President John Hollingsworth marked the end of his highly successful year at the conclusion of his valedictory address with the presentation of a Paul Harris Fellowship to former Wolverhampton Wanderers football star Rotarian Mel Eves who has been a member of the club since 2003, serving as President in 2012/13.

John made reference to Mel’s tremendous work in the community at large, which includes his role as player/manager of the Wolves All Stars Charity Football team which has raised around half a million pounds for numerous good causes; as well as being a sports journalist, Mel founded the Sports Parents Association, set up to provide impartial and informed advice regarding every aspect that a child could encounter throughout their sporting journey, with the wellbeing of the child being the overriding concern. He is also a Performance Master Coach helping to transform people to play and perform to their maximum potential.

In the last year Mel has taken over as Chairman of the Rotary Young Citizens Award, a joint venture involving the local clubs to recognise individuals aged 13 to 25 who demonstrate outstanding community service by acts of kindness, fundraising and supporting their neighbourhoods.

A truly justified honour paid to a tremendous Rotarian who demonstrates, in the words of the Rotary motto, Service Above Self.