Skydiving for Charity

 Having completed 43 tandem jumps since 2011, she has previously raised in the region of £7,000 for various charities

Helen said, “It is a difficult time for everyone, Rotarians have an important role to play. Financial support has been given to both Harrogate Foodbank and Resurrected Bites. The club has been involved in setting up and operating Knaresborough Connectors. Disposable Face masks have been donated to Community groups. For the time being the club will continue to meet online and respond to the challenges that the pandemic has created”.

Donations can be made at Helen's ‘Just Giving’ page  https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/helen-westmancoat5?newPage=True

There are no age limits to membership. Rotary meets weekly (online at present) for fellowship, with a range of interesting speakers on a variety of topics. To find out more visit www.knaresborough.rotary1040.org e-mail secretary@knaresborough.rotary1040.org  or on Facebook at The Rotary Club of Knaresborough.2020 LIFE IN LOCKDOWN

This year, 2020, has been unique in human existence, with a global pandemic causing life to change beyond recognition. Face masks, clapping for the NHS, working from home, home schooling, house bound activities, sport in empty stadia, social distancing, ‘zoom’ and ‘facetime’ are just a few things that visually mark this year. We are looking for photographs that capture an aspect of life locally* between March 24^th and 30^th September 2020. (* Locally means within the Borough of Harrogate, Postcodes HG1-5, LS 17, LS21-2, YO26, YO51 and Wetherby LS23)

Entry is free.

1.    Images may have been taken on cameras or phones and should be emailed to                    Knaresboroughrotarycompetition@gmail.com giving the photographer’s name, residential postcode and age on 30^th September 2020.

2.    The competition is open to residents of Postcodes HG1-5, LS 17, LS21-3, YO26, YO51.

3.    Entries are limited to three images per person.

4.    Photographs must have been taken after ‘Lockdown’ on 24^th March 2020.

5.    Closing date for submissions 9am Thursday 1^st October

6.    Three groups for entries

A.    Up to eleven years old on 30^th September 2020

B.    12-18 years old on 30^th September 2020

C.   Over 18 years old on 30^th September 2020

7.    There will be a winner, second and third in each section.

8.    The winners will each receive a prize worth £20

9.    Second will receive a prize worth £10.

10.  Third will receive a prize worth £5

11.  Entry to the competition accepts that images may be used in publicity material by Rotary in Knaresborough.

12.  Photographers should have the permission of any individuals depicted in their images. 

Goode’ news for Knaresborough Rotary!

Knaresborough Rotary Club have welcomed David Goode to membership during an online ‘Zoom’ club meeting. Bradford born David worked in Telecoms and the IT industry, so perhaps it is appropriate that he is the first member to be inducted using the internet. Well known locally as a County, Borough and Town Councillor, David was Mayor of Knaresborough 2017-18.  He has been  Chairman of the PTA at King James’s School and has just retired as chairman of governors at Aspin school. Retired with three children and four grandchildren, David’s interests include transport, especially motorcycles. During the current crisis, David’s involvement with North Yorkshire County Council has been beneficial to Knaresborough Connectors, the Community Support Organisation set up for the town.

Skydiver lands at Knaresborough Rotary Club

The new President of Knaresborough Rotary Club is sky diving scout commissioner Helen Westmancoat, who has taken over from Leslie Couldwell. Yorkshire born Helen went to school at the Bar Convent in York before taking a degree in librarianship and German, at Aberystwyth University. Helen met her husband, John, in London, they moved to Knaresborough in 1991 when John’s job at the British Library moved to Boston Spa. Helen and John have a son and 2 grandchildren. Helen worked for the then College of Ripon and York St John, eventually becoming Deputy University Librarian of York St John University, until retirement at Christmas 2014.

In 2014, having been involved with the Scouting movement since 1983, Helen  took on the role of District Commissioner for Harrogate and Nidderdale District Scouts until 2018, when she became Assistant County Commissioner (Air activities), a role she still holds. Helen was given an Award for Merit for services to Scouting in the District, going beyond the call of duty, and growing the movement by initiating Beaver colonies at 1st Scriven, Knaresborough and Upper Nidderdale in Pateley Bridge. Helen introduced skydiving to Scouts in the County and raised funds for the World Scout Jamboree by doing a skydive.  Having completed 42 tandem jumps since 2011, with more scheduled when lockdown ends, she has raised in the region of £7,000 for various charities. Other interests are yoga, craft work - sewing and embroidery, walking, cooking, and recently family history.Helen said, “It is a difficult time for everyone, Rotarians have an important role to play. In recent weeks financial support has been given to both Harrogate Foodbank and Resurrected Bites. The club has been involved in setting up and operating Knaresborough Connectors and Disposable Face masks are being donated to Community groups. For the time being the club will continue to meet online and respond to the challenges that the pandemic has created”. 

Helen said, “It is a difficult time for everyone, Rotarians have an important role to play. In recent weeks financial support has been given to to Rotary in Knaresbor