SKIPTON Rotary’s New President, Andrew Gold, took over from Mike Thornett at an online meeting of 40 Rotarians and guests

Andrew, 50, is directly involved in a number of activities that support the local community, including Craven College and Craven Ramblers.

Andrew has been the Chairman of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust since January 2018. He has been a Non-Executive Director of Ecology Building Society since May 2014. It is based in Silsden and is a member-owned organisation which demonstrates strong ethical values.

He has lived in Skipton for 21 years and was born and brought up in Yorkshire.

Outgoing President Mike Thornett reminisced on his very successful year in office in which almost £20,000 has been raised and distributed to local and international good causes.

This included Skipton Food Bank who were given three Skipton Rotary donations over the last year totalling £3,100 and Brougham Street Nursery School who were given a donation of £500 in October for them to buy ten sets of wet weather clothing so that their young pupils can take part in Forest School activities at The Wilderness in Skipton.

It has also been another good year for youth activities arranged by Andrew Forman of Skipton Rotary. Many local young people have taken part in an Ocean Youth Trust Adventure, a Kids Out event, and Rotary Young Chef and Rotary Youth Speaks Competitions.

Mike also honoured four Skipton Rotarians - David Bradbury, Ian Knowles, Peter Watson and John Wright - by presenting them with Paul Harris Fellow Awards for their service to Skipton Rotary and to the community. A Paul Harris Fellow award is one of the highest recognition awards that can be given to Rotarians.

Outgoing President Mike welcomed Andrew to his new position. Andrew said: “It is my pleasure to be the Club’s President for the new Rotary year. The Club’s ambition is to thrive by having fun in activities making a difference to communities and people’s lives.”

Each Club President nominates a charity for their Rotary Year. Andrew has nominated the Airedale Hospital & Community Charity. The intention is to provide funds for specific items in areas such as cancer or children’s services that make a difference to people’s lives.

A spokesperson said: "This mirrors the public’s overwhelming support for the NHS when at the start of this Rotary Year we are in the midst of a global pandemic. Nevertheless all of us at Skipton Rotary continue to look forward and remain positive about our new Rotary year as we reset to reflect a post Covid-19 world and find new ways of delivering our ambition and aims with a continuing focus on the principles of Rotary."

The club have a number of flagship events planned for our new Rotary Year including:

* November 2020 - Theatre trip

* December 2020 - Mulled wine stall at Skipton Christmas Market

* December 2020 - annual Christmas Meal

* March 2021 - annual Charter Night, celebration of the Club’s birthday at Coniston Hotel

* March 2021 - City of Bradford Brass Band and Steeton Male Voice Choir Concert at Skipton Town Hall

* May 2021 - the club's third annual Dragon Boat Racing event at Coniston Hotel

* May 2021 - Bicycle recycling auction and a car boot sale at Skipton Auction Mart

* June 2021 - annual President Handover event at Coniston Hotel

Date to be confirmed - Classic Car Rally.

Skipton Rotary’s aim is to always be inclusive and welcoming. Members meet on Wednesday evenings at 7pm at present using Zoom and have some very interesting speakers booked including ‘The Weird Fish Lady’ and Reverend Nicholas Mercer.

If you want to know more about Skipton Rotary Club and all its activity then please get in touch for a conversation. Email: secretary@skiptonrotary.org or message the club on Facebook or Twitter: @skiptonrotary.