WHEN it comes to “Service before Self” one Warwick rotarian has dedicated a lifetime to it.
Laurie Day was presented with the the ultimate rotary accolade of a Lifetime Achievement Award by outgoing President Dick Dixon recently, in recognition of his outstanding service to others.
Laurie is an architect and has already received a Rotary Paul Harris Sapphire Award for his work in the community. Since joining the club in 2009 he has distinguished himself working for families affected by a disability, and other good causes.
He secured permissions and funding to provide a local disabled child with en-suite facilities, and later a garden room where his siblings could study. He obtained planning permissions for a new building at Lowlands Riding for the Disabled, as well as for the installation of defibrillators at Shire Hall and Westgate School.
Laurie helped the 2nd Warwick Sea Scouts by negotiating with the council for their new boat yard and headquarters and obtaining planning approval. This enabled them to start fundraising over £2 million and TS Norton was opened in 2021.
This summer Laurie completed a garden project to provide a young man with autism with a summerhouse in the garden so that he has some privacy. He brought together local contractors who donated their time and materials.
Laurie chairs Warwick Rotary Club’s youth committee, manages the Youth Speaks competition and the schools concert and takes a particular interest in creating opportunities for young people to maximise their potential. He also runs the club punch stall on Victorian evening.
A rotary spokesperson said: “The club has come to recognise what a special man he is – quiet and unassuming, but someone who has great enthusiasm for putting the rotary motto of “Service before Self” Into practice.
