TWO good causes have received a funding boost thanks to Ilkley Rotary Club.

Presentations have been made to Laurie Twite, a member of The Friends of the King's Hall and to Dan Goodie, the manager of The Nell Bank Centre. The money was raised at events organised by Rotarians through the Holly Ball and the Business Quiz totalling nearly £4,300. The Rotary Holly Ball raised £747.41 for the Friends of The King's Hall and £2,680.44 for Nell Bank. The Business Quiz made £860 for The Nell Bank Centre.

Rotarian and president elect David Shaw said: "These events are also about creating partnerships between Rotary, business and charity organisations creating effective community service for the Ilkley area.

"Working with The Nell Bank Centre has proved great for businesses and achieves specific capital type projects to completion like the under eight assault course which the money will be used for. Ilkley Tesco Staff ( a Rotary Corporate Partner ) are to assist with the building and preparing of this assault course as well. Staff can play a key part in changing lives and will have a great time in the process. "Teams will expand their skills and pick up a few new ideas on the way making colleagues more confident and competent. As well as developing their professional focus, staff will be helping others through worthwhile Rotary projects

"The Business Quiz and Holly Ball raises money to support specific projects and the charitable organisation concerned attend these events. Ison Harrison Solicitors sponsor the Business Quiz which enables Rotary to raise almost £1000 each year and the event is growing in popularity. This year’s event takes place at Ilkley Rugby Club on Thursday, November 29.

"The annual Holly Ball takes place in the Kings Hall on Saturday, December 15."

Guests at the Holly ball enjoy an evening of fine food and drink and excellent music. Last year’s donors included Jeremy BloomField Jewellers, David Lishman Butchers, B & TS Building Supplies, The Green Room Florists, The Wheatley Hotel, Audley Clevedon, Ragdoll Pudsey, The Flying Duck, Skipton Hire Centre, Café J/Reserve, Devonshire Bolton Abbey Estate, Cllr Anne Hawksworth and Clare Teal, plus many personal donations from Rotarians and individuals.

Mr Shaw added: "Rotary offers the opportunity to business and professional men and women to enjoy fellowship while bringing vocational skills to bear on service community projects and activities. Rotary has adapted to changing times. To those whose life, professional or business pressures preclude full membership, we can offer Corporate membership to enable interested companies who think like us that they have something to give back to the community we live in.

"Corporate social responsibility, raising the profile of your business, partnership and networking - are the many benefits of being a Rotary Corporate Partner and to network with like-minded people as well as other organisations."

If you would be interested in corporate membership or want to receive details about the Annual Business Charity Quiz or Holly Ball please contact David Shaw, membership chairman 07740 797 281 or david.a.shaw25@btinternet.com