The joint Rotary Clubs of Jersey are pleased to announce that having agreed the 2020 recipient of the Graeme Le Quesne Civil Award last year, it was finally able to make the presentation to Lola Garvin at a dinner hosted by the Rotary Club of Jersey.
Lola was chosen by the selection committee for the many years of dedication and service she has given in organising the French Section of the Jersey Eisteddfod. As Treasurer and President between 1997 – 2014, Lola has consistently promoted the performances of school
children and adults, most having French as their mother tongue at the annual festivals which form an important part of Jersey’s cultural heritage.
Rotarian Derek Short who chairs the awards committee on behalf of the Rotary Club of Jersey explained: “Amongst Eisteddfods nationally, Jersey’s section is probably unique and has provided a continuous and vital cultural link between the Island and France. There is no doubt that Lola’s leadership and dedication has inspired so many to participate and perform to such high standards”.
The President of the Rotary Club of Jersey, Rotarian Richard Harwood who made the award on behalf of the two Rotary Clubs commented: “We are really pleased to have finally been able to make this award at tonight’s dinner. Lola’s dedication to the Eisteddfod has been inspirational to many and naturally, it is hoped that the interruption of Eisteddfod which has occurred both last year and this year due to the pandemic will soon see it back on track going forward”.
The Graeme Le Quesne Civil Award was initiated in 2002 by the Rotary Club of Jersey and the Rotary Club De La Manche to commemorate the services to Rotary and the Island of Jersey by Graeme Le Quesne. In his lifetime. Graeme was a Past President of The Rotary Club of Jersey, Past President of the Flying Rotarians and Chairman of Jersey Family Nursing.
Sadly, Graeme died in an air accident in Portugal in 2002, however as a joint initiative between the two Jersey Rotary Clubs the award was initiated with the intention of honouring both persons and organisations within our community who have given exceptional service
and often appear as unsung heroes in our community.
The photos show Rotarian Richard Harwood, Lola Garvin and Rotarian Derek Short
