Morpeth Rotary honours Dransfield Foundation with prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship

19 June 2026

The Dransfield Foundation and its founder, Mark Dransfield, have been awarded the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship by Morpeth Rotary Club in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the local community.

The honour - the highest presented by Rotary - acknowledges the Foundation’s charitable work and its longstanding support of the Tree of Light at Sanderson Arcade, which is owned and managed by Dransfield Properties.

For many years, Dransfield Properties has worked with the Rotary Club to host the Tree of Light in Sanderson Arcade, providing a focal point for remembrance and reflection during the festive period. The initiative has become a popular festive tradition in Morpeth.

In 2025, the Tree of Light initiative raised an impressive £6,600, including £2,200 donated to the Dransfield Foundation, which is currently helping to support Contact Morpeth Mental Health and its vital work in the community. Over the last decade more than £40,000 has been raised through the Tree of Light.

The award was accepted on behalf of Mark Dransfield by Erica Malpass, part of the Centre Management Team at Sanderson Arcade, at a recent Morpeth Rotary Club meeting.

Mark Dransfield said: “We are truly honoured to accept the Paul Harris Fellowship from Morpeth Rotary Club and grateful that the Dransfield Foundation has been chosen for this recognition.

For many years, we have been proud to support the Tree of Light at Sanderson Arcade. It has become a much-loved part of Morpeth’s Christmas tradition, and that is entirely down to the dedication of the Rotary team. It is something that brings comfort, remembrance and community spirit to so many families, and it has always been a privilege for us to play even a small part in that.”

The Dransfield Foundation, established twelve years ago, supports children and young people facing difficult circumstances, including funding for medical treatment, rehabilitation, hospice care, and opportunities in sport and music.

Mark added: “Through the Foundation, we see every day how much difference even a small intervention can make to a young life. Partnerships like the one between the Dransfield Foundation and Morpeth Rotary Club only strengthen that impact and allow us to reach more families who need support.

“This recognition means a great deal to me personally and to everyone involved in the Foundation.”

Morpeth Rotary Club praised both Mark Dransfield and the Foundation for their generosity and continued support, particularly in helping the Tree of Light initiative grow and support important causes across the town.

For further information, contact:

Public Relations Department, Dransfield Properties Ltd
Tel: 01226 360644
Email: pr@dransfield.co.uk