Presidential Address

                                              Presidential Message

Nineteen years ago I returned from a walking weekend at Derwent Bank with Bradford Blaize, to which I had been invited by Alan Morrell. I had a great time, and my immediate impression was of a very friendly group who made me most welcome. I have been on every weekend since, so began a long friendship with Bradford Blaize and its members. Little did I think that 19 years later I would be your incoming President.

However, when my old Club folded, I was delighted to be asked to join Bradford Blaize which was a logical move for me. The Club makes newcomers welcome, and my recent guest told me how impressed he was with the way he was greeted by our members. Long May It Continue.

When I joined Bradford Blaize I got a number of pleasant surprises, the large sums raised for charities, local and International and spread well with some long-term commitments. The regularity of Speakers from varying organisation which kept a high level of interest for members each of whom brought these Speakers, and a regular and varied series of outings and visits.

The way in which things were done almost by a simple consensus and the willingness which members showed to help. A byproduct I`m sure of these weekends away which generated team spirit and mutual support. Lastly the quiet, and efficient way in which these things were done. I'm sure this will continue.

The Committee Chairmen have set out a varied programme which will, I`m certain, ensure an active and interesting year. My thanks to all of them and their committee members for their efforts.
Raising funds is critical to our Charitable funding and our main fundraiser, The Golf Day at Ilkley Golf Club is on the 17th June. Thanks to John Waterhouse and Derek O’Hearne for their efforts in arranging this year`s event.

Robert Allan is proposing a Sponsored Slim as a fundraiser and I am sure we`ll all benefit from losing poundage; I`m sure I will, as well as helping to raise funds. The Blaize Choir may reappear to sing Carols as in previous years, but we will need strong voices and many of them.

Of course all organisations need an engine room to keep things on the right track and I should like to thank the members of that engine room. David, our Secretary, who keeps us on the straight and narrow and sets agendas, updates us on Rotary matters and takes on the tasks of organisation that need attention. From my last club`s experience I know how important this role is. Mike, our technological expert, writer of meeting summaries, keeper of records of decisions made and assistant to the Treasurer and Secretary. Lastly Barry who as Treasurer keeps a close watch on the club`s cash, is our Club Service King and, for many years, has been Chair of Fellowship. A non-stop worker who never says NO. Many thanks from all of us for your collective effects. Thanks to Richard our President for his leadership this year and the way he  led meetings-keeping us in order and sticking to time limits.

I`m sure we all look back at our first introduction to Rotary and I guess like me you thought of Fellowship, Fun whilst helping others and putting something back into Society at home and overseas.

As I mentioned we are involved in the support of many Charities and as incoming President I have chosen two Charities which I would like the Club to support. Firstly, The Memory Tree, which provides support in the Bradford area for Alzheimer’s sufferers and their carers. Sadly all of us know someone who suffers from this dreadful disease, but so often the carer is not given the attention or support they really need. I have asked the Organisations Founder to come along and speak to us. Secondly, Epilepsy Action. This is more personal to me as my younger Grandson was diagnosed with this in his mid-teens. Epilepsy Action are Yeadon based and support sufferers and families with support for this life changing disease. Again, I have asked a Speaker to visit us.

We will be active in the community and help young people as we have done in the past. Our support in both Ethiopia and Kenya will continue as will our continuing support of Foundation.

A programme of Fellowship events will keep us entertained and we can all look out for new members. We will enjoy these events with outings through the year, and perhaps we could avoid busy days at the Golf Club to reduce parking problems. 

Our fund raising to fund our charities will be essential.

So I look forward to an exciting and interesting year, especially a sponsored slim!

Two years ago, Ken, in his Presidential address mentioned the candle which in his childhood was his guiding light. It made me think of my childhood and I remember my parents telling me often that if a job was worth doing it was worth doing well. Well Rotary is certainly a job worth doing so let`s make sure we do it well.

Roy Tate
President - 2026/2027
Bradford Blaize Rotary Club