IT gave Ross Rotary president Tina Atkins great pleasure to host a celebratory dinner for Ross Rotarian Michael Green at the Chase Hotel in recognition of his 50 years in Rotary. Among the 55 attendees at the dinner were RIBI president elect Peter Davey, district governor Martyn Harwood, assistant district governor Alan Hudson and 1st vice chair of Inner Wheel District 10 Eileen Hammond. Also there to celebrate Michael's achievement were his wife Jenny, immediate past president of Monmouth Club, president Bill Tomlinson of Derby Club, president David Brown of Uttoxeter Club and president Bob Handley of Monmouth Club.

At the dinner Michael gave an extremely interesting talk peppered with amusing anecdotes of some of the events he had witnessed during his 50 years in Rotary. These ranged from the strict adherence to the classification system for new members when he joined Rotary, through to the much appreciated wide acceptance of women members in most clubs today.

Michael, a dental practitioner, joined Derby Rotary Club in 1965 and spent 30 happy years there, becoming their president in 1976/77. He moved to the Uttoxeter Club in 1994 and became president in 1997/98. It was at Uttoxeter where Michael was made a Paul Harris Fellow, which he regards as a great honour. In 2007, Michael left Uttoxeter and joined the Ross Club, his first experience of a club with female members, which he was very pleased to see. He said "I believe Rotary is a wonderful organisation and hope that service underpinned by fellowship continues for may more years - the world needs Rotary."

District governor Martyn Harwood congratulated Michael on reaching 50 years' service and presented him with a Paul Harris Ruby Pin awarded by Ross Rotary Club.

RIBI president elect Peter Davey read a letter from Rotary International president Gary Huang congratulating Michael on his achievement and years of service to Rotary. In addition to the letter, Peter presented Michael with the Rotary International 50 Year Award.

Alan Hammond completed a very special evening with a musical tribute to Michael, who thanked the Chase Hotel for an excellent dinner, Ross Rotarians for organising the event and everyone who came for making it a truly memorable occasion.

Ross Rotary meets every Monday evening 6.30pm for 7pm at the Chase Hotel. Guests and potential members are very welcome. Please visit our website at www.rossrotary.com