About Our President

For over forty years, Ken Blackwood has given his time and experience to serving the Appleton Wiske community, supporting local organisations, schools and charitable initiatives.
As Chair of Appleton Wiske Parish Council, Ken helps lead the work of the council and supports decisions that affect the village and its residents. He plays a role in looking after community assets and helping local projects move forward.
Alongside his work with the Parish Council, Ken has shown a long-standing commitment to supporting education and young people. As a trustee of both the Friends of Appleton Wiske School and as chair of the Appleton Wiske Educational Foundation, he helps organisations that provide resources and opportunities for local young people and families.
Ken’s commitment to helping others extends through his involvement with Rotary. As a trustee of the Rotary Club of Northallerton Benevolent Fund and a Multiple Paul Harris Fellow, he has supported a range of charitable activities benefiting both local communities and wider humanitarian causes.
People who have worked with Ken describe him as practical, dependable and focused on finding solutions. He works closely with residents, community groups and partner organisations, building positive relationships and helping to achieve outcomes that benefit the wider community.
Through his work in local government, education and charitable organisations, Ken has made a lasting contribution to community life. His dedication and willingness to serve others continue to make a positive difference to the people and organisations he supports .

Serving Our Historic North Yorkshire Town

We meet weekly on Fridays at the Golden Lion Hotel, High Street, Northallerton 12:00 noon until 2:00 pm

Northallerton’s story stretches back to Roman times, when a military signal station stood on Castle Hills, taking advantage of the strategic route between Hadrian’s Wall and York. By the 7th century, St Paulinus had established a wooden church on the site of today’s All Saints’ Church, marking the beginnings of a Saxon settlement known as Alvertune. Through the medieval period, Northallerton grew in importance: William II granted the manor to the Bishop of Durham, a castle was built in the early 12th century, and in 1138 the nearby Battle of the Standard saw English forces defeat King David I of Scotland with heavy losses. The town later became a key coaching stop between London and Edinburgh, its long High Street lined with inns serving travellers until the arrival of the railway in 1838 reshaped its fortunes.

Today, Northallerton remains the administrative centre of North Yorkshire and a thriving market town serving the rural Vale of Mowbray. Its High Street is still the commercial heart, home to a mix of national retailers and long‑established independents, while its location places it neatly between the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors. With a population of around 16,800 (2011 census), it continues to function as a regional hub for shopping, services, and transport, including its position on the East Coast Main Line. The town’s blend of historic architecture, civic buildings, and modern amenities reflects a place that has evolved with the centuries while retaining its role as a focal point for the wider North Yorkshire communityNorthallerton’s story stretches back to Roman times, when a military signal station stood on Castle Hills, taking advantage of the strategic route between Hadrian’s Wall and York. By the 7th century, St Paulinus had established a wooden church on the site of today’s All Saints’ Church, marking the beginnings of a Saxon settlement known as Alvertune. Through the medieval period, Northallerton grew in importance: William II granted the manor to the Bishop of Durham, a castle was built in the early 12th century, and in 1138 the nearby Battle of the Standard saw English forces defeat King David I of Scotland with heavy losses. The town later became a key coaching stop between London and Edinburgh, its long High Street lined with inns serving travellers until the arrival of the railway in 1838 reshaped its fortunes.

Today, Northallerton remains the administrative centre of North Yorkshire and a thriving market town serving the rural Vale of Mowbray. Its High Street is still the commercial heart, home to a mix of national retailers and long‑established independents, while its location places it neatly between the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors. With a population of around 16,800 (2011 census), it continues to function as a regional hub for shopping, services, and transport, including its position on the East Coast Main Line. The town’s blend of historic architecture, civic buildings, and modern amenities reflects a place that has evolved with the centuries while retaining its role as a focal point for the wider North Yorkshire community

Join our weekly dinner meetings or inquire about membership to contribute to our vibrant community and foster fellowship.