A well known local resident, Noel Varley has completed an exceptionally creditable 50 years of service to local, national and international charitable projects as an active member of the Rotary Club of Rye and Winchelsea. And what is more, he is still going strong!
Noel, since early childhood, has spent his life in Rye, working away from the town on only two occasions. Firstly to complete his national service. There he received a commission into the Royal Sussex Regiment and went on to serve in the Nigeria Regiment which was part of the Royal West Africa Frontier Force, ending up as Acting Captain.
Secondly, following his ‘de-mob’ he worked for almost 5 years as a cowboy in Venezuela. That was a time he thoroughly enjoyed but he confesses to being a little conservative with the truth on his application as at that time he had never been near a horse let alone ridden one. He was soon to learn.
On his return home he set up a boat building and chandlery business in Rye and it was then, in 1968, that he joined the Rye and Winchelsea Rotary club.
Since then Noel, ably supported by his wife Kathy, has been involved in just about all the local fund raising and social activities of the club and has assisted quite a number of national and international projects run by Rotary International.
His commitment has been formally acknowledged with the presentation of the Four Avenues of Service Citation, of which he is particularly proud, and the highest Rotary Award, a Paul Harris Fellowship, granted by his fellow members.
To mark his 50 years Noel gave a thoroughly interesting talk about his time as a cowboy at a dinner held at the Flackley Ash Hotel attended by members, friends and invited guests.
The Rotary Club of Rye and Winchelsea is keen to hear from prospective new members so if you feel you would like to know more about the movement and possibly follow in Noel’s footsteps, then look at the local and national websites or telephone 01797 260360.
Photo: Derek Bantum