Press Release

‘One in a Million!’

Hampstead man receives unique award

On Monday November 27, at the Rotary Club of London’s annual Stanley Leverton Lunch, Hampstead Rotarian George Thompson was presented with a specially created plaque, marking him as the one millionth person to receive Rotary’s ‘Paul Harris Fellowship’.

Paul Harris founded the Rotary movement in 1905 and there are now 1.2 million members world-wide. On Paul’s death, an award scheme was set up in his name, to recognise meritorious service in keeping with Rotary’s ideals, the ‘Paul Harris Fellowship’ and the first of these was awarded in 1957.

Clubs or individuals pay US00 to Rotary’s own charity, the Rotary Foundation, and receive in return a framed certificate and badge for the person sponsored. The bulk of the money goes towards the work of the Foundation. HRH The Princess Royal. Rt Hon Tony Blair, Sir Bob Geldof , Esther Rantzen and many others in public life are proud to wear their ‘PHF’ badge.

The Rotary Foundation continues to play a leading part, alongside the world Health Organisation, in the virtual elimination of Poliomyelitis throughout the world. Its programmes of education, relief and support for the community at large, makes it one of the greatest charities in existence today.

It was pure coincidence that the millionth of these awards should go to George Thompson, seen here being presented with the plaque by Peter Offer, President of Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland.

George, who was born in Australia, has lived in Hampstead for 20 years with his wife Ros and son Joshua and practices as an Industrial Psychologist. He joined the Rotary Club of Hampstead in 1992, has occupied the Club’s Presidency several times and has been a tireless worker for The Royal Free Hospital, Marie Curie Centre and other local charities. His fellow members knew he deserved the award they made and the fact that it turned out to be historic was just a bonus.

The Rotary Club of Hampstead meets on Tuesday evenings at 7.15 in the Retsina Restaurant in Belsize Lane. If you would like to know more about their activities, ring the President Jonathan Bergman on 020 7433 3310 or Secretary Len Gibbs, 020 8452 0507.