| One of the last duties of outgoing Maidenhead Rotary Club president Mary Spinks has been to award a member of the club the highest honour that can be conferred on a Rotarian. She presented long-serving club secretary Frank Knowles with a Paul Harris Fellowship, named after the founder of Rotary, that recognises outstanding commitment to Rotary and its principle of ‘Service Above Self’. Frank, who celebrates four decades as a Rotarian this year, joined the club 16 years ago from the Rotary Club of High Wycombe, of which he had been a member since 1983. He has been secretary of Maidenhead Rotary Club for the past six years and also serves tirelessly on a range of other committees within the club. Frank initially took an interest in the Rotary Foundation (Rotary’s own charity) and was also club president in 2014-15, before becoming secretary. Presenting him with his award, Mary said: “The role of club secretary is both demanding and rewarding – there is no time off for good | behaviour and when there is a club issue to resolve all eyes turn to the secretary. The role, properly served, is the foundation for the successful operation of the club. “It requires someone who is personally well-organised and radiates confidence and support when the going gets tough – and Frank is just such a man. “Inevitably, each succeeding president relies on their secretary to ensure the people and processes are there for the smooth running of the club and the delivery of our services to the community. I thank Frank on behalf of the club for all he has done for us this last 16 years and what we hope he will continue to do in the years to come. We are blessed to have his support and friendship.” During his career Frank served for 32 years in the fire and rescue services, rising to the rank of assistant chief officer. He served as senior course director at the Fire Service College and was regional chairman of the Football Safety Officers' Association. His expertise later took him around the world as a health and safety inspector of hotels for a number of leading tour operators. |