Endownments
The Rotary Foundation of the United Kingdom receives gift of £1.25 million from accomplished pianist and teacher.
Helen Ruddock of Suffolk, England bequeathed a generous donation in excess of £1.25 million to The Rotary Foundation. Having passed away in 2015 at the age of 96, and although not a Rotarian herself, Mrs Ruddock had a passion for improving the lives of others.
Her introduction to Rotary and The Rotary Foundation was made by a close friend, who was a member of the Rotary Club of Halstead for a number of years.
Complying with Mrs Ruddock’s wishes, the spendable earnings from her gift, known as the Helen Ruddock Foundation Endowed Fund, will exclusively fund charitable service projects in the area of water and sanitation to improve the provision of clean water and hygiene practices in communities across Africa through the Rotary Global Grants programme.
Despite not being a member of Rotary, Mrs. Ruddock exhibited many of the values of Rotary throughout her life with her involvement in her local community and by devoting her time and talents to help others.
Music was central to her life and for many years she split her time between tending the farm her parent’s had owned and teaching piano, after being educated at institutions including the Royal College of Music.
She married her beloved husband Ted in 1956, and after his death in 1970, she went on to become a highly respected piano teacher, sharing her knowledge at South Lee School in Bury St. Edmunds, Fairstead House School in Newmarket and Riverwalk School, where she worked with children with severe learning difficulties.
Renowned for her ability to inspire her pupil’s to get the best out of themselves, a number of those she taught went on to study at the most prestigious universities and music colleges, with many more holding fond memories of her as a teacher.
The Rotary Foundation this year celebrates its centennial anniversary. Over the last 100 years, the Foundation has funded over $3 billion worth of projects in Rotary’s Six Areas of Focus in communities around the world.
Alison Budge from Ashtons Legal, who provided legal advice to Mrs Ruddock said: “We are seeing more and more clients leaving money to good causes in their Wills, and know how much these charities rely on legacy gifts. I knew Helen for many years both as a friend and a client and I greatly appreciated her lively character and indefatigable spirit. Helen was very explicit in her wishes and it was a pleasure assisting her in setting up the Helen Ruddock Foundation Endowed Fund.”
The Rotary Foundation could not be more pleased to honour Mrs Ruddock as an esteemed member of the Arch Klumph Society, formed in 2004 to recognise The Rotary Foundation’s highest tier of donors.
'What We Do' Main Pages:
 Marie Curie.jpg)
President Thom Odd handed over the Presidents Chain to incoming President Keith Britter. President Keith also gave the Vice President jewel to Gary Blyth for 2023/24
more
Our 5th Wednesday Meeting at Maltings Fish Restaurant Baldock. Rosie Boxall our Global Scholar, gave an interesting talk on how UK Universities are helping students in Ukraine continue to study for degrees.
more
Wednesday 29th September 2021 a group of Rotarians and their friends visited the National Arboretum Memorial It was an enjoyable and memorable trip
more.jpg)
President Paul Redwood presenting Rotarian Rob Hemmings with a Paul Harris Sapphire for all the work Rob has put into the Christmas Lights and Rotary Woods
more
President Michael Muir presenting a Paul Harris Fellowship award to Past President Paul for his work in the local community over many years.
more.JPG Pru Paul Handover 23rd June 2020.jpg)
Past President Pru Dixon presenting the chain of Office to President Paul Redwood for the year 20/2021. All the event was done with social distancing, except for the photo moment shown.
moreFoundation is Rotary International's own Charity Fund; the money is utilised to address major humanitarian problems around the world.
more
We welcome new members interested in having fun while 'giving something back' to the community. Fresh ideas and enthusiasm are the life blood of any organisation
more
International Service encompasses actions taken to expand Rotary's humanitarian reach around the globe and to promote world understanding and peace.
more
Community Service covers the projects and activities the club undertakes to improve life in its community area.
more
Youth Service recognises the positive change implemented by youth and young adults through leadership development activities, service projects, and exchange programs
moreSet up to provide a home page for all the additional Committees that the Club has that support the way the Club works.
moreThe Rotary Club of Baldock Benevolent Fund - is a registered charity that was formed as a result of a bequest made by the late Rotarian Edgar Greenwood.
moreAn opportunity to get a litle insight into why Rotary is such a great organisation to be part of.
more.jpg)
Toftlund in Denmark have been twinned with the Baldock Club for many years, the pictures are a reminder of the Jubilee celebration
more.jpg)
Our Christmas collection is resuming again this Christmas. We look forward to seeing you all again. If you would like to help please contact Mike Williams 0794048064
more
How Rotary has helped to eradicate Polio in the world. Baldock Rotary Club are proud to be part of this programme
more
An insight into how and when Baldock Rotary started in October 1953. Letchworth Club sponsored the new Baldock Club and the rest as they say is history...... Our Club has strengthened over the years, we trust it continues to exceed the vision set in 1953
more