The Otley and Otley Chevin Rotary Clubs have recently celebrated the 100th. birthday of Rotary International. Chicago lawyer Paul Harris formed Rotary, which gets its name from the early practice of rotating meetings among members' offices, in the United States of America in 1905. It soon spread to Britain and today it is the world's largest service organisation of professional, business and management men and women with over 1 million members, operating in 163 countries.

The motto 'Service above Self' sums up the aims of Rotarians. The organisation is not all about raising money and serving the public. Clubs meet every week throughout the year for a meal and social and often have a guest speaker on a wide range of topics, the Chevin club have had speakers as diverse as a stockbroker and a magician!

Rotarians in the British Isles now raise over £20 million a year for charitable causes and in addition give more than 14 million hours of service in support of local and international projects. Our two local clubs were proud to collect over £7,000 in two days for the Tsunami appeal, and the seven clubs in the Yorkshire Dales Group a magnificent £45,000.

The Otley Rotary Club meets every Thursday at 12.30pm. at Westbourne House, Westbourne Close, Otley. Tel 01943 461120.

The Otley Chevin Rotary Club meets every Monday evening at 7.30pm. at The Chevin Country Park Hotel, Yorkgate, Otley. Tel. 01943 467818

Membership of Rotary is by invitation and more details can be obtained from: Alec Maxwell (Otley) 01943 851213 and Harvey Meggitt (Otley Chevin) 01943 467463. Submitted by: George Duncan (01943) 870431

Otley Citizens Advice Bureau (part of Leeds CAB) is responsible for providing a free advice service to the people of Otley and the surrounding area.

We provide advice on a wide range of subjects, including welfare benefits, employment, housing, consumer matters and debt. Specialist advice can also be arranged through the bureau if required. Otley CAB is part of Leeds Citizens Advice Bureau.

The aims of Otley CAB are :

• To ensure that individuals do not suffer through ignorance of their rights and responsibilities, or of the services available or through an inability to express their needs effectively.
• To exercise a responsible influence on the development of social policy and services, both locally and nationally.

Otley Citizens Advice Bureau, The Courthouse, Courthouse Street, Otley LS21 1BG OPENING TIMES.(REVISED)

Monday    9.30 am-12.00    and 1.30 - 3.30 pm
Tuesday    Suspended
Wednesday Appointments only.
Thursday  Morning Closed            Open 1.30pm -3.30pm
Friday        9.30am - 12.00    Closed in the afternoon
Telephone Advice available on 01943 466976 and 08701  202450

Otley Courthouse is a unique development, run by local people. A redundant nineteenth century magistrates court has been transformed into a unique 'arts and resource centre' for our community. The building is fully accessible - a place where people of all ages and abilities can try things out, get access to advice and support, have fun and discover more about their talents.

Local groups can come to borrow equipment, rehearse, hold meetings and events, access training and have the opportunity to work together in new ways. To find out more about hiring a room or what's on visit our web site www.courthouseproject.org.uk