president Steve Fivash (centre)
ROTARIAN Philip Knight has received the Rotary Club’s highest honour, the Paul Harris Fellow award, for his outstanding service to the community.
Philip and his wife Barbara are moving to Shropshire to be with their family and was presented with the award before they left.
“Phil has been a member of the Rotary Club since 1991, and both he and Barbara will be sadly missed by all of the Rotary Club of Melksham and the Melksham community,” said Melksham Rotary press office Peter King.
“In his 23 years at the club, Phil has been treasurer, secretary and president in 1997-1998 and 2008-2009, also involving himself in the district’s education programme. He and Barbara are keen supporters of the Guingamp exchange, a Rotary Club in Brittany, where they will also be missed by their many friends.
“As a founder member of the local astronomical society he also ran an astronomy club at Stonar School for several years. He will be remembered for his astounding range of knowledge, particularly of all matters military, the subject of many of his paintings and lectures.
“This broad career experience at the Red Cross, the University of Bath, Barnado’s, the Probation Service, and LEZAM, led to Phil’s commitment to community affairs and service to the public that earned him the Paul Harris Fellow. There could be no better illustration of his commitment than his dedication to the Art House Café, which is run by Melksham Rotary, with Barbara constantly working beside him.
“Phil and Barbara will never forget their time in Melksham. Perhaps when they visit, the club can persuade him to be their speaker on one of the many topics of which he is an expert.”
