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A man who has served the Burgess Hill community for almost 40 years has been recognised for his dedication to the town.

Burgess Hill Town Council, together with town mayor Peter Chapman, presented Jack Bennett, 86, with a Certificate of Appreciation on Monday, January 30.

Jack is a member of Burgess Hill and District Rotary Club and joined in April 1984, serving as president in 1989/90, 1997/98 and 2018/19.

Steve Cridland, CEO of Burgess Hill Town Council, said: “The town council is pleased to recognise the service Jack Bennett has given our community over the past 40 years. Burgess Hill is lucky to have dedicated volunteers of this ilk.”

Jack Bennett, with his wife Jenny, receives a certificate of appreciation from Burgess Hill town mayor Peter Chapman.

Jack’s other roles in Burgess Hill and District Rotary have included: club secretary, club treasurer and club membership chair. Jack also served as district governor in 2002/03, and district trainer and district Rotaract chair in 2003/04 and 2006/07.

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Roger Stent, district governor for Rotary South said: “Jack Bennett is one of life’s powerhouses. Full of energy, commitment and enthusiasm, he has been a driving force within Rotary International and Rotary in Burgess Hill for 40 years. He has willingly taken on positions of responsibility, supported volunteers and delivered help to many needy people in Sussex and Surrey. Throughout, he has welcomed everyone he touched with his smile and generosity of spirit. We are lucky to have him in Rotary, and it is a great pleasure to add our appreciation of his efforts and service to those from Burgess Hill Town Council. Thank you, Jack.”

Jack had his own insurance business in Burgess Hill for many years and has been involved in many activities like chairing the Burgess Hill Town Festival Committee and scout groups. He and his wife Jenny are also Paul Harris Fellows, a Rotary Club award given to Rotarians or non-Rotarians for their services to Rotary. As part of Burgess Hill and District Rotary Club, Jack organised car boot sales at the Burgess Hill Academy, put on concerts, organised quizzes, and went out on a sleigh every December to raise funds and bring Christmas cheer to the community.

Visit www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs.

Rotary club member recognised for 40 years of dedication to Burgess Hill