*Jim Walsh had an extremely powerful social conscience and held various offices in the Rotary Club, including that of President.

 

Inter alia, he was one of the prime movers in setting up the first of our four Probus Clubs (which was probably the second in the world after Caterham)

 

His interest and involvement in all things Rotary led him into writing the book 'The First Rotarian'. This took several years of painstaking research and was finally completed and published in 1979 on the 75th Anniversary of Rotary.

 

He was an academic and an authority on encyclopaedias, atlases et al. He published a number of books, which became standard texts for librarians.

 

He was a warm, unassuming and compassionate man; a generous personality endeared him to his colleagues and fellow Rotarians and he was a truly good friend to those fortunate enough to know him well.

 

Bernard Goss 1/3/07

 

 

He gave a signed copy of his book to Bernard Goss with following note attached.

To my good friend Bernard

 

But for you Bernard, I may not have returned to Croydon South in 1975 and this book may never have been written.

I value your friendship from our days together as Founder Members in 1968.

 

Sincerest best wishes in Rotary

 

Jim

23rd April 1979

 

This item was sent to RGHF by David Cragg  of Croydon South