A former Bournemouth head teacher described – with a nod to Gilbert & Sullivan – as “the very model of a modern day Rotarian” has been honoured by his club.

Roger Allen, formerly of Glenmoor and Winton Academies in Bournemouth, was named a Paul Harris Fellow by Poole Bay Rotary Club.

The fellowship is used to show appreciation of the contribution made by an individual.

It recognises the service someone has given not only to the club, but also to the community and to Rotary in general in upholding and promoting the ideals of Rotary.

Sarah Ali Choudhury, the new President of Poole Bay Rotary, said it was a “huge honour” to make Roger a Paul Harris Fellow as he:

• Always provided a warm welcome to those attending meetings, whether partners, a visiting  Rotarian, speaker, or a potential new member.
• Is an enthusiastic supporter of many different activities, whether walking the streets in the rain at Christmas, accompanying children on Kids Out, dressing up for the panto, participating in the Pirates, Castaways & Codfish play, helping create a new garden at Holton Lee or transporting chairs for the Toddlethon.
• Has hosted the club at his house on numerous occasions for BBQs and Christmas drinks.
• Has joined with other members for weekends away, trips to District Conference and visiting or hosting members of the Ancenis Club.

Sarah said: “Roger first came along to Poole Bay Rotary meetings in 2003 when Frank Topping was President and quickly became friendly with John Walker and Ken Sims.

“He joined Poole Bay in 2003/04 during Tony Ogg’s year.

“In addition to his contributions to many of the projects, Roger volunteered to be Club President three times in 2013/14, 2017/18 and 2019/20.

“Roger has been successful in steering the club, keeping us focused, together and encouraging us to make a greater impact while having fun.

“He has embraced our efforts to grow the club, both through our Thursday breakfast group and over the last few months through our online activities.

“It’s a huge honour to be able to present Roger with the Paul Harris Fellowship.”

Sarah, who presented the fellowship to Roger on her first occasion of wearing the President’s chain of office, added: “I know that these awards are so few and far between.

“Roger has been somewhat of a mentor over the past year to ensure that I have a smooth handover for my term.

“To coin a phrase from Gilbert & Sullivan, Roger ‘is the very model of a modern day Rotarian.’

“Congratulations and well done Roger.”

Roger said: “It was a really lovely surprise to receive the Paul Harris award.

“Fellowship and friendship is such a key part of Rotary and I hope we can keep that alive into the future.”