WHITCHURCH's longest-serving Rotary Club member has retired.

Roly Wyatt has been with the club for 68 years, and now holds the record for lengthiest service in town.

The 94-year-old, who is one Whitchurch's most renowned entrepreneurs, retired from the club only a few weeks ago, having joined in 1955 at the age of 26.

Now, Whitchurch Rotary Club has paid a personal tribute to both Roly and his wife Kath, with a framed custom-designed certificate honouring “a truly formidable team.”

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Rotary club president Graham King explained: “Roly was no one-man band. Everything he did was with the loyal support of his wife, Kath.

“They are a team and always will be - because they know no other way.”

Roly is well-known in the town as a successful water engineer but, in Rotary, he was an award-winner who ran the club’s Lifeline project - a call system for vulnerable people to summon help in a home emergency.

Roly served as club president, held District office, took part in Rotary at international level and was a Paul Harris Fellow - one of Rotary’s highest honours.

He has also served also a magistrate for 25 years, played and refereed rugby for Whitchurch, was a noted tennis player, and is a trophy-winning golfer.

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Rotary’s District Governor, Dr Mukunda Chidrawar, added his own thanks and told Roly, adding: “You have made your club and Rotary very proud.

“Words fall short to appreciate your dedication and hard work.

“Thank you so much for your great humanitarian effort and to Kath for all her support and being the source of inspiration to you to carry on such wonderful work.

“It will always be remembered and serve as an example to all of us.”