Rotary believes that when concerned citizens work together to create peace locally, we can create lasting change globally  On March 7 th  we took part in York’s International Women’s Week by turning our attention to the effects of war on Women and Children. Ever desirous of adding new approaches to developing our Rotarian commitment to world peace and to our local community, we decided to shine a light on the ways in which women have coped with being forced to abandon their h

I went to YorKAOS, York Kids Open Studio, last year. Ada, the 9 year old organiser, had asked her family if she could enter York Open Studios. The answer was “NO” you have to be 18. Thinking that was very unfair Ada went on to create Kids Open Studio.  My grandaughter sent her artwork in. As a devoted grandparent and family, we  needed to secretly buy Tallula’s exhibited “Work of Art”….BUT IT WAS ALREADY SOLD! It was a fabulous exhibition, all run by kids. When I saw the adve

Ian Donaghy Xmas Presence, Jane Albon President Elect, Keith Hayton York Rotary On Monday 16rh March the Community Services Team hosted the annual Charity Coffee morning at the Novotel Hotel. Twenty-two charities, who had been supported by York Rotary, accept the invitation to attend. They were hosted by ten members of York Rotary. Maureen, Hearing Dogs. Emma Poole, IDAS   President Paul Roberts welcomed the participants thanking them for their service during the past year an

In 2024 York Samaritans were the York Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge nominated charity and as a result we were able to donate £16,000 to  York Samaritans for refurbishment of their premises.  In the same year York Inner Wheel also raised funds for York Samaritans.  With the refurbishment complete four representatives of York Rotary visited York Samaritans on 20 th  March as part of a small group to see their refurbished premises. From the visit we were very impressed to see how

It was time to set the competition for the 1st York Rotary Fashion Award. Jane had been aware of the growing K-POP music and fashion trends over the last 4 years and knew if she had still been working in fashion, the demand in the teenage market for these clothes and accessories would be huge. Aimed at 8 to 18 year old girls the Boy Band BTS lead the global Market. The release in 2025 of the animated Film, K-POP Demon Hunters, became No1 in 42 countries and top 10 in 93 count

York Rotary has been sending humanitarian aid to displaced people in Ukraine since the war started four years ago.  Over the four years York Rotary has collected food, toiletries, warm winter coats, blankets, towels and sleeping bags has been transported to Kiev, Ukraine via Hope and Aid Direct.  To date over 350 banana boxes of food aid has been sent along with other one of specific items of aid such as funding for portable generators.  The need for aid continues as more and

The York Rotary President’s dinner was held at the Novotel on Friday 6 th  March and was attended by 90+ Rotarians, partners and guests including the York Civic Party.  We enjoyed an excellent dinner prior to speeches and entertainment. After dinner President Paul proposed a toast to the city of York.  In proposing his toast Paul talked about his reflections and thoughts about York since moving here with Gianna about fifteen years ago.  Paul’s thoughts were presented in a hum

For the last of the speaker presentations for the Community Services Month members of the Community Services Team gave an account of the teams work over the last year. The Team Leader, John Wainwright, began by noting that to date in the current Rotary year twenty-three charities had received financial support and a sum £24,700 had been distributed. The team considers grant requests received from local charities and also charities referred to it from the Dragon Boat team. T

Inspiring and educational in more ways than one. It was a fascinating visit to York High School on Thursday 26 th  February, when two groups of Rotarians from RC York Vikings and York were welcomed into York High School by Headteacher Gavin Kumar, to officially hand over the new Chromebooks we had funded and to make arrangements for their labelling. The visits were much more than a handover as we were treated to a full tour of the School, felt the tangible energy, walked alon