John Pitham was an early member of the section and the founder and first M.D. of the Koi Water Barn. From his business in Chelsfield he continued to support the section in any way that he could, be it advice, or something more tangible like a raffle donation up until his demise in 1999.

It was therefore a very touching moment when, in 1999, his family surprised and delighted us by presenting the section with a trophy in his name. The trophy is awarded annually to member(s) for outstanding services to the section.

The receipient is chosen each year by a panel comprising of the last five winners of the award.