Celebrating 63 Years of Service

KNARESBOROUGH ROTARY CELEBRATES 63 YEARS OF SERVICE.

Sixty-four Knaresborough Rotarians and guests enjoyed a celebratory lunch at Henshaw’s Art & Craft centre on Sunday, 12th October. The occasion marked the 63rd Charter anniversary of the club which was founded in 1962. A lot has changed since then, Rotary is now open to both men and women, and club President Deborah Wilson welcomed guests including the Rotary District Governor Anne Sutcliffe, Deputy Town Mayor Andy Bell, Lions President George Simpson as well as Rotarians from Harrogate, Ripon and Northallerton. Entertainment was provided by Magician and Mind Reader Paul Forster and the Knaresborough Silver Band Training Band, who the club sponsor. The occasion was also marked with the presentation of Paul Harris Fellowships to two stalwarts of the community.

Rotary was founded by Paul Harris in Chicago in 1905 and the highest award in Rotary, the Paul Harris Fellowship, is named for him. The award is available to Rotarians and non-Rotarians who demonstrate high professional and personal standards and exemplary community service. Matti Ward works for the National Grid, but he is also a First Responder and set up his own charity, ‘Restart Yorkshire’, installing and maintaining Defibrillators in the area. When the Cricketers Pub in Calcutt was destroyed by fire recently, Matti rescued its defibrillator and arranged for its installation at the nearby village hall. Matti looks after the 24+ defibrillators now installed in Knaresborough, a generous and important community service which needed to be recognised.

As many Rotary Clubs struggle with the problem of dwindling membership, and the difficulties of bringing a new generation into Rotary, Knaresborough has stumbled onto a Revolutionary solution. Back in the dark days of lockdown volunteers appeared to help deliver food, collect prescriptions, and just help in communities across the country. In Knaresborough a group called the Connectors was born, bringing together volunteers from various organisations, including Rotary.

Past Rotary District Governor, Hazel Haas, and the then Knaresborough President Helen Westmancoat began having conversations with some of the volunteers about sustaining activity post lockdown, and a new form of Rotary was conceived. Throwing the rule book out of the window, meeting once a month, without a meal, and starting afresh from scratch, Knaresborough Revolution are all paid up Rotary members, mainly in the 35-50 age range working in a variety of jobs, most members are parents of children under the age of 18.

Operating as a separate team within Knaresborough Rotary, Revolution devise their own projects and support a variety of community events. Their most ambitious project to date, the acquisition of a double decker ‘Space Bus’. Recognising the importance of involving young people in community development, Revolution has actively engaged with the youth in the town. Through conversations and outreach efforts, they have gained valuable insights into the needs and aspirations of young people. This initiative, aligned with the Rotary’s focus on youth development, aims to provide a safe and inclusive space for young people, where community groups can offer various activities, workshops, and support services. Knaresborough Revolution has organised and hosted Open-air cinema events, collaborated with the Knaresborough RAF cadets, participated in local events including the town’s Nativity Play, the Christmas Markets, the Bed Race, the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebrations and screening live Glastonbury in Knaresborough Castle.

None of this would have happened without a charismatic and energetic leader. Bursting with ideas James Pickard has introduced the Gravity Games and a roller disco to the agenda. Not short of things to do James has a successful business and is a Town Councillor. When flash floods hit Knaresborough James was quick to organise his Revolutionaries to help those affected. Last year gale force winds forced the cancellation of first weekend planned for the Christmas Markets. Undeterred the Markets were moved to the next weekend except that North Yorkshire Council said thy could not erect the market stalls. James stepped in organising a team to move and erect the stalls. James exemplifies the Rotary motto ‘Service Above Self’ and fully deserves a Paul Harris Fellowship for all his hard work in the community and in establishing Knaresborough Revolution.

Knaresborough Rotary and its Revolution Team are always keen to recruit new members. For more information e-mail secretary@knaresborough.rotary1040.org

Photos show Paul Harris awardees Matti Ward (left) with Rotary District Governor Anne Sutcliffe and James Pickard (right). Knaresborough Training Band Silver Band and Paul Forster teasing the audience with his mind games!