At the Berwick club's recent President's Night in the Guildhall, Michael Richardson asked him to accept the fellowship, not only for himself, but for his family and the people of Berwick and district.

Vice-president Grant Findlay said their current president was an inspirational and motivational personality with the ability to get things done. The Robson family did so much for the Rotary Club and the whole community.

Revealing that he had dedicated his President's Night to the Berwick people who had done so much for the club over so many years, he said: "We do so many things, but without their fantastic support the club could not have done what it has achieved."

They had invited a number of guests who had given special assistance, among them Willie Robson and his wife Daphne who, with their family, combined with the club to run the big fund-raising event at the honey farm.

The decision to award Willie a Paul Harris Fellowship was unique for he was the first in the club's 80-year history to be a non-Rotarian. The other holders are David Conway and Tom Ottey. Paul Harris had founded Rotary to draw people together.

Mr Richardson was thanked by Mr Robson who said their association with Rotary was very satisfactory and successful. The family liked to see people around the place and wanted them to come along and be happy. That was his philosophy in life. This award was all about the people of town and district — social cohesion within the area. The Robson family wanted to be involved in the community and halt any decline in Berwick.

The president also presented a cheque for £10,000 to the local Cancer Research group. It was accepted by Joan Elder, who attended along with treasurer Richard Addison. She described the gesture as 'magnificent' and Mr Richardson explained the money had been raised at a charity auction at which the auctioneer, Jack Dudgeon, had done a tremendous job.