ABOUT ROTARY

CLUB PRESIDENT

Simon Hawkins MPHF

Simon joined the club in July 2000 following a 35 year career in General Insurance. Over his years of service, he has taken on key leadership roles, serving three terms as President, in 2006/07, 2015/16, and currently in his third term. Also served twice as Treasurer. Beyond his administrative duties, Simon has actively driven local fundraising initiatives, successfully organising three "Classic Film Nights" and a Charity Auction.

CLUB SECRETARY

David Coates MPHF

The appeal for David to join a group of likeminded people who want to help communities both locally and abroad is as strong today as it was when he joined Rotary over 40 years ago!

CLUB TREASURER

Peter Wood MPFH

Peter joined the club in January 1970, serving three years as treasurer, six as secretary, and a term as president in 1989/90 before reassuming the treasurer role in June 2014. A retired Chartered Accountant, he is actively involved with St. Mary's Church in Boston Spa and serves as an honorary life member and lottery fundraiser for the Boston Spa Bowling Club.

CLUB FOUNDATION CHAIR

Milton Frary PDG, MPHF, MD 

Milton Allan Frary is a retired banking professional and long-standing Rotarian who served as District Governor (2003/04) and Club President for Castleford and Wetherby & District. A decorated Paul Harris Fellow and recipient of the Citation for Meritorious Service, he has led key international, district, and fundraising initiatives in polio eradication, membership, and foundation leadership while co-founding charities like Wheelchair Foundation UK.

HONORARY MEMBER

Elaine Frary PHF, MD

Elaine is an Honorary Member of the our Rotary club. She has been a Rotarian for 23 years and worked extensively with Milton in the charity sector and the wider International Rotary involvement in over 30 countries.

CLUB VICE PRESIDENT

Phillip Murphy PHF

Phillip is the founder and remains MD of the Wetherby Whaler Group of Fish & Chip Restaurants and Takeaways across Yorkshire. He joined the Wetherby Rotary Club  in 1990 and served as President in 2002/2003. A decorated Paul Harris Fellow and Chairman of the International Committee for many years. Phillip was also responsible for organising the highly successful Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch, as well as a fundraiser for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

MEMBER

John Gray PHF

Rtn John Gray was a Wetherby business owner of Mason House Stores ("Bob Shop") and TravelBox. He served on both Wetherby and Leeds Councils. As Wetherby Business Association chairman and former Rotary Club President, he led key civic projects including the town carol service and installing riverbank bridge seating.

MEMBER

Roger Arnold FRICS, PHF 

Roger joined the Wetherby & District Rotary Club in 1985, He is now a retired Chartered Surveyor and Auctioneer. He has been President of the Club three times. He organised and ran a 10K Fun Run, has previously organised RYLA, carried out various Auctions and at present has been one of the judges for School Speaks Competition since its inception.

MEMBER

David Wood

A retired academic geologist and senior civil servant holding a BSc from Nottingham and PhD from Leeds, he spent his career with Leeds University and the British Library while consulting for international organizations like the IAEA and FAO. With extensive publications in Earth Sciences and scientific literature, he has been a Rotarian since 1977 and served as club President from 1999–2000.

MEMBER

David Cowans

David joined Rotary following his retirement to connect with like-minded individuals dedicated to community service. Having built a career in housing, property, and finance, he continues to support sustainable development and green energy ventures.

MEMBER

Kevin Devlin

Kevin joined Wetherby and District Rotary Club in 2026, but ha been a Rotarian since 2019 and have been helping to raise funds for both local and international charities, projects and health initiatives. He also enjoys the Fellowship of being a member of a global organisation with 1.4 million members.

MEMBER

Ian Crook

Ian is our newest member. He is a professional Senior Business Analyst with over 30 years experience in finance and construction sectors, and digital optimisation. 

MEMBER

Nick Dyson MPHF

MEMBER

John Horton PHF

John joined the club in 1978 and served as President on three separate occasions: 1998–99, 2013–14, and 2021–22. Before retiring, he ran a well known family business with locations in Wetherby, Harrogate, and Tadcaster. Following his retirement, he relocated to Tadcaster, where he actively serves as Chairman and Speaker Finder for the Tadcaster Men's Forum, a popular weekly charity that meets every Monday. Additionally, he remains dedicated to supporting several other charitable organisations across the local Tadcaster community.

MEMBER

Alan Giddings PHF