The Rotary Club of Ilkley was founded in 1937, meeting weekly at various venues in Ilkley ever since, and is now looking at a new style of club for the town, to run alongside the existing club.
The format has not changed with the club meeting as a group at lunchtime and has raised money for and supported a countless number of projects both locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
President Elect Martin Smith says:
“It is appreciated however that this format does not sit easily with modern working practices and so now is the time to introduce a new style of club more suited to modern working conditions.”
“My Rotary colleague, and current Club Secretary, Peter Settle and I have been working hard over the last months to create this new look. As a start a new Facebook page was launched recently to highlight the projects we are currently involved in and can be found by searching on Facebook for “Rotary Ilkley Forward.
“This new club will be what is called a ‘satellite’ of the Rotary Club of Ilkley initially, but will have 2 senior members of the existing club there to advise and assist. This new satellite club is free to join and will continue to be free until fully established and working for all its members.
"It is understood that due to time constraints of modern working that face to face meeting will be minimal and this new club will meet virtually. The new club will be project led from the start by volunteers, so that peoples time is well spent and these projects would be chosen by the members.”
Does this appeal to you? The Rotary Club of Ilkley would love to hear from you, please email bmsmith.ilkley@gmail.com if possible by the end of April.
For more information about the wider Rotary Movement search for 'Rotary International'.

Rotary backs Nell Bank with £5k pond upgrade and appeal launch
Arrest warrant issued for disqualified Ilkley businessman alleged to be in induced coma
Larger venue needed for literary duo event
Dates confirmed for the 2026 Lexus Ilkley Open
One of the "Seven Wonders of the World" on our doorstep
Questions raised over Ilkley 20mph scheme validity
Passenger Transport Services (PTS) will not operate tomorrow due to weather warnings
Council launches major consultation on housing
Appeal after stolen van in Ilkley
Storm Goretti: Yellow weather warning for snow in Ilkley
Acquisition will enhance Ilkley based SmartSearch services
New Cancer Support Group for Ilkley
Almost 200 Airedale Hospital workers to go on strike over pensions
Ilkley Colts stand out in new kit thanks to sponsors
New Ilkley English tutoring service helps students thrive
Changes to parking charges in Ilkley Town Centre
Retrospective "amphitheatre" plans by Burley Oaks
When the weather turns, turn to Your Ilkley
Entries to 2026 Ilkley Business Awards close on Friday
Help to navigating NHS and healthcare apps


