Newbury’s farewell to retiring Rotarian after 52-year total focus on service to his community

After an outstanding 52 years of distinguished community service, Newbury Rotary Club has bid a fond farewell to retiring member Peter Kay.

Mr Kay was presented with a 50-year long service award as members gathered in Chieveley for a tribute dinner.

Born in Hertfordshire, Rotarian Peter Kay trained at the Middlesex Medical School and became a GP in Kintbury.

After moving to Witney and rising through the ranks to senior partner, he joined the Witney Rotary Club. Public service came naturally after his years as a doctor, and he soon became President of Witney Rotary Club.

After 40 years in the medical profession, Mr Kay retired, but maintained his commitment to voluntary work by transferring to Newbury Rotary Club.

As a part of the club, he has been involved in a variety of projects, including the Christmas donation collections at supermarkets and has been a “brilliant help” in preparing for Barge Week, an annual event that involves providing short getaways on the canal for disabled, elderly and disadvantaged people .

Accompanied by his wife Susan, Mr Kay was recently presented with the Long Service Award by Newbury Rotary Club president Jane Lister for “an incredible display of dedication to public service”.

During the award presentation, the president Lister said: “Newbury Rotary Club has been honoured to have had the privilege of working alongside a man who has shown such selfless commitment and dedication to the health and wellbeing of others for over five decades.”

Newbury Rotary Club secretary Nick Burraston described Peter Kay to the Newbury Weekly News as a “great citizen with a total focus on service to his community. The Rotary Club wish him a happy retirement with his wife, and thank him for his years of service.”