ROTARIANS and friends joined retiring president Mike Webb at Wellington Rotary Club’s handover night at the Beambridge Inn.

Before passing the chain of office to incoming president James Jellard, Mike presented Paul Harris Fellowships to Rotarians Anthony Askew, Ken Atherton, Richard Sillett and town councillor Andrew Govier.

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 38 fellowships and only five to non-Rotarians.

Anthony, Ken and Richard were chosen to receive fellowships because of their selfless commitment over many years to the Rotary movement and the local community.

Andrew Govier received his award for his tireless work for the community, supporting many projects important to the town and in particular where young people are concerned.