Ilott family occasion to mark the end of the year

The final event of an action packed year for the members of the Rotary Club of Wellington will be a High Tea at the Museum Hotel at 3.30 p.m. on Monday 19 December.

The special event will be held for the grand-daughter of Sir John Ilott, Shona Brown and her husband John, who will be in Wellington for two days to inter the ashes of her mother Suzanne McKellar.

In February 1960, Sir John Ilott, one of our early members, set up the John Ilott Trust to operate in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Wellington. His son Jack Ilott who was Rotary President in 1978-79 and his daughter Suzanne McKellar significantly expanded the size and role of the Trust and this partnership between the Ilott family and our Rotary continues to this day.

Each year 100-140 organisations and individuals benefit from this trust and each year our Club, through the Trust, reports on our activities to the surviving members of the Ilott Family most of who now reside in England.

Jack died in August 1999 and earlier this year Suzanne McKellar passed away in England.

Shona Brown and her husband John are visiting Wellington to inter her Mother’s ashes at the family plot in Karori. Close family friend and Shona’s Godfather Denzil Brown will be assisting.

Members – especially those who have had an involvement with the Ilott family and the Trust are encouraged to attend this High Tea and meet Shona and John.

For catering purposes, please contact Marion secretary@rcw.org.nz if you are able to come. As there is no Rotary luncheon that day it is expected there will be a good number attending.

The interment of her Suzanne’s ashes will happen on Tuesday 20th December at 11am. This is a more private affair with those Rotary members who knew Suzanne and the Ilott family warmly invited.