Rotary Club of Forres presents the Paul Harris certificate of appreciation and the citizen of the year award to Forres In Bloom
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A GROUP of humanitarians celebrating 70 years of service to the community has presented two awards to the town’s most celebrated volunteers.
Outgoing Rotary Club of Forres president Tanya McLaren visited the plant nursery at Grant Park to deliver the Paul Harris certificate of appreciation and the citizen of the year award to Forres In Bloom (FIB) and one of its longest serving members, Bert Logie.
Forres Rotary secretary Sheena MacGillivray explained Paul Harris was the Chicago-based attorney who founded the Rotary International in 1905 – the certificate is the highest award the organisation can make.
She said: “It acknowledges the contribution volunteers make to the town with their beautiful floral displays, as well as the help they give to Forres Rotarians such as crocus planting, bulb donation, advice and equipment lends. FIB continues to make Forres beautiful, even during the pandemic.”
FIB most recently helped Forres Rotary with a litter pick and preparing sites for its junior section - the Rotakids - to plant bulbs.
Tanya said: “It was my pleasure to meet the volunteers and present them with the award for their hard work and dedication to our community.
“They make such a visible contribution to the town, which is always commented on and is highly appreciated by locals and visitors alike. To see Forres in all its blooming glory is something I always look forward to but it is particularly welcome after the tough year we’ve all had!”
FIB secretary Sandra Maclennan confirmed the two groups are respectful of each other’s work.
She said: “We work closely with Forres Rotary and give mutual support whenever possible. For example, several Rotary members help with our coffee mornings. FIB receives annual financial support from the Rotary which enables us to plant a bed at Grant Park and supports our youth group, the Wee FIBbees. FIB supports the Rotary with several activities: cleaning up after the annual bonfire; planting Purple for Polio crocus corms with local schools; and loaning equipment for litter picks.
“This year we are growing 70 sunflowers planted through Forres to celebrate 70 years of Rotary Club of Forres.”
She added: “However, we were amazed and overwhelmed with the prestigious Certificate of Appreciation. It was entirely unexpected and we were honoured to be recommended. We thank Tanya and her team for thinking of us.”
Tanya was also delighted to present the Citizen of the Year award to FIB volunteer Bert Logie with incoming Rotary president, Tony O’Neill.
She said: “The award is given to someone who goes the extra mile for their community - Bert is a well-kent face around the town for working with the FIB team.
“Some of his family were there to enjoy a cuppa and a slice of cake to celebrate with him. Well done Bert!”
Royal Navy World War II veteran and Burma Star awardee Bert (94), of Bogton Road, was director of William Reid Engineering in Forres. He retired at the age of 65 then got involved with the Applegrove Primary School Gardening Club while he was a member of the school board. He carried on volunteering with FIB after leaving the club in 2016 and has been a member for 20 years in total.
Bert said: “I enjoy working with a great team at FIB in all seasons. I feel honoured to be chosen for this award.”
