Rotary in Keighley and the Worth Valley

10/03/2026

We were delighted to welcome Alan Cowgill to our weekly meeting yesterday. He is a volunteer guide at East Riddlesden Hall. He gave us a really interesting talk on the history of the occupants of the hall and its history over the years, and no, he hasn't seen any of the alleged ghosts in the building! Thank you, Alan for giving up your time to come and see us.

10/02/2026

So proud of our Young musicians on Sunday at the District final. Our 2 competition winners performed really well. Yuki Chen played the piano with great skill and style, and just lost out to a flautist for going through to the next stage. Matilda Hitchcock sang for us again this year with some super songs from different musicals. She won her section and now goes forward. Her performance was brilliant, her passion was evident. We’re sure she can do as well as last year when she got to the national finals. Well done, Matilda!

03/02/2026

We had a most interesting presentation this week by Natalie Kershaw who works with Carers Resource. She is trying to get employers to recognize and support carers in the workplace. Often they have a (legally required) carer's policy, but the implementation of it doesn't always happen. She can help the carers to ask for more flexible arrangements, and signpost where to get help. She was so enthusiastic, she should be a great asset to Carers Resource.

22/01/2026

This week we welcomed our speaker, Mat Everett who enlightened us about the Rotary Kickback scheme, which he set up in June 2025. "It is more than just football, it's belonging. It's about giving young people a safe space, a sense of purpose, and a reason to believe they matter". It's a wonderful idea, which has already altered the lives of many young people across Bradford. He spoke with such passion, we were blown away by his enthusiasm. We look forward to working with him and his team as they set up another site in Keighley in the near future.

31/12/2025

We’d like to wish all our followers a very Happy New Year. Your support over the last year has been greatly appreciated. Thank you. We close every meeting with the same toast, “Rotary and Peace the world over”. I’d like to propose that now for 2026. Enjoy your celebrations! 🍾🥂

17/12/2025

Members and supporters of the Rotary Club of Keighley and the Worth Valley collected an impressive five-figure sum when they supported the Royal British Legion’s (RBL) Annual Poppy Appeal with their collection at Sainsbury’s in Keighley.
The 23-Rotarians and friends spent two weeks manning their stand in the Cavendish Street supermarket during late October and early November offering poppies and associated RBL merchandise, and they collected more than £14,000!
Liz Joyce, the President of the Keighley and Worth Valley Club, said:
“This proved one of our best years collecting on behalf of the RBL’s Poppy Appeal and the impressive total raised once again demonstrates the wonderful generosity of the Keighley people and customers at Sainsbury’s
“These are not easy economic times for many people and yet they were still prepared to give generously to the appeal. It speaks volumes about the people of the town and surrounding areas.”
Paul Milling, the club’s Poppy Appeal Organiser, added:
“It was a very busy time and, thanks to the generosity of Sainsburys and their customers, the collection was another outstanding success. Pictured are the Rotary Club's stand at Sainsbury's and Rotarians Chris Issott (left) and Paul Milling (right) when on duty.

17/12/2025

We have had a busy morning volunteering as delivery elves to assist Keighley Salvation Army with their Christmas Toy Appeal.

Thanks to everyone who has donated toys/food/donations to the appeal - we found it amazing to see it all laid out to be delivered.

Also a big shout out to the Salvation Army Team for their fantastic organisation, and all the other volunteers - including Keighley Lions Club (their van looked ideal for the job!)

21/11/2025

It's with great regret that the Rotary Club of Keighley and the Worth Valley announce that our planned Family Santa Run in Haworth Central Park on Sunday, November 30th has been cancelled. The Club thanks everybody who supported the event but there were insufficient entries to make the event practical.

18/11/2025

We were delighted to welcome a new member, Amanda Fulford into our Rotary club yesterday. She will be a great asset to the club and we look forward to her taking part in our future activities. We hope she will enjoy a long and happy time with us.

14/11/2025

05/11/2025

Great write up in local paper.

Young musicians display their talents