Eisteddfodd stalwart awarded for “inspirational” dedication

Sunday 04 July 2021

An islander who spent 17 years as President and Treasurer of the Eisteddfod has been awarded for her dedication.

Lola Garvin was chosen as the 2020 recipient of the Graeme Le Quesne Civil Award by the Rotary Clubs of Jersey and La Manche and recently received her award.

The Graeme Le Quesne Civil Award was initiated in 2002 by the two Rotary Clubs to commemorate the services to Rotary and the Island of Jersey by Graeme Le Quesne. 

In his lifetime, Graeme was a President of The Rotary Club of Jersey, President of the Flying Rotarians and Chairman of Jersey Family Nursing.

After Graeme sadly died in an air accident in Portugal in 2002, the two Jersey Rotary Clubs set up the award with the intention of honouring both persons and organisations within the local community who have given “exceptional service” and often appear as “unsung heroes”.

Ms Garvin was selected last year for the many years of dedication and service she gave to the organisation of the French Section of the Jersey Eisteddfod. 

As Treasurer and President between 1997 and 2014, she consistently promoted the performances of school children and adults, most having French as their mother tongue at the annual festivals which form an important part of Jersey’s cultural heritage.

“Amongst Eisteddfods nationally, Jersey’s section is probably unique and has provided a continuous and vital cultural link between the Island and France,” Rotarian Derek Short, who chairs the awards committee on behalf of the Rotary Club of Jersey, said. 

“There is no doubt that Lola’s leadership and dedication has inspired so many to participate and perform to such high standards." 

The President of the Rotary Club of Jersey, Rotarian Richard Harwood. who made the award on behalf of the two Rotary Clubs, added: “We are really pleased to have finally been able to make this award at tonight’s dinner. 

“Lola’s dedication to the Eisteddfod has been inspirational to many and naturally, it is hoped that the interruption of Eisteddfod which has occurred both last year and this year due to the pandemic will soon see it back on track going forward”. 

Pictured top - from left: Rotarian Richard Harwood, Lola Garvin and Rotarian Derek Short.