Harrogate Brigantes Rotary

04/12/2025

Alzheimer’s Research UK

Fi Burrell from Alzheimer’s Research UK gave a riveting presentation. One in two families are likely to experience dementia in one or more of their members. One million people are living with dementia. It is the biggest cause of death in the UK. There is no cure so nobody survives. And yet there is only one dementia researcher for every four cancer researchers.

What can we do? Fi’s message was “get involved”. The key is research and funding the best researchers available. Here Fi drew a contrast between the work of the Alzheimer’s Society, which does a great job working with people living with the condition, and Alzheimer’s Research UK which spearheads the drive to fund more research.

04/12/2025

The Harrogate Story

West Park United Reform Church, on the corner of Victoria Avenue and West Park, was opened in 1862. Three years ago, with barely 30 worshipping there, it was in a bad state. Peeling plaster and multiple leaks made it, in spite of its listed status, a candidate for demolition.

At around the same time Malcolm Neesam sadly died. He was renowned as Harrogate’s primary historian and he left a matchless legacy of local history material. Immediately the question arose as to how to ensure this legacy wasn’t lost.

John Harris told us the story of how these two situations came together. John, together with Stuart Holland from the Harrogate Civic Society approached officials with the suggestion that the church could become home to ‘The Harrogate Story’ exhibition. Much remains to be done but there are now 18 display panels in the church describing the development of the town from the discovery of the first mineral waters to its development as a major European spa.

So it really is a win-win. The future of the building is assured and Malcolm Neesam’s legacy is secure.

04/12/2025

Keeping Children Safer Online

We recently donated £100 to Oatlands Junior School for a ‘Safety Online’ event on 30th September. Joanne Kidson, a school parent and one of the event’s organisers, came to talk to us about the issue of children online.

There are lots of potentially dangerous sites out there and social media, while they can serve a very useful purpose, can also lead users into areas which are totally unsuitable.
Fortunately parents are fighting back. There are numerous organisations such as ‘Screen Safe’ and ‘Smartphone Free Childhood’ which are supporting parents so that no one need feel they are fighting a lone battle.

09/11/2025

Today at 1pm, Harrogate Brigantes will hold our 28th annual Remembrance Service at the Commonwealth War Graves cemetery at Stonefall, Harrogate. Over 1,000 graves lie here, most belonging to young airmen, many of them volunteers who came from around the world to help us fight during the Second World War.

We will be joined by junior soldiers from the Army Foundation College, who will lay a red carnation on each grave.

The moving service will be conducted by Brigantes member Reverend David Hoskins, with wreaths being laid by dignitaries and representatives from local organisations.

All are welcome to join us to pay your respects.

05/11/2025

This Remembrance Sunday at 1pm, Harrogate Brigantes will hold our 28th annual Remembrance Service at the Commonwealth War Graves cemetery at Stonefall, Harrogate. Over 1,000 graves lie here, most belonging to young airmen, many of them volunteers, who came from around the world to help us fight during the Second World War.

We will be joined by junior soldiers from the Army Foundation College, who will lay a red carnation on each grave, as well as the Harrogate Band and army and air cadets.

The moving service will be conducted by Brigantes member Reverend David Hoskins, with wreaths being laid by dignitaries and representatives from local organisations.

All are welcome to join us to pay your respects.

10/09/2025

Celebrating 25 years of Rotary International supporting ShelterBox and their mission to help people in disaster affected areas around the world.
A big thanks to everybody who's contributed to our fundraising.

ShelterBox turns 25 in 2025. That's 25 years of ShelterBox powered by the transformational power of Rotary members worldwide.

27/08/2025

Vital healthcare work being done by Rotary International

29/07/2025

Rotary Foundation is Rotary's very own International Charity. Rotarians contribute to this global charitable fund to enable it to help those in need around the world.

"Today, I am not asking you for a donation. Instead, I invite you to look at The Rotary Foundation with fresh eyes."

Here, Holger knaack, Rotary International Foundation Chair 2025-26, invites you to take a look at how the Rotary Foundation is making a significant difference worldwide.

https://magazine.rotarygbi.org/rotary-foundation-trustee-chair-july-2025

17/07/2025

Over the years we have worked closely with our friends in the Rotary Club of The Himalayan Gurkhas to deliver projects in Nepal. A great example of how Rotary helps build connections and foster friendships around the world. Today the Kathmandu based club continues to improve educational opportunuties for Nepalese children

17/07/2025

Visit us in our pop up charity cafe in St Peter's Church Harrogate (next to Primark) this Saturday 26 July and help us raise vital funds for charities supported by Rotary.

Our volunteers will be serving hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and cakes from 10am - 3pm.

09/07/2025

It's great to see our members working together

I had a great time capturing the team at Andisa IT in action for their new website - beautifully designed and built by Image Concepts

02/07/2025

Do you know a Rotary Peace Fellow to nominate for the 2026 Rotary Alumni Global Service Award? 🏆 Any member of the Rotary community can submit a nomination until 15 September. The 2025 winner is a Rotary Peace Fellow!

The award honors one outstanding Rotary alum each year for their humanitarian service and professional achievements.🌟 The recipient will be recognized at the 2026 Rotary International Convention. Qualifications include achieved distinction in their profession or vocation; sustainable service benefiting the international community; and demonstrated impact of participating in the Rotary Peace Fellowship program. Submit a nomination today: https://on.rotary.org/2tRv22V