Rotary Great Britain and Ireland, the national arm of Rotary, the leading worldwide humanitarian organisation, has honoured one of the town's local personalities.. Paul Nixon picked up the gauntlet when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. He set up CAUSN – Congleton Area Ukrainian Support Network – and masterminded an operation to look after the flood of Ukrainian refugees as they arrived in Congleton and the surrounding area. On Monday, 17th June, Rotary Great Britain and Ireland recognised his work with a framed certificate. The certificate was signed by Eve Conway, Rotary International Director 2023-25 on behalf of the Rotary GB&I Board. It states” Service Recognition Award presented to Paul Nixon in acknowledgement of special service.” Rotary-Congleton's president elect, Ian Robinson presented the certificate and read a citation. He said “I am proud to present Paul Nixon with an award – not from us in Congleton, but from Rotary Great Britain. This 'Service Recognition Award' is an acknowledgement of special humanitarian service. I think, in our recent history, it is the first time that we have been able to secure such a national award.” Ian concluded, “Paul Nixon, it is my great pleasure to present this Service Recognition Award to you on behalf of every Rotarian in Great Britain and Ireland.” (fb)

Thank you for the chair... Grace Davenport's mother Claire came to a Rotary-Congleton meeting especially to say 'Thank You' to the club. Recently, Rotary purchased a special chair for her daughter Grace, who is now nearly 3 and suffers from a very rare condition, and is only one in 11 million with 'Ogden Syndrome'. Grace has very complex needs and her care is 24 hours Claire says the chair is 'transformative and has changed Grace's life.' The chair allows Grace, who has to use it throughout the day, to be comfortable – and to sit high-up and to join in at the same height as the rest of the family. Rotary had a specially embroidered 'Amazing Grace' for her on the chair. Mrs Thompson is organising a fundraising day in order to take Grace to Disneyland. It is being held at Congleton Cricket Club on 6th October, starting at 11am. All Rotarians are welcome to attend. (fb)