THE Rotary Club of Ilkley’s 81st Charter Night was held this year at Denton Hall with Box Tree Catering.

It is an annual celebration all that Rotary stands for in its community and internationally.

Eight-four guests where welcomed. Clubs represented where from Aireborough, Birstall Luddites, Bradford, Ilkley Wharfedale, Leeds Rose, Leeds Pheonix, Otley, Otley Chevin, Skipton, Ilkley Round Table and Ilkley Inner Wheel.

The guest speaker was Sir Thomas Ingilby of Ripley Castle which his family has occupied for 708 years.

Sir Thomas has owned and managed the Ripley Castle Estate since 1974, developing it into one of Britain’s top stately home venues for weddings, corporate and private events. He spoke about the fascinating and amusing up and downs of owning a large estate. He is chairman of Yorkshire’s Great Houses, Castles and Gardens and Chairman of the Great Inns of Britain consortium,

The District Rotary Governor also toasted the Rotary Club of Ilkley and John Brash, the president Of Ilkley Wharfedale Club responded on behalf of the guests.

President of Ilkley Rotary Club, David Shaw MBE said: “I particularly wanted Sir Thomas to speak to us tonight because when I first heard him, when I was President of Windsor & Eton Rotary in 2005, his talk on being the chairman of Yorkshire’s Great Houses, Castles and Gardens showed his obvious great passion of independent businesses, councils, the National Trust, English Heritage, charitable trusts and private individuals working together for the common good resonated so well with Rotary’s and Scouting objects. My visit to Harrogate enabled me to begin my association with The Rotary Club of Ilkley as both clubs met at this conference and then the clubs met again for a very successful twinning weekend in Ilkley and finally Ilkley’s President at the time Kelvin Newberry and his wife Nancy came down to meet HRH Prince Philip at the centenary service.

“Both Ilkley Clubs hope to visit Ripley for a tour and a lunch and to continue their association with Sir Thomas and in some way complete the circle which is Rotary’s way.”

Many Thanks where given to Sir Thomas and a contribution to his chosen charity.