Programme and Speakers

Our conference programme will include speakers highlighting the importance of building on what has gone before to make a better world including:

Martin Cosser, Charlie's Promise

Charlie’s Promise was created in memory of Charlie Cosser, a bright, kind and funny young man from Surrey whose life was tragically taken by knife violence in July 2023.

As Charlie lay fighting for his life, his dad Martin made him a promise — that he would spend the rest of his life educating young people about the dangers and immeasurable impacts of knife crime.

Yeoman Warden Scott Kelly 

Scott Kelly joins the Tower of London in 2018 as the 409th Yeoman Warder (more commonly known as ‘Beefeater’) since records began in the 19th Century. Yeoman Warder Kelly took on this iconic role following more than 23 years of distinguished service in the Army Air Corps.  

Famously introduced to the Tower of London by Henry VIII, today's Yeoman Warders must combine ancient traditions such as the Ceremony of the Keys with their modern duties as the public face of a World Heritage Attraction — including giving world-famous tours to millions of visitors each year.  The Yeoman Body of men and women are drawn from the Armed Forces. Each new recruit takes an oath of royal allegiance said to date back to 1337.

Dave King

Artificial Intelligence and our MASTER OF CEREMONIES

Many Rotarians have seen Dave King’s work on the Rotary Magazine.  Dave has been editor of Rotary Magazine for the past nine years. A member of Gosport Rotary Club in Hampshire, Dave has been a journalist for over 40 years and now lectures in media and law at a London university. He is a passionate supporter of Notts County - the oldest professional football club in the world (despite what the Crystal Palace-supporting District Governor Elect thinks!!) 

Steve Martin QGM

From Broadwater Farm to Director

Steve was on duty in 1985 with Keith Blakelock in the notorious Tottenham riots when Keith was murdered by the mob. Only recently has Steve felt able to talk about that fateful night.  He will talk about that day and how Rotary helped his recovery; he will become a Rotary International Director on 1 July 2027.

Becky Thorn

Living the Dream

In additon we hope to hear from Rotary Global Scholars, a representative of the Jockey Club and a speaker on working with Ukraine.  Not forgetting presentations by Clubs from the District introducing their Club projects.

Further information will be provided here as it becomes available.