Recognition and awards for International Service in 2002-03 were given to Les Lee, Colin Kidby (via Sandra Aked-Walker), Chris Bradburn, Paul Manning and Berkhamsted Bulbourne. Also, Les Lee hands over the RIBI Connecticut Trophy to Mike Gardner for Dist 1260's achievements in 2001-02.
[Photos by Guru Guruswamy]

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<<=== As a surprise, the International Committee arranged this. Ian Holiday presented the International Service Award to Les Lee. Some of the reasons:

• Untiring and consistent contribution to International activities in the District, particularly as Chairman of the International Committee for the last three years.

• Successful involvement in the Hope and Homes Millennium project.

• Inspiring and motivating Club members for the District's best ever contribution in 2001/02, and for winning the RIBI's Connecticut Trophy.

• For combining fellowship and fun with raising awareness and setting examples ... like sleeping in a Shelter Box tent in Bournemouth beach etc.

Les also received another service Award from DG Ian Holiday.

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On behalf of Colin Kidby, president of Newport Pagnell club Sandra Aked-Walker accepted an International Service award from Les Lee.

Les said: "... Colin is someone who can always find time to help. He has supported me, been district International Chairman, represents at least two major charities. he travels to collect shoeboxes and spends time with his wife Audrey on the Shoe Box stands at exhibitions".

In accepting the award on his behalf, Sandra said that Colin is a man who is filled with humility.

On behalf of Chris Bradburn from Hitchin Club, President Steve Williams accepts the International service award from Les Lee. The award is for Chris's unique fund raising activity on motor cycles to support the "Riders for Health".

Les Lee presents an International Service Award to Paul Manning. Paul from Amwell Club has been involved for several years in a project that takes aid and works in Romania.

Berkhamsted Bulbourne won the award for the best club in International activities in the District for their work in South Africa for Aids orphans. Alas... there was no one from the club to receive it. Les Lee will take it to their club...

Les said: "... an individual in the club, John Bridges, identified a world community service project, made contacts with local clubs, and convinced both his own club and the Inner wheel club to give him support in what is just the start of something that will change so many lives".

Les Lee handed over the Connecticut Trophy he had recently received at an RIBI conference to Mike Gardner. The cup is awarded by the RIBI Chairman to a district that had the most outstanding activity in the furtherance of world understanding. So it is the hard work undertaken by the clubs in the District that has made us win it. Les thanked Mike Gardner for his support during the year in question, 2001-02. Les Lee also thanked Leslie Robertson and Luton North for their efforts on Gujarat project. The Dist International website was also mentioned in the citation.