Past president Des Dowdy and Jan O’Brien were surprised by the presentations by District Governor Gerard McMillan at the club’s change-over on Friday night. 

The Paul Harris Fellow recognises Rotarians or clubs for their contribution to the Rotary Foundation, which funds health care, clean water, food, education projects around the world. 

Mr McMillan said Mr Dowdy and Mrs O’Brien have both served terms as president and secretary of the club. 

“I think that every time a club is doing so well, someone has to take the credit,” he said. 

Mr McMillan praised the club’s achievements in fundraising under Mrs O’Brien’s leadership, in particular the recent $10,000 donation of Shelterbox to provide shelter for people in Nepal. 

But he added that he was also impressed by the harmony within the club.

“The Foundation stone on which Rotary is built is friendship, not only within the club but friendship with other clubs,” he said.