Rotary columnist to receive award at the House of Lords

Janet Cooke, a member of Ortons Rotary and writer of the PT’s Rotary Corner column, has been selected as a Champion of Change by Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland.

The award celebrates the outstanding work undertaken by unsung heroes, with only 12 recipients from across Britain and Ireland.

Janet has been chosen in recognition of the work she has done over the years for those living with dementia in Peterborough.

She was influential in the opening and development of the Peterborough Rotary Memory Café (Crocus Café) which meets every month at the Salvation Army, providing entertainment, conversation, companionship, tea and cakes for those living with dementia and their carers.

In addition to the regular meetings, members have enjoyed trips to the theatre, Nene Valley Railway and even a day at the coast.

David Wallwork of Ramsey Rotary is also to receive the award for his outstanding international work founding and continuing to develop and support the David School in Sierra Leone.

The school was set up after David became aware of the tragic lack of educational opportunities when he visited Sierra Leone back in 2005.

The David School, which opened in 2008, has since been developed using money raised by local Rotary clubs, schools, companies and individuals.