career at BBC News illustrated with funny anecdotes and reflected on his friendship with David Gravell also a founder member. Huw said he was proud to be an Honorary member of the Club and was touched by being bestowed with a Paul Harris Fellowship (the highest honour Rotary can give).
Huw was delighted that Jonathan Gravell the High Sherriff of Dyfed and his wife, Charlotte, were able to attend and he presented a photograph of himself and Jonathan’s father David as a memento.
The evening, ably compared by Mansel Thomas, was also attended by David Ellis Chairman of the Great Britain and Ireland Rotary Board as well as the Rotary Southern Wales District Governor Ray Bevan and Mary Adams the Assistant Governor. Ray and Mary were delighted to present two Paul Harris Fellowships to Past Presidents Rhos Griffiths and Les Williams in recognition for their service to Rotary.
Honorary Memberships were presented to David Gravell, and Jonathan Gravell. David Ellis was delighted to thank Huw and present him with a bottle of Purple for Polio Gin which has been produced and sold in support of the Rotary End Polio Now campaign.
Everyone agreed that this had been a great way to recognize all that the Club members had achieved during 50 years of service to others. Club President Roy Schuster said:
“I am honoured to be President in this special year to mark fifty years of Service above Self and I look forward to another 50 years and more”.
Rotary Pembrey and Burry Port meet every Tuesday at 7pm at the Ashburnham Hotel Pembrey. If you are interested in finding out more about Rotary please contact Peter Evans Secretary at pembreyrotaryclub@mail.com
