The Editor publishes this in its entirity by way of saying 'thank you' to you all;

    PRESS  RELEASE

 Well-known Lincoln businessman Bas Blackbourn B.E.M. has received further recognition from Rotary International.  He is already the recipient of a Paul Harris Fellowship for his work with the organisation.  A member of the Rotary Club of Lincoln, Bas, from Aisthorpe near Lincoln, was President 10 years ago and is very committed to helping the underprivileged and destitute members of society, particularly young people. 

He was invested with the last-ever British Empire Medal in 1993 for services to the Lincoln District Scout Band when he was chairman and asst/bandleader and took them on three European Tours. 

A Paul Harris Fellowship is awarded by Rotary to acknowledge outstanding contributions to society and meritorious service.  Bas has been the longest serving district editor in Lincolnshire/Yorkshire in recent years and produces The LINK magazine for Rotary (circ 2,000) 12 months ago he led a team of 4 Rotarians in a convoy delivering humanitarian aid overland to Sierra Leone.  This trek would not have taken place without Rotary involvement.  Lifesaving equipment including Shelterboxes, clothing, tools and  5 trucks were all donated to African charities to commemorate the 200^th anniversary of the alleged end of slavery and to draw attention to modern day slavery, child prostitution and human trafficking. 

His latest award is a sapphire jewel  in addition to the Paul Harris Fellowship and was presented by President Steve Pope of the Rotary Club of Lincoln who said, ‘This is a rare honour bestowed by Rotary and is in recognition of his outstanding and continued contribution to the work of Rotary International.’ In receiving the award, Bas said; ‘It is very gratifying to be recognised for this work but I am only doing what I feel is right.  I am passionate about making a better world and Rotary International is my avenue for this. I have so many friends in and out of Rotary who make it that much easier to do these things.’

-ENDS-

For further information please contact:

About the event/Rotary    Rotarian District PR Officer Freya Cross tel: 07711540209

Or Bas Blackbourn on Lincoln 730670 or 07850-032832                                               

SUPPLIMENTARY NOTES TO THE EDITORKey Facts – Rotary

·         Rotary is the largest worldwide service organisation of men and women who volunteer their time and talents to serve their communities at home and overseas          www.rotary.org

·         The Rotary Club of Lincoln has a membership of 65; is one of 4 Clubs in Lincoln and one of 49 clubs in a geographical area from Lincoln to Beverley and Barnsley to Cleethorpes.       www.rotary1270.org

·         The Rotary Club of Lincoln                www.lincolnrotary.org.uk