A Partnership for the good of the people of Skipton

The Rotary Club of Skipton Craven held its 35th Annual Charter Night Dinner at Skipton Golf Club on 25th April, attended by Rotarians past and present, District Governor Malcolm Tagg and representatives from other Rotary clubs, including the Rotary Club of Skipton.

Guest speakers Charlotte McKeown and Sarah Wilson, founder members of Skipton Step into Action, told of their journey from the early days of the COVID pandemic to where they are today, three years on.

In his response, Geoffrey Maldwyn-Jones, President of the Club congratulated Charlotte and Sarah on the success of this now well-established charity and remarked that what Skipton Step into Action had achieved in 3 years was akin to what Rotary had achieved in 117 years.

Community service is at the heart of what the members of the Rotary Club of Skipton Craven do, and over the last year, they have been supported by Skipton Step into Action volunteers in the running of tea parties for the vulnerable and assisting at The Great Skipton Santa Fun Run and the Santa Sleigh collections.

Geoffrey Maldwyn-Jones acknowledged that the two organisations had much in common and announced that he and Charlotte had signed a Partnership Agreement – with the motto, ‘Helping each other to help others’ – to share ideas, volunteers, resources and fundraising activities, for the good of the people of Skipton and surrounding villages.

He then presented a cheque for £5000 to Charlotte, remarking that since the Club prides itself in supporting local charities, Skipton Step into Action is a worthy recipient of this donation. Charlotte McKeown, Founder and Chief Executive of Skipton Step into Action said: “It has been a privilege to be working closely with Skipton Craven over the last 3 years; We share similar values and aspirations, and work extremely well together. The signing of this agreement has formalised our partnership working, and this collaborative arrangement will strengthen our position to support local people. It was such a wonderful surprise to be presented with a cheque for £5,000 for Skipton Step into Action. This very generous amount will make a significant difference to the delivery and development of our services – Thank you Skipton Craven Rotary.”