A Yorkshireman through and through, Sir Rodney Walker, born in Wakefield, has been appointed Chairman of The Yorkshire Society.
Established in 1980, The Yorkshire Society is a not-for-profit organisation that celebrates and promotes everything that is great about Yorkshire and aims to protect both the character and characteristics of the nation’s biggest and proudest county.
Sir Rodney brings to the Society a vast amount of experience gained over a long and illustrious career in business, sport and community service, during which he has lead campaigns raising more than £40 million for charities and good causes.
The worthy recipient of many accolades, in 1996 the honour of Knight Bachelor was conferred upon him by the Queen for his services to sport.
Sir Rodney said “Having been a vice-president and long-time supporter of the Society, the opportunity to assist the ambitious plans of the new committee is one I could not resist.
“It is right that at the outset I pay tribute to the outgoing chair, Keith Madeley MBE, who has worked to build the reputation of the Society over many years and I send him my best wishes for the future.
“The Society’s newly formed committee has a strong desire and determination to change its future direction and will be implementing new ideas designed to establish it as the champion of the County’s people and businesses, locally, nationally and even internationally.
“It is my earnest wish that the Society looks to work constructively and collaboratively with all other organisations promoting the values of Yorkshire and its people”.
We are delighted to have Sir Rodney on board. His contacts and leadership will help us implement a host of pro-active plans for Yorkshire, whilst his established relationship with HRH the Duke of York, the Society’s Patron, makes Sir Rodney an ideal Chairperson. We are all looking forward to working closely with him.