The Rotary Club of Warwick presented its annual Meritorious Service Award to Joan Bolton at their meeting on Wednesday January 4th in recognition of her 20 years support to children in Warwickshire.

Rotarian Jackie Crampton introduced Joan to the club as one of our “unsung heroes”. Joan is a local lady who joined the Friendship Project as an “Older Friend” when she retired from teaching in 1997.  The Project matches an Older Friend to a Younger Friend – a child between 6 & 16 referred by Social Services, or identified by the education authority, as needing support. The child may have problems, or be in a difficult situation, and the older friend will provide care and interest for 2 or 3 hours every week with the aim of developing the child’s personality and confidence.

Over 20 years Joan has spent time with many children, letting them talk, encouraging them to try something new, and making visits to the countryside, canals, and cycling. She is a quiet, modest lady who has spent a huge amount of time supporting children in the local community, and responded to the citation by asking for more people to come forward and give time to support the work of the project.

President John Taylor expressed admiration for Joan’s patient service and energy on behalf of the children of Warwick and presented her with a framed certificate and a cheque for £200 towards the work of the Friendship Project for Children.

If you think that you could spare 2 or 3 hours every week to befriend a young person, (CRB checks apply) please visit the website www.friendshipproject.co.uk or call 0845 838 2098 for more details.

Joan is pictured with Rotary President, John Taylor