New President Elect at Rotary Club of Ilkley

Chris Woodhead and Martin Smith [Photo: Rotary Club of Ilkley]

The Rotary Club of Ilkley has appointed Chris Woodhead as its new President Elect.

Chris will take up the role of President at the beginning of July 2027, succeeding current President Martin Smith.

Chris, who lives in Ilkley with his wife, Vera, to whom he has been married for 30 years, was recently presented with the Rotary chain of office by Martin Smith.

Chris has recently retired from his position as Chief Executive Officer of Advanced Actuators, a world-class engineering company based in Silsden. His extensive experience in business leadership and management will bring valuable skills and fresh perspectives to the Rotary Club of Ilkley.

Looking ahead to his time as President, Chris said: “I am greatly looking forward to the challenge and hope to take the club to new heights. I have several plans already formulated. I have been greatly moved by the support of the members and officers of the Club and thank them for placing their trust in

me.”

Ilkley Bandstand 25th annivserary concert [Photo: Rotary Club of Ilkley]

The Rotary Club of Ilkley, recently joined with its sister group, The Rotary Club of Ilkley Wharfedale, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Ilkley Bandstand. A concert was held at Christchurch featuring the City of Bradford Brass Band.

Martin Smith, the current President of the Rotary Club of Ilkley and also the Chairman of the Bandstand Management Committee, said “We wanted to celebrate this important anniversary with the people of Ilkley who have enjoyed the Bandstand over the years.”

Chris’s appointment as President elect marks the beginning of preparations for his presidential year, during which he intends to build on The Rotary Club of Ilkley's existing work while introducing new initiatives and opportunities for members to support the local community and wider Rotary causes.

One of those initiatives is to organised the annual fundraising Holly Ball, which will take place this year on Saturday 19 December at the King's Hall and Winter Garden in Ilkley. Further details are available on the hollyball.org.uk website.

The Rotary Club of Ilkley meets each Tuesday 12noon at the Wheatley Hotel in Ben Rhydding, and welcomes prospective new members.

The club's activities are posted on the Rotary Ilkley Forward Facebook page.