The Rotary Club of Axminster during my 20 years of membership

I was introduced to the Rotary Club of Axminster in 1977. Peter Waddilove, headteacher of Axminster Primary School, was President at that time and I was immediately made extremely welcome.

The Rotary Club principles were established when the first Rotary Club was formed by a lawyer called Paul Harris, in the United States in 1911. The Rotary Club motto was "Service above self" and that concept still prevails. I was very much aware that Rotary was more about unselfish voluntary service than gaining advantage or reimbursement.

When I became a Rotarian, there was a strict classification regime. Every member was required to have a classification based on the business they carried out. Duplication was not permitted, although there were opportunities to circumnavigate the system. When I joined, there was already a Rotarian with the classification of "Building Contracting" - so my classification became "Engineering and Plumbing".

I realised that there was a geographical hierarchy in Rotary. At the top of the tree was Rotary International, the worldwide hub for the organisation. Rotary Clubs in this country were all part of RIBI (Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland). From a district perspective, Axminster was part of District 120, which covered part of East Devon, part of West Dorset and an area of Somerset, which stretched to north of Taunton. Although there were district events, our most regular connections were with immediate Rotary neighbours, Seaton, Honiton, Ottery St Mary, Chard and Lyme Regis.

When I became a Rotarian, it was felt that regular attendance was important and a 70 per cent attendance criteria was invoked by RIBI. Obviously, through illness, or unforeseen situations, an apology could be accepted. However, questions were asked if you did not meet the regular attendance requirements!

There were no women in Rotary in Great Britain at that time – in fact, it is only in the past twenty years that women have been accepted in Rotary in this country – and indeed, in the Rotary Club of Axminster.

Those Rotarians in the Axminster Rotary Club who chose to be more involved than others, would ultimately be offered the opportunity to become the President of the Club. In order for this to happen, you would normally need to serve on Rotary committees, and the senior committee, termed the Rotary Council. Eventually, you would be nominated as Vice President of the club for one year, with a natural progression to President.

Inner Wheel Club of Axminster

I mentioned that Pater Waddilove was President when I became a Rotarian and I remember that Peter was the driving force behind the establishment of the Inner Wheel Club of Axminster. An Inner Wheel club is predominantly for wives or partners of Rotarians - and thinking back, there were quite a number of Axminster Rotarians who were certainly NOT in favour of the formation of an Inner Wheel Club. The 1970s were not such enlightened times as we now have in the 2020s and there were some who could not understand why we would want our ladies to enjoy the same companionship and service ideals that we men had in Rotary.

I will talk more about the Inner Wheel Club when the organisation became established.

Reg Ward 1978 - 1979

Following Peter Waddilove's year as President, his successor was Reg Ward, who at that time was the proprietor of Graham Newbery's electrical, radio and television shop, which was situated on the corner of Lyme Road and George Street – part of which is where the fish and chip shop "Lemon Plaice" now resides. Reg was a big. softly-spoken man - and a brilliant pianist. Reg's wife, Betty was a vivacious lady and an early member of the Inner Wheel club. Eventually, Reg Ward moved from the Lyme Road premises to set up an outlet in West Street (below the Guildhall) where he concentrated mainly on his amateur radio business. Reg and Betty had a lovely home in Seaton, overlooking Lyme Bay.

Bob Marsh 1979 - 1980

Bob Marsh was a lovely man who gave great service to the Rotary Club of Axminster, acting as treasurer for many years. Bob and his wife Joan lived at Moorcox Cross, near Dalwood, where Bob spent a great deal of time keeping his acres of garden and lawns under control. I believe Bob was formerly in the button industry.

Don Egerton 1980 to 1981

Don Egerton ran the Celtic Shop, in Lyme Street – where the "Total Transformations" beauty clinic now resides. Don and his wife Marie sold high quality highland goods and gifts, from north of the border. Don was a tall, upright man, in both stature and demeanour.

Andrew Moulding 1981 - 1982

I joined the Rotary Club of Axminster in 1977 and it didn't seem long until I was elevated to the role of President. I had served on the Rotary Council and began to attend District 120 meetings on behalf of the club. I had been Vice-President whilst Don Egerton was President and therefore my progression to President became almost automatic.

The changeover of presidents took place during the middle of the year and the first month or two seemed fairly quiet, which is often the case, as a number of rotary members have time away from the club, whilst on holiday during the summer months.

However, this was when a great deal of fundraising and preparation was undertaken, leading up to an extremely busy six-months in the early part of 1982. I also remember the introduction of mock-interviews by members of our club, for students at Axminster Secondary School, which was greatly appreciated by the young people and school staff. In February 1982, we held a club dinner at the Koppers Hotel, Kilmington, where our guest speaker was John Alderson, the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall. John Alderson had been appointed Chief Constable in 1973 and actually retired just three months after his visit to our club dinner. He had a reputation for radical thinking and was a champion of Community Policing.

In March 1982, I hosted our annual President's night at the Grove, Seaton, which was a popular venue for evening functions forty years ago. Our District Governor, John Spare, was the guest of honour, together with the Mayor of Axminster at that time, the late Michael Steer, a great ambassador for Axminster, together with his wife Ursula. Inner Wheel was well represented, with Marjorie Rowe (wife of Frank Rowe) as President of Inner Wheel at that time.

Also in March, Rotary held its annual public speaking competition for both Axminster Secondary School and Axminster Primary School. I was pleased that my nine-year-old son Robert, was in the Primary School team which came runners-up, although a similar team were winners in the following year.

In May 1982, the Rotary Club held a wine and cheese party at the Primary School, where a cheque was handed over to the Director of the Exeter Renal Unit, towards a new Kidney Machine. A "Sidney Kidney" appeal committee had been co-ordinated in the town, involving a number of clubs and organisations in Axminster.

During the year, the Rotary Club of Axminster had also raised £350 (a considerable amount in those days) which was presented to Axminster St John Ambulance, towards a new ambulance.

It had been a busy year, which was finalised when I handed over to the new President Nigel Cole in the summer of 1982.

Nigel Cole 1982 -1983

Nigel and his wife Susie were good friends and as vice-president during my presidential year, I received excellent support from Nigel, who was a solicitor at Beviss and Beckingsale. Readers of Moulding's Memories will recall that both John Beviss and Bruce Beckingsale, senior partners at the firm, were former presidents of the Rotary Club. It may therefore have been considered that it was a natural progression for Nigel to join the Rotary Club. However, that was not the case, as Nigel was "his own man" and enjoyed Rotary, both for the companionship and for the good causes it supported. Nigel eventually became senior partner of Beviss and Beckingsale and was well respected in the town and further afield.

Chris Bolton 1983 - 1984

Chris and Carol Bolton were also good friends, although Chris and I were arch rivals at the time, but only when we were on the cricket field for Kilmington and Axminster Cricket Clubs respectively. It was no coincidence therefore, that the Rotary Club of Axminster had a useful cricket team.

Chris Bolton, at the time was a senior partner for Gribble Booth and Taylor and was another Rotarian who was well regarded in East Devon and beyond. Outside of his estate agency vocation, Chris had a great love for his village of Kilmington, where he was a parish councillor, and heavily involved with the village hall, the playing field, cricket club, village show and other organisations, where he was a committee member - and chairman of a number of them. Chris Bolton's local commitment continues to the present day.

Rotary Cricket

The Rotary Club of Axminster had a cricket team which was good enough to win the area Rotary cricket club competition. Members of our cricket team included Rotarians Nigel Cole, Chris Bolton, Andy Middleton, Robin Mallett, John Isles, Dr Chris Sutton, Norman Hounsell, myself and one or two others who played enthusiastically – but possibly made up the number. One of those was my good friend Tony Hargreaves, a tall man who was in his fifties when we were performing well on the cricket field. On one occasion, Tony was possibly batting, when he collapsed on the field and was taken to hospital forthwith. Thankfully, he soon recovered and still lives to tell the tale - now in his nineties. He wasn't the only elder statesman pressed into action on the cricket field – I seem to remember that a rotund Frank Rowe also performed – a sight to see!

The Inner Wheel Club of Axminster

In the 1980s and 1990s, the Inner Wheel Club of Axminster was a thriving group of ladies, determined to do good things within the community. They were predominantly wives of Rotarians, who met regularly at each other's homes, where they arranged fund-raising, either for Inner Wheel charities, or in support of Rotary functions. I seem to also remember that they organised excellent events, such as concerts and fashion shows. There were many benefits for the Rotary Club, as Inner-Wheelers were first class sausage roll, quiche, cream sponge and mince-pie makers – ideal for providing nourishment for Rotary events. Currently there is no Inner Wheel club, although recently, the Rotary Club has been delighted to welcome ladies to become valued Rotarians.

Andy Middleton 1984 - 1985

Andy Middleton became a Rotarian, whilst he was Frank Rowe's son-in-law and employee at R&C Snell. Andy was an excellent auctioneer and enjoyed the weekly cattle market and pannier market sales. Andy Middleton was great fun and enjoyed an evening out, particularly with a group of friends at one of the local hostelries. Together with Rose (Frank Rowe's daughter) Andy lived at Burnt House in Willhay Lane. Later, he moved to the prominent Oak House in Chard Road. Andy was an excellent craftsman and made a brilliant job of converting Oak House, with a splendid staircase as a notable feature of the property. Ultimately, Andy moved away from estate agency work and developed a business involving ornate plasterwork, which was his original skill. Following Andy's divorce from Rose, Andy eventually married Maria, with whom he has enjoyed many happy years.

Len Kingswell 1985 – 1986

Len Kingswell moved to Axminster from further afield and eventually settled in Kilmington, where he acquired a home which was previously occupied by my business colleague, local electrician Arthur Cornelius and his family. My firm carried out extensive work at Hill House for Len and Bernice. Len was a quiet man - a good Rotarian.

Ray Phillips 1986 -1987

Ray Phillips was the managing director of Phillips of Axminster (Engineering) Ltd and ran his business, together with his wife Beryl and their two sons, at West Street, in the building previously occupied by Stan Wakeley's bus company. This building was located where the Co-op warehouse is now situated. Phillips of Axminster made folding chairs, shooting sticks, and garden furniture, mainly from aluminium tubing. Their designs became well known by those involved in outdoor pursuits. The business was wound up in September 2003. Ray Phillips became a town councillor and was very much involved in local affairs. He is still fit and well at the ripe old age of 93. I paid him a visit at his home in Raymonds Hill a few months ago and was introduced to a very small child, who was his great, great grand-son!

Robin Mallett 1987 - 1988

I first met Robin Mallett when my building firm was asked by Mole Avon Country Stores of Crediton to carry out works at former railway buildings in Station Road, Axminster. Robin had worked for Moleavon at their Crediton depot and was destined to be the manager of the new store in Axminster. My firm had an excellent working relationship with Robin Mallett and at a later date my company carried out extensive works for Robin and his wife Sue at their home in Dalwood. Robin enabled Mole Avon to become a great success in Axminster, leading to further upgrades to the establishment in future years.

Christopher Hurt 1988 - 1989

Chris Hurt was an architect, living in a lovely country setting in Hawkchurch. He took over the mantle of former Rotary President Freddie Kett, in providing plans for clients to develop building projects, in and around Axminster. His plans always included "trademark" detail of people, families, even pet dogs, within his drawings. Mary and I spent an evening with Chris and his wife, where we played table tennis. They later separated – and some while later, Chris found a new partner in Pru (nee) Cawley.

Paul Harris Fellowship Award

During Chris Hurt's presidential year, the Rotary Club of Axminster made its first Paul Harris Fellowship Awards. These awards were made, in memory of the Rotary founder, Paul Harris – and were given for contributions to the local community. These awards in 1988 were presented to Bruce Beckinsgale, Frank Rowe, Cliff Stock and myself. I was led to believe that the award I received was in recognition of my work in helping to set up Cloakham Lawn Sports Centre.

These Paul Harris Awards were made at a President's Night held at the Axminster Guildhall. In the 1980s and 1990s the venue for our regular weekly meetings was the First Floor restaurant of the New Commercial, where Bill Walden and his wife, together with their son Jeremy, looked after us extremely well.

Tony Hargreaves 1989 - 1990

Tony Hargreaves had moved to the Axminster area from Biggleswade, where he was a former President of the Rotary Club. Before his time in Bedfordshire, Tony and his wife Margaret had spent many years living in Canada. Tony lived in Musbury and started a business called "Pathfinder Systems", which he had set up in a building in Musbury called "The Reading Room". Pathfinder Systems was a digital process for storing data for medical records – and in the 1980s was ahead of its time. Tony was a keen cricket supporter and following the late Harry Dutfield, Tony became President of Cloakham Lawn Sports Centre. Tony's wife Margaret died some years ago, but Tony is still going strong in his nineties, living in Musbury, where his daughters Jane and Annie keep a close eye on him.

George Green 1990 - 1991

George Green was a most amiable man, who together with his wife, Eileen were involved in a number of community activities in Axminster, Both George and Eileen were keen members of the Axminster Bowls Club. When they first moved to Axminster they lived in Sector Lane and in later years moved to Kilmington. George Green was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship Award for his service to the local community.

John Isles 1991 - 1992

John isles was another Rotarian who lived in Hawkchurch. John was a keen Rotarian and when John and his wife Jean moved to Torquay, John continued his Rotary "career", holding offices at District level. John loved his cricket and played for many years for Axminster Town Cricket Club and also became chairman of the club for several years during the 2000s. John's wife Jean also loved cricket – both watching the game being played and assisting with teas, fundraising, etc. Sadly. Jean Isles passed away recently.

Bob Pincham 1992 - 1993

Bob was a former bank manager and retired to Devon from the Isle of Wight in the 1980s. He was a keen supporter of Cloakham Lawn Sports Centre and for many years held the office of treasurer. In his earlier career, Bob was bank manager of Barclays Bank, Twickenham, who at that time managed part of the England Rugby Football Union account. On that basis, Bob was provided with half-a-dozen tickets to all the home rugby internationals at Twickenham. Through Bob's incredible generosity, a group of us were able to visit Twickenham to watch the rugby over a period of nine or ten years. Those involved included Phil Spong, Richard Malcolm, John Playford, Nick Yool, Don Fell, my son Robert and a number of others from time to time. We called ourselves the "Axminster Rugby Supporters Emporium – ARSE"! We would leave early for each match; arrive at the ground by mid-morning; out would come the BBQ, beer and wine and a great time was enjoyed by all! Unfortunately, Bob and his wife, Mary moved to Christchurch, Dorset and the rugby tickets and trips to Twickenham were no longer feasible. Bob was a great chap, who we kept in touch with until he passed away – well into his nineties.

Peter Shefferd 1993 - 1994

Peter moved to the Axminster area through his work with Midland Bank (HSBC). Peter became manager of Midland Bank, Axminster, where my company banked. Like many local bank managers, Peter became involved in community affairs – one of which was the Rotary Club of Axminster. I initially became acquainted with Peter, his wife Sandra, and children Natalie and Andrew, whilst my company carried out building works at their home in Harcombe Road. Together with Robert and Edward, Mary and I spent many happy evenings, playing cards with Peter, Sandra, Natalie and Andrew. Peter was a most likeable family man, who sadly Peter passed away suddenly, at his home in 2016. Peter had previously been awarded Paul Harris Fellowship.

Richard Malcolm 1994 - 1995

Richard Malcolm and his wife Mary relocated to Axminster, having moved from his early years in the North East. Richard, like most Rotarians, soon became involved in local organisations, which included the Minster Church, where he was a Church Warden. Richard was a keen supporter of rugby union and a member of ARSE (Axminster Rugby Supporters Emporium). Richard Malcolm was another Axminster Rotarian who was a recipient of a Paul Harris Fellowship Award.

My exodus from the Rotary Club of Axminster

It was in 1995 that I was appointed Cricket Development Officer for Somerset County Cricket Club, where my office was at the County Ground, Taunton. It became obvious that regular attendance at Axminster Rotary Club meetings was no longer possible, although Rotarian John Spare, who was District Governor when I was Axminster President, invited me to consider joining the Rotary Club of Taunton Deane, which held their meetings at the County Ground. However, I did not wish for Rotary commitments to conflict with my new role at the County Ground and I somewhat reluctantly declined.

I still have great affection for the Rotary Club of Axminster and applaud the good work carried out by the club – local fund-raising; arranging Festive Friday every Christmas time for many years: assisting with car-parking at the annual Axminster Festival, and a range of other activities for the benefit of the community. I am delighted that the club, which now meets at the function room of the Conservative Club has now welcomed the membership of ladies within their ranks. I am good friends with a number of their current members – Martin King, Peter Creek, Barrie Castle, Neil Pollard, Bernie Styles and Phil Banner – just to mention a few. I wish the Rotary Club of Axminster every success for the future.

In the next episode of "Moulding's Memories", I will talk about my memories associated with music in and around Axminster.