Clitheroe Rotary

09/06/2026

Sunday June 7th saw another successful repeat of the Ribble Valley Ride.
The event is organised and operated by the Rotary Clubs of Accrington and Clitheroe who again provided an exciting day for 200 cyclists of all abilities, with the age group from 12 to 87!
The event was spread over three courses of 70 ,50 and 25 miles and was completed without incident in good weather.
Many favourable comments were made in relation to the courses and to the quality and variety of the food provided at the feeding stations, located in Chipping and Tosside. One competitor remarked that ‘the Ribble Valley Ride is the only cycling event where you gain not lose weight due to the great food provided’.
Event organiser, John Spencer, of Clitheroe Rotary said ‘we owe a big thank you to our various sponsors and the riders that has again allowed several thousand pounds to share between the Rosemere Cancer Foundation and other Rotary supported charities.
We look forward to next year’s event, which will also see the Tour De France coming through the Ribble Valley.

18/05/2026

Clitheroe Rotary Charity Golf Day gets off to a good start...

14/05/2026

Thanks to everyone who donated items to our Market Stall appeal May 9th.
We received 14 sewing machines, loads of tools for for Self Reliance, 200+ pairs of specs, 150'ish phones for and lots of currency for
Thank you again for your generosity, we hope to return in October.

06/05/2026

Have you anything to donate to our Clitheroe Market stall this Saturday May 9th?
Thank you for supporting Rotary.

25/04/2026

20/04/2026

Once again Clitheroe Rotary will be collecting unwanted items on Clitheroe Market Saturday May 9th. 9AM - 2PM.
Items we are collecting are: unwanted sewing machines along with working power and hand tools, which will go to Africa via the charity 'Tools for Self Reliance'. These will then be used to set up small tailoring businesses producing school uniforms etc., along with the tools being used to set up carpenters and mechanics.
We are also collecting old spectacles along with mobile phones and chargers which we will donate to . Finally, have you any old currency, coins or notes, you no longer need? We will convert currency donated into sterling and donate to .
We know some clubs collect on our behalf, can we please arrange to receive your donations at our storage facility in Clitheroe during the week of May 4th. Contact Rtn. David Bleazard on 07736 742188 or at [email protected] to arrange a date and time.
Thank you for your support, this is always a successful and fun day as part of our community and international service.

28/03/2026

🚴‍♂️ Ribble Valley Ride 2026 – Entries Now Open!
Sunday 7th June 2026 | Starting in Clitheroe

Ready for an unforgettable day on two wheels? Join hundreds of riders for one of Lancashire’s most loved fundraising sportives—set against the stunning backdrop of the Ribble Valley and Forest of Bowland.

🌄 Choose Your Challenge
✔ 25 miles – Perfect for beginners & families
✔ 50 miles – A rewarding mid‑distance ride
✔ 70 miles – A scenic challenge for seasoned cyclists

Three brand‑new routes for 2026. Same incredible atmosphere.

💛 Ride for a Cause Clitheroe Rotary and Rosemere Cancer Foundation

All profits support Rosemere Cancer Foundation and Rotary Great Britain & Ireland—your miles make a real difference.

🎉 Why Riders Love It
- Friendly, inclusive atmosphere
- Beautiful, quiet countryside roads
- Well‑marked routes & supportive marshals
- Feed stations + post‑ride celebrations

👉 Sign up today and secure your spot:
www.ribblevalleyride.org

Sponsored by Ribble Cycles Rufus Carr and Heidelberg Materials UK

25/03/2026

Local schools put to the test by BAE Systems

The annual Rotary International/ BAE Systems Technology Tournament took place on Friday March 20th 2026 at Accrington and Rossendale College, Accrington.

Our regional competitions take place, on the same day across Lancashire and Cumbria.

The local Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley event took place at Accrington and Rossendale College, with 7 schools participating.

58 students made up 16 teams plus a team of Teachers.

This year’s challenge:
The three sections, Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced, had different parameters to work with around the same basic problem:
Build and demonstrate a 4 wheeled vehicle, powered by an electric motor, to travel down a 100mm diameter pipeline to clear debris.
Vehicles could be decorated with artwork highlighting ‘Energy Conservation’.
Teams had to work on a design for their vehicle, followed by construction and a demonstration of how well it worked.

The students enjoyed a great day, not to mention the teachers, putting different ideas forward, using wood, glue, elastic bands, an electric motor and cables.
All while developing teamwork skills, meeting deadlines, planning, design, build and performance skills, as well as getting to know students from other schools.

BAE Systems sponsored the event, with students receiving a certificate of participation and details of how to access the BAE Apprenticeship Scheme when considering their careers.
Rotary in East Lancashire organised the event, with Rotarians from Clubs across East Lancashire helping on the day. Rotary would like to thank BAE Systems and Accrington and Rossendale College for their continued support and the use of their premises.
A great day was enjoyed by all who took part!

The results were:

Foundation section:
Winners: Woodhey High School Woodhey High School, Ramsbottom.
Runners up: Bowland High Bowland High School, Grindleton, Nr Clitheroe.

Intermediate section:
Winners: Our Lady and St. John RC High School, Blackburn.
Runners up: The Hollins High School, Accrington.

Advanced section:
Winners: The Senator Group Senator Group, Altham.
Runners up: Nelson and Colne College Sixth Form Nelson and Colne College.