Rotarians tell their joining story

Six Rotary York Ainsty Rotarians tell the story of why they joined the association.


 Martin Simpson


"I joined Rotary because a Rotarian neighbour made me aware of how much fun could be had by using Rotary fellowship to be of service in the community, nationally and even internationally” ~ Martin Simpson -  Member of the judiciary.

 Andrew Wordie

"Ever since university days, I have been involved with supporting local, national and international concerns.  When I left the Royal Naval Reserve I was looking for an operation with global reach but also focus on and impacting local charitable projects - Rotary York Ainsty was my choice" ~ Andrew Wordie - chartered accountant

 Priscilla Kandoole


"Being a Rotarian means serving others above myself. Volunteering my time and talent to take action on issues faced by my community and less privileged people all over the world is a truly rewarding experience. It is also an opportunity to connect with a diverse group of like-minded people and make new friends" ~  Priscilla Kandoole

 Avtar Matharu



"I am proud to be a Rotarian and Sikh as we share the same common value of sewa, or the act of selfless service" ~ Avtar Matharu, York university lecturer

 Issy Sanderson



"I joined Rotary to be able to carry on in retirement with similar charitable activities that I had been doing in my working life overseas" ~ Issy Sanderson

 Stephen Ellis


"I joined Rotary to make friends and to work with like-minded people around the world” ~ Stephen Ellis -  District 1040 Governor 2021-2022.


'What We Do' Main Pages:

The remote and difficult to get to area of Fushë Arrëz in Albania

Rotary York Ainsty, working in cooperation with two other Rotary Clubs in different countries, is developing a project which will bring medical aid to a remote region of Albania - Fushë Arrëz.

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Financial results of the Santa Sleigh visits in York and area in the run-up to Christmas 2023

Details of the RYA Santa Sleigh in York and area in the run-up to Christmas 2023

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Annie Arkwright hands over another batch of SpecSort glasses to the Navajeevana Centre, Sri Lanka.

The highly-regarded SpecSort initiative - a flagship project of Rotary York Ainsty - is expanding its sphere of operation by delivering sorted and graded pre-owned glasses to more countries across the globe.

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Hard at work at the York Minster Yorkits workshop 2023

Yorkits - making and supplying washable feminine hygiene kits for girls in developing countries

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Rotary York Ainsty Rotarians embark on a purple crocus planting campaign to mark World Polio Day on October 24 at the Folk Hall, New Earswick, York.

Rotary York Ainsty Rotarians embark on a massive purple crocus planting campaign to mark World Polio Day on October 24 at the Folk Hall, New Earswick, York.

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The main projects supported by Rotary York Ainsty as at March 2024...

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A 'Signature' project for Rotary York Ainsty. Members collect glasses from opticians then sort and grade them, before taking to Africa. RUTH PEROTT awarded an MBE in the Queen's New Year's honours. Link: https://tinyurl.com/MBESpecSort

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Sow, Grow and Share is now an over-arching title which encompasses the various diverse initiatives including Rotary York Ainsty providing growing kits to produce fresh food for participants in the York locale.

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York optometrist Ruth Perrott was honoured with the award of an MBE in the Queen's New Year's 2021 list for her work in supporting visually impaired patients in Africa. She recently attended a ceremony where she received her award from Prince William.

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A varied series of meetings with guest speakers, activities and projects.

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Rotary York Ainsty has honoured York-based charities and individuals who partnered with Rotary to mitigate the effects of the Covid-10 Pandemic on the communities in York and district

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Rotary York Ainsty membership opportunities are listed and detailed here - click on the image to advance to the detail.

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A joint initiative with local organisations and schools to plant crocuses, the purple crocus blooms reminding all of the on-going threat of poliomyelitis to the world's children.

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Team players wanted to join us in our many York community-based projects - with local, national and international benefits. Find out more below.

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Team players wanted to join us to assist us in our many community initiatives - with INTERNATIONAL benefits... Find out more here.

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The main photograph (above), supplied by Tanzanian aid worker Alice Kostrzewa shows a group of schoolchildren in Arusha, the United Republic of Tanzania, proudy displaying their personal hygiene kits, locally made from templates provided by Yorkits.

Yorkits - making and supplying washable feminine hygiene kits for girls in developing countries

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Eco Angels is a Rotary York Ainsty (RYA) initiative that aims to transform waste plastic into attractive Angels. For a voluntary donation to the Yorkits project (which helps to change lives) RYA is providing basic armature shaped kits.

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A York-based organic nursery and craft workshop is providing a safe and secure community working environment for those with learning difficulties.

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Logo of the York Master Boxing Club taken from its web site landing page.

Rotary York Ainsty is getting its gloves on to assist a community boxing club in the city.

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ToyLikeMe is a York-based community-interest company which encourages and influences toy manufacturers to consider disability when designing their products.

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Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organised by Rotary clubs and districts where teenagers develop skills as a leader while having fun and making connections.

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Rotary York Ainsty Associate Membership - What is involved - What is expected.

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A photographic record of some visits (both ways) in recent years

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Three examples of how you can assist those less fortunate via Rotary membership

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How to show an interest in joining Rotary York Ainsty - A selection of membership application forms

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Door 84 logo

Rotary York Ainsty supports Door 84 - a York city centre for youth

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What is Rotary all about? Some interesting facts and figures

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Santa on tour with Rotary York Ainsty Rotarian 'collection Elves' - Peter Kendall, John Merchant, Christine True and John Niklaus.

Follow the travels of Santa as he tours streets and villages of York bringing the Christmas message to local communities.

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A thank-you letter and certificate from School in a Bag.

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An archive of Press Releases circulated to the media of York - including cuttings and links to original documents and resources.

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Yearsley Grove School in Huntington, York support Rotary York Ainsty's Polio Eradication project

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York area school pupils aimed for top marks in ingenuity as they swapped their classroom for a design and construction challenge - the RiY Technology Tournament, which was held at the international headquarters of Portakabin, in Huntington, York.

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York Ainsty Rotarian Avtar Matharu is seen with another Marie Curie supporter at York central rail station.

Rotarians and volunteers have been out and about assisting with Marie Curie cancer care collections in York.

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Six Rotary York Ainsty Rotarians tell the story of why they joined the association.

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The heart defibrillator at Copmanthorpe is ready for use, installed courtesy of Rotary York Ainsty.

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A photo-gallery featuring some images taken on the 2018 visit to RYA's 'twin' club in Münster, Germany - Münster St Mauritz.

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Chechelele - the main attraction at RYA's Charter Night with a Difference - WOZA RYA

WOZA RYA - A Charter Night with a Difference - Rotary York Ainsty Charter Night 2018

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Rotary York Ainsty Friends form a vital part of its community structure

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RYA have an active social program, usually held during the first week of the month in place of the traditional club meeting. This is open to relatives, friends and anyone interested in Rotary.

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