The History of
Whitchurch Rotary Club
1938 - 2008

Visitors Welcome

We meet in the Dodington Lodge Hotel every 1st & 3rd Tuesday evening at 6:30pm for Dinner, every 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 12:45pm for lunch, and if there's a 5th Tuesday, we meet at 7:00am for Breakfast. Visitors are welcome.

Presidents of Whitchurch Rotary Club

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PRESIDENT, 1973/74
GEORGE W. HARRIS

George's early inclination was to be a tailor but motor engineering was to prove his main occupation. He joined his brother Tom and his brother-in-law Jack Matthews (Presdt. 58/59) in the early 30s at the Bridgewater Garage, and continued in this occupation until the company passed to Vincent Greenhous of Shrewsbury in the 1960s. He then embarked on a career as an insurance assessor to the motor trade and later worked for Goodwins Dairies dealing with the firm's insurance and transport until his retirement. He was greatly involved in the local community especially charity work and his involvement included the League of Friends to the Whitchurch and Orthopaedic Hospitals, Meals on Wheels, the Home Guard and all activities involving the Whitchurch Rotary and Inner Wheel Clubs. He was a leading light in the early days of the Christmas float, in fact finding the chassis for the first vehicle and helping to build and maintain it. George for many years headed the Saturday collection team in the White Lion meadow with few escaping his cheery rejoinder to contribute! In 1976 he went on a Rotary group trip to South Africa and in 1980 put his remarkable energy into introducing the emergency lifeline pendant telephone to the North Shropshire district. With the Whitchurch club's support over 100 phones were circulating at the time of his death, with George installing his last unit at the age of 90. His huge contribution to the welfare of the community was recognised in 1996 when he was honoured with the MBE; and at the clubs golden jubilee dinner he was elected in 1988, a Paul Harris Fellow. Other interests included caravanning, attending horse trials, travel and in his earlier days, golf.
Joined Rotary 21.6.1955. Hon member 7/03. Died 1/11/04, aged 92 years.