THE Rotary Club of Wellington managed finally to present an award to local family butcher Tim Potter on December 11.

It all started 18 months ago when it came to the notice of members that Tim had launched a Meat & Veg Box Gifting Scheme to help those families in and around Wellington most in need during the coronavirus crisis.

Rotarians were so impressed with his compassion, generosity and service to the community that they voted unanimously to award him a Paul Harris Fellowship.

A club spokesman said: "We had hoped to present the award in June, but due to Covid restrictions the event had to be postponed.

"The decision to make this prestigious award is kept a secret from the proposed recipient and, for a number of reasons, further attempts to arrange a presentation have been thwarted. But, finally, Mike Parkinson, the immediate past president of the club, caught up with Tim at his shop in Fore Street and in true ’This is Your Life’ style made the presentation to a very surprised but grateful Tim."

The awarding of a Paul Harris Fellowship is the highest personal honour any Rotary Club can bestow.

It is presented in recognition of extraordinary service to Rotary and/or the community. The award is named after Paul P Harris who founded the Rotary movement in 1905.

Such is the importance of this award that, since being formed in 1954, the Rotary Club of Wellington has presented only six Fellowships to non-Rotarians.

The Rotary Club of Wellington believes Tim to be a worthy recipient of this award.