Richard Allison

Richard Allison was born and went to school in Fulham and was in business in the Borough until his retirement in 1990. He operated a Taxi garage running over one hundred Black London Taxicabs from various locations in Fulham, firstly in Hannell Road followed in 1958 by a move to Star Road and eventually moving and retiring from premises in Wellesley Avenue.  He was also involved in remoulding tyres in a small factory in Greyhound Road and selling new tyres from Gowan Avenue.

Whilst having his eyes tested it was suggested to him by the optician that he might like to attend a Rotary Club of Fulham lunch and this duly happened and Richard Allison joined the club in March 1961. He has been a member ever since missing very few Tuesday meeting during the last 47 years. What was the attraction to make him so enthusiastic ? To start with, he saw the opportunity to help the local community that had supported him so well through his business interests. Being in the business can be lonely and it was comforting to meet each week with like minded people and share problems. He also discovered that if you offered help and it was realised that you were a Rotarian, you were taken seriously. He remember coach outings and theatre evenings arranged for elderly resident in the Borough and helping at Charing Cross Hospital making tea for the pationts one evening each week.

Later the opportunity arose to help the blind in India through the Royal Commonwealth Society for the Blind, now 'Sightsavers', and this eventually involved taking to Rotary Clubs and other organisation all over London and southern England raising many thousands of pounds. Richard eventually went to India to see and help in the village Eye Camps. The work that Rotary did for overseas students that came to study in London was also actively supported. On retiring, he worked for eighteen months fund raising in schools on behalf of the RSPCC.

Richard Allison was District Governor for the London 1130 District in 1981-1982 when there were 4,600 Rotarians in 108 Clubs and later was Chairman of the RIBI Extension Committee. His Rotary interests have taken him to many countries across the world and he still holds office in the Fulham Club, currently being Foundation Chairman helping Rotary scholars in London 

(18th Feb 2008)