DISTRICT CONFERENCE 2025

The theme for this year is: The Youth of today – the future is bright! 

Across the District we do some wonderful things for young people and this conference is all about coming together to celebrate this, to learn about what is happening in the Youth arena and its impact, exchange ideas and generally have a great fellowship.

The Showcase at Scarborough Spa will open at 2pm on Friday 3^rd October 2025, with the usual array of stands

On Saturday 4^th October 2025, the one day conference will showcase projects across the District in a few key themes: Youth and the environment, Youth and health & wellbeing and developing future leaders.

We also have a Young Musician finalist entertaining us during the charity lunch

Our key note speakers are the Rev Kate Bottley and Christa Ackroyd

Rev. Kate Bottley

Is a Church of England vicar in North Nottinghamshire, a role which she combines with her other roles of journalist, media presenter and reality television star. She appears frequently on British radio and television as well as in newspapers.

Christa Ackroyd

Forty years a journalist and writer Christa had no intention of slowing down . Her work after twenty five years on regional television is now featured on national and international channels all over the world from Netflix to Channel 5, Discovery to Amazon Prime. What hasn’t changed is her passion for telling the stories of ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances .. her very definition of news .

She is a powerful advocate for young people exemplified by her work with the Brontë Birthplace securing with others an inspiring building for future generations with the slogan she penned Be more Brontë. And was thrilled her invitation to the Queen to officially open the project was successful.

She also works with the homeless to offer solutions regarding housing and emotional support by being  part of a weekly outreach and teaching creative writing to unlock some of the trauma that has led people to become  rough sleepers or the hidden homeless, sofa surfers. A proud honorary doctor of Bradford University she is passionate about work in her home city and about inclusion, diversity and community. From her first story hunting  the Yorkshire Ripper aged 19  she has never been afraid to challenge authority and ask tough questions of those in charge. But above all she believes in the power of people, communities, and the quiet goodness of those, like Rotarians, who simply strive to make life better for others. 

Other highlights include a panel discussion with a Peace Scholar, a Rotary Youth Competition winner, and a Youth Exchange student; Dolly Parton’s Imagination library within the District, Accessible Games in Hull and Bradford, and many more.

We will also be having a live illustrator, Catherine Davis who will live draw the three plenaries. If you would like to have a keep sake of the conference she will be available on Friday to do a live drawing of you and your club at Scarborough Spa (there is a cost to these individual live drawings).

For our evening event, we have the fantastic SJB a six piece swing Jazz and Blues band playing easy listening favourites, from soothing ballads to up tempo romps. See (Facebook for videos) You may recognise the keyboard player…..

I hope to see you at Conference.

Day tickets are £22 (on the day its £25)

Charity lunch £15

Evening event: £40

To get your tickets: Welcome to Rotary District 1040 Conference 2025! | Rotary District 1040 Events