Christmas Lunch proved to be a surprise for Margaret Williams when Venn Davies began to relate a story to those present about someone who puts ‘Service Above Self’. It turned out to be Margaret and led to her being awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship.
In nominating Margaret for this award Venn Davies wrote:
“Margaret joined The Inner Wheel Club of Wellington some 16 years ago and has been an active member serving as Secretary, President and Treasurer. She has held the posts of District Secretary and District Chairman. While District Chairman in (2014) she attended and spoke at the Rotary 1210 Conference at Llandudno. She is now a Member of the Inner Wheel Council representing her local District (District 21) at National Association level and has been a delegate at the last two Inner Wheel International Conventions in Denmark and Australia.
Throughout this time Margaret has been a constant presence and link between Wellington Rotary Club and The Inner Wheel Club of Wellington. She is the one who, for many years, has arranged for the members of Inner Wheel to assist us at events. Rotary concerts, Young Carers/Scouts Fun Day and the Gateway BBQ (year on year) are just some examples. She also maintains the link between our Rotary Club and Inner Wheel by circulating the details of Rotary events so that our two clubs work alongside each other. A particularly important part of this is the efficient manner in which she keeps those members of Inner Wheel who do not have a Rotary connection informed. This ensures that that those who wish to attend the various Rotary events (Christmas Lunch, Tree of Light Presentation, social events) are not forgotten.
Many a President has been grateful for Margaret’s persistent, but friendly, reminders! Margaret is an active fund raiser including hosting coffee mornings. Her homemade marmalade is in great demand! She is a generous contributor to charities at both local and international level eg The Shoe Box Appeal. Margaret has visited the Jaipur Limb Project at Jaipur, India where she witnessed the incredible work carried out by this Rotary and Inner Wheel funded charity. Regular donations are still made to the project by Wellington Inner Wheel Club.
I believe that Margaret is an example of someone who embodies The Object of Rotary. She puts ‘Service above Self’. For her service to The Inner Wheel Club of Wellington and her support for The Rotary Club of Wellington I have no hesitation in recommending her for this award.”