AN OSWESTRY man who rediscovered his love of comedy after suffering a brain injury was the guest speak when Rotarians met for their 94th Charter Night recently.
Ben Shevil recalled how he sustained a life-changing brain injury in a road accident in Croatia in 2013 when he spoke at the Oswestry Rotary Club event which was held at the Wynnstay Hotel in the presence of members, family, friends, and Oswestry Mayor, Councillor Jay Moore.
Guests from clubs around the district including Wrexham Erddig, Bala and Penllyn, and the Vale of Llangollen also joined in.
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Originally from Oswestry, Ben suffered a road accident while on holiday in 2003 and sustained a brain injury which led to his re-discovery that he loved comedy.
Club President Jo Banks, who introduced Ben, said: "Always keen to promote brain injury awareness, Ben encouraged us to find humour in his brain injury.
“For example his diplopia (double vision) means that he always has two girlfriends with him on a date.”
Many years later, Ben took a stand-up comedy course in Manchester and created an act revolving around the bizarre situations which can arise as a result of his injury with which he regaled the entertained Charter Night guests.
The evening was brought to a close by Rotary District Governor Paul Dutton who thanked the club for the restart of many of the club's activities after the pandemic.
He noted September's LifeLine for the Year 6s and the recently completed Mock Interviews for Year 11s at The Marches School in Oswestry - and presented two Paul Harris Fellowships to members Jackie Ridge and Ian Haigh.
"A Paul Harris Fellowship is one of the highest awards that can be given in Rotary, and Jackie and Ian have both demonstrated terrific Rotary service," said Paul. "Both awards are well deserved."
Ian received a Sapphire addition to his previous award.
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Named after the founder of Rotary, a Paul Harris Fellowship is one of the highest awards that can be given in Rotary and is given to a Rotarian or a member of the community who has made an outstanding contribution to the community.
Jo was on hand to welcome diners and, with the help of MC for the night, David Davies, ensure that the evening ran smoothly.
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