THE Rotary Club of Ilkley’s 82st Charter Night was held this year at Otley Golf Club.

The black tie event is an annual celebration all that Rotary stands for in its community and internationally.

Guests attended from a dozen other rotary and service clubs from Bradford, Skipton, Bingley, Leeds, Otley, Keighley and Richmond. President of Ilkley Rotary Club Glynne Edwards welcomed guests, including District Rotary Governor Manoj Joshi, Inner Wheel President Jo Watson and Dr Lorraine Powell, President of Soroptimist International of Ilkley.

The meal of smoked salmon terrine, roast beef with Yorkshire pudding and crème brûlée was served brilliantly by Otley Golf Club staff.

Toasts and speeches where given by Manoj Joshi, Marilyn Ginns, President of Ilkley Wharfedale Rotary Club, Past District Governor Rod Walmsley. President Glynne Edwards thanked organisers David Shaw, Rod Walmsley and Neil Bromley. Mrs Yvonne Edwards also celebrated her birthday.

The main speaker was Hon Member, the Rev Canon Philip Gray, vicar of St Margaret’s Church, Ilkley and Area Dean.

Father Philip told a remarkable story about his childhood piano lessons and the relationship that developed over many years with his piano teacher as she became a mentor and guide in deeply adverse circumstances. Vocation has dignity, and always offers an opportunity for service and transformation. Nurturing and fostering the young, and how we never know the full story of the individual, and the circumstances which have made them who they are, resonated with the Rotary Club Charter. The goals of Rotary constantly foster these opportunities to change all our lives for the better.

Finally President Glynne presented Manoj Joshi with a small Pudsey Bear and reminded the attendees of the The Children in Need coffee morning on Friday, November 15 from 9.30am to noon at St Mary’s Church Centre, Station Road, Burley-in- Wharfedale.

Ilkley Rotary Club and Ilkley Inner Wheel will be supporting Children in Need. The event will include a tombola, bottle stall, cakes, books and main raffle plus coffee and cakes. Tesco is sponsoring this event.

All items would be gratefully received for this event. If you can help contact davidshawmbe@outlook.com or 07740797281.

Teams of four are also sought for the annual Rotary Business Quiz night on Thursday, November 21 with a 7pm start at Ilkley Rugby Club.

Sponsored by Ison Harrison Solicitors the event is in aid of Martin House Children’s Hospice.

Tickets are £15 per person which includes supper.

Register by emailing David Shaw davidshawmbe@outlook.com. Payment should be made in advance by bacs.

An appeal has also been made for raffle prizes. If your business can donate something email David.