Our Club have installed a Commemorative bench for a former Chester Rotarian in a local Chester park.

A former member of the Rotary Club of Chester, Peter Russell, was our President in 2012/13 and our secretary for many years. His widow, Doreen left a legacy in her will for the club which has been used to support our community grant scheme for local organisations and individuals. The club decided that Peter and Doreen’s service should be recognised by the installation of a bench in Westminster Park in Chester, where Peter used to regularly walk his dogs.

Its placement was timely as it replaced one that had been stolen - the new bench is firmly anchored into position! Pictured are the daughters of Doreen and Peter (Lesley, Georgina and Joanne) who were there to see the bench put into place along with Brian Westcott (Club Secretary) and Tim and Margaret Holmes (a senior Rotarian and representative of Inner Wheel) with Heather Oldham (President), and Andrew Colley (President Elect).

Peter's daughters were thrilled to have this memory of their parents in a place where Peter used to walk his dogs and commented 'We are so delighted that Chester Rotary Club have donated this bench in Westminster Park for our Dad, Peter Russell. Our Dad loved the park - he lived in Chester near the park from 1970 until he died in 2014. Dad knew many dog walkers in the park over the years, many of whom became friends.

Dad loved his time at the Rotary club where he was President in 2013 helping to organize events such as the Raft Race and setting up the famous golf days raising a lot of money for charity with the fantastic Rotary team, working with lots of his friends there. He would love to think that a bench was there to remember him and to give people a rest whilst enjoying fresh air, dogs and exercise in the beautiful Westminster Park, whilst watching a game of bowls. ‘