What a year this has been!

President Nicki Little, presenting prizes at the darts competition 

Like most Rotary clubs, Bradgate holds its Annual General Meeting in the spring, about six weeks before the president hands over to the incoming president.

Over breakfast on May 27, 2026 Nicki looked back on her year, which began on July 1, 2025. She listed among her highlights:

•    Tea with Elvis for LOROS
•    Knighton Park Duck Race for VISTA
•    Fish & Chips Quiz Night for Rainbows 
•    Santa Sleigh for Wishes4Kids
•    Bradgate Park Calendar
•    FYBBO for PROSTaid and Breast Cancer Now
•    Chef & Spice for Heartwize
•    Disability Games
•    Calvert  Trust
•    Coats4Kids
•    Crocuses

Socials:
•    Crazy Golf
•    Come from Away at Little Theatre
•    Christmas dinner at Lingdale Golf Club with Wreake Valley RC
•    Minor Sports
•    10 pin bowling

Assisting:
•    Joe’s Jog
•    Coalville Fun Run
•    Rainbows event in Mountsorrel
•    Anstey Gala

And probably lots more that could be mentioned!   What an impressive year!
Nicki said that It was probably true to say that every month, Bradgate Rotary volunteers were involved in two or three activities every month.
 

The effect of our fundraising and supporting other charities and organisations will have improved – or possibly saved – the lives of many people who we do not know. That is the aim of all 1.15 million Rotarians across the globe who unite under the banner: “Service Above Self”.

Treasurer Lesley Trivett put some numbers on the club’s achievements, saying that we had raised about £1,500 for projects overseas and £27,808 for local and national good causes. In addition, Lesley said, we had made it possible – by giving calendars to Bradgate Park Trust who could sell them – up to £7,000, making the total about £34,000.

Lesley said that the club’s charity account is still holding more than £1,000 to provide winter coats for local schoolchildren.
 

Club members accepted Lesley’s proposal that we should keep our current annual subscription of £140 for the year starting on July 1, 2026.

Alan Rockey had told the AGM that we had started the current year with 23 members and despite the loss of a corporate member (Druck, part of the Baker Hughes Druck business) and the resignation of Bill Watson, we would end the year with the same number of members as we had started  the year.

Retired solicitor Bill Watson joined Rotary in Shepshed 30 years ago and has served that club and, through Rotary District 1070 which covers the East Midlands of England, he has helped countless clubs and individuals achieve their aims in areas including as an Assistant Governor, serving on the district executive, promoting inter-club competitions, public image, and over six years helping the district’s 2,000 Rotarians give help to their local communities. Bill has been honoured with a Paul Harris Fellowship, named after Rotary’s founder, and regarded as the highest honour that be given to a Rotary International member. So when he announced that for personal reasons he would stand down, members quickly agreed to invite him to ‘stay on’ as an honorary member so that Bradgate Rotary can continue to draw on his wisdom and experience.
 

Bill Watson, PHF

Also unanimously, the club members confirmed at the AGM the election of retired GP Andrea Wilkinson as president for the year starting on July 1.

At the conclusion of her reflection on the year just gone, President Nicki said: “Another great year.  Thanks to everyone for helping to make all the events happen.  We make a great team.”

Nicki also paid tribute to the hundreds of members of the public in and around Bradgate for their generous support which resulted in £28,000 passing through our charity account on the way to helping many individuals, families and charities.

If you think you would like to share in Bradgate Rotary’s future successes… or if you want to ask us to support your favourite good cause, please hit the ‘Contact Us’ button this page, or leave us a comment.