Popular Bill receives Rotary’s top honour

Bill Bussey is pictured (left) with Rotary President Dr Ian Brett

A long-standing member of Saddleworth Rotary Club has been presented with the Paul Harris Award to recognise his service and commitment to Rotary.

Bill Bussey, who joined the club in 2001, was honoured for his continued service to the community in Saddleworth through the club.

Bill, President in 2005/6, has played an important role in several community-centred activities spanning more than 20 years.

Recently he has been a mainstay of the club’s Stroke Awareness Day, held annually in Uppermill prior to the Covid lockdowns. 

At this event the public are encouraged to have their blood pressure checked on the day by health professionals to highlight the role blood pressure plays in the risk of stroke.

Bill, a familiar face in the local community, has lead key aspects of money-raising for the club for many years including selling ducks in the famous Duck Race in the run up to the Saddleworth Show and encouraging others to engage in this activity.

He received his award - the highest in Rotary - from incoming Saddleworth Rotary President, Dr Ian Brett, who has taken over from Rob Knotts for the coming Rotary Year.

The club also appointed Jon Stocker as new Vice President.

Thanking  Bill for his continuing service to the club, Dr Brett referred to the recent very successful WellifestMusic Festival and Saddleworth Show and remarked that money raised should give the club lots of opportunity to support local charities and community good causes in the coming year. 

Bill committed to continuing to help with future club activities.

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